A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ayutthaya vs. Sydney for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Sydney?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Sydney? 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 cultural, famous, and popular city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sydney

Sydney is a outdoorsy, adventurous, and glamorous 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 beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Ayutthaya and Sydney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Sydney?

You'll generally find more things to do in Sydney than Ayutthaya. Sydney is bigger than Ayutthaya, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Sydney is better known for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ayutthaya is more popular for its historical sights. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Sydney and is known for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Sydney is well known for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. Also, Sydney is famous for the Sydney Opera House.

How is Ayutthaya different from Sydney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sydney 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 Sydney that are not to be missed. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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 Sydney? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Ayutthaya and Sydney offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Ayutthaya makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Sydney has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

Is Ayutthaya or Sydney Better for Nightlife?

Sydney is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Sydney is a world class party destination. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Ayutthaya. There are a number of bars and nightclubs that keep things lively well into the evening.

Is Ayutthaya or Sydney Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ayutthaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Sydney has a few good snorkeling spots. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Ayutthaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Sydney Better for Beaches?

Sydney is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Sydney. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Sydney Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Sydney 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.

Sydney does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Sydney Better for Hiking?

Sydney is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Sydney is a popular spot for hiking. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Sydney?

Sydney 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.

Sydney is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

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 Sydney Better for Families?

Sydney is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Sydney is a very family-friendly destination. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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 Sydney Better for Couples?

Sydney 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.

Sydney makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Sydney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sydney is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

Many backpackers visit Ayutthaya. The historic temples are popular with all tourists, including backpackers who often visit as a day trip from Bangkok.

Is Ayutthaya or Sydney Better for Students?

Sydney is a must-visit destination for students. However, Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Sydney. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

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

Sydney is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Sydney has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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 Sydney a more walkable city?

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

Sydney is very walkable. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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 Sydney Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sydney or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Sydney?

Both Ayutthaya and Sydney have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sydney than in Ayutthaya. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ayutthaya, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sydney.

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

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

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

One day in Ayutthaya or Sydney?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ayutthaya. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

People visit Sydney because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Sydney?

Ayutthaya is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

People visit Sydney because there is so much to do. 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 city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Sydney?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ayutthaya. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Ayutthaya or Sydney?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the famous destination of Ayutthaya. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Sydney is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sydney, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Sydney, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is Ayutthaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ayutthaya is in Asia and Sydney is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Sydney?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Sydney, 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 Sydney?

Sydney 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 Sydney in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Sydney. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sydney in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ayutthaya is generally a little warmer than Sydneyin January. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives less sunshine than Sydney during summer. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sydney receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ayutthaya usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sydneyin January. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Sydney in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Sydney. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Sydney for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Ayutthaya is a little warmer than Sydney in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Sydney fluctuates around 19°C (65°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In the autumn, Ayutthaya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sydneyin April. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 195 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sydney. Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in October than Sydneyin April. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 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.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Sydney in the Winter?

Both Sydney and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sydney because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Sydney. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ayutthaya in January average around 25°C (78°F), and Sydney averages at about 12°C (53°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Sydney. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Sydney during winter. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Sydneyin July. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Sydney in the Spring?

Both Sydney 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. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sydney this time of year.

Ayutthaya can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Sydneyin October. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 31°C (88°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the spring, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Sydneyin October. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 240 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in April than Sydneyin October. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 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.

Typical Weather for Sydney and Ayutthaya