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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Sado?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Sado? 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Sado

Sado is a traditional, cultural, and off-the-beaten-path island. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Ayutthaya and Sado: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Sado?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ayutthaya. Although Ayutthaya and Sado are both popular with visitors, Ayutthaya has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ayutthaya is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Sado is known for its hiking. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Sado and is known for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. It is also home to Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya Historical Park. Sado is popular for its beautiful scenery, traditional culture, and population of endangered crested ibis.

How is Ayutthaya different from Sado?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Ayutthaya and Sado have high quality 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 Sado specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The former gold mines are open to the public and fascinating to explore. For a traditional town, head to Shukunegi, which has narrow alleys and historic homes. Also worth a visit is the Sado History Museum.

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

Both Ayutthaya and Sado offer a number of high quality 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.

Sado has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find great seafood including crab, tuna, and prawns. There are also fresh vegetables, rice, and other typical Japanese ingredients in the area.

Is Ayutthaya or Sado Better for Nightlife?

Ayutthaya is a popular place for nightlife. However, Sado is a mediocre island for nightlife and partying.

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.

Sado doesn't offer many options. This is a quiet island and doesn't have much in the form of nightlife.

Is Ayutthaya or Sado Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is notable for its historic old town. However, Sado does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

Sado does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Sado Better for Hiking?

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

Sado is a popular spot for hiking. There is wonderful hiking on the island. Head to the Osado Mountain Range for wildflowers and spectacular views and scenery.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Sado?

Ayutthaya is notable for shopping. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its shopping opportunities.

Ayutthaya is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Sado has some nice offerings. You'll find shops where you can pick up any necessities that you may have forgotten. There are also souvenir shops where you can find local items to remember your trip.

Is Ayutthaya or Sado Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ayutthaya or Sado.

Ayutthaya is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Sado is a family-friendly city. The former gold mines are fascinating and open to the public. There are also parks and interesting wildlife such as the Japanese ibis that you can see.

Is Ayutthaya or Sado Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ayutthaya and Sado make for a good place to visit.

Ayutthaya is a nice destination for couples. The historical ruins make an easy day trip from Bangkok, so couples who appreciate history and iconic temples will appreciate a visit here.

Sado makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area's history and nature make it a unique place for a couple's trip. There are museums, and outdoor spaces that you visit as well as the interesting mines.

Is Ayutthaya or Sado Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ayutthaya is notable for backpackers. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Sado is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as guesthouses that backpackers can stay at while they're in town.

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

Ayutthaya is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Sado is a mediocre island for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Sado. There are no trains on the island and the bus routes are infrequent and slow. You really must have a car to explore the area.

Is Ayutthaya or Sado a more walkable city?

Neither Ayutthaya or Sado are walkable places.

Ayutthaya is not a 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.

Sado is not a very walkable city. The island isn't particularly walkable, so you'll want to have a vehicle to explore.

For even more information, also check out Is Ayutthaya Worth Visiting? and Is Sado Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sado or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Sado?

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

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

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

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

One day in Ayutthaya or Sado?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Ayutthaya. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find food and museums around the island of Sado. 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 Sado?

Ayutthaya is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and food around the traditional destination of Sado. 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 island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Sado?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the popular destination of Ayutthaya. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the off-the-beaten-path island of Sado. 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 Sado?

The popular city of Ayutthaya offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Sado 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 Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Ayutthaya and Sado, 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 Sado Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Ayutthaya or Sado?

Sado 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 Sado in the Summer?

Both Sado 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 hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sado this time of year.

Ayutthaya is a little warmer than Sado in the summer. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Sado fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Ayutthaya usually receives less sunshine than Sado during summer. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 198 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In July, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Sado. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Sado in the Autumn?

Both Sado 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. Also, many travelers come to Sado for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Sado. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ayutthaya in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Sado averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the autumn, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Sado. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 155 hours of full sun.

Sado 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 Sado. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 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 Sado in the Winter?

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

Sado can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 25°C (78°F), and Sado fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Sado during winter. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sado receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Sado. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Sado in the Spring?

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

It's very hot in Ayutthaya this time of the year. Ayutthaya is much warmer than Sado in the spring. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Sado fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In the spring, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Sado. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sado. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in April than Sado. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 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 Sado and Ayutthaya