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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Shanghai?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Shanghai? 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.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a cosmopolitan, professional, and diverse port city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ayutthaya and Shanghai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Shanghai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Shanghai than Ayutthaya. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Shanghai is very popular for its museums, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ayutthaya attracts visitors for its historical sights. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Shanghai and is known for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Shanghai is famous for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also well known for The Bund.

How is Ayutthaya different from Shanghai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Shanghai is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Shanghai that are not to be missed. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

Many visitors head to Ayutthaya specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

Shanghai 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, Shanghai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

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 Shanghai Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Ayutthaya and Shanghai.

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 Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Is Ayutthaya or Shanghai Better for its Old Town?

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

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Shanghai?

Shanghai 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.

Shanghai is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

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 Shanghai Better for Families?

Shanghai 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.

Shanghai is a very family-friendly place to visit. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

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 Shanghai Better for Couples?

Shanghai 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.

Shanghai makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city 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 Shanghai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ayutthaya and Shanghai are superb destinations for backpackers.

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.

Many backpackers visit Shanghai. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Is Ayutthaya or Shanghai Better for Students?

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

Shanghai is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit in Shanghai is fairly effecient and thorough. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

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 Shanghai a more walkable city?

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

Shanghai is very walkable. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer 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 Shanghai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shanghai or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Shanghai?

In either Ayutthaya or Shanghai, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai than Ayutthaya because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ayutthaya, and 2-5 days is enough time in Shanghai.

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

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

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

One day in Ayutthaya or Shanghai?

The city of Ayutthaya offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

People visit Shanghai 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 Shanghai?

Ayutthaya is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ayutthaya, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

People visit Shanghai because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Shanghai?

Ayutthaya is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A week in Ayutthaya or Shanghai?

Ayutthaya is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Shanghai is a popular choice for travelers. 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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.

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

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Shanghai?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Shanghai, 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 Shanghai?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai in the Summer?

Both Shanghai 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 summer months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Shanghai. Ayutthaya usually receives less sunshine than Shanghai during summer. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In July, Ayutthaya usually receives around the same amount of rain as Shanghai. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Shanghai in the Autumn?

Both Shanghai 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, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.

In October, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the autumn, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in October than Shanghai. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 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 Shanghai in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Shanghai. Ayutthaya is much warmer than Shanghai in the winter. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 25°C (78°F) in January, and Shanghai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during winter. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Shanghai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Shanghai. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Shanghai in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

The heat can be very extreme in Ayutthaya. In the spring, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ayutthaya in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Shanghai averages at about 15°C (58°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 Shanghai. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun.

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