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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Picton?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Picton? 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.

Picton

Picton is a scenic, quaint, and relaxing town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Ayutthaya and Picton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Picton?

Both Picton and Ayutthaya have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Ayutthaya is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Picton is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Picton and is known for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Picton is well known for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails.

How is Ayutthaya different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ayutthaya is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Picton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

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

Both Ayutthaya and Picton 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.

Picton has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

Is Ayutthaya or Picton Better for Nightlife?

Ayutthaya is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Picton is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Ayutthaya or Picton Better for Beaches?

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

Picton is considered a top beach destination. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Picton Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Picton 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.

Picton does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Picton Better for Hiking?

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

Picton is a popular spot for hiking. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Picton?

Ayutthaya is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town 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 Picton. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Is Ayutthaya or Picton Better for Families?

Picton 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.

Picton is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

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 Picton Better for Couples?

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

Picton is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

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 Picton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ayutthaya and Picton are superb 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 Picton. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

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

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

Picton has a few public transit options. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

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 Picton a more walkable city?

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

Picton is very walkable. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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 Picton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Picton or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Picton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ayutthaya or Picton to fill your time. In our opinion, Picton has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Picton than Ayutthaya. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Ayutthaya or Picton?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ayutthaya. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Picton. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Picton has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Ayutthaya or Picton?

Ayutthaya is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and food around the picturesque destination of Picton. 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 Picton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ayutthaya. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing town of Picton. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ayutthaya or Picton?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the popular destination of Ayutthaya. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Picton 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Ayutthaya and Picton, we can see that Picton 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. Even though Ayutthaya is in Asia and Picton is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Picton?

Ayutthaya has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Picton, 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 Picton?

Picton 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 Picton in the Summer?

Both Picton 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 Picton because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Pictonin January. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Picton fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In July, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Pictonin January. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Picton in the Autumn?

Both Picton 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 small town atmosphere are the main draw to Picton this time of year.

Ayutthaya is much warmer than Picton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in October than Pictonin April. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 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 Picton in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ayutthaya in January average around 25°C (78°F), and Picton averages at about 10°C (49°F)in July.

Picton receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Pictonin July. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Picton in the Spring?

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

Ayutthaya can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Pictonin October. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 31°C (88°F), and Picton fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in April than Pictonin October. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 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 Picton and Ayutthaya