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

Should you visit Eilat or Ayutthaya?

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

Should I visit Eilat or Ayutthaya? 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: Eilat or Ayutthaya?

Eilat

Eilat serves as the gateway to Israel from Egypt. It's located at the southern tip of the country and sits on the Red Sea with views of the Gulf of Aqaba. It's location in the Negev Desert along the beautiful coast make it appealing to both domestic and international vacationers.

Eilat is a resort town with many dive shops and snorkeling opportunities. The population of about 50,000 can easily be overshadowed by vacationers. With no shortage of sun, entertainment, bars, and partying, you will find both Israeli and international tourists looking for an oasis of fun and relaxation.

Although the area's coral reefs were being damaged by overuse, the removal of contraversial fish cages in 2008 has led to a slow recovery and an improvement in the quality of diving and snorkeling in the area. There are also less crowds than you will find in Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab, Egypt.

Eilat has a hot desert climate. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are warm and dry. Temperatures in the winter can range from 52 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures are usually between 79 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Israel, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Israel, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Ayutthaya or Eilat?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Eilat is $140, while the average daily cost in Ayutthaya is $62. 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 Eilat and Ayutthaya in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Eilat $93
    Ayutthaya $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Eilat $186
    Ayutthaya $42
Compare Hotels in Eilat and Ayutthaya

Looking for a hotel in Eilat or Ayutthaya? 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 Eilat


Hotels in Ayutthaya


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: Eilat Hotel Prices and Ayutthaya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Eilat $13
    Ayutthaya $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Eilat

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Eilat:


  • Local Bus
    $3.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Eilat

Also for Eilat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer From Ramon airport Eilat to Eilat Hotels or Arava Border : $70
  • From Jerusalem: One-Way Shuttle Transfer to Eilat: $90

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 Eilat or Ayutthaya?

Prices for flights to both Ayutthaya and Eilat 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
    Eilat $35
    Ayutthaya $20

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.
    Eilat $16
    Ayutthaya $27

Tours and Activities in Eilat

For Eilat, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Glass Bottom Boat Cruise in Eilat: $30
  • Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains: $55
  • From Timna Park Guided Jeep Tour: $63
  • Red canyon jeep tour in Eilat: $70
  • Timna park Jeep tour adventure: $70
  • Park Timna: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
  • Red Canyon: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
  • Timna Park Tour from Eilat: $150
  • Petra 1-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Traditional Lunch: $199
  • Full-Day Tour of Petra from Eilat: $199
  • 1 Day Tour to Petra From Eilat: $217
  • Day Tour to Petra from Eilat: $219

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 : Private Car Rental & Customize Tour with Driver: $49
  • Ayutthaya 1-day Private Tour : UNESCO World Heritage Site: $141
  • Ayutthaya City and Historical Park Bike Tour: $35
  • Ayutthaya’s Heritage Revealed A Day Tour from Bangkok: $632
  • Ancient City Temple Tour: $162
  • Colors of UNESCO Heritage 6 hour Bicycle Tour: $54
  • From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Day Tour Small Group: $57
  • From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Full Day Private Guided Tour: $350
  • From Bangkok: Tour Ayutthaya + Lunch + Spanish guide: $146
  • The Incredible Ayutthaya Ancient Temple Tour: $51

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Eilat $27
    Ayutthaya $18


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Eilat and Ayutthaya, we can see that Eilat is more expensive. And not only is Ayutthaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Eilat 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 Eilat would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Eilat 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 Eilat Expensive? and Is Ayutthaya Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Eilat or Ayutthaya?

Ayutthaya has a larger population, and is about 80% larger than the population of Eilat. When comparing the sizes of Eilat 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 Eilat 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 Eilat or Ayutthaya in the Summer?

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

It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. Eilat usually gets less rain in July than Ayutthaya. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Eilat this time of the year. In the summer, Eilat often gets more sunshine than Ayutthaya. Eilat gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ayutthaya receives 176 hours of full sun.

The heat can be very extreme in Eilat. In the summer, Eilat is a little warmer than Ayutthaya. Typically, the summer temperatures in Eilat in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Ayutthaya averages at about 29°C (84°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Eilat 33°C (91°F) 
    Ayutthaya 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Ayutthaya in the Autumn?

Both Ayutthaya and Eilat are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Eilat 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 Ayutthaya is October to April. The rainy season in Ayutthaya is May to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. In October, Eilat usually receives less rain than Ayutthaya. Eilat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Eilat. Eilat usually receives more sunshine than Ayutthaya during autumn. Eilat gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Ayutthaya receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Eilat is generally around the same temperature as Ayutthaya. Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 26°C (79°F), and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Eilat 26°C (79°F) 
    Ayutthaya 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Ayutthaya in the Winter?

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

Eilat usually gets less rain in January than Ayutthaya. Eilat gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Eilat. In the winter, Eilat often gets less sunshine than Ayutthaya. Eilat gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ayutthaya receives 276 hours of full sun.

Eilat is much colder than Ayutthaya in the winter. The daily temperature in Eilat averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Eilat 14°C (57°F) 
    Ayutthaya 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Ayutthaya in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Eilat and Ayutthaya. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Eilat 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. In April, Eilat usually receives less rain than Ayutthaya. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In Eilat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Eilat usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ayutthaya during spring. Eilat gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Ayutthaya receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

Ayutthaya can become quite hot in the spring. In the spring, Eilat is cooler than Ayutthaya. Typically, the spring temperatures in Eilat in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Ayutthaya averages at about 31°C (88°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Eilat 24°C (75°F) 
    Ayutthaya 31°C (88°F)

Typical Weather for Ayutthaya and Eilat

Eilat Ayutthaya
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (78°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 30°C (85°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 31°C (88°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 30°C (86°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 30°C (85°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 29°C (84°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (83°F) 292 mm (11.5 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)