A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ayutthaya vs. Nikko for Attractions, Old Town, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Nikko?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Nikko? 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Nikko

Nikko is a natural, rural, and historic town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Ayutthaya and Nikko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Nikko?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nikko. Although Ayutthaya and Nikko are both popular with visitors, Nikko has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nikko is more popular for its museums, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Ayutthaya is known for its nightlife and shopping. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Nikko and is popular for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Nikko is popular for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. It is also home to the Toshogu Shrine.

How is Ayutthaya different from Nikko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nikko is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Nikko that are not to be missed. The town sits on the edge of Nikko National Park, where you'll find shrines and temples. Toshogu Shrine is lavishly designed. Other notable temples in the area are Taiyuin, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan Temple.

Many visitors head to Ayutthaya specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

Both Ayutthaya and Nikko offer a number of excellent 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.

Nikko has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many traditional dishes in the area, but one of the most famous is yuba. Yuba is made from a part of soy milk, and you'll find it in places all over town. You'll also find sushi, tofu, and tea everywhere.

Is Ayutthaya or Nikko Better for Nightlife?

Ayutthaya is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

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.

People don't go to Nikko for the nightlife. The town is about relaxing in a tranquil setting and soaking up nature, so you won't find much in the form of nightlife.

Is Ayutthaya or Nikko Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The rich history of Nikko can be explored in its historical center. The ancient town is filled with giant cedar trees that line walking paths that take you to the many shrines and temples in the area.

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.

Is Ayutthaya or Nikko Better for Hiking?

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

Nikko is a popular spot for hiking. The town is surrounded by beautiful nature that you can explore on the many walking paths. The forests are well-preserved and they're filled with large cedar trees, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful hikes. The area embraces the Japanese practice of "forest bathing" where you "bath" yourself in a beautiful natural environment.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Nikko?

Ayutthaya is great for shopping. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Nikko offers some nice shopping areas. There are places in town where you can pick up local handicrafts and traditional items.

Is Ayutthaya or Nikko Better for Families?

Nikko 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.

Nikko is a very family-friendly place to visit. The area offers a unique way for kids to experience Japanese culture. A highlight for the little ones is a ninja show at Grand Ninja Theatre and the Mizugei-za water magic show. Kids will also enjoy staying in a traditional ryokan and floating in the hot spring baths.

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 Nikko Better for Couples?

Nikko is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Nikko makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. While many visitors come to see the shrines and temples, they often end up falling in love with the area's natural beauty, waterfalls, and "forest bathing" (surrounding yourself with nature). Couples will also enjoy dining on the local food and relaxing in a pool fed by a natural hot spring.

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 Nikko Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ayutthaya and Nikko are excellent 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 Nikko. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

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

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

Public transit in Nikko is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights 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 Nikko a more walkable city?

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

Nikko is very walkable. While the town is relatively walkable and there are walking paths through the forest and to most of the temples and shrines, if you want to get further into the region, it's helpful to have a car.

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 Nikko Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nikko or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Nikko?

It's fun to spend time in either Ayutthaya or Nikko. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nikko due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ayutthaya, and 1-4 days is enough time in Nikko.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nikko 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 Nikko.

One day in Ayutthaya or Nikko?

In Ayutthaya, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this popular destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

A weekend in Ayutthaya or Nikko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ayutthaya. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Nikko is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. 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 Nikko?

Ayutthaya is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Ayutthaya. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Nikko 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. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ayutthaya or Nikko?

You'll find food and shopping around the popular destination of Ayutthaya. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nikko is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Nikko?

Ayutthaya has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Nikko, 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 Nikko?

Nikko 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 Nikko in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Nikko. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Ayutthaya is a little warmer than Nikko in the summer. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In the summer, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nikko. Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in July than Nikko. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Nikko in the Autumn?

Both Nikko 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Nikko because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ayutthaya in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Nikko averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during autumn. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In October, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Nikko. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 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 Nikko in the Winter?

Both Nikko 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nikko in the winter. In January, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 25°C (78°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In Nikko, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the winter, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in January than Nikko. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Nikko in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Nikko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Also, many travelers come to Nikko for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

It's very hot in Ayutthaya this time of the year. Ayutthaya is much warmer than Nikko in the spring. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during spring. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nikko receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Nikko. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 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 Nikko and Ayutthaya