A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ayutthaya vs. Lombok for Couples, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Lombok?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Lombok? 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 famous, popular, and historical city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Ayutthaya travel costs.

Lombok

Lombok is a stunning, peaceful, and laid back island. You'll find world class beauty in Lombok as well. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Lombok travel costs.

Ayutthaya and Lombok: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Lombok?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lombok. Although Ayutthaya and Lombok are popular destinations, Lombok has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lombok is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ayutthaya attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and historical sights. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Lombok and is popular for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Lombok is famous for its striking natural beauty, pristine beaches, and local culture. It is also well known for Mount Rinjani.

How is Ayutthaya different from Lombok?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lombok 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 Lombok?

Ayutthaya is great for its historical sights. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Ayutthaya. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lombok. The island has many traditional villages that let you glimpse the fascinating Sasak Tribe's culture. This is the largest tribe on the island and it makes up about 85% of the island's population. Sasak Sade Village is large and popular to visit. A visit offers a unique experience and helps you understand more about the island's culture.

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

Both Ayutthaya and Lombok offer a number of superb 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.

Lombok has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The island is considered world renowned for its Halal cuisine, and there are many popular local dishes that you should try. Ayam Taliwang is a grilled chicken dish, Satay Rembiga is grilled meat served over rice, and Bebalung is a soup that's made with goat or cow ribs.

Is Ayutthaya or Lombok Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Ayutthaya and Lombok.

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 Lombok. While the island is quieter than nearby Bali, it does still have an active nightlife scene. In particular, head to the areas around Senggigi Beach and Kuta Lombok for the most active bars and live music. With the more populated tourist areas and hotels come the more active clubs, bars, and evening entertainment.

Is Ayutthaya or Lombok Better for Resorts?

Lombok is notable for its resorts. However, Ayutthaya is not a resort destination.

Lombok is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The island is filled with luxury resorts, villas, and hotels. You'll want to think about your priorities before booking your hotel. There areas that are better for beaches, hiking, culture or sightseeing, and each has its own personality and style.

Ayutthaya is not a resort destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Lombok Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lombok is a must-visit destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ayutthaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Lombok a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The island is surrounded by clear waters and colorful coral, making it a superb snorkeling and diving destination. For some of the best dive spots head to the Gili Islands. Around the island you'll find places where you can see turtles, colorful fish, and possibly even Hammerhead Sharks.

Ayutthaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Lombok Better for Beaches?

Lombok is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Lombok. Kuta, Senggigi, and the Gili Islands offer some of the area's best beaches. Many beaches have white sand, clear water, beautiful snorkeling, or fun surfing. Mawun Beach and Pandanan Beach are among the most beautiful beaches, while Selong Belanak Beach is very photogenic with its water buffalo. Tanjung Aan Beach has surfing and Kuta Beach Lombok is the most popular beach, but not among the best.

Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Lombok Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is great for its old town. However, Lombok does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

Lombok does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Lombok Better for Hiking?

Lombok is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Lombok is a popular spot for hiking. There are many walking and hiking trails around the island, but the most well known is the three day hike to the peak of Mount Rinjani. This is the large and active volcano on the island. The hike is truly beautiful and spectacular, but it's also a challenging climb and the difficulty level should not be underestimated.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Lombok?

Both Ayutthaya and Lombok are superb 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.

Lombok is well-known for its shopping. There are many traditional markets and villages around the island where you can buy Sasak crafts. These items are characterized by bright colors and elaborate patterns. You'll find pottery, fabrics, clothing, and hand-woven baskets.

Is Ayutthaya or Lombok More Beautiful?

Lombok is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Ayutthaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Lombok as well. The island is filled with stunning beaches, beautiful waterfalls, and colorful marine environments.

Ayutthaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ayutthaya or Lombok Better for Families?

Lombok 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.

Lombok is a very family-friendly place to visit. The island is filled with natural beauty, waterfalls, beaches, swimming spots, traditional villages and wildlife. This makes it an idyllic destination for families, whether you're traveling with toddlers or older kids.

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 Lombok Better for Couples?

Lombok 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.

Lombok makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The island has grown into a world renowned honeymoon destination. It has a more laid back vibe than nearby Bali, and you'll find pristine beaches and a tropical paradise. There are luxury hotels, stunning natural settings, and plenty of romantic or adventurous activities.

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 Lombok Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lombok is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lombok is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. This island is often compared to Bali 30 years ago. It's a much quieter island, but there are still bars and towns that attract a crowd. If you're looking for a party, then you'll likely still be able to find one, but if you want a laid back retreat, that's available as well.

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

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

Both Ayutthaya and Lombok offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lombok. The island is spread out, so many visitors prefer to hire a car of motorbike. There are also public buses, minibuses, and taxis available.

Is Ayutthaya or Lombok a more walkable city?

Lombok is a moderate island for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

Lombok is generally not very walkable. There are towns on the island that are relatively walkable and there are hiking and walking paths in different places.

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 Lombok Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lombok or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Lombok?

Ayutthaya and Lombok both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lombok than Ayutthaya because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ayutthaya, and 10-14 days is enough time in Lombok.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lombok 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 Lombok.

One day in Ayutthaya or Lombok?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ayutthaya. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Lombok. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Lombok?

Ayutthaya is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the cultural destination of Lombok. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Lombok?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ayutthaya. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the cultural island of Lombok. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A week in Ayutthaya or Lombok?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the famous destination of Ayutthaya. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Lombok is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one week exploring. 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 Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Lombok, we can see that Ayutthaya is more expensive. And not only is Lombok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lombok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lombok 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 Ayutthaya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ayutthaya than you might in Lombok.

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

When is the best time to visit Ayutthaya or Lombok?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Lombok in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Lombok. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year.

Also, May to September in Lombok is the dry season. Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in July than Lombok. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Ayutthaya is a little warmer than Lombok. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ayutthaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Lombok averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Lombok in the Autumn?

Both Lombok and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Lombok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Ayutthaya is October to April. The rainy season in Ayutthaya is May to October. The rainy season in Lombok is November to April. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lombok. It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In October, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Lombok. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In October, Ayutthaya is generally around the same temperature as Lombok. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Lombok fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Lombok in the Winter?

Both Lombok and Ayutthaya during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round.

Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in January than Lombok. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the winter, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Lombok. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lombok receives 188 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya is cooler than Lombok in the winter. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 25°C (78°F) in January, and Lombok fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Lombok in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Lombok. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya. May to September in Lombok is the dry season. Also, November to April is the rainy season in Lombok. In April, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Lombok. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

The heat can be very extreme in Ayutthaya. In the spring, Ayutthaya is a little warmer than Lombok. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ayutthaya in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Lombok averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Typical Weather for Lombok and Ayutthaya