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

Should you visit Dubai 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 Dubai and Ayutthaya can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a modern, glamorous, and opulent city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a famous, popular, and historical city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Dubai and Ayutthaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Ayutthaya?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dubai than Ayutthaya. Dubai is bigger than Ayutthaya, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dubai is better known for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ayutthaya is more popular for its historical sights. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Dubai and is popular for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Dubai is well known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. Also, Dubai is famous for Burj Khalifa.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Ayutthaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Ayutthaya Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Ayutthaya is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Dubai to take advantage of their winter sports. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Ayutthaya is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubai or Ayutthaya?

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Ayutthaya and Dubai.

Many visitors head to Dubai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

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 Dubai or Ayutthaya? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Dubai and Ayutthaya both to be great destinations.

Dubai has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

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.

Is Dubai or Ayutthaya Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Dubai is a world class party destination. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

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 Dubai or Ayutthaya Better for Music?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Ayutthaya is not a live music destination.

Dubai is a world class music destination. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Ayutthaya is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Ayutthaya Better for Resorts?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Ayutthaya is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Dubai is a great choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Ayutthaya is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Ayutthaya Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ayutthaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Dubai has a few good snorkeling spots. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Ayutthaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Ayutthaya Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a popular place for its beaches. However, Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Dubai is a good option for a beach vacation. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Is Dubai or Ayutthaya Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Dubai 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.

Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Ayutthaya?

Dubai 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.

Dubai is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

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 Dubai or Ayutthaya Better for Families?

Dubai 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.

Dubai is a very family-friendly place to visit. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

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 Dubai or Ayutthaya Better for Couples?

Both Dubai and Ayutthaya are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Dubai is a good city for couples to visit. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

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.

Is Dubai or Ayutthaya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ayutthaya is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

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

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Ayutthaya Better for Students?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for students. However, Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

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

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

Dubai has a few public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

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 Dubai or Ayutthaya a more walkable city?

Dubai is a moderate city for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

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 Dubai Worth Visiting? and Is Ayutthaya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ayutthaya or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Ayutthaya?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dubai or Ayutthaya to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dubai than Ayutthaya because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Ayutthaya.

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

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

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

One day in Dubai or Ayutthaya?

People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

In Ayutthaya, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dubai or Ayutthaya?

People visit Dubai because there is so much to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ayutthaya. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Ayutthaya?

People visit Dubai 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. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Ayutthaya is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Ayutthaya. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dubai or Ayutthaya?

Dubai is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dubai, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the popular destination of Ayutthaya. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Ayutthaya, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Ayutthaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Ayutthaya is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is Ayutthaya Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Ayutthaya?

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

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

June to August is the dry season in Dubai. Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Ayutthaya. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is a little warmer than Ayutthaya. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Ayutthaya averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Should I visit Dubai or Ayutthaya in the Autumn?

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

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. In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Ayutthaya. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Should I visit Dubai or Ayutthaya in the Winter?

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

January to March in Dubai is the rainy season. Dubai usually gets more rain in January than Ayutthaya. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Dubai is cooler than Ayutthaya in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Should I visit Dubai or Ayutthaya in the Spring?

Both Ayutthaya and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai 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 Dubai is June to August. The dry season in Ayutthaya is October to April. The rainy season in Ayutthaya is May to October. In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Ayutthaya. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Ayutthaya can become quite hot in the spring. In the spring, Dubai is cooler than Ayutthaya. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Ayutthaya averages at about 31°C (88°F).

Typical Weather for Ayutthaya and Dubai