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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Yogyakarta?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Yogyakarta? 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. See Ayutthaya travel costs.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a cultural, historical, and colorful city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Ayutthaya and Yogyakarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Yogyakarta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Yogyakarta than Ayutthaya. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Yogyakarta and is popular for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Yogyakarta is famous for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. It is also well known for Borobudur Temple.

How is Ayutthaya different from Yogyakarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Yogyakarta is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Yogyakarta that are not to be missed. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

Many visitors head to Ayutthaya specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

Both Ayutthaya and Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

Is Ayutthaya or Yogyakarta Better for Nightlife?

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

Yogyakarta has plenty to do after the sun goes down. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

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 Yogyakarta Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the high quality old towns in both Ayutthaya and Yogyakarta.

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Yogyakarta. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Yogyakarta?

Yogyakarta is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Yogyakarta is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

Ayutthaya is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Ayutthaya or Yogyakarta Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ayutthaya or Yogyakarta.

Ayutthaya is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Yogyakarta is a family-friendly city. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

Is Ayutthaya or Yogyakarta Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ayutthaya and Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

Is Ayutthaya or Yogyakarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ayutthaya and Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

Is Ayutthaya or Yogyakarta Better for Students?

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

Yogyakarta is a good city to visit for students. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

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

Both Ayutthaya and Yogyakarta offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.

Is Ayutthaya or Yogyakarta a more walkable city?

Yogyakarta is a popular place for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

Yogyakarta is somewhat walkable. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

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 Yogyakarta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yogyakarta or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Yogyakarta?

It's fun to spend time in either Ayutthaya or Yogyakarta. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta.

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

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

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

One day in Ayutthaya or Yogyakarta?

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 city of Yogyakarta. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Yogyakarta?

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 historical destination of Yogyakarta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Yogyakarta?

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 youthful city of Yogyakarta. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ayutthaya or Yogyakarta?

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.

Yogyakarta is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Adventure Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Yogyakarta, we can see that Ayutthaya is more expensive. And not only is Yogyakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yogyakarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yogyakarta 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 Ayutthaya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ayutthaya than you might in Yogyakarta.

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

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Yogyakarta?

Yogyakarta has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Yogyakarta, 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.