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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Malang?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Malang? 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Ayutthaya travel costs.

Malang

Malang is a under-rated, authentic, and cultural city. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums. See Malang travel costs.

Ayutthaya and Malang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Malang?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Ayutthaya than Malang. While Malang is larger than Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Ayutthaya is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and shopping, while Malang is known for its food and hiking. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Malang and is known for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. It is also home to Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya Historical Park. Malang is popular for its many nearby natural attractions.

How is Ayutthaya different from Malang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ayutthaya is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Ayutthaya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Malang offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a handful of museums around town that provide information on the city's culture and history. There are also mosques, temples, and the famous Rainbow Village.

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

Malang is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Malang is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. This is a top foodie destination and you'll find plenty of amazing street food. It's also the credited with being the birthplace of bakso (meatballs). Many of the dishes around town are sweet, spicy, and served with peanut sauce. It's been influenced by many different cuisines such as Chinese, Javanese, Madurese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian.

Ayutthaya has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Is Ayutthaya or Malang Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Ayutthaya and Malang.

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 Malang. The universities around town mean that there's a youthful vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll also find a mix of cultural activities as well as modern and trendy venues. There are dance clubs, upscale lounges, and everything in between.

Is Ayutthaya or Malang Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is well known for its historic old town. However, Malang does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

Malang does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Malang Better for Hiking?

Malang is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Malang is a good destination for hiking. Many visitors use this city as a base for hiking Mount Bromo. It's popular to hire a jeep tour from town, or you can hire a private driver or motorbike. Near town you'll also find one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Indonesia - Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. It's possible to hike to the base of the waterfall, but it's a very challenging route.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Malang?

Ayutthaya is well known for shopping. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Malang. You'll find places to pick up many local items. The region is known for its ceramics, wood, and rattan (palms).

Is Ayutthaya or Malang Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ayutthaya or Malang.

Ayutthaya is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Malang is a family-friendly city. If you're willing to head just outside of town, you'll find theme parks and waterparks. Some of the favorites are Batu Secret Zoo, Jatim Park, Selecta Park, and Batu Night Spectacular.

Is Ayutthaya or Malang Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ayutthaya and Malang make for a good place to visit.

Ayutthaya is a nice destination for couples. The historical ruins make an easy day trip from Bangkok, so couples who appreciate history and iconic temples will appreciate a visit here.

Malang makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy culture, museums, temples, and great food will have a good time visiting this city. It is also a bit cooler than much of Indonesia, which can make a nice escape from the heat.

Is Ayutthaya or Malang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ayutthaya is well known for backpackers. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Malang is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Most backpackers pass through town when they're headed to climb Mount Bromo. There are plenty of hostels and cheap places to stay as well as some sights that are worth checking out.

Is Ayutthaya or Malang Better for Students?

Malang is a popular place for students. However, Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

Malang is a good city to visit for students. The university means that there's a large student population in town.

Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

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

Both Ayutthaya and Malang offer decent 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 Malang. Angkot or mikrolet are small buses or modified cars that carry passengers around town. Many visitors also hire a motor scooter or driver to get around.

Is Ayutthaya or Malang a more walkable city?

Malang is a popular place for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

Malang is somewhat walkable. The city center is relatively walkable.

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 Malang Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Malang or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Malang?

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ayutthaya than Malang 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 Ayutthaya.

One day in Ayutthaya or Malang?

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 shopping and museums around the city of Malang. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Malang has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Ayutthaya or Malang?

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 museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Malang. 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 Malang?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated city of Malang. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ayutthaya or Malang?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical 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.

Malang is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

When comparing the travel costs between Ayutthaya and Malang, we can see that Ayutthaya is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Malang?

Malang has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Malang, 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.