Should you visit Ayutthaya or Nakhon Ratchasima?
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Nakhon Ratchasima? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
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.
Nakhon Ratchasima
If you're planning on traveling from Bangkok to Isaan, you'll likely make Nakhon Ratchasima your pit stop or home base. However, there is so much more to this sprawling metropolis than just a layover. Underneath the chaos of it all, is a charming and traditional Thai city.
Which city is cheaper, Nakhon Ratchasima or Ayutthaya?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Ayutthaya is $56, while the average daily cost in Nakhon Ratchasima is $35. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Ayutthaya and Nakhon Ratchasima in more detail.
Accommodation
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around $19. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Ayutthaya the cost is $38 on average.
The prices for places to stay in Nakhon Ratchasima can vary by date, location, and type. Generally, the average cost for accommodation per person is $17, while a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people will cost around $34.
Food
Ayutthaya food costs typically run travelers around $18 per day. Eating every meal in a nicer restaurant will drive the cost up, and grabbing fast food or casual meals will help you save money.
On average, meal and food prices in Nakhon Ratchasima cost around $14 per person, per day. While this price can vary widely by location, the type of restaurant, and the amount of food ordered, a typical meal often costs around $5.60.
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Food
Meals for one day
Ayutthaya $18
Nakhon Ratchasima $14
Typical Food prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
-
Lunch for 2
$4.28
-
Ice Cream
$0.92
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Breakfast for 2
$4.28
-
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.
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Thai Akha Kitchen Cooking Class & Local Market Tour:
$23
-
Tom Yum Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai:
$23
-
Asia Scenic Thai Cooking Class:
$25
-
Siamese Cookery House Thai Cooking Class in Bangkok:
$26
-
InFusion Cooking Classes in Koh Samui:
$26
-
Sompong Thai Cooking Class:
$27
-
Galangal Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai:
$28
-
Lanna Smile Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai:
$29
-
Pum Thai Cooking Class in Patong Beach:
$31
-
Chocolate Cooking Class at SO Sofitel Bangkok:
$31
-
Thai Cooking Course Hua Hin:
$31
-
Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy:
$31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nakhon Ratchasima
For Nakhon Ratchasima, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
-
Thai Akha Kitchen Cooking Class & Local Market Tour:
$23
-
Tom Yum Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai:
$23
-
Asia Scenic Thai Cooking Class:
$25
-
Siamese Cookery House Thai Cooking Class in Bangkok:
$26
-
InFusion Cooking Classes in Koh Samui:
$26
-
Sompong Thai Cooking Class:
$27
-
Galangal Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai:
$28
-
Lanna Smile Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai:
$29
-
Pum Thai Cooking Class in Patong Beach:
$31
-
Chocolate Cooking Class at SO Sofitel Bangkok:
$31
-
Thai Cooking Course Hua Hin:
$31
-
Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy:
$31
Local Transportation
The cost of a taxi ride in Ayutthaya is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $24 per person, per day, on local transportation in Ayutthaya.
Public transportation tends to be much less expensive in Nakhon Ratchasima than paying for a taxi or private car service, as is expected. Typically, people spend $4.04 on transportation in Nakhon Ratchasima on average per day.
Typical Local Transportation prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
-
River Ferry Crossing
$0.61
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ayutthaya
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ayutthaya:
-
[Next Day Result] COVID-19 RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen Test by Nabon Inter Medical Clinic in Phuket (Transfer arranged by TTD):
$21
-
[Next Day Result] COVID-19 RT-PCR Test by Bangkok Hospital Phuket (Transfer Arranged by TTD):
$105
-
Tiger Kingdom Ticket in Phuket with Transfers:
$22
-
Tiger Kingdom Ticket in Chiang Mai with Transfers:
$5.59
-
Shared Airport Bus Transfer Phuket :
$3.09
-
Samui Airport Transfers (USM) for Koh Samui and More:
$15
-
Private Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfers (BKK) for Bangkok, Pattaya, and More by Oriental Holiday:
$17
-
Private Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfers (BKK) for Bangkok Areas by TTD:
$20
-
Private Phuket International Airport (HKT) Transfers for Phuket and Nearby Areas by TTD:
$22
-
Private Krabi (KBV) or Phuket Airport Transfers (HKT) for Krabi, Phuket, and More by TTD:
$15
-
Private Don Mueang Airport (DMK) Transfers for Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Ayutthaya:
$18
-
Private Don Mueang Airport (DMK) Transfers for Bangkok Areas by TTD:
$20
Typical Local Transportation prices in Nakhon Ratchasima
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Nakhon Ratchasima:
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Tuk Tuk
$1.53
-
Bus to Vientiane
$1.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nakhon Ratchasima
Also for Nakhon Ratchasima, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
-
Shared Airport Bus Transfer Phuket :
$3.09
-
Tiger Kingdom Ticket in Chiang Mai with Transfers:
$5.59
-
Private Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Transfers for Chiang Mai by TTD:
$12
-
Private Krabi (KBV) or Phuket Airport Transfers (HKT) for Krabi, Phuket, and More by TTD:
$15
-
Private Krabi/Phuket Airport Transfers (KBV/HKT) for Krabi & More:
$15
-
Samui Airport Transfers (USM) for Koh Samui and More:
$15
-
Private City Transfers for Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Phuket, and More by TTD:
$15
-
Private Chiang Mai International Airport Transfers (CNX) for Chiang Mai and More:
$16
-
Private City Transfers between Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi and Koh Lanta:
$16
-
Private Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfers (BKK) for Bangkok, Pattaya, and More by Oriental Holiday:
$17
-
Private Don Mueang Airport (DMK) Transfers for Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Ayutthaya:
$18
-
Private Phuket Airport Transfers (HKT) for Phuket and Other Areas by Oriental Holiday:
$18
Is it cheaper to fly into Ayutthaya or Nakhon Ratchasima?
