A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Can Tho vs. Ayutthaya for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Can Tho or Ayutthaya?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Can Tho and Ayutthaya can help you decide which place is right for you.

Can Tho

Can Tho is a fascinating, vibrant, and friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a famous, popular, and historical city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Can Tho and Ayutthaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Can Tho or Ayutthaya?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Can Tho than Ayutthaya. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Can Tho is very popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Ayutthaya attracts visitors for its historical sights. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Can Tho and is popular for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Can Tho is famous for its colorful floating markets, fresh produce, friendly people, and intricate waterways. It is also well known for Cai Rang Floating Market.

How is Can Tho different from Ayutthaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ayutthaya and Can Tho. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Can Tho or Ayutthaya?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Can Tho and Ayutthaya.

Many visitors head to Can Tho specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The main attraction nearby is Cai Rang Floating Market, but visitors also enjoy seeing Binh Thuy Ancient House, the Can Tho Rice Noodle Factory, Ong pagoda, and Nam Nha Pagoda.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Ayutthaya can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Can Tho or Ayutthaya? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Can Tho and Ayutthaya offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

Can Tho has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's the largest city in the Mekong Delta, and there are many restaurants with rooftop views and lively atmospheres. The food is local and fresh. Grilled meats, noodle soup, and local produce are all popular. Many visitors come to Cantho specifically to experience the nearby floating markets. You really must sample the many dishes available at the markets, which are unique to the area and offer a whole new approach to street food.

Dining out in Ayutthaya is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Can Tho or Ayutthaya Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Can Tho and Ayutthaya.

If you're looking for night time activities Can Tho has a few options to choose from. The city is very beautiful at night with many colorful lights. There are a number of bars and places for tourists to hang out and socialize.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Ayutthaya. There are a number of bars and nightclubs that keep things lively well into the evening.

Is Can Tho or Ayutthaya Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is great for its old town. However, Can Tho does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

Can Tho does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Can Tho or Ayutthaya?

Can Tho 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.

Can Tho is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is large with malls and a central market, but most visitors come specifically for the nearby floating markets. These unique markets are best visited by boat. Goods and food are sold out of vendor boats and popular food dishes include noodle soup and local fruits. Each boat has a tall bamboo stick displaying the items that it sells.

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 Can Tho or Ayutthaya Better for Families?

Can Tho 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.

Can Tho is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids and adults alike will be fascinated by the floating markets and the beautiful Mekong Delta. Most visitors use this growing city as a base for exploring the area, which has a fascinating culture and interesting sights.

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 Can Tho or Ayutthaya Better for Couples?

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

Can Tho is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can take a romantic evening boat ride on the Mekong Delta. During the morning hours, the floating markets are one of Vietnam's most interesting destinations. You can sample local dishes and experience a completely different way of life.

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 Can Tho or Ayutthaya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Can Tho and Ayutthaya are great places to visit.

Many backpackers visit Can Tho. This is a large city with a number of hostels and many backpackers who pass through during their trip to the floating markets and through the Mekong Delta.

Ayutthaya is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The historic temples are popular with all tourists, including backpackers who often visit as a day trip from Bangkok.

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

Can Tho and Ayutthaya both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Can Tho. There are local buses, but many visitors come to this area as part of an organized tour because transportation can be a bit a tricky.

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.

Is Can Tho or Ayutthaya a more walkable city?

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

Can Tho is somewhat walkable. The city center is relatively walkable.

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 Can Tho Worth Visiting? and Is Ayutthaya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ayutthaya or Can Tho?

How long in Can Tho or Ayutthaya?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Can Tho or Ayutthaya to fill your time. In our opinion, Can Tho has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Can Tho than Ayutthaya. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Can Tho 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 Can Tho.

One day in Can Tho or Ayutthaya?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Can Tho. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Can Tho has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Ayutthaya, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Can Tho or Ayutthaya?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Can Tho. 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.

In Ayutthaya, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ayutthaya has to offer.

Five days in Can Tho or Ayutthaya?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fascinating city of Can Tho. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ayutthaya is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Can Tho or Ayutthaya?

Can Tho is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ayutthaya. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ayutthaya. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Vietnam, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Vietnam, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Can Tho and Ayutthaya, 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 Can Tho Expensive? and Is Ayutthaya Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Can Tho or Ayutthaya?

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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Can Tho or Ayutthaya in the Summer?

Both Ayutthaya and Can Tho during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Can Tho because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round.

Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Can Tho. Can Tho usually gets more rain in July than Ayutthaya. Can Tho gets 313 mm (12.3 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Can Tho often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ayutthaya. Can Tho gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ayutthaya receives 176 hours of full sun.

In July, Can Tho is generally around the same temperature as Ayutthaya. Daily temperatures in Can Tho average around 28°C (82°F), and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Should I visit Can Tho or Ayutthaya in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Can Tho and Ayutthaya. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Can Tho year-round. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

December to April in Can Tho is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Can Tho. October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Can Tho gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Can Tho usually receives more rain than Ayutthaya. Can Tho gets 343 mm (13.5 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. Can Tho usually receives less sunshine than Ayutthaya during autumn. Can Tho gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Ayutthaya receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Can Tho is around the same temperature as Ayutthaya in the autumn. The daily temperature in Can Tho averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Can Tho or Ayutthaya in the Winter?

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

Can Tho usually gets more rain in January than Ayutthaya. Can Tho gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Can Tho this time of the year. In the winter, Can Tho often gets less sunshine than Ayutthaya. Can Tho gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ayutthaya receives 276 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Can Tho is around the same temperature as Ayutthaya. Typically, the winter temperatures in Can Tho in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Ayutthaya averages at about 25°C (78°F).

Should I visit Can Tho or Ayutthaya in the Spring?

Both Ayutthaya and Can Tho are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Can Tho throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Can Tho is December to April. The rainy season in Can Tho is May to November. The dry season in Ayutthaya is October to April. The rainy season in Ayutthaya is May to October. It's quite rainy in Can Tho. In April, Can Tho usually receives more rain than Ayutthaya. Can Tho gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Can Tho. Can Tho usually receives less sunshine than Ayutthaya during spring. Can Tho gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Ayutthaya receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's very hot in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In April, Can Tho is generally around the same temperature as Ayutthaya. Daily temperatures in Can Tho average around 29°C (84°F), and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).

Typical Weather for Ayutthaya and Can Tho