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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Shenzhen?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Shenzhen? 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 Shenzhen?

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.

Shenzhen

Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions.  It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen or Ayutthaya?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Ayutthaya is $71, while the average daily cost in Shenzhen is $127. 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 Shenzhen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ayutthaya $24
    Shenzhen $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ayutthaya $48
    Shenzhen $184
Compare Hotels in Ayutthaya and Shenzhen

Looking for a hotel in Ayutthaya or Shenzhen? 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 Shenzhen


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 $31
    Shenzhen $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ayutthaya

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


  • River Ferry Crossing
    $0.62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ayutthaya

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ayutthaya:

  • Transfer from Bangkok: $108

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen

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

  • A One-Way Hotel Pick-Up Transfer to Ocean Park Hong Kong: $26
  • Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) Private Transfer: $28
  • [Airport Transfer] Shenzhen Airport 送 迎 Shenzhen City Transfer High reputation for service! : $32
  • AIRPORT TRANSFER service : $33
  • A One-Way Disneyland Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Hotel: $33
  • Hong Kong Airport HKG Private Transfer to Kowloon City: $34
  • Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Hong Kong City - Arrival Private Transfer : $37
  • Private Transfer from Shekou Cruise Port to Shenzhen Airport(SZX): $42
  • Private Transfer from Shenzhen city hotels to Shekou Cruise Port: $42
  • Private Transfer from Shekou Cruise Port to Shenzhen city hotels: $42
  • Private Transfer - Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Cruise Port: $46
  • Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Hong Kong Airport (HKG) -Departure Private Transfer : $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Ayutthaya or Shenzhen?

Prices for flights to both Shenzhen 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 $23
    Shenzhen $20
Typical Food Prices in Ayutthaya

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


  • Lunch for 2
    $4.32
  • Ice Cream
    $0.93
  • Breakfast for 2
    $4.32
  • Breakfast for 2
    $11

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: $69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Vegetarian Food Tour: $79
  • Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $92
  • Hong Kong Guided Dinner + Laser Show Lounge Entry (2023) | 200+ booked : $101
  • Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $108
  • Secret Food Tour With the Locals in Tin Hau Hong Kong w/ Private Tour Option: $109
  • Small Group Local Market Walking Tour and Chinese Cooking Class in Hong Kong: $132
  • Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $140
  • Private Food Tour With the Locals in Hong Kong: $146
  • Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $147
  • Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $168
  • Kowloon Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $168
  • Kowloon Night Street Food Tour with a Local: Private & Customized: $187

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ayutthaya $30
    Shenzhen $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ayutthaya

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


  • Temple Entrances (2)
    $6.18
  • Wat Entrance
    $1.54

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: $4.39
  • 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 Private Guided Day Tour, 3 Historic Attractions: $134
  • Ayutthaya Private Guided Day Tour, 4 Ancient Temples: $126
  • Ayutthaya’s Heritage Revealed A Day Tour from Bangkok: $649
  • Ancient City Temple Tour: $171
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Shenzhen

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

  • Hong Kong Airport Express Tickets - Tsing Yi Station (One Way): $7.84
  • Hong Kong Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Ticket: $11
  • One Way Express Ticket in Kowloon Station Hong Kong Airport: $12
  • One Way Hong Kong Airport Express Ticket: $13
  • **HK Resident**sky100 Admission Ticket [F-HC1_HK]: $14
  • Round Trip Express Ticket in Tsing Yi Station Hong Kong Airport : $14
  • [Entry After 6pm] sky100 Min. 2pax Ticket (F-II_2P): $17
  • Victoria Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 Ticket in Hong Kong: $19
  • sky100 Tales of Hongkong Admission Ticket F-KE: $21
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Tickets Kowloon Station Round Trip: $22
  • TramOramic Sightseeing Tour plus 2-Day Tramways Ticket: $23

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ayutthaya $20
    Shenzhen $20


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


Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Shenzhen?

Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Shenzhen, 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 Shenzhen?

Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen in the Summer?

Both Shenzhen 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 around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).

In Shenzhen, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Ayutthaya often gets less sunshine than Shenzhen. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 231 hours of full sun.

Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ayutthaya 29°C (84°F) 
    Shenzhen 30°C (85°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Shenzhen in the Autumn?

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

Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Shenzhen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Shenzhen during autumn. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 190 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Shenzhen. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 143 mm (5.6 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) 
    Shenzhen 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Shenzhen in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Shenzhen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ayutthaya in January average around 25°C (78°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 16°C (60°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 Shenzhen. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 140 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in January than Shenzhen. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ayutthaya 25°C (78°F) 
    Shenzhen 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Shenzhen in the Spring?

Both Shenzhen 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 a little warmer than Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 31°C (88°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Shenzhen during spring. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 95 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. In April, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Shenzhen. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 154 mm (6.1 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) 
    Shenzhen 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Shenzhen and Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya Shenzhen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (78°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 30°C (85°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 325 mm (12.8 in)
Jun 30°C (85°F) 102 mm (4 in) 29°C (83°F) 382 mm (15 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 30°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 29°C (85°F) 393 mm (15.5 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 292 mm (11.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 300 mm (11.8 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 180 mm (7.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)


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