A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ayutthaya vs. Milford Sound for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Milford Sound?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Milford Sound? 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 historical, cultural, and famous city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a breathtaking, world renowned, and remote fiord. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for skiing and hiking.

Ayutthaya and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Milford Sound?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ayutthaya than Milford Sound, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ayutthaya is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Milford Sound is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Milford Sound 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. Milford Sound is well known for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Ayutthaya different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Ayutthaya or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is notable for snow skiing. However, Ayutthaya is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Ayutthaya is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ayutthaya or Milford Sound?

Ayutthaya is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Ayutthaya is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Ayutthaya or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Ayutthaya is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Ayutthaya. There are a number of bars and nightclubs that keep things lively well into the evening.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Ayutthaya or Milford Sound Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

People visit Milford Sound specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Milford Sound?

Ayutthaya is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Ayutthaya. 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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is a very family-friendly place to visit. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

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 Milford Sound Better for Couples?

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

Milford Sound is a very popular place to visit for couples. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

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 Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ayutthaya is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

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

Both Ayutthaya and Milford Sound offer respectable 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 Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Ayutthaya or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Neither Ayutthaya or Milford Sound are walkable places.

Ayutthaya is not a 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.

Milford Sound is not a very walkable city. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Milford Sound?

Ayutthaya and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound 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 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Ayutthaya. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find skiing around the fiord of Milford Sound. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ayutthaya. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find skiing around the remote destination of Milford Sound. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this fiord has to offer. This fiord offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical destination of Ayutthaya. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

You'll find skiing around the remote fiord of Milford Sound. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this fiord makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this fiord has to offer.

A week in Ayutthaya or Milford Sound?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Ayutthaya. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Milford Sound is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 in New Zealand, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Milford Sound, we can see that Milford Sound is more expensive. And not only is Ayutthaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ayutthaya is in Asia and Milford Sound is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Milford Sound would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Milford Sound?

Ayutthaya has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Milford Sound, 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.