A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ayutthaya vs. Noosa Heads for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Noosa Heads?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Noosa Heads? 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is a laid back, relaxed, and peaceful coastal town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Ayutthaya and Noosa Heads: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Noosa Heads?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Noosa Heads. Although Ayutthaya and Noosa Heads are popular destinations, Noosa Heads has more sights and attractions for tourists. Noosa Heads is very popular for its beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Ayutthaya attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Noosa Heads and is popular for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Noosa Heads is famous for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and surfing culture. It is also well known for Noosa Main Beach.

How is Ayutthaya different from Noosa Heads?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ayutthaya is a great city for its historical sights. However, Noosa Heads is not known for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Noosa Heads offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. As a holiday destination, it is all about the beaches and laid back natural beauty. You'll find little in the form of museums, but do make your way to Laguna Lookout to take in the view.

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

Both Ayutthaya and Noosa Heads 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.

Noosa Heads has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The scenic setting means that there are peaceful restaurants that look out on the sea or river. Many restaurants use local ingredients from nearby farms. Farm-to-table is a popular concept here, and there are many sustainable seafood dishes that use locally caught fish.

Is Ayutthaya or Noosa Heads Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Ayutthaya and Noosa Heads.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Ayutthaya. There are a number of bars and nightclubs that keep things lively well into the evening.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Noosa Heads. There are a number of pubs and bars that have opened around town. You'll find cocktail lounges, beer gardens, an plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.

Is Ayutthaya or Noosa Heads Better for Beaches?

Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads. Visitors come for the laid back vibe and the spectacular beaches. For swimming, head to Noosa Main Beach. There's also surfing at the Noosa World Surfing Reserve and a peaceful and natural setting at Noosa National park.

Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Noosa Heads Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is a great city for its old town. However, Noosa Heads does not have a historic old town.

Ayutthaya is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

Noosa Heads does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Noosa Heads Better for Hiking?

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

Noosa Heads is a popular spot for hiking. There are hiking trails that take in the coastal views or you can head inland and wander through wooded landscapes. Some of the best hiking trails are found at Noosa National Park.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Noosa Heads?

Ayutthaya is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

Ayutthaya is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Noosa Heads to go shopping. The main shopping street through town is Hastings Street. It's where you'll find beachside boutiques, impressive art galleries, as well as international brands.

Is Ayutthaya or Noosa Heads Better for Families?

Noosa Heads 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.

Noosa Heads is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are playgrounds and green space where you can picnic at the Noosa Villages. Kids will also enjoy taking ferry rides and exploring Noosa National Park. Also nearby is the impressive K'Gari (Fraser Island).

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 Noosa Heads Better for Couples?

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

Noosa Heads is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's filled with romantic beaches and fun outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking. There are plenty of places to hike and explore, as well as sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. You can also unwind with a spa day or sip wine by the sea.

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 Noosa Heads Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ayutthaya and Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads. The laid back atmosphere makes this a long running stop for backpackers to Australia. There are a number of hostels to choose from and many ways to explore nature.

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

Noosa Heads is a popular place for its public transit. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Noosa Heads has a few public transit options. There's a ferry that travels along the river. There are also buses that travel to local destinations.

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 Noosa Heads a more walkable city?

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

Noosa Heads is very walkable. It's fun to explore the town and surrounding areas on foot. There are walking and bike paths throughout.

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 Noosa Heads Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Noosa Heads or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Noosa Heads?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads.

One day in Ayutthaya or Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Ayutthaya. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Even though Noosa Heads is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Ayutthaya. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Noosa Heads is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife. 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 coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Noosa Heads?

The famous city of Ayutthaya offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Noosa Heads 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. 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 Noosa Heads?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ayutthaya. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Noosa Heads 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 10-Day Tours in Australia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Noosa Heads?

Ayutthaya has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Noosa Heads. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Noosa Heads, 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 Noosa Heads?

Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Ayutthaya is a little warmer than Noosa Heads. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ayutthaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Noosa Heads averages at about 20°C (67°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Noosa Heads. Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in July than Noosa Headsin January. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Noosa Heads in the Autumn?

Both Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Noosa Headsin April. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In October, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Noosa Headsin April. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 47 mm (1.9 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 Noosa Heads in the Winter?

Both Noosa Heads 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. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Noosa Heads this time of year.

Ayutthaya is much warmer than Noosa Heads in the winter. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 25°C (78°F) in January, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 7°C (44°F)in July.

Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in January than Noosa Headsin July. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 57 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Noosa Heads in the Spring?

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

The heat can be very extreme in Ayutthaya. In the spring, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Noosa Heads. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ayutthaya in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Noosa Heads averages at about 14°C (57°F)in October.

In April, Ayutthaya usually receives around the same amount of rain as Noosa Headsin October. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 76 mm (3 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 Noosa Heads and Ayutthaya