Prices for flights to both Nakhon Ratchasima 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.
Entertainment
Entertainment and activities in Ayutthaya typically cost an average of $24 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Sightseeing expenses in Nakhon Ratchasima, including the cost of admission tickets for day tours, museums, and attractions, usually cost an average of $5.21 per day, per person.
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)
$6.12
-
Wat Entrance
$1.53
Tours and Activities in Ayutthaya
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ayutthaya are as follows:
-
4 Island Day Tour by Speedboat or Longtail Boat from Lanta Island:
$31
-
ATV Half Day Adventure in Pattaya:
$28
-
Ancient Ayutthaya Tour: Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Bang Pa-In Royal Palace & More by AK Travel:
$33
-
Aquaria Phuket Ticket:
$4.95
-
Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok with Bang Pa In and Night Market Visit by TTD:
$31
-
Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok with Bang Pa-In Summer Palace and Market Visit:
$35
-
Bangkok Floating Markets Day Tour from Siam Paragon by TTD:
$28
-
Dii Wellness Med Spa Experience by Divana at Central Embassy BTS Ploenchit:
$62
-
Go Bangkok e-Scooter Tour:
$46
-
Indoor Go Karting Experience by EasyKart Bangkok:
$13
-
Krabi Koh Klang Cultural Day Tour by TTD:
$74
-
Krabi Sunrise Tour with Breakfast and Kayaking at Klong Nam Sai:
$33
Tours and Activities in Nakhon Ratchasima
For Nakhon Ratchasima, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
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SHOCK PRICE!! Only at THB10 for Airport Rail Link (ARL) Single Journey Ticket with FREE EMS:
$0.30
-
Pattaya Pipo Pony Club Admission Ticket in Pattaya:
$1.55
-
Pattaya Sheep Farm Ticket:
$2.19
-
Nails, Eyelash, and Waxing Beauty Experience at Ju's Nail:
$3.75
-
Ramayana Water Park Ticket in Pattaya:
$3.75
-
Wakeboarding Experience at Thai Wake Park in Pattaya:
$4.19
-
Pong Yang Adventure Park Experience:
$4.49
-
Aquaria Phuket Ticket:
$4.95
-
Rejuv Salon Beauty Experiences at Sathon Bangkok:
$5.85
-
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden Ticket in Pattaya:
$5.89
-
Sleep Salon & Nails Experience in Bangkok:
$6.15
-
Kanchanaburi Mallika City Ticket:
$6.19
Alcohol
The average person spends about $16 on alcoholic beverages in Ayutthaya per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Typically, people visiting Nakhon Ratchasima spend on average $9.12 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
Sample the Local Flavors in Ayutthaya
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ayutthaya:
-
PB Valley Vineyard and Wine Tasting Tour in Khao Yai:
$22
-
Bangkok Pub Crawl by Pub Crawls Thailand:
$22
Sample the Local Flavors in Nakhon Ratchasima
Also in Nakhon Ratchasima, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
-
PB Valley Vineyard and Wine Tasting Tour in Khao Yai:
$22
-
Bangkok Pub Crawl by Pub Crawls Thailand:
$22
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Nakhon Ratchasima, we can see that Ayutthaya is more expensive. And not only is Nakhon Ratchasima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nakhon Ratchasima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Ayutthaya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ayutthaya than you might in Nakhon Ratchasima.
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