Which place is cheaper, Xi'an or Ayutthaya?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ayutthaya or Xi'an?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Xi'an? 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 Xi'an?
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.
Xi'an
Xi'an is an ancient city in the Shaanxi Province in China. Today it is most notable as the location of the Terracotta Warriors, but for visitors who choose to linger, there is so much more to see and do in the area. The city itself is more than 3,000 years old and for about one thousand years, through 13 dynasties and 73 emperors, it was the capital. Because of its rich history there are many historical ruins and a strong culture in the city. Today the city is a pleasant place to visit, although much of it's influence and power has dwindled. The city has both cosmopolitan and modern areas as well as historic and culturally rich areas. The neighborhoods are diverse and by exploring the city in depth you can learn a little more about what China really has to offer.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAyutthaya $62Xi'an $94
The average daily cost (per person) in Ayutthaya is $62, while the average daily cost in Xi'an is $94. 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 Xi'an in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAyutthaya $21Xi'an $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAyutthaya $42Xi'an $120
Compare Hotels in Ayutthaya and Xi'an
Looking for a hotel in Ayutthaya or Xi'an? 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ayutthaya $27Xi'an $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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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 Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- Xi'an Airport Transfer: $17
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Xi'an Central Train Station: $21
- Private Departure Transfer to Xi'an International Airport from City Hotels: $22
- Private Transfer from Xi'an hotel to Xi'an train station: $27
- Airport Transfer] Xi'an Airport Xi'an City Transfer High reputation for service! : $27
- Xi'an Terracotta Army Tickets with Optional Guide/Transfer: $28
- Xian City to Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) - Departure Private Transfer: $28
- Private Airport Transfer:Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $29
- Private Airport Transfer: Xi'an Hotel to Xianyang International Airport: $29
- Xi’an Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $29
- Xi’an Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area: $29
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Ayutthaya or Xi'an?
Prices for flights to both Xi'an 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
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Food Meals for one dayAyutthaya $20Xi'an $12
Typical Food Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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Lunch for 2$3.82
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Ice Cream$0.82
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Breakfast for 2$3.82
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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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.
- Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $32
- Dinner and Show of Tang Dynasty Palace in Xian: $40
- Private Home Cooking Class:Dumpling Cooking Class Tour in Xi'an: $50
- Xi'an Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $62
- Private Xi’an Night & Food Tour by Tuk Tuk and Public Transportation: $67
- Xi'an Evening Food Tour by TukTuk: $69
- 4 Hours Food Tours in Xi'an: $72
- 3-Hour Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class in Xi'an: $75
- Authentic Muslim Alley Food Tour in Xi'an: $75
- Authentic Old Xi'an Back Street Food Tour : $75
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show and Dumpling Dinner with Hotel Transfer: $76
- Half-day Xi'an Steamed Buns(Baozi) Cooking Class with Market Visit: $78
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ayutthaya $27Xi'an $35
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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Temple Entrances (2)$5.46
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Wat Entrance$1.36
Tours and Activities in Ayutthaya
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ayutthaya are as follows:
- Ayutthaya City and Historical Park Bike Tour: $35
- AYUTTHAYA : Private Car Rental & Customize Tour with Driver: $49
- The Incredible Ayutthaya Ancient Temple Tour: $51
- Colors of UNESCO Heritage 6 hour Bicycle Tour: $54
- From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Day Tour Small Group: $57
- Ayutthaya 1-day Private Tour : UNESCO World Heritage Site: $141
- From Bangkok: Tour Ayutthaya + Lunch + Spanish guide: $146
- Ancient City Temple Tour: $162
- From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Full Day Private Guided Tour: $350
- Ayutthaya’s Heritage Revealed A Day Tour from Bangkok: $632
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Xi'an Virtual Tour: Emperor Qin Shi Huang and His Terracotta Army: $15
- Terra-cotta Warriors Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $26
- Terracotta Warriors 5-Hour Private Tour w/ Optional Pickup Point: $26
- Terracotta Army Ticket: $28
- Group Bus Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Hotel Pickup & Lunch: $35
- Terracotta Warriors Tickets Booking: $35
- Tang Dynasty Palace Show Tickets Booking: $37
- Terra-cotta Warriors Ticket with Optional Car & Guided Service: $38
- Xi'an City Wall: Guided Tour with Cycling Option: $43
- Xi'an Religions Tour: $45
- Leisure Night Walking Tour of Xi’an: $46
- Xi'an City Walking Tour: $46
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAyutthaya $18Xi'an $7.23
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Xi'an, we can see that Xi'an 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 Xi'an would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Xi'an 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 Xi'an Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Xi'an?
Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Xi'an, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.