A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ayutthaya vs. Shiretoko National Park for Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Shiretoko National Park?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Shiretoko National Park? 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking.

Ayutthaya and Shiretoko National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Shiretoko National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ayutthaya than Shiretoko National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ayutthaya is better known for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Shiretoko National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Shiretoko National Park and is known for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Also, Ayutthaya is famous for Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya Historical Park. Shiretoko National Park is well known for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Ayutthaya different from Shiretoko National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Ayutthaya is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Ayutthaya can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Shiretoko National Park. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.

Is the Food Better in Ayutthaya or Shiretoko National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ayutthaya is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

Dining out in Ayutthaya is an experience not to be missed. 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.

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

Is Ayutthaya or Shiretoko National Park Better for Nightlife?

Ayutthaya is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Ayutthaya or Shiretoko National Park Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Shiretoko National Park does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Ayutthaya to see the historical old town. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

Shiretoko National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Shiretoko National Park Better for Hiking?

Shiretoko National Park is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

People visit Shiretoko National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Shiretoko National Park?

Ayutthaya is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Ayutthaya. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Shiretoko National Park Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ayutthaya or Shiretoko National Park.

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.

Shiretoko National Park is a family-friendly city. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.

Is Ayutthaya or Shiretoko National Park Better for Couples?

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

Shiretoko National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.

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 Shiretoko National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ayutthaya and Shiretoko National Park are very good 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 Shiretoko National Park. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

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

Ayutthaya is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine 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 Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.

Is Ayutthaya or Shiretoko National Park a more walkable city?

Shiretoko National Park is a popular place for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

Shiretoko National Park is somewhat walkable. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.

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 Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shiretoko National Park or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Shiretoko National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Ayutthaya or Shiretoko National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Shiretoko National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ayutthaya, and 3-4 days is enough time in Shiretoko National Park.

Families should spend more time in Ayutthaya than Shiretoko National Park. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ayutthaya than Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the historical city of Ayutthaya. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find around the remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Ayutthaya is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find around the national park destination of Shiretoko National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This remote,natural,scenic,pristine offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Shiretoko National Park?

Ayutthaya is a great place to explore. 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ayutthaya or Shiretoko National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ayutthaya. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Shiretoko National Park 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Ayutthaya or Shiretoko National Park?

Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

Both Shiretoko National Park 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 visitors come to Shiretoko National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Ayutthaya usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shiretoko National Park during summer. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In July, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?

Both Shiretoko National Park 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, most visitors come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Ayutthaya is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the autumn, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 158 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in October than Shiretoko National Park. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 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 Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Shiretoko National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round.

The weather in Shiretoko National Park can be very cold. In the winter, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ayutthaya in January average around 25°C (78°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about -6°C (20°F).

In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during winter. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 108 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Shiretoko National Park. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Shiretoko National Park. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Shiretoko National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Shiretoko National Park in the spring. Ayutthaya can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 31°C (88°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 5°C (40°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 Shiretoko National Park. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in April than Shiretoko National Park. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 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 Shiretoko National Park and Ayutthaya