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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Suzhou?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Suzhou? 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 Suzhou?

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.

Suzhou

Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.


Which place is cheaper, Suzhou or Ayutthaya?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Ayutthaya is $62, while the average daily cost in Suzhou is $101. 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 Suzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ayutthaya $21
    Suzhou $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ayutthaya $42
    Suzhou $76
Compare Hotels in Ayutthaya and Suzhou

Looking for a hotel in Ayutthaya or Suzhou? 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 Suzhou


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 $27
    Suzhou $57
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ayutthaya

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


  • River Ferry Crossing
    $0.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ayutthaya

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ayutthaya:

  • Transfer from Bangkok: $97

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:

  • Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Suzhou Train Station to Hotels in Suzhou: $44
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Tongli Water Town and Suzhou City : $58
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
  • Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
  • Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
  • Suzhou Private Transfer to Zhouzhuang Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
  • Suzhou Private Transfer to Tongli Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
  • Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $143
  • Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178

Is it cheaper to fly into Ayutthaya or Suzhou?

Prices for flights to both Suzhou 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 $20
    Suzhou $32
Typical Food Prices in Ayutthaya

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


  • Lunch for 2
    $3.82
  • Ice Cream
    $0.82
  • Breakfast for 2
    $3.82
  • Breakfast for 2
    $9.55

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: $19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Suzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.

  • Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour With Locals: $55
  • Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
  • Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ayutthaya $27
    Suzhou $9.32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ayutthaya

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


  • Temple Entrances (2)
    $5.46
  • Wat Entrance
    $1.36

Tours and Activities in Ayutthaya

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ayutthaya are as follows:

  • Ayutthaya City and Historical Park Bike Tour: $35
  • AYUTTHAYA : Private Car Rental & Customize Tour with Driver: $49
  • The Incredible Ayutthaya Ancient Temple Tour: $51
  • Colors of UNESCO Heritage 6 hour Bicycle Tour: $54
  • From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Day Tour Small Group: $57
  • Ayutthaya 1-day Private Tour : UNESCO World Heritage Site: $141
  • From Bangkok: Tour Ayutthaya + Lunch + Spanish guide: $146
  • Ancient City Temple Tour: $162
  • From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Full Day Private Guided Tour: $350
  • Ayutthaya’s Heritage Revealed A Day Tour from Bangkok: $632

Tours and Activities in Suzhou

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:

  • Suzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service : $65
  • Zhouzhuang and Tongli Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options : $70
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $71
  • Suzhou Private English Tour Guide Service: $91
  • Suzhou Private Walking Tour with Panmen Gate, City Moat and Yiyuan Garden: $101
  • 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
  • Private Suzhou City Amazing Day Tour in Your Way : $127
  • 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $127
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Tour: Humble Administrator’s Garden,Tiger Hill and Canal : $134
  • Nanjing Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou by Private Car with Drop-off Option : $137
  • Private Tour of Suzhou Museum, Humble Administrator's Garden and Pingjiang Road: $144

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ayutthaya $18
    Suzhou $6.40


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


Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Suzhou?

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

Suzhou 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 Suzhou in the Summer?

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

Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Suzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Suzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

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

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ayutthaya 29°C (84°F) 
    Suzhou 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Suzhou in the Autumn?

Both Suzhou 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.

In the autumn, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Suzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ayutthaya in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Suzhou averages at about 19°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the autumn, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou 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 Suzhou. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Suzhou 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ayutthaya 28°C (82°F) 
    Suzhou 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Suzhou in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Suzhou in the winter. In January, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 25°C (78°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

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

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ayutthaya 25°C (78°F) 
    Suzhou 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Suzhou in the Spring?

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

It's very hot in Ayutthaya this time of the year. Ayutthaya is much warmer than Suzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Suzhou fluctuates around 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 Suzhou. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ayutthaya 31°C (88°F) 
    Suzhou 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Suzhou and Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya Suzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (78°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 30°C (85°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in)
Jun 30°C (85°F) 102 mm (4 in) 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 292 mm (11.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 180 mm (7.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)