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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Nagoya?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Nagoya? 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.

Nagoya

Nagoya is a under-the-radar, under-rated, and often overlooked city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ayutthaya and Nagoya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Nagoya?

You'll generally find more things to do in Nagoya than Ayutthaya. Nagoya is bigger than Ayutthaya, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Nagoya is better known for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Ayutthaya is more popular for its historical sights. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Nagoya and is popular for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Nagoya is well known for its local cuisine, historic shrines, and long running shipping industry. Also, Nagoya is famous for the Nagoya Castle.

How is Ayutthaya different from Nagoya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Ayutthaya and Nagoya have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

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.

Many visitors head to Nagoya specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are shrines, temples, and other interesting sights in the city. Atsuta Jingu is an important Shinto shrine. Nagoya Castle is another interesting place to visit. If you're willing to head out of the city center a bit, the Meiji-mura Village Museum is an open air museum that has interesting Japanese architecture. There are also interesting museums in town such as the Nagoya City Art Museums and the Toyota Techno and Toyota Automobile Museums.

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

Nagoya 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, Nagoya is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a strong food culture that's referred to as Nagoya meshi. It's a popular destination for foodies to Japan, even though the city itself is often overlooked by tourists. The city's food uses a lot of local vegetables and its influenced by several international flavors. Important ingredients in the dishes include unagi (freshwater eel), Nagoya cochin (chicken), tamari (soy sauce), and mame miso.

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 Nagoya Better for Nightlife?

Nagoya is notable for nightlife. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Nagoya has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There are many bars around town, many of which have an international theme. Later in the evening, many people head out to a nightclubs, most of which are concentrated in either Sakae and Shin-sakae.

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.

Is Ayutthaya or Nagoya Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Nagoya?

Both Ayutthaya and Nagoya are high quality 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.

Nagoya is well-known for its shopping. You'll find everything from large shopping malls to street markets and local vendors. Many people head to Nagoya Station for shopping, but Osu Shotengai is another interesting shopping area in the city's old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Nagoya Better for Families?

Nagoya is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Nagoya is a very family-friendly destination. There are a large number of attractions for families in the area. This city is where you'll find Legoland Japan, which is one of the most popular activities to do with kids. The city also has the Sea Life Aquarium, which is located in the Legoland Hotel. Next to Legoland you'll find the SCMaglev and Railway Park. Another great activity is a visit to the Nagoya Public Aquarium, which is one of the biggest aquariums in Japan. There are dolphins, orcas, and many different ecosystems to explore. Nearby is the Sea Train Land amusement park.

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 Nagoya Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ayutthaya and Nagoya make for a notable 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.

Nagoya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy visiting the Nagoya Castle or checking out the dolphin and orca shows at the Nagoya Public Aquarium. Noritake Garden is a nice place to explore. There are also many coffee shops in town as well as museums and temples.

Is Ayutthaya or Nagoya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ayutthaya is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a limited number of hostels in town, so they fill up quickly. You should make reservations well in advance if budget is a priority.

Is Ayutthaya or Nagoya Better for Students?

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

Nagoya is a good city to visit for students. Nagoya University has been working to grow its international population. This is a fun and dynamic city that makes a great place to study.

Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit in Nagoya is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has both a subway and public buses. The main bus stations are at Nagoya Station and Sakae Station and there are six subway lines throughout the city.

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 Nagoya a more walkable city?

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

Nagoya is very walkable. The downtown area, where you'll find many of the sights, is walkable. The distances vary, but many sights can be reached on foot.

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 Nagoya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nagoya or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Nagoya?

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

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

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

One day in Ayutthaya or Nagoya?

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.

People visit Nagoya because there is so much to do. 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 Nagoya?

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.

People visit Nagoya because there is so much to do. 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 Nagoya?

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 Nagoya. 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 Nagoya?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the popular 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.

Nagoya 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Japan, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Nagoya, we can see that Nagoya 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 Nagoya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagoya 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 Nagoya Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Nagoya?

Nagoya has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Nagoya, 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 Nagoya?

Nagoya 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 Nagoya in the Summer?

Both Nagoya and Ayutthaya during the summer 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 city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nagoya this time of year.

In July, Ayutthaya is generally around the same temperature as Nagoya. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Nagoya fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In the summer, Ayutthaya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nagoya. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagoya receives 170 hours of full sun.

Nagoya 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 July than Nagoya. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Nagoya in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Nagoya. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nagoya for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Ayutthaya is much warmer than Nagoya in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Nagoya fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Nagoya during autumn. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Nagoya receives 176 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nagoya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Nagoya. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Nagoya in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Nagoya. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Nagoya in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nagoya can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Nagoya. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ayutthaya in January average around 25°C (78°F), and Nagoya averages at about 4°C (40°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In the winter, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Nagoya. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagoya receives 180 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in January than Nagoya. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Nagoya in the Spring?

Both Nagoya and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Nagoya for the activities around the city during these months.

Ayutthaya can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Nagoya. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 31°C (88°F), and Nagoya fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Nagoya during spring. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Nagoya receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagoya. In April, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Nagoya. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Ayutthaya is October to April. The rainy season in Ayutthaya is May to October.

Typical Weather for Nagoya and Ayutthaya