A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ayutthaya vs. Taupo for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Taupo?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Taupo? 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Taupo

Taupo is a striking, stunning, and otherworldly town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Ayutthaya and Taupo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Taupo?

Both Taupo and Ayutthaya have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Ayutthaya is very popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and shopping, while Taupo attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Taupo and is known for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Taupo is famous for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes.

How is Ayutthaya different from Taupo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Taupo and Ayutthaya. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Ayutthaya or Taupo Better for Skiing?

Taupo is a must-visit destination for snow skiing. However, Ayutthaya is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Taupo should be on your list. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Ayutthaya is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ayutthaya or Taupo?

Ayutthaya is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Ayutthaya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

Is the Food Better in Ayutthaya or Taupo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Ayutthaya and Taupo offer a number of high quality 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.

Taupo has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

Is Ayutthaya or Taupo Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Ayutthaya and Taupo.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Taupo. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

Is Ayutthaya or Taupo Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is a great destination for its old town. However, Taupo does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

Taupo does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Taupo Better for Hiking?

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

Taupo is a popular spot for hiking. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Taupo?

Ayutthaya is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Ayutthaya is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Taupo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Is Ayutthaya or Taupo Better for Families?

Taupo 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, Taupo is a very family-friendly destination. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

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 Taupo Better for Couples?

Taupo 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.

Taupo makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

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 Taupo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taupo 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.

Taupo is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Taupo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Taupo is a popular place for its public transit. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Taupo has a few public transit options. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

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 Taupo a more walkable city?

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

Taupo is somewhat walkable. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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 Taupo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Taupo or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Taupo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ayutthaya and Taupo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Taupo than in Ayutthaya. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ayutthaya, and 2-3 days is enough time in Taupo.

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

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

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

One day in Ayutthaya or Taupo?

In Ayutthaya, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this famous destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Taupo. 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 Taupo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ayutthaya. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the striking destination of Taupo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Taupo?

Ayutthaya is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Ayutthaya. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the striking town of Taupo. 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 skiing. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ayutthaya or Taupo?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Ayutthaya. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Taupo 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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

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

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Taupo?

Ayutthaya has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Taupo. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Taupo, 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.