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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Yichang?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Yichang? 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 Yichang?

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.

Yichang

Yichang, China is an ancient city situated on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in central China. The city is located just below the famed Three Gorges Dam and is a popular ending point for many Yangtze River cruises. Yichang offers beautiful natural scenery and ancient relics from the Three Kingdom Period.

Yichang experiences cool, rainy, winters and hot, humid, summers. Temperatures tend to stay in the 40's Fahrenheit during winter and the 80's in the summer. Spring, Summer, and Autumn are fantastic times to visit, although if you prefer to beat the heat, stay away during late summer!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Beijing, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lhasa.


Which place is cheaper, Yichang 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 Yichang is $58. 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 Yichang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ayutthaya $21
    Yichang $24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ayutthaya $42
    Yichang $48
Compare Hotels in Ayutthaya and Yichang

Looking for a hotel in Ayutthaya or Yichang? 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 Yichang


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
    Yichang $14
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

Is it cheaper to fly into Ayutthaya or Yichang?

Prices for flights to both Yichang 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
    Yichang $21
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
    Yichang $18
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 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 Yichang

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

  • Yichang Tourist Center to Yichang Sanxia Airport (YIH): $53
  • Private Tour: Essence of Yichang Day Tour: $165
  • Private Day Tour in Yichang to Sanyou Cave and Sanxia Waterfall : $239
  • Yichang hotel/Sanxia Tourist Center/Maoping pier to Zhangjiajie: $290
  • From Yichang to Chongqing: 5-Day Cruise with Meals: $761

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ayutthaya $18
    Yichang $14


When comparing the travel costs between Ayutthaya and Yichang, we can see that Ayutthaya 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 Yichang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Yichang?

Yichang has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Yichang, 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 Yichang?

Yichang 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 Yichang in the Summer?

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

Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Yichang in the summer. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Yichang fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

It's quite sunny in Yichang. Ayutthaya usually receives less sunshine than Yichang during summer. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Yichang receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yichang. It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In July, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Yichang. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Yichang receives 229 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ayutthaya 29°C (84°F) 
    Yichang 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Yichang in the Autumn?

Both Yichang and Ayutthaya during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Ayutthaya is a little warmer than Yichang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ayutthaya in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Yichang averages at about 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the autumn, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Yichang. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yichang receives 134 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in October than Yichang. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Yichang receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year. October to April is the dry season in Ayutthaya. May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ayutthaya 28°C (82°F) 
    Yichang 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Yichang in the Winter?

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

In January, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Yichang. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 25°C (78°F), and Yichang fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Yichang during winter. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Yichang receives 92 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Yichang. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Yichang receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ayutthaya 25°C (78°F) 
    Yichang 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Yichang in the Spring?

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

It's very hot in Ayutthaya this time of the year. Ayutthaya is much warmer than Yichang in the spring. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Yichang fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In the spring, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Yichang. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yichang receives 129 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in April than Yichang. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Yichang receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. May to October in Ayutthaya is the rainy season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ayutthaya 31°C (88°F) 
    Yichang 18°C (65°F)

Typical Weather for Yichang and Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya Yichang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (78°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 30°C (85°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Jun 30°C (85°F) 102 mm (4 in) 27°C (80°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 29°C (85°F) 229 mm (9 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 29°C (85°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 292 mm (11.5 in) 25°C (76°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 180 mm (7.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)


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