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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Wellington?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Wellington? 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 historical, cultural, and famous city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Wellington

Wellington is a funky, compact, and laid-back city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Ayutthaya and Wellington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Wellington?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wellington than Ayutthaya. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Wellington is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking, while Ayutthaya attracts visitors for its museums and historical sights. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Wellington and is popular for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Wellington is famous for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. It is also well known for Zealandia Ecosanctuary.

How is Ayutthaya different from Wellington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ayutthaya is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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 for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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

Both Ayutthaya and Wellington 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.

Wellington has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

Is Ayutthaya or Wellington Better for Nightlife?

Wellington is notable for nightlife. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Wellington has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

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 Wellington Better for Beaches?

Wellington is notable for its beaches. However, Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Wellington is considered a top beach destination. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Wellington Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is a very popular place for its old town. However, Wellington 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.

Wellington does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Wellington Better for Hiking?

Wellington is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Wellington is a good destination for hiking. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Wellington?

Both Ayutthaya and Wellington are high quality shopping destinations.

Ayutthaya is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Wellington is well-known for its shopping. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

Is Ayutthaya or Wellington Better for Families?

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

Wellington is a very family-friendly place to visit. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

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 Wellington Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ayutthaya and Wellington make for a nice place to visit.

Ayutthaya is a nice destination for couples. The historical ruins make an easy day trip from Bangkok, so couples who appreciate history and iconic temples will appreciate a visit here.

Wellington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

Is Ayutthaya or Wellington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ayutthaya and Wellington are high quality destinations for backpackers.

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

Many backpackers visit Wellington. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

Is Ayutthaya or Wellington Better for Students?

Wellington is a popular place for students. However, Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

Wellington is a good city to visit for students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit in Wellington is fairly effecient and thorough. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

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 Wellington a more walkable city?

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

Wellington is very walkable. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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 Wellington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wellington or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Wellington?

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

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

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

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

One day in Ayutthaya or Wellington?

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Ayutthaya, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ayutthaya, one day is sufficent for most.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Wellington. 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 Wellington?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Ayutthaya, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid-back destination of Wellington. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Wellington?

Ayutthaya, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the funky city of Wellington. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ayutthaya or Wellington?

Ayutthaya is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Wellington 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 Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Wellington?

Wellington has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Wellington, 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 Wellington?

Wellington 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 Wellington in the Summer?

Both Wellington and Ayutthaya during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wellington this time of year.

In the summer, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Wellington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ayutthaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Wellington averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

In Wellington, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Ayutthaya often gets less sunshine than Wellingtonin January. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 242 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in July than Wellingtonin January. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Wellington in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Wellington. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Wellington for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Wellingtonin April. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Wellington during autumn. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 163 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Wellingtonin April. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Wellington in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Wellington. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Wellington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ayutthaya is much warmer than Wellington in the winter. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 25°C (78°F) in January, and Wellington fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In the winter, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Wellingtonin July. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 122 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Wellington. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in January than Wellingtonin July. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Wellington in the Spring?

Both Wellington and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Wellington for the beaches during these months.

The heat can be very extreme in Ayutthaya. In the spring, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Wellington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ayutthaya in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Wellington averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Wellington during spring. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Wellingtonin October. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Ayutthaya is October to April. The rainy season in Ayutthaya is May to October.

Typical Weather for Wellington and Ayutthaya