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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Okinawa?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Okinawa? 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 popular, historical, and cultural city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Okinawa

Okinawa is a tropical, lush, and serene archipelago. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Ayutthaya and Okinawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Okinawa?

You'll generally find more things to do in Okinawa than Ayutthaya. Okinawa is bigger than Ayutthaya, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Okinawa is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ayutthaya is more popular for its historical sights and shopping. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Okinawa and is known for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Okinawa is well known for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life. Also, Okinawa is famous for the Kerama Islands.

How is Ayutthaya different from Okinawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Ayutthaya and Okinawa have superb 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 Okinawa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Although most visitors come for the natural beauty and beach setting, there are some nice historic sights and museums in the region. Favorites include Shurijo Castle, Futenma Shrine, and Churaumi Aquarium.

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

Both Ayutthaya and Okinawa offer a number of superb 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.

Okinawa has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Food in the region is truly unique, and sometimes a bit bizarre. There's a surprising amount of international influence on the cuisine because the islands are close to China and Taiwan, and there's a large American presence due to the US military. Despite this, the cuisine has its roots in the area's long history. Local dishes include rafute (pork belly in a stew), goya chanpuru (stir fry with melon, pork, and tofu), and umibudo (sea grapes).

Is Ayutthaya or Okinawa Better for Nightlife?

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

Okinawa has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The diverse population has impacted the nightlife scene, and you'll see international influences at the bars and clubs in the area. Many locals begin their night out at a izakaya, which is part bar, part restaurant. The cities are also known for their jazz clubs and karaoke scene.

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 Okinawa Better for Resorts?

Okinawa is notable for its resorts. However, Ayutthaya is not a resort destination.

Okinawa is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are large resorts as well as smaller, elegant hotels. If you want to be near the water, check out the coastal areas of Onna, Miyakojima, and Ishigaki.

Ayutthaya is not a resort destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Okinawa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Okinawa is a must-visit destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ayutthaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Okinawa a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The waters around Okinawa are filled with a rich biodiversity of corals and tropical fish. You'll also find sea turtles and other larger marine animals. There are also mangrove forests that form the breeding ground for many types of marine life. The snorkeling and diving in the area is world class, and attracts both beginners and experienced divers.

Ayutthaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Okinawa Better for Beaches?

Okinawa 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 Okinawa. The region is filled with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Some of the beaches are accessible and lively while others are more remote and peaceful. Furuzamami Beach is both easy to access but also has a relaxed atmosphere. Nishihama Beach is more remote but well worth the effort and Aharen Beach is a popular day trip by ferry.

Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Okinawa Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Okinawa does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

Okinawa does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Okinawa Better for Hiking?

Okinawa is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

People visit Okinawa specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The island's tropical setting provides hikers with lush jungles and unique geology to explore. One of the most popular areas for hiking is Yambaru National Park. In this park you can walk through the mangroves and spot local wildlife. The region also has many off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities for those looking for an adventure.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Okinawa?

Ayutthaya is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Okinawa. There are a number of shopping streets in the urban areas. You'll also find large outlet malls near the US military base. A favorite shopping street in Naha is Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, which has local shops and souvenir vendors.

Is Ayutthaya or Okinawa Better for Families?

Okinawa 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, Okinawa is a very family-friendly destination. There are so many kid-friendly activities in the area, that this has long been a favorite family vacation destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the snorkeling, beaches, mangroves, boat rides, and adventure activities like ziplining. Kayaking in Yambaru Mangrove Forest is a favorite activity, but also check out the sea turtles at Ikei 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 Okinawa Better for Couples?

Okinawa 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.

Okinawa makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its stunning beaches, world class snorkeling, and relaxing resorts, couples and honeymooners will love a trip to these beautiful islands. There's a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural activities that will keep any couple entertained.

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 Okinawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ayutthaya is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ayutthaya is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The historic temples are popular with all tourists, including backpackers who often visit as a day trip from Bangkok.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Okinawa. Despite being one of the most fascinating places in Japan to visit, it can be challenging as a backpacker. There aren't many hostels in the area and transportation can be a bit tricky.

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

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

Okinawa has a few public transit options. Public transit through the area is decent in urban areas but gets more limited outside of the cities. On the main island there are buses, shuttles, and a monorail, but off the main island you'll want your own vehicle.

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 Okinawa a more walkable city?

Okinawa is a moderate archipelago for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

Okinawa is generally not very walkable. The islands range from developed to remote, so if you want to efficiently explore, it's helpful to have a car or at least a bicycle.

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 Okinawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Okinawa or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Okinawa?

Both Ayutthaya and Okinawa have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Okinawa than in Ayutthaya. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ayutthaya, and 3-7 days is enough time in Okinawa.

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

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

One day in Ayutthaya or Okinawa?

In Ayutthaya, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find nightlife and food around the archipelago of Okinawa. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Okinawa?

In Ayutthaya, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ayutthaya has to offer.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the lush destination of Okinawa. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Okinawa?

Ayutthaya is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the lush archipelago of Okinawa. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this archipelago makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this archipelago has to offer.

A week in Ayutthaya or Okinawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ayutthaya. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ayutthaya. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Okinawa is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Okinawa, one week is sufficent for most. 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 G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.

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

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Okinawa?

Okinawa has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?

Okinawa 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 Okinawa in the Summer?

Both Okinawa and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Okinawa. Ayutthaya usually receives less sunshine than Okinawa during summer. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 258 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Okinawa in the Autumn?

Both Okinawa and Ayutthaya during the autumn 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 hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year.

Ayutthaya is a little warmer than Okinawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Okinawa fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the autumn, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Okinawa. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 174 hours of full sun.

Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in October than Okinawa. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year. October to April is the dry season in Ayutthaya. May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Okinawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Okinawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Okinawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Okinawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ayutthaya in January average around 25°C (78°F), and Okinawa averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Okinawa during winter. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Okinawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Okinawa. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Okinawa in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Ayutthaya can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya is generally a little warmer than Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 31°C (88°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In the spring, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Okinawa. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 149 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in April than Okinawa. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. May to October in Ayutthaya is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Okinawa and Ayutthaya