A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Ayutthaya vs. Pattaya for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Pattaya?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Pattaya? 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.

Pattaya

Pattaya is a colorful, active, and vibrant resort city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Ayutthaya and Pattaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Pattaya?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pattaya than Ayutthaya. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Pattaya is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Ayutthaya attracts visitors for its museums and historical sights. Ayutthaya is famous for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Pattaya is famous for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. It is also well known for the Sanctuary of Truth.

How is Ayutthaya different from Pattaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ayutthaya is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pattaya. There are several cultural attractions near town such as the Sanctuary of Truth, Wat Yansangwararam, and Wat Phra Yai (the Big Buddha).

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

Both Ayutthaya and Pattaya 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.

Pattaya has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Street food is what this city is all about. You'll find streets lined with restaurants, but you'll also find snacks and other culinary treats at every corner. Khao Gaeng (curried rice with meat or vegetables), Kai Jeow (omelet over rice), and Moo Ping (grilled pork) are among the favorites.

Is Ayutthaya or Pattaya Better for Nightlife?

Pattaya is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Pattaya is a world class party destination. Despite a promotional campaign to promote family vacations, this city still holds tight to its party hard reputation. You'll find live bands, international DJs, and rooftop parties any night of the week.

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 Pattaya Better for Resorts?

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

Pattaya is known as a popular and fun resort destination. If you're looking for built-up, all-the-frills, beach resorts, then this is your place. It's a touristy beach city with hotels are resorts that line the waterfront.

Ayutthaya is not a resort destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Pattaya Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Pattaya is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ayutthaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Pattaya has a few good snorkeling spots. There are snorkeling and dive excursions that leave from town, or you could throw on a mask and snorkel and look for marine life right off the beach.

Ayutthaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Pattaya Better for Beaches?

Pattaya is notable for its beaches. However, Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Pattaya is considered a top beach destination. There are countless white sand beaches in the area that range from party-focused, to romantic, to family-friendly. The blue waters and silky sand have long made this one of the most popular beach areas in Thailand.

Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Pattaya Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is a great city for its old town. However, Pattaya 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.

Pattaya does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Pattaya?

Both Ayutthaya and Pattaya are excellent shopping destinations.

Ayutthaya is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Pattaya is well-known for its shopping. The city is filled with markets, malls, bazaars, and street vendors that sells everything from clothes and bathing suits, to Thai crafts or local foods.

Is Ayutthaya or Pattaya Better for Families?

Pattaya 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.

Pattaya is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the amusement parks, water parks, and cultural parks. Highlights for families include Columbia Pictures Aquaverse, Ramayana Water Park, and Mini Siam. For something totally unique, check out the ice sculptures at Frost Magical Ice of Siam and for something cultural and fun you can head to Legend Siam Pattaya. Despite local efforts to promote family-friendly activities, it's important to remember that the city does still has a party town reputation. There are areas that you should avoid with kids.

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 Pattaya Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ayutthaya and Pattaya make for a nice place to visit.

Ayutthaya is a nice destination for couples. The historical ruins make an easy day trip from Bangkok, so couples who appreciate history and iconic temples will appreciate a visit here.

Pattaya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many beach-oriented activities around town like boat rides and water sports. You could also enjoy a spa day or simply lounge on the beach and soak up the sun for the day.

Is Ayutthaya or Pattaya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ayutthaya is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for backpackers.

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Pattaya. While it used to be a party town, these days Pattaya is more of a family destination that's filled with amusement parks and family-friendly resorts. Backpackers will still find hostels and budget accommodation, but that backpacker atmosphere isn't what it used to be.

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

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

Pattaya has a few public transit options. The baht bus (songthaew) is the cheapest way to get around town. These are colorful pickup trucks with seats in the back. There are also motorbike taxis as well as regular taxis.

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 Pattaya a more walkable city?

Pattaya is a moderate resort city for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

Pattaya is generally not very walkable. There's a walking street, as well as several walkable areas, but the city is relatively large and you'll likely want to catch a ride most places.

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 Pattaya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pattaya or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Pattaya?

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

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

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

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

One day in Ayutthaya or Pattaya?

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 resort city of Pattaya. 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 Pattaya?

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 high energy destination of Pattaya. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this resort city has to offer. This resort city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Pattaya?

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.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the high energy resort city of Pattaya. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ayutthaya or Pattaya?

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.

Pattaya is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Nightlife Tours in Thailand, and The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Ayutthaya and Pattaya, we can see that Pattaya is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ayutthaya Expensive? and Is Pattaya Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Pattaya?

Pattaya has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Pattaya, 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 Pattaya?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Pattaya in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Pattaya. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year.

Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in July than Pattaya. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Ayutthaya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pattaya. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pattaya receives 176 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Pattaya. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ayutthaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Pattaya averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Pattaya in the Autumn?

Both Pattaya and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Ayutthaya is October to April. The rainy season in Ayutthaya is May to October. The dry season in Pattaya is December to April. The rainy season in Pattaya is June to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In October, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Pattaya. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

It's quite sunny in Pattaya. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pattaya during autumn. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Pattaya receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ayutthaya is generally around the same temperature as Pattaya. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Pattaya fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Pattaya in the Winter?

Both Pattaya 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round.

Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in January than Pattaya. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Pattaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the winter, Ayutthaya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pattaya. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pattaya receives 276 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Pattaya in the winter. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 25°C (78°F) in January, and Pattaya fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Pattaya in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Pattaya. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya. December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya. In April, Ayutthaya usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pattaya. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pattaya this time of the year. In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pattaya during spring. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Pattaya receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

The heat can be very extreme in Ayutthaya. In the spring, Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Pattaya. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ayutthaya in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Pattaya averages at about 30°C (86°F).

Typical Weather for Pattaya and Ayutthaya