Which place is cheaper, Penang or Ayutthaya?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ayutthaya or Penang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Penang? 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.
Where Should I go: Ayutthaya or Penang?
Ayutthaya
Once the largest city in the world, Ayutthaya, is the example of an ancient capital within a modern city. Located in the central plains of Thailand, this spot is ideally located between China, India and the Malay Archipelago creating the perfect place for trade in Asia. Eighteenth century maps from Holland and France show golden palaces, large ceremony spots and trading vessels from all over the world. Suddenly, in 1767, Ayutthaya experienced a tragic fall from grace with a Burmese invasion burning much of the city to the ground.
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
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 Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAyutthaya $62Penang $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Ayutthaya is $62, while the average daily cost in Penang is $103. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ayutthaya and Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAyutthaya $21Penang $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAyutthaya $42Penang $98
Compare Hotels in Ayutthaya and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Ayutthaya or Penang? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ayutthaya Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ayutthaya $27Penang $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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River Ferry Crossing$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ayutthaya
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ayutthaya:
- Transfer from Bangkok: $97
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
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Local Bus$1.26
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Island Ferry$0.50
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.57
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$9.64
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$6.29
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Private Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $13
- Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
- Private Departure Transfer : Penang International Airport: $15
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $15
- Penang Airport Transfer to Georgetown/City Hotel or Resort/Beach Hotel: $18
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Arrival: $25
- Private Transfer From Penang Airport to Town Area: $26
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Departure: $29
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $29
- Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Ayutthaya or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang and Ayutthaya change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAyutthaya $20Penang $33
Typical Food Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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Lunch for 2$3.82
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Ice Cream$0.82
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Breakfast for 2$3.82
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Breakfast for 2$9.55
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ayutthaya
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ayutthaya.
- Bangkok: VELA Dinner Cruise Ticket: $19
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
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Snack$1.68
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$72
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$61
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Lassy Juice$1.47
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Dinner for 2$3.14
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Street Stall Food$0.59
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$3.98
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $87
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Cooking Classes In Penang By Penang Chiak: $93
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
- Chef Samuel's Private Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour: $116
- Food Tour at Penang - Eat Like a Local, Feel Like a Local: $120
- Experience Malaysia: Authentic Malaysia Cooking Tour: $121
- Dinner at Penang Hill Including Train Ride: $141
- Penang's Night Eat-Venture Vespa Food Tour: $160
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ayutthaya $27Penang $49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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Temple Entrances (2)$5.46
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Wat Entrance$1.36
Tours and Activities in Ayutthaya
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ayutthaya are as follows:
- Ayutthaya City and Historical Park Bike Tour: $35
- AYUTTHAYA : Private Car Rental & Customize Tour with Driver: $49
- The Incredible Ayutthaya Ancient Temple Tour: $51
- Colors of UNESCO Heritage 6 hour Bicycle Tour: $54
- From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Day Tour Small Group: $57
- Ayutthaya 1-day Private Tour : UNESCO World Heritage Site: $141
- From Bangkok: Tour Ayutthaya + Lunch + Spanish guide: $146
- Ancient City Temple Tour: $162
- From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Full Day Private Guided Tour: $350
- Ayutthaya’s Heritage Revealed A Day Tour from Bangkok: $632
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Butterfly Gardens$6.50
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$6.29
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.42
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.10
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.38
- Malaysia: The Blue Mansion - Daily Tour: $5.67
- Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.11
- Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
- Tropical Spice Garden E-Ticket: $7.17
- Skip the Line: Admission Ticket - General: $7.18
- TeddyVille Museum Penang Malaysia Entry Ticket: $8.27
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket: $8.35
- Wonderfood Museum in Penang Admission Ticket: $8.54
- Wonderfood Museum in Penang Admission Ticket: $8.71
- Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
- Penang Street Food in Georgetown and History Walking Audio Tour: $10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAyutthaya $18Penang $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
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Beer$1.68
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Penang, we can see that Penang 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 Penang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Penang 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 Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Penang?
Penang has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Penang, 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 Penang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Penang in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Penang. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives less sunshine than Penang during summer. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Penang receives 211 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Ayutthaya is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAyutthaya 29°C (84°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Penang in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Penang. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
Also, October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. May to October in Ayutthaya is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Penang. Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in October than Penang. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Penang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAyutthaya 28°C (82°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Penang in the Winter?
Both Penang and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Penang. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Ayutthaya is cooler than Penang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ayutthaya in January average around 25°C (78°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAyutthaya 25°C (78°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Penang in the Spring?
Both Penang and Ayutthaya during the spring 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 Penang year-round.
October to April is the dry season in Ayutthaya. May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya. Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in April than Penang. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the spring, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Penang. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Penang receives 218 hours of full sun.
Ayutthaya can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya is generally a little warmer than Penang. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 31°C (88°F), and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAyutthaya 31°C (88°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Ayutthaya
| Ayutthaya | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (78°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (85°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 292 mm (11.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.