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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Wollongong?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Wollongong? 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.

Wollongong

Wollongong is a trendy, vibrant, and student-friendly coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Ayutthaya and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Wollongong?

You'll generally find more things to do in Wollongong than Ayutthaya. Wollongong is bigger than Ayutthaya, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Wollongong is better known for its nightlife, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Ayutthaya is more popular for its historical sights and shopping. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Wollongong and is popular for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Wollongong is well known for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. Also, Wollongong is famous for Grand Pacific Drive.

How is Ayutthaya different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Ayutthaya and Wollongong have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

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.

Many visitors head to Wollongong specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are several museums like the Wollongong Science Centre and Wollongong Planetarium and the railway museum Trainworks. There's also the Illawarra Museum, which is housed in the former post and telegraph office.

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

Both Ayutthaya and Wollongong 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.

Wollongong has a huge number of terrific restaurants. In recent years a younger crowd of entrepreneurs and self-starters has moved into the city, and with them has come a growing food scene. You'll find local cafes, fine dining restaurants, and many great beachfront restaurants where you can dine.

Is Ayutthaya or Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

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

Wollongong has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene has seen a revitalization in recent years, and in addition to the standard bars and pubs, you'll find local venues that range from quirky to lively.

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 Wollongong Better for Beaches?

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

Wollongong is considered a top beach destination. There are urban beaches, as well as more hidden coastal areas that attract locals and visitors alike. In the heart of the city you'll find North Wollongong Beach and Wollongong City Beach, both of which have picnic areas and are popular with locals.

Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Wollongong Better for its Old Town?

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

Wollongong does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Wollongong Better for Hiking?

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

Wollongong is a good destination for hiking. The surrounding area has many great hikes that can be done as a day trip or even a half day trip. There are waterfalls, city views, and forest walks. Some of the most popular trails include Brokers Nose and Clover Hill Trail.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Wollongong?

Ayutthaya is great for its shopping areas. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Ayutthaya. 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.

Wollongong is a great destination for shopping. The most popular shopping area is Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, which has international brands and all of the big fashion names.

Is Ayutthaya or Wollongong Better for Families?

Wollongong 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.

Wollongong is a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches, nearby nature, and ubiquitous bike trails make this a fun coastal city to explore with kids. There are also interactive museums such as Discovery Space and plenty of playgrounds. Kid-friendly surf lessons as well as the Nan Tien Temple make this a fun and fascinating family destination.

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 Wollongong Better for Couples?

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

Wollongong is a very popular place to visit for couples. The scenic natural areas, including the Grand Pacific Drive or the many bush walks, make this a wonderful couples retreat. There are water sports like surfing as well as horseback riding and even helicopter rides. In the evening, enjoy a nice meal and a sunset view.

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 Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Wollongong is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as many outdoor areas to explore, so backpackers who want to escape the traditional backpacker scene will appreciate some time here.

Is Ayutthaya or Wollongong Better for Students?

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

Wollongong is a good coastal city to visit for students. It's not too far from Sydney and has a smaller, more laid back coastal vibe that appeals to many students.

Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit in Wollongong is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a free Gong shuttle bus that travels around the city center. It runs a loop from Wollongong Station to Wollongong University in both directions. There are also other bus services in town.

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 Wollongong a more walkable city?

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

Wollongong is very walkable. There are walking paths in the city center so it's possible to walk to many tourist destinations.

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 Wollongong Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Wollongong?

It's fun to spend time in either Ayutthaya or Wollongong. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Wollongong due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ayutthaya, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wollongong.

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

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

One day in Ayutthaya or Wollongong?

With museums and nightlife around the famous 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 coastal city of Wollongong. 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 Wollongong?

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 trendy destination of Wollongong. 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 coastal city has to offer. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Wollongong?

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 trendy coastal city of Wollongong. 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 Wollongong?

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.

Wollongong 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Wollongong?

Wollongong has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Wollongong, 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 Wollongong?

Wollongong 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 Wollongong in the Summer?

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

In July, Ayutthaya is generally a little warmer than Wollongongin January. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wollongong. In the summer, Ayutthaya often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin January. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in July than Wollongongin January. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Wollongong in the Autumn?

Both Wollongong 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 Wollongong for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wollongong during autumn. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In October, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Wollongongin April. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 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 Wollongong in the Winter?

Both Wollongong 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 Wollongong in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ayutthaya in January average around 25°C (78°F), and Wollongong averages at about 10°C (50°F)in July.

In Wollongong, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the winter, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Wollongongin July. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in January than Wollongongin July. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Wollongong in the Spring?

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

Ayutthaya can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Wollongongin October. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 31°C (88°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wollongong this time of the year. In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Wollongong during spring. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ayutthaya usually receives around the same amount of rain as Wollongongin October. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 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 Wollongong and Ayutthaya