A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ayutthaya vs. Ponce for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Ponce?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Ponce? 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 Ponce?

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.

Ponce

Ponce is on the south coast of Puerto Rico. It's the second largest city on the island and has been around since 1692 when it was originally founded by Ponce de Leon's grandson Juan Ponce de Leon y Loayza. The city has several nicknames, including La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South), La Ciudad Senorial (The Noble, or Lordly, City), and La Ciudad de las Quenepas (Genip City).

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Ayutthaya?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ayutthaya is $86, while the average daily cost in Ponce is $230. 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 Ponce in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ayutthaya $24
    Ponce $151
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ayutthaya $48
    Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Ayutthaya and Ponce

Looking for a hotel in Ayutthaya or Ponce? 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.

Hotels in Ayutthaya


Hotels in Ponce


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ayutthaya $29
    Ponce $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ayutthaya

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:


  • River Ferry Crossing
    $0.63

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:

  • San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
  • Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
  • San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
  • Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
  • Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
  • Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
  • Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
  • Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
  • Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
  • Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Ayutthaya or Ponce?

Prices for flights to both Ponce 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ayutthaya $39
    Ponce $61
Typical Food Prices in Ayutthaya

Some typical examples of dining costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    $4.40
  • Ice Cream
    $0.94
  • Breakfast for 2
    $4.40
  • Breakfast for 2
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ponce

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ponce.

  • Latin Night with Dinner and Local Music with Transportation: $59
  • Puerto Rico Art and Wine Dinner with One Way Transportation: $89
  • Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico: $96
  • Private Half-Day Island Authentic Food Tour : $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ayutthaya $31
    Ponce $56
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ayutthaya

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ayutthaya are as follows:


  • Temple Entrances (2)
    $6.28
  • Wat Entrance
    $1.57

Tours and Activities in Ponce

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:

  • Private Sunset Walking Tour in San Juan: $25
  • Guided Walking Tour in Ponce: $30
  • Historical Walking Tour in Old San Juan: $30
  • La Perla Cultural Tour: $35
  • Prive Tours in Puerto Rico: $40
  • Las Tinajas Waterfall: Guided Short Hike Adventure from Fajardo: $55
  • Walking Guided Tour of History and Myths of Old San Juan : $60
  • 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
  • Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
  • Half-Day Small-Group River Experience in El Yunque with Local : $68
  • El Yunque Rainforest, Waterslides & Beach Tour from San Juan: $75
  • Party Bus Experience in San Juan, Puerto Rico: $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ayutthaya $21
    Ponce $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Ponce

Also in Ponce, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Artisan Puertorrican Winery and Distillery Tour: $50


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


Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Ponce?

Ponce has a larger population, and is about 86% larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Ponce, 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 Ponce?

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 Ponce in the Summer?

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

It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In July, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Ponce. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Ponce. Ayutthaya usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during summer. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ayutthaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ayutthaya 29°C (84°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Ponce in the Autumn?

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

October to April is the dry season in Ayutthaya. May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya. Ponce 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 Ponce. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the autumn, Ayutthaya often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ayutthaya 28°C (82°F) 
    Ponce 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Ponce in the Winter?

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

In January, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Ponce. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Ponce during winter. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Ponce in the winter. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 25°C (78°F) in January, and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ayutthaya 25°C (78°F) 
    Ponce 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Ponce in the Spring?

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

Also, October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. May to October in Ayutthaya is the rainy season. Ayutthaya usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Ponce. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In the spring, Ayutthaya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.

The heat can be very extreme in Ayutthaya. In the spring, Ayutthaya is a little warmer than Ponce. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ayutthaya in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Ponce averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ayutthaya 31°C (88°F) 
    Ponce 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Ponce and Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya Ponce
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (78°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 30°C (85°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 30°C (85°F) 102 mm (4 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 292 mm (11.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 180 mm (7.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)


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