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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Qingdao?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Qingdao? 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 Qingdao?

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.

Qingdao

Qingdao, China, located in the Shandong Province, is a very large city right on the Yellow Sea coast. The city, whose name means "The Green Island" due to it's gorgeous landscapes and interesting geography, was named China's most livable city in 2012. The city is rich in history, having almost become a German territory in 1897 and being occupied by the Japanese during WWI. Evidence of these occupiers is present in much of the architecture around the city, which includes a few Catholic and Protestant churches.

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


Which place is cheaper, Qingdao or Ayutthaya?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ayutthaya is $68, while the average daily cost in Qingdao is $59. 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 Qingdao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ayutthaya $23
    Qingdao $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ayutthaya $46
    Qingdao $54
Compare Hotels in Ayutthaya and Qingdao

Looking for a hotel in Ayutthaya or Qingdao? 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 Qingdao


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 $30
    Qingdao $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ayutthaya

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


  • River Ferry Crossing
    $0.59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ayutthaya

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ayutthaya:

  • Transfer from Bangkok: $108

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Qingdao

Also for Qingdao, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Qingdao Cruise Port Departure Transfer from City Hotels: $36
  • Qingdao Railway Station Arrival Transfer to City Hotel: $36
  • Qingdao Railway Station Depature Transfer from City Hotels: $36
  • Qingdao Northern Railway Station Arrival Private One-Way Transfer: $42
  • Qingdao Liuting Airport Transfer Service by Minivan: $86
  • Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $86
  • Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $86

Is it cheaper to fly into Ayutthaya or Qingdao?

Prices for flights to both Qingdao 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 $22
    Qingdao $20
Typical Food Prices in Ayutthaya

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


  • Lunch for 2
    $4.15
  • Ice Cream
    $0.89
  • Breakfast for 2
    $4.15
  • Breakfast for 2
    $10

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: $21
  • Eat like a local Food tour with small group: $57

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ayutthaya $29
    Qingdao $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ayutthaya

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


  • Temple Entrances (2)
    $5.93
  • Wat Entrance
    $1.48

Tours and Activities in Ayutthaya

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

  • App self-guided: Tour Bangkok, Thailand: $4.43
  • Ayutthaya 1-day Private Tour : UNESCO World Heritage Site: $156
  • Ayutthaya City and Historical Park Bike Tour: $39
  • Ayutthaya Full-Day Tour with Bang Pa In (Summer Palace): $60
  • Ayutthaya’s Heritage Revealed A Day Tour from Bangkok: $655
  • Ancient City Temple Tour: $180
  • Private 1 hour Boat tour Pa Sak River: $90
  • UNESCO Heritage Temples and Cafe Day Tour: $69
  • BKK: Ayutthaya Old Capital with 4 Famous Temple Private Tour: $149
  • Bangkok: Ayutthaya Night Tour (Join Tour): $77
  • Colors of UNESCO Heritage 6 hour Bicycle Tour: $60
  • From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Day Tour Small Group: $63

Tours and Activities in Qingdao

For Qingdao, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Private Qingdao highlights city tour with Lunch and Qingdao beer: $175
  • Qingdao walking Night tour with Seafood hot pot and beer: $180
  • Private tour Qingdao laoshan with round way cable car lunch: $190
  • Private Qingdao Laoshan half day tour with one bottle of Tsingdao beer as gift: $199
  • Take Metro from Qingdao to Laoshan day tour with cable car: $200
  • Qingdao private half day tour with Tsingdao Beer Lunch : $202
  • Qingdao Shore Excursion: Private Full Day Laoshan Mountain Sightseeing Tour: $207
  • Private Qingdao Essentials Tour: City Highlights and Beer Museum: $216
  • Laoshan Mountain Full Day Private Activity Tour: $224
  • Qingdao Private Day Tour to Laoshan Mountain with Lunch and Cable Car: $238
  • Private Qingdao Laoshan day tour with lunch& round way cable car: $240
  • Private Qingdao city tour with Qingdao beer and Lunch: $240

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ayutthaya $20
    Qingdao $14


When comparing the travel costs between Ayutthaya and Qingdao, we can see that Ayutthaya 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 Qingdao Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Qingdao?

Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Qingdao, 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 Qingdao?

Qingdao 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 Qingdao in the Summer?

Both Qingdao and Ayutthaya during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Ayutthaya is generally a little warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Qingdao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In the summer, Ayutthaya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Qingdao. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 183 hours of full sun.

Qingdao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in July than Qingdao. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ayutthaya 29°C (84°F) 
    Qingdao 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Qingdao in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Qingdao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round.

Ayutthaya is much warmer than Qingdao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Qingdao fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Qingdao 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 Qingdao during autumn. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 220 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Qingdao. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ayutthaya 28°C (82°F) 
    Qingdao 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Qingdao in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Qingdao. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

The weather in Qingdao can be very cold. In the winter, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Qingdao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ayutthaya in January average around 25°C (78°F), and Qingdao averages at about -0°C (32°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In the winter, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Qingdao. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 185 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in January than Qingdao. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ayutthaya 25°C (78°F) 
    Qingdao -0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Qingdao in the Spring?

Both Qingdao and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year.

Ayutthaya can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 31°C (88°F), and Qingdao fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Qingdao. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Qingdao during spring. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 224 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Qingdao. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Ayutthaya is October to April. The rainy season in Ayutthaya is May to October.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ayutthaya 31°C (88°F) 
    Qingdao 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Qingdao and Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya Qingdao
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (78°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) -0°C (32°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Mar 30°C (85°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 30°C (85°F) 102 mm (4 in) 21°C (70°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 211 mm (8.3 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 292 mm (11.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 180 mm (7.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (49°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)