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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Seoul?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Seoul? 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Seoul

Seoul is a colorful, cultural, and bustling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Ayutthaya and Seoul: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Seoul?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seoul than Ayutthaya. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Seoul is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Ayutthaya attracts visitors for its historical sights. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Seoul and is known for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Seoul is famous for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. It is also well known for Gyeongbokgung Palace.

How is Ayutthaya different from Seoul?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Ayutthaya and Seoul have great 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 Seoul specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.

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

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Seoul is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is a cultural obsession here, and you'll find everything from world class street food to award winning restaurants. The dishes are so much more diverse than Korean barbecue and kimchi. Many dishes are very spicy, with popular local foods including gamjatang (pork and potato soup) and jeon (savory pancakes).

Ayutthaya has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Is Ayutthaya or Seoul Better for Nightlife?

Seoul is notable for nightlife. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Seoul has plenty to do after the sun goes down. This is definitely a work hard/play hard city, with locals working long hours during the day and then partying hard late into the night. The nightlife scene is strong both during the week and on weekends. There are bars, clubs, and lounges that are frequented by locals and tourists alike.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Ayutthaya. There are a number of bars and nightclubs that keep things lively well into the evening.

Is Ayutthaya or Seoul Better for Music?

Seoul is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Ayutthaya is not a live music destination.

Seoul is a world class music destination. K-pop has put the city on the map for music, but you'll actually find a wide range of genres here including rock music and electronic dance music.

Ayutthaya is not a live music destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Seoul Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is a well-known place for its old town. However, Seoul does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

Seoul does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Seoul?

Seoul is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Seoul is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. This bustling city offers traditional local items as well as Korean cosmetics and trendy fashion. Although shopping malls are spread throughout the city, some of the most popular shopping areas are found around Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun.

Ayutthaya is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Ayutthaya or Seoul Better for Families?

Seoul 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.

Seoul is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a wide range of kid-friendly activities, ranging from the easy choices like amusement parks and children's museums, to the less obvious like kid-friendly cafes and markets. There are many entertainment options packed into a small space, so kids and adults alike will stay entertained.

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 Seoul Better for Couples?

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

Seoul is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, outdoor parks, and diverse restaurants. There are also many beautiful luxury hotels where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway.

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 Seoul Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ayutthaya is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ayutthaya is a great city to visit for backpackers. The historic temples are popular with all tourists, including backpackers who often visit as a day trip from Bangkok.

It's common for backpackers to visit Seoul. The city isn't the most popular among backpackers, but those who visit will enjoy exploring a fascinating culture and delicious cuisine. Because it's a large city, you'll find a diversity of accommodation options including some budget-friendly hostels and hotels.

Is Ayutthaya or Seoul Better for Students?

Seoul is notable for students. However, Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

Seoul is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Many international students head to Seoul National University, which has an excellent academic reputation. The city is also fun and energetic, so everyone will be entertained.

Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

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

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Seoul has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

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 Seoul a more walkable city?

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

Seoul is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are fun to explore on foot but do take note that parts of the city are very hilly and the weather can be bitter cold during the winter months.

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 Seoul Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seoul or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Seoul?

Both Ayutthaya and Seoul have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Seoul than in Ayutthaya. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ayutthaya, and 3-7 days is enough time in Seoul.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seoul 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 Seoul.

One day in Ayutthaya or Seoul?

In Ayutthaya, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

People visit Seoul because there is so much to do. 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 Seoul?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ayutthaya. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

People visit Seoul because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Seoul?

Ayutthaya is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Ayutthaya. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

People visit Seoul because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Ayutthaya or Seoul?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Ayutthaya. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Seoul is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Seoul, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Seoul, we can see that Seoul is more expensive. And not only is Ayutthaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Seoul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seoul 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 Seoul Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Seoul?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Seoul, 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 Seoul?

Seoul 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 Seoul in the Summer?

Both Seoul 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, many travelers come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ayutthaya is a little warmer than Seoul. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ayutthaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Seoul averages at about 26°C (78°F).

Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during summer. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 121 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In July, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Seoul. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Seoul in the Autumn?

Both Seoul 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, many visitors come to Seoul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Seoul. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the autumn, Ayutthaya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Seoul. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 204 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in October than Seoul. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 49 mm (1.9 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 Seoul in the Winter?

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

Seoul can be very cold during winter. Ayutthaya is much warmer than Seoul in the winter. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 25°C (78°F) in January, and Seoul fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during winter. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Seoul. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Seoul in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Seoul. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Seoul because of the activities around the city.

The heat can be very extreme in Ayutthaya. In the spring, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Seoul. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ayutthaya in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Seoul averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In the spring, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Seoul. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 205 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in April than Seoul. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 94 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 Seoul and Ayutthaya