Which place is cheaper, Manila or Ayutthaya?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ayutthaya or Manila?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Manila? 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.
Where Should I go: Ayutthaya or Manila?
Ayutthaya
Once the largest city in the world, Ayutthaya, is the example of an ancient capital within a modern city. Located in the central plains of Thailand, this spot is ideally located between China, India and the Malay Archipelago creating the perfect place for trade in Asia. Eighteenth century maps from Holland and France show golden palaces, large ceremony spots and trading vessels from all over the world. Suddenly, in 1767, Ayutthaya experienced a tragic fall from grace with a Burmese invasion burning much of the city to the ground.
Manila
A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAyutthaya $71Manila $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Ayutthaya is $71, while the average daily cost in Manila is $95. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ayutthaya and Manila in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAyutthaya $24Manila $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAyutthaya $48Manila $110
Compare Hotels in Ayutthaya and Manila
Looking for a hotel in Ayutthaya or Manila? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ayutthaya Hotel Prices and Manila Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ayutthaya $31Manila $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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River Ferry Crossing$0.62
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ayutthaya
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ayutthaya:
- Transfer from Bangkok: $108
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Manila HTL-APT (MNL): $19
- Private One-way Transfer From Manila To Manila Airport: $22
- Private Transfer from Manila City Hotels to Manila Cruise Port: $22
- Private Departure Airport Transfer in Manila Bay and Makati Area: $23
- Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport Private Transfer: $24
- Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido Transfer: $25
- Round-trip Coron Airport Transfer + Town Tour (Shared): $31
- Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $35
- Manila Airport Transfer: $37
- Manila Airports Quality Safe and Reliable Airport Transfer: $40
- Manila Private Airport Transfer: Comfortable & Affordable: $40
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
Is it cheaper to fly into Ayutthaya or Manila?
Prices for flights to both Manila and Ayutthaya change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAyutthaya $23Manila $18
Typical Food Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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Lunch for 2$4.32
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Ice Cream$0.93
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Breakfast for 2$4.32
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Breakfast for 2$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ayutthaya
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ayutthaya.
- Bangkok: VELA Dinner Cruise Ticket: $21
- Eat like a local Food tour, with small group: $69
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Ugbo Manila Night Market and Street Food Tour: $64
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $64
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
- Food Tour at the World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
- Makati Street Food Tour Experience: $70
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience with Mari: $83
- Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $99
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
- Day Tour in Manilas History and Savor a Cultural Dinner: $175
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ayutthaya $30Manila $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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Temple Entrances (2)$6.18
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Wat Entrance$1.54
Tours and Activities in Ayutthaya
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ayutthaya are as follows:
- App self-guided: Tour Bangkok, Thailand: $4.39
- Ayutthaya City and Historical Park Bike Tour: $39
- The Incredible Ayutthaya Ancient Temple Tour : From Bangkok: $57
- Colors of UNESCO Heritage 6 hour Bicycle Tour: $60
- Ayutthaya Full-Day Tour with Bang Pa In (Summer Palace): $60
- From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Temples Group Tour with Lunch: $65
- UNESCO Heritage Temples and Cafe Day Tour: $69
- Bangkok: Ayutthaya Night Tour (Join Tour): $77
- Private 1 hour Boat tour Pa Sak River: $90
- Ayutthaya Private Guided Day Tour, 4 Ancient Temples: $126
- Ayutthaya Private Guided Day Tour, 3 Historic Attractions: $134
- BKK: Ayutthaya Old Capital with 4 Famous Temple Private Tour: $149
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- Guided Tour of the Historic San Sebastian Basilica (Manila): $6.42
- Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $18
- Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
- Intramuros Walking Tour in Manila: $28
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $35
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
- Explore Binondo (Chinatown) Guided Tour: $43
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $44
- Manila Chinatown, and Intramuros Tour with Local Guide: $46
- Intramuros Walled City Guided Walking Tour: $46
- Manila Jeepney Ride Adventure with Local Guide: $48
- Intramuros Walking Tour.: $53
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAyutthaya $20Manila $10
Sample the Local Flavors in Manila
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Manila:
- Makati Pub Crawl with Venus: $52
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Manila, we can see that Manila 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 Manila would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manila 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 Manila Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Manila?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Manila, 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 Manila?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Manila in the Summer?
Both Manila and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In July, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Manila. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Ayutthaya is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Manila fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAyutthaya 29°C (84°F)Manila 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Manila in the Autumn?
Both Manila and Ayutthaya during the autumn 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 Manila year-round.
October to April is the dry season in Ayutthaya. May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya. Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in October than Manila. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Manila in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Manila fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAyutthaya 28°C (82°F)Manila 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Manila in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Manila. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Manila. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ayutthaya in January average around 25°C (78°F), and Manila averages at about 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAyutthaya 25°C (78°F)Manila 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Manila in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Manila. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
Also, October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. May to October in Ayutthaya is the rainy season. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in April than Manila. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Ayutthaya can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 31°C (88°F), and Manila fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAyutthaya 31°C (88°F)Manila 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manila and Ayutthaya
| Ayutthaya | Manila | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (78°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (85°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 292 mm (11.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.