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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Tokyo?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Tokyo? 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 famous, popular, and historical city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a cutting edge, high tech, and high energy 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Ayutthaya and Tokyo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Tokyo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Tokyo than Ayutthaya. Tokyo is bigger than Ayutthaya, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Tokyo is better known for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ayutthaya is more popular for its historical sights. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Tokyo and is popular for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Tokyo is well known for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. Also, Tokyo is famous for The Sensō-ji Temple.

How is Ayutthaya different from Tokyo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tokyo 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 Tokyo that are not to be missed. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

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 Tokyo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Tokyo is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

Ayutthaya has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Is Ayutthaya or Tokyo Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo 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.

Tokyo is a world class party destination. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

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 Tokyo Better for Music?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Ayutthaya is not a live music destination.

Tokyo is a world class music destination. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Ayutthaya is not a live music destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Tokyo Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is great for its historic old town charm. However, Tokyo 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.

Tokyo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Tokyo?

Tokyo 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.

Tokyo is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

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 Tokyo Better for Families?

Tokyo 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, Tokyo is a very family-friendly destination. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

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 Tokyo Better for Couples?

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

Tokyo is a very popular place to visit for couples. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

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 Tokyo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ayutthaya is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tokyo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Ayutthaya. The historic temples are popular with all tourists, including backpackers who often visit as a day trip from Bangkok.

Tokyo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

Is Ayutthaya or Tokyo Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Tokyo. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

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

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

Tokyo has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

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 Tokyo a more walkable city?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Tokyo on foot. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

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 Tokyo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tokyo or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Tokyo?

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

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

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

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

One day in Ayutthaya or Tokyo?

In Ayutthaya, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural 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.

People visit Tokyo because there is so much to do. 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 Tokyo?

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.

People visit Tokyo because there is so much to do. 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 Tokyo?

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.

People visit Tokyo 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. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Ayutthaya or Tokyo?

You'll find food and shopping around the historical 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.

Tokyo is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tokyo, 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Chiang Mai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Tokyo?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?

Tokyo 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 Tokyo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Tokyo. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.

In July, Ayutthaya is generally a little warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In the summer, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 137 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ayutthaya usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Tokyo. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Tokyo in the Autumn?

Both Tokyo and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Ayutthaya is much warmer than Tokyo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Tokyo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during autumn. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 129 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In October, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Tokyo. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Ayutthaya is October to April. The rainy season in Ayutthaya is May to October.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Tokyo in the Winter?

Both Tokyo and Ayutthaya during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Tokyo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ayutthaya in January average around 25°C (78°F), and Tokyo averages at about 5°C (42°F).

It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the winter, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 175 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in January than Tokyo. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Tokyo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Tokyo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Also, most visitors come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Ayutthaya can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 31°C (88°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during spring. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya.

Typical Weather for Tokyo and Ayutthaya