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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Napier?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Napier? 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Napier

Napier is a coastal, relaxed, and character-filled town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Ayutthaya and Napier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Napier?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Napier than Ayutthaya. While Ayutthaya is larger than Napier, Napier has more sights and attractions for tourists. Napier is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking, while Ayutthaya is known for its historical sights and shopping. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Napier and is popular for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Napier is popular for its many art deco buildings, its beautiful vineyards, and the area's long sandy beaches. It is also home to the art deco architecture.

How is Ayutthaya different from Napier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Ayutthaya and Napier have great 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 Napier specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Considered an "Art Deco capital", there are many interesting buildings around town and it's worth taking an Art Deco Walk. The National Aquarium of New Zealand is also impressive as is the MTG Hawke's Bay, which is a museum, gallery, and theater in one. For something a little outside the box, you can visit the Napier Prison, which is New Zealand's oldest place of incarceration, dating back to 1862.

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

Both Ayutthaya and Napier offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Ayutthaya makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Napier has a huge number of terrific restaurants. With its many wineries and big mix of fine dining restaurants, there is plenty for a foodie to enjoy around town. You'll find restaurants that serve up New Zealand favorites as well as those that experiment with modern and trendy recipes.

Is Ayutthaya or Napier Better for Nightlife?

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

Napier has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene is diverse and fun. Whether you're looking for a wild party or just want to relax with a drink and some friends, there are plenty of places where you can hang out.

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 Napier Better for Beaches?

Napier is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Napier. It's a popular beach destination and you'll find plenty of beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and playing with the kids. You'll want to head out of town to find the best and most beautiful beaches. For hidden beaches and some of the area's best surf, head to Mahia Peninsula. To escape the tourists and hang out with the locals, go to Waipatiki Beach. And for a picnic, Westshore Beach is a favorite. Waimarama Beach is another favorite in the area as well.

Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Napier Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Napier does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

Napier does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Napier Better for Hiking?

Napier is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Napier is a popular spot for hiking. Hawke's Bay is filled with wonderful walks and hikes. There are easy coastal paths as well as mult-day treks around Lake Waikaremoana. It's not hard to find somewhere to stretch your legs and explore the scenery.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Napier?

Ayutthaya is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Napier is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Napier offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find all of the standard New Zealand retail chains as well antique and boutique shops. With its many Art Deco buildings, the city has character and personality.

Is Ayutthaya or Napier Better for Families?

Napier 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.

Napier is a very family-friendly place to visit. This coastal city has a waterpark, a waterfall walk, and plenty of beaches where the family can hang out. There's also a waterfront promenade that is filled with water features and playgrounds where the kids can run around. You can also check out Hawke's Bay Farmyard Zoo or on a rainy day head to the Faraday Museum of Technology.

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 Napier Better for Couples?

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

Napier is a very popular place to visit for couples. Surrounded by vineyards and lined with beaches, this is a great place for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon. Hop on a bike and explore the wineries or enjoy a beautiful hike through nature. There are also adrenaline-filled activities for thrill seekers or fine dining restaurants for the foodies.

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 Napier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ayutthaya and Napier are great destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Ayutthaya. The historic temples are popular with all tourists, including backpackers who often visit as a day trip from Bangkok.

Many backpackers visit Napier. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of fun activities like mountain biking or white water rafting that you can enjoy.

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

Both Ayutthaya and Napier offer decent 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 Napier. Public transit to most of the beaches is limited or nonexistent, so you really need a car if you want to get around and see everything.

Is Ayutthaya or Napier a more walkable city?

Napier is a moderate town for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

Napier is generally not very walkable. If you stay in town you can walk to cafes and restaurants, but you really need a car if you're planning to visit beaches or explore the area in depth.

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 Napier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Napier or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Napier?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Napier than Ayutthaya 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 Napier.

One day in Ayutthaya or Napier?

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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Napier. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Napier?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the relaxed destination of Napier. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Napier?

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 coastal town of Napier. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ayutthaya or Napier?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the famous 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.

Napier is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Contiki Tours to New Zealand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Napier?

Ayutthaya has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Napier. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Napier, 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.