Which place is cheaper, Tanah Rata or Ayutthaya?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ayutthaya or Tanah Rata?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Tanah Rata? 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 Tanah Rata?
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.
Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.
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 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAyutthaya $71Tanah Rata $158
The average daily cost (per person) in Ayutthaya is $71, while the average daily cost in Tanah Rata is $158. 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 Tanah Rata in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAyutthaya $24Tanah Rata $77
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAyutthaya $48Tanah Rata $154
Compare Hotels in Ayutthaya and Tanah Rata
Looking for a hotel in Ayutthaya or Tanah Rata? 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.
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 and Tanah Rata Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ayutthaya $31Tanah Rata $34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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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 Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $124
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
- Cameron Highland to Kuala Besut Jetty One Way SIC Transfer: $154
- Shared Transfer : Cameron Highland to Taman Negara via Kuala Tembeling Jetty: $156
- Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
Is it cheaper to fly into Ayutthaya or Tanah Rata?
Prices for flights to both Tanah Rata 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
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Food Meals for one dayAyutthaya $23Tanah Rata $51
Typical Food Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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Lunch for 2$4.32
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Ice Cream$0.93
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Breakfast for 2$4.32
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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
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
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Dinner for Two$6.55
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Dessert$0.73
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Lunch$4.61
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Afternoon tea$4.48
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ayutthaya $30Tanah Rata $39
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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Temple Entrances (2)$6.18
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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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata
Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Tea Factory Visit$6.55
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Tour of Orang Asli Village$24
Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata
Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $33
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Delight Tour: $61
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAyutthaya $20Tanah Rata $22
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Tanah Rata, we can see that Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Tanah Rata?
Ayutthaya has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Tanah Rata, 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 Tanah Rata?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Tanah Rata in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Tanah Rata. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Tanah Rata. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Ayutthaya is generally around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAyutthaya 29°C (84°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Tanah Rata in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Tanah Rata. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year.
Also, October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. May to October in Ayutthaya is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in October than Tanah Rata. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAyutthaya 28°C (82°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Tanah Rata in the Winter?
Both Tanah Rata and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. In January, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Tanah Rata. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ayutthaya in January average around 25°C (78°F), and Tanah Rata averages at about 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAyutthaya 25°C (78°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Tanah Rata in the Spring?
Both Tanah Rata 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round.
October to April is the dry season in Ayutthaya. May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya. Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in April than Tanah Rata. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Ayutthaya can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya is generally a little warmer than Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 31°C (88°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAyutthaya 31°C (88°F)Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Tanah Rata and Ayutthaya
| Ayutthaya | Tanah Rata | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (78°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (85°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 292 mm (11.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.