A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ayutthaya vs. Xiamen for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Xiamen?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Xiamen? 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.

Where Should I go: Ayutthaya or Xiamen?

Ayutthaya

Once the largest city in the world, Ayutthaya, is the example of an ancient capital within a modern city. Located in the central plains of Thailand, this spot is ideally located between China, India and the Malay Archipelago creating the perfect place for trade in Asia. Eighteenth century maps from Holland and France show golden palaces, large ceremony spots and trading vessels from all over the world. Suddenly, in 1767, Ayutthaya experienced a tragic fall from grace with a Burmese invasion burning much of the city to the ground.

Xiamen

Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Xiamen or Ayutthaya?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ayutthaya is $62, while the average daily cost in Xiamen is $64. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ayutthaya and Xiamen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ayutthaya $21
    Xiamen $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ayutthaya $42
    Xiamen $60
Compare Hotels in Ayutthaya and Xiamen

Looking for a hotel in Ayutthaya or Xiamen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Ayutthaya


Hotels in Xiamen


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ayutthaya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ayutthaya $27
    Xiamen $5.98
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ayutthaya

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:


  • River Ferry Crossing
    $0.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ayutthaya

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ayutthaya:

  • Transfer from Bangkok: $97

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen

Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Gaoqi Airport to Xiamen City Hotel: $10
  • Private Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Transfers in Xiamen City: $12
  • Xiamen North Railway Station Private Transfer from City Area: $19
  • Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Private Transfer to Local Railway Station : $19
  • Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
  • Private Transfer between Riyue Gu Hotspring Resort and Xiamen City : $32
  • Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Xiamen Airport Transfer: $47
  • Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89
  • Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
  • Private Transfer Between Xiamen City and HongKeng Hakka Tulou Cluster: $89
  • Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hua’an Earth Building: $89
  • Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98

Is it cheaper to fly into Ayutthaya or Xiamen?

Prices for flights to both Xiamen and Ayutthaya change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ayutthaya $20
    Xiamen $26
Typical Food Prices in Ayutthaya

Some typical examples of dining costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    $3.82
  • Ice Cream
    $0.82
  • Breakfast for 2
    $3.82
  • Breakfast for 2
    $9.55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ayutthaya

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ayutthaya.

  • Bangkok: VELA Dinner Cruise Ticket: $19

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ayutthaya $27
    Xiamen $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ayutthaya

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ayutthaya are as follows:


  • Temple Entrances (2)
    $5.46
  • Wat Entrance
    $1.36

Tours and Activities in Ayutthaya

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ayutthaya are as follows:

  • AYUTTHAYA : Private Car Rental & Customize Tour with Driver: $49
  • Ayutthaya 1-day Private Tour : UNESCO World Heritage Site: $141
  • Ayutthaya City and Historical Park Bike Tour: $35
  • Ayutthaya’s Heritage Revealed A Day Tour from Bangkok: $632
  • Ancient City Temple Tour: $162
  • Colors of UNESCO Heritage 6 hour Bicycle Tour: $54
  • From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Day Tour Small Group: $57
  • From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Full Day Private Guided Tour: $350
  • From Bangkok: Tour Ayutthaya + Lunch + Spanish guide: $146
  • The Incredible Ayutthaya Ancient Temple Tour: $51

Tours and Activities in Xiamen

For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Xiamen Private English Tour Guide Service: $93
  • Xiamen Private Half Day Tour of Gulangyu Island and Shuzhuang Garden: $97
  • Private Xiamen Half Day Tour to Gulangyu Island and the Hi Heaven Villa: $97
  • A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
  • Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour to Experience Xiamen Botanical Garden: $105
  • Private Xiamen Sea Food Market & Zhongshan Road Shopping and Eating Experience: $107
  • Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $109
  • Flexible Private Half-Day Tour to Visit the Top Attraction Xiamen Yuanbo Garden: $110
  • Day Tour to Admire the Panorama of Gulangyu Island and Visit the Precious Birds: $110
  • 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $113
  • Xiamen Half-Day Private Tour include Gulang Yu Island and Garden : $119
  • 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ayutthaya $18
    Xiamen $17


When comparing the travel costs between Ayutthaya and Xiamen, we can see that Xiamen is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ayutthaya Expensive? and Is Xiamen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Xiamen?

Xiamen has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Xiamen, 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 Xiamen?

Xiamen 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 Xiamen in the Summer?

Both Xiamen 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.

In July, Ayutthaya is generally around the same temperature as Xiamen. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Xiamen fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

Xiamen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in July than Xiamen. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ayutthaya 29°C (84°F) 
    Xiamen 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Xiamen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Xiamen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round.

Ayutthaya is a little warmer than Xiamen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Xiamen fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Xiamen. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 29 mm (1.1 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ayutthaya 28°C (82°F) 
    Xiamen 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Xiamen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Xiamen. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Xiamen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ayutthaya in January average around 25°C (78°F), and Xiamen averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in January than Xiamen. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ayutthaya 25°C (78°F) 
    Xiamen 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Xiamen in the Spring?

Both Xiamen and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year.

Ayutthaya can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Xiamen. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 31°C (88°F), and Xiamen fluctuates around 20°C (69°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Xiamen. In April, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Xiamen. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 147 mm (5.8 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ayutthaya 31°C (88°F) 
    Xiamen 20°C (69°F)

Typical Weather for Xiamen and Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya Xiamen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (78°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 30°C (85°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (69°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 24°C (76°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jun 30°C (85°F) 102 mm (4 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 30°C (86°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 30°C (85°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 292 mm (11.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 180 mm (7.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 25 mm (1 in)