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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Mashiko?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Mashiko? 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Ayutthaya travel costs.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a quaint, charming, and traditional town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Mashiko travel costs.

Ayutthaya and Mashiko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Mashiko?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ayutthaya than Mashiko, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ayutthaya is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and historical sights, while Mashiko is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Mashiko and is popular for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Also, Ayutthaya is famous for Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya Historical Park. Mashiko is well known for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making.

How is Ayutthaya different from Mashiko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ayutthaya is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Ayutthaya can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Mashiko is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a couple of museums around town that are focused on the local activities such as pottery. You can check out the Shoji Hamada Memorial Mashiko Sankokan Museum, the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, and the Entsuji Temple.

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

Ayutthaya is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Ayutthaya has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Mashiko offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around town that serve udon, soba, and other Japanese favorites that use local ingredients.

Is Ayutthaya or Mashiko Better for Nightlife?

Ayutthaya is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Mashiko is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Ayutthaya has a few options to choose from. There are a number of bars and nightclubs that keep things lively well into the evening.

Most people don't head to Mashiko specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a couple of bars and pubs around town, but not a huge nightlife scene.

Is Ayutthaya or Mashiko Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Mashiko does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Ayutthaya to see the historical old town. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

Mashiko does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Mashiko Better for Hiking?

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

Mashiko is a good destination for hiking. There are three mountains in the area with hiking trails that let you experience the Japanese countryside and natural beauty. These mountains are Mt. Amamakisan, Mt.Mitsudoyasan, and Mt. Takadateyama.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Mashiko?

Both Ayutthaya and Mashiko are very good 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.

Mashiko is well-known for its shopping. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.

Is Ayutthaya or Mashiko Better for Families?

Mashiko 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.

Mashiko is a very family-friendly place to visit. Pottery is the claim to fame in this small town, and kids will thoroughly enjoy taking a children's pottery class. Its the perfect way to immerse them in the local culture in a fun and hands-on way. Farm life, and fruit picking are also popular here.

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 Mashiko Better for Couples?

Mashiko is notable for romance. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Mashiko is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a charming town with local farms, pottery, and sake. Many couples enjoy spending a few days soaking up the local atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures.

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 Mashiko Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ayutthaya is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mashiko is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Ayutthaya. The historic temples are popular with all tourists, including backpackers who often visit as a day trip from Bangkok.

Mashiko is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't venture to this community, but its seeped in quaint culture and small town atmosphere.

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

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

Mashiko has a few public transit options. There are local trains that stop by the strawberry picking farms. There are also local buses in the area.

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 Mashiko a more walkable city?

Mashiko is notable for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

Mashiko is very walkable. Many people choose to walk around town and the pottery area is about a 20 minute walk from Mashiko Station.

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 Mashiko Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mashiko or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Mashiko?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ayutthaya or Mashiko to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ayutthaya than Mashiko 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 Mashiko?

In Ayutthaya, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Even though Mashiko is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mashiko has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Ayutthaya or Mashiko?

In Ayutthaya, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ayutthaya has to offer.

Mashiko is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Mashiko?

Ayutthaya is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Mashiko is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ayutthaya or Mashiko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ayutthaya. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ayutthaya. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Mashiko 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Ayutthaya and Mashiko, 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 Mashiko Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Mashiko?

Ayutthaya has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Mashiko, 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 Mashiko?

Mashiko 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 Mashiko in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Mashiko. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Mashiko in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ayutthaya is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In the summer, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 130 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ayutthaya usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Mashiko. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Mashiko in the Autumn?

Both Mashiko and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Mashiko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months.

Ayutthaya is much warmer than Mashiko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during autumn. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In October, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Ayutthaya is October to April. The rainy season in Ayutthaya is May to October.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Mashiko in the Winter?

Both Mashiko 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. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Mashiko can be very cold. In the winter, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ayutthaya in January average around 25°C (78°F), and Mashiko averages at about 3°C (38°F).

It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the winter, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 181 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in January than Mashiko. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Mashiko in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Mashiko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Furthermore, the small town charm are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.

Ayutthaya can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 31°C (88°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during spring. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya.

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Ayutthaya