A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Chiang Mai vs. Ayutthaya for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Chiang Mai and Ayutthaya. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a laid-back, friendly, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a famous, popular, and historical city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Chiang Mai and Ayutthaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chiang Mai than Ayutthaya, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Chiang Mai is popular for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. It is also home to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Ayutthaya is popular for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok.

How is Chiang Mai different from Ayutthaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya?

Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai that are not to be missed. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many beautiful temples in the area. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a mountain-top temple that is an iconic landmark in the city. Other famous sights include Doi Inthanon and Wat Chedi Luang.

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 Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Chiang Mai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. For many, this city offers some of the best food in all of Thailand. The cuisine is influenced by nearby Burma and China, with ginger and turmeric often used. Curries tend to be a bit milder and dishes are often served with sticky rice. Famous dishes around town include Khao Soi, Larb Kua, and Sai Oua. Cooking classes are also very popular around town and the courses often include a trip to a market.

Ayutthaya has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya Better for Nightlife?

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

Chiang Mai has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It is the largest city in Northern Thailand, so it has the most active nightlife scene in the area. Whatever your style, you can find something to do at night here. Many people head to the riverside to drink and listen to music. You'll also find clubs concentrated around Nimmanhaemin Road and Loy Kroh Road. There's also the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, which is packed with stalls and people sampling food and drinks.

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 Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the superb old town areas in both Chiang Mai and Ayutthaya.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Chiang Mai. The old city is about 1.5 square kilometers in size and it has four gates, one on each side. The most famous area is Sunday Walking Street, which comes to life at 4pm every day when it is lined with stalls and filled with people.

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.

Is Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

People visit Chiang Mai specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Many people use this city as a base for a trekking excursion into the surrounding countryside. The land is lush and beautiful and many treks also expose you to the welcoming Hilltribe people of Northern Thailand. Treks can be organized at almost any hotel or hostel as well the many tour agencies around town.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya?

Chiang Mai 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.

Chiang Mai is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is famous for its night markets, which run every night of the year until around midnight. You'll find the streets packed with people and vendors, rain or shine. This is a great place to search for local handicrafts and try some of the city's famous street food. Popular items to buy include rice boxes, silk, and Thai sky lanterns.

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 Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya Better for Families?

Chiang Mai 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.

Chiang Mai is a very family-friendly place to visit. This city is very friendly and welcoming to kids. There are many cultural and adventurous activities that the whole family can enjoy. One of the most popular kid-friendly places to visit is the Elephant Sanctuary, where kids can get up close and personal with these beautiful animals. Kids will also enjoy heading into the countryside to trek or visit one of Thailand’s Hilltribes. The cultural experience and opportunity to meet a diversity of kids will be an experience your children will never forget. In town, a cooking class is a popular option for budding foodies.

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 Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya Better for Couples?

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

Chiang Mai is a very popular place to visit for couples. Trekking, rafting, temples, and some of the best food in Thailand all make this city a popular destination for a couple's getaway. The region is perfect for adventurous couples who want to experience more of the authentic side of Thailand.

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 Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chiang Mai is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. This is one of the biggest backpacker mecca's in Southeast Asia, and you'll find the city flooded with budget travelers out to experience it all. There are countless hostels and budget hotels available and most will organize treks and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and many visitors end up staying longer than they planned. Prices in Northern Thailand are also much more affordable than many other areas.

Many backpackers visit Ayutthaya. The historic temples are popular with all tourists, including backpackers who often visit as a day trip from Bangkok.

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

Chiang Mai is a popular place for its public transit. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Chiang Mai has a few public transit options. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

Public transit is mostly 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 Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya a more walkable city?

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

Chiang Mai is somewhat walkable. Although there are a few walking streets, the city can get very crowded and many places are easier to access with a tuk tuk or taxi.

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 Chiang Mai Worth Visiting? and Is Ayutthaya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ayutthaya or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Chiang Mai than Ayutthaya because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Ayutthaya.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai.

One day in Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya?

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the popular 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.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya?

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

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.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya?

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

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.

A week in Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya?

Chiang Mai is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chiang Mai, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best 3-Day Tours from Bangkok, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Chiang Mai.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Ayutthaya, we can see that Ayutthaya is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya in the Summer?

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

June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in July than Ayutthaya. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Ayutthaya. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ayutthaya receives 176 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Ayutthaya in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya in the Autumn?

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

November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. 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. Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Ayutthaya. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 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. In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Ayutthaya during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Ayutthaya receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Ayutthaya. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Ayutthaya averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya in the Winter?

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

Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. Chiang Mai usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Ayutthaya. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 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 Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the winter, Chiang Mai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ayutthaya. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ayutthaya receives 276 hours of full sun.

In January, Chiang Mai is generally around the same temperature as Ayutthaya. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya in the Spring?

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

The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September. The dry season in Ayutthaya is October to April. The rainy season in Ayutthaya is May to October. In April, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Ayutthaya. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 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 Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ayutthaya during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Ayutthaya receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

The heat can be very extreme in Ayutthaya. It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Ayutthaya in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).

Typical Weather for Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai