A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ayutthaya vs. Kyoto for Attractions, Old Town, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Kyoto?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Kyoto? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a cultural, famous, and popular city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a historic, cultural, and fascinating city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ayutthaya and Kyoto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Kyoto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kyoto than Ayutthaya. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Kyoto and is known for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Kyoto is famous for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. It is also well known for Kinkaku-ji.

How is Ayutthaya different from Kyoto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kyoto and Ayutthaya. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ayutthaya or Kyoto?

Kyoto is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Kyoto that are not to be missed. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Many visitors head to Ayutthaya specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. These large and impressive ruins are among the most visited in Thailand. This is in large part because of their easy access from Bangkok. Highlights of the historical park include Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the Royal Chapel, Wat Ratchaburana, and Vihara Phra Mongkol Bophi.

Is the Food Better in Ayutthaya or Kyoto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Ayutthaya and Kyoto offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Ayutthaya makes for a great culinary experience. The local cuisine makes use of the area's freshwater fish, green vegetables, and river prawns. Dishes often include rice noodles and a spicy sauce. There are many restaurants that cater to the tourist crowds but still serve high quality dishes.

Kyoto has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

Is Ayutthaya or Kyoto Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Ayutthaya and Kyoto.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Ayutthaya. There are a number of bars and nightclubs that keep things lively well into the evening.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kyoto. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Ayutthaya or Kyoto Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The rich history of Kyoto can be explored in its historical center. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Kyoto?

Both Ayutthaya and Kyoto are excellent shopping destinations.

Ayutthaya is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are some great shopping areas around the town that specialize in local handicrafts such as pottery, wicker weaving, and stone masonry. Some of the most interesting places include the Ayutthaya Floating Market and the Ayutthaya Night Market.

Kyoto is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

Is Ayutthaya or Kyoto Better for Families?

Kyoto is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Kyoto is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

Ayutthaya is a family-friendly city. Families will appreciate how easy it is to reach Ayutthaya from Bangkok. The historical ruins are fun for both kids and adults, but the sites are very spread out and you'll need to hire a tuk tuk to see everything. The roads can be crowded and distances far, so biking isn't recommended with kids.

Is Ayutthaya or Kyoto Better for Couples?

Kyoto is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Kyoto makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

Ayutthaya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The historical ruins make an easy day trip from Bangkok, so couples who appreciate history and iconic temples will appreciate a visit here.

Is Ayutthaya or Kyoto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ayutthaya and Kyoto are excellent destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Ayutthaya. The historic temples are popular with all tourists, including backpackers who often visit as a day trip from Bangkok.

Many backpackers visit Kyoto. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Ayutthaya or Kyoto Better for Students?

Kyoto is notable for students. However, Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

Kyoto is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

Is Ayutthaya or Kyoto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kyoto is notable for its public transit. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Kyoto is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ayutthaya. There are organized tours and private tuk tuks for hire that will take you to the various temples. There are also bicycles available for rent, but roads can be crowded.

Is Ayutthaya or Kyoto a more walkable city?

Kyoto is a must-visit destination for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Kyoto on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

Ayutthaya is not a very walkable city. The historic sites are spread out over a vast area and you must have some form of transportation to reach everything. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Phutthai Sawan are the furthest apart. Everywhere else can be accessed on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Ayutthaya Worth Visiting? and Is Kyoto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kyoto or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Kyoto?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ayutthaya and Kyoto. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kyoto than in Ayutthaya. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ayutthaya, and 2-3 days is enough time in Kyoto.

Families should spend more time in Kyoto than Ayutthaya. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Kyoto, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Kyoto than Ayutthaya. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kyoto that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kyoto than Ayutthaya if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Kyoto.

One day in Ayutthaya or Kyoto?

In Ayutthaya, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this popular destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Kyoto. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Ayutthaya or Kyoto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ayutthaya. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fascinating destination of Kyoto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Kyoto?

Ayutthaya is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Ayutthaya. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Kyoto. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ayutthaya or Kyoto?

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Ayutthaya. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kyoto is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto is more expensive. And not only is Ayutthaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ayutthaya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ayutthaya and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Kyoto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kyoto than you might in Ayutthaya.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ayutthaya Expensive? and Is Kyoto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Kyoto?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Kyoto, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Ayutthaya or Kyoto?

Kyoto has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ayutthaya experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Kyoto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Kyoto. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Also, most visitors come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Kyoto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ayutthaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Kyoto averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Ayutthaya usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kyoto during summer. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Kyoto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Kyoto. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In the autumn, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in October than Kyoto. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. May to October in Ayutthaya is the rainy season.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Kyoto in the Winter?

Both Kyoto and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kyoto in the winter. Ayutthaya is much warmer than Kyoto in the winter. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 25°C (78°F) in January, and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during winter. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Kyoto in the Spring?

Both Kyoto and Ayutthaya during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

The heat can be very extreme in Ayutthaya. In the spring, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ayutthaya in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Kyoto averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the spring, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in April than Kyoto. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year. October to April is the dry season in Ayutthaya. May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya.

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Ayutthaya