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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Rotorua?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Rotorua? 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 historical, cultural, and famous city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a diverse, cultural, and natural town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Ayutthaya and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Rotorua?

You'll generally find more things to do in Ayutthaya than Rotorua. Ayutthaya is bigger than Rotorua, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Ayutthaya is better known for its historical sights and shopping, while Rotorua is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Rotorua and is popular for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Also, Ayutthaya is famous for Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya Historical Park. Rotorua is well known for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies.

How is Ayutthaya different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Ayutthaya and Rotorua have excellent landmarks and museums for visitors.

Ayutthaya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Many visitors head to Rotorua specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

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

Both Ayutthaya and Rotorua 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.

Rotorua has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

Is Ayutthaya or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Ayutthaya and Rotorua.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Rotorua. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Ayutthaya or Rotorua Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Rotorua 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.

Rotorua does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

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

Rotorua is a popular spot for hiking. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Rotorua?

Ayutthaya is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Rotorua is a great destination for shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is Ayutthaya or Rotorua Better for Families?

Rotorua is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Rotorua is a very family-friendly destination. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

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 Rotorua Better for Couples?

Rotorua is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Rotorua makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

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 Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotorua is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rotorua is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

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

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

Rotorua has a few public transit options. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

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 Rotorua a more walkable city?

Rotorua is a popular place for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

Rotorua is somewhat walkable. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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 Rotorua Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Rotorua?

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

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

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

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

One day in Ayutthaya or Rotorua?

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 shopping and museums around the town of Rotorua. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Rotorua?

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 museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Rotorua. 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 Rotorua?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the natural town of Rotorua. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ayutthaya or Rotorua?

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.

Rotorua is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Budget Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Rotorua?

Ayutthaya has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua in the Summer?

Both Rotorua 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. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Rotoruain January. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Rotorua in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Ayutthaya is much warmer than Rotorua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.

Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 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.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Rotorua in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Rotorua. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

In the winter, Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Rotorua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ayutthaya in January average around 25°C (78°F), and Rotorua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.

Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Rotorua in the Spring?

Both Rotorua and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the natural beauty.

Ayutthaya can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Rotoruain October. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 31°C (88°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In April, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 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.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Ayutthaya