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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Shijiazhuang?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Shijiazhuang? 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 Shijiazhuang?

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.

Shijiazhuang

Shijiazhuang is the capital city of Hebei Province in China. It is a fairly young city, acting as the regional transport hub and economic center, though there are a few sights worth seeing. The city is also the largest pharmaceutical hub in China, as well as an important center for textile, IT, manufacturing, and chemical industries.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Shijiazhuang 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 Shijiazhuang is $79. 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 Shijiazhuang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ayutthaya $24
    Shijiazhuang $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ayutthaya $48
    Shijiazhuang $90
Compare Hotels in Ayutthaya and Shijiazhuang

Looking for a hotel in Ayutthaya or Shijiazhuang? 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 Shijiazhuang


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
    Shijiazhuang $28
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

Is it cheaper to fly into Ayutthaya or Shijiazhuang?

Prices for flights to both Shijiazhuang 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
    Shijiazhuang $19
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ayutthaya $30
    Shijiazhuang $4.46
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 City and Historical Park Bike Tour: $39
  • The Incredible Ayutthaya Ancient Temple Tour : From Bangkok: $57
  • Colors of UNESCO Heritage 6 hour Bicycle Tour: $60
  • Ayutthaya Full-Day Tour with Bang Pa In (Summer Palace): $60
  • From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Temples Group Tour with Lunch: $65
  • UNESCO Heritage Temples and Cafe Day Tour: $69
  • Bangkok: Ayutthaya Night Tour (Join Tour): $77
  • Private 1 hour Boat tour Pa Sak River: $90
  • Ayutthaya Private Guided Day Tour, 4 Ancient Temples: $126
  • Ayutthaya Private Guided Day Tour, 3 Historic Attractions: $134
  • BKK: Ayutthaya Old Capital with 4 Famous Temple Private Tour: $149

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ayutthaya $20
    Shijiazhuang $5.27


When comparing the travel costs between Ayutthaya and Shijiazhuang, we can see that Shijiazhuang 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 Shijiazhuang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Shijiazhuang?

Shijiazhuang has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Shijiazhuang, 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 Shijiazhuang?

Shijiazhuang 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 Shijiazhuang in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Shijiazhuang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ayutthaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Shijiazhuang averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Shijiazhuang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Shijiazhuang. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Shijiazhuang receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ayutthaya 29°C (84°F) 
    Shijiazhuang 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Shijiazhuang in the Autumn?

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

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

Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in October than Shijiazhuang. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Shijiazhuang receives 29 mm (1.1 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ayutthaya 28°C (82°F) 
    Shijiazhuang 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Shijiazhuang in the Winter?

Both Shijiazhuang and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Shijiazhuang in the winter. Ayutthaya is much warmer than Shijiazhuang in the winter. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 25°C (78°F) in January, and Shijiazhuang fluctuates around -2°C (29°F).

In January, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Shijiazhuang. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Shijiazhuang receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ayutthaya 25°C (78°F) 
    Shijiazhuang -2°C (29°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Shijiazhuang in the Spring?

Both Shijiazhuang and Ayutthaya during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The heat can be very extreme in Ayutthaya. In the spring, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Shijiazhuang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ayutthaya in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Shijiazhuang averages at about 15°C (60°F).

Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in April than Shijiazhuang. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Shijiazhuang receives 23 mm (0.9 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ayutthaya 31°C (88°F) 
    Shijiazhuang 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Shijiazhuang and Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya Shijiazhuang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (78°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) -2°C (29°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 1°C (33°F) 9 mm (0.3 in)
Mar 30°C (85°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (60°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 21°C (71°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jun 30°C (85°F) 102 mm (4 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 292 mm (11.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 180 mm (7.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 1°C (33°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)


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