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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Torquay?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Torquay? 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Torquay

Torquay is a hip, thriving, and outdoorsy surf town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Ayutthaya and Torquay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Torquay?

Both Torquay and Ayutthaya have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Ayutthaya is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Torquay attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Torquay and is popular for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Torquay is famous for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere.

How is Ayutthaya different from Torquay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ayutthaya is great for its historical sights. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Ayutthaya can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Torquay. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.

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

Ayutthaya is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Torquay area. You'll find all of the classic beach town options. There are pizza places, international restaurants, and seafood. All kinds of styles are available ranging from modern, upscale, and trendy to casual and affordable.

Is Ayutthaya or Torquay Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Ayutthaya and Torquay.

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 Torquay. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

Is Ayutthaya or Torquay Better for Beaches?

Torquay 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 Torquay. The town is along the Great Ocean Road, and there are a huge number of beaches that are popular for surfing. There are also nudist beaches as well as family-friendly areas. The most convenient beach is Torquay Surf Beach, which is popular with surfers. For calmer water, check out Torquay Front Beach, and for the most iconic surfing beach in the area, visit Bells Beach.

Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Torquay Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is great for its old town. However, Torquay 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.

Torquay does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Torquay Better for Hiking?

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

Torquay is a popular spot for hiking. There are many coastal walks in the area that range from a few hours to several days. One of the more well known ones is the Surf Coast Walk, which goes on for days and passes by stunning viewpoints and beautiful landscapes.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Torquay?

Ayutthaya is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its 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.

Many visitors go to Torquay to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

Is Ayutthaya or Torquay Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ayutthaya or Torquay.

Ayutthaya is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Torquay is a family-friendly city. Most people think of great surf when they think of this town, but there are some secluded places like Cozy Corner, which is good for kids. There are also many outdoor activities like walks and snorkeling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

Is Ayutthaya or Torquay Better for Couples?

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

Torquay is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its amazing beaches, popular surfing, and countless outdoor activities, there's plenty for couples to enjoy around town. You can also head to the vineyards at Bellbrae Estate, check out the local breweries, or take a long walk along the coast.

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 Torquay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ayutthaya is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for backpackers.

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

Torquay is a good city to visit for backpackers. Surfing is the big draw for backpackers to the area. There are a handful of hostels and excellent beaches that make this a great stop off for anyone in the area.

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

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

Torquay has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

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 Torquay a more walkable city?

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

Torquay is very walkable. The Torquay Promenade Walk offers a great place to stroll along the waterfront. You'll pass by view points and many restaurants and cafes.

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 Torquay Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Torquay or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Torquay?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ayutthaya than Torquay 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 Ayutthaya.

One day in Ayutthaya or Torquay?

In Ayutthaya, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the surf town of Torquay. 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 Torquay?

In Ayutthaya, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ayutthaya has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the trendy destination of Torquay. 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 surf town has to offer. This surf town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Torquay?

Ayutthaya is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the casual surf town of Torquay. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ayutthaya or Torquay?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ayutthaya. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ayutthaya. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Torquay is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Budget Tours to Australia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Torquay?

Ayutthaya has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Torquay. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Torquay, 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 Torquay?

Torquay 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 Torquay in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Torquay. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Torquay in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ayutthaya is a little warmer than Torquay. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ayutthaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Torquay averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Torquay. Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in July than Torquayin January. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Torquay in the Autumn?

Both Torquay 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, most visitors come to Torquay for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Ayutthaya is generally a little warmer than Torquayin April. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In October, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Torquayin April. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 87 mm (3.4 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 Torquay in the Winter?

Both Torquay 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, the winter months attract visitors to Torquay because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ayutthaya is much warmer than Torquay in the winter. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 25°C (78°F) in January, and Torquay fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in January than Torquayin July. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Torquay in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Torquay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Torquay this time of year.

The heat can be very extreme in Ayutthaya. In the spring, Ayutthaya is a little warmer than Torquay. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ayutthaya in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Torquay averages at about 21°C (71°F)in October.

In April, Ayutthaya usually receives around the same amount of rain as Torquayin October. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 75 mm (2.9 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 Torquay and Ayutthaya