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

Should you visit Hanoi or Ayutthaya?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Ayutthaya can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a fascinating, high energy, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a cultural, famous, and popular city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hanoi and Ayutthaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Ayutthaya?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hanoi than Ayutthaya. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Hanoi and is known for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Hanoi is famous for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. It is also well known for Hoan Kiem Lake.

How is Hanoi different from Ayutthaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hanoi 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 Hanoi that are not to be missed. The city is rich in history and culture, which you can experience through its many museums and temples. Notable sights include the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Imperial Citadel.

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 Hanoi or Ayutthaya? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Hanoi and Ayutthaya.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hanoi. Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and delicious. There are some Chinese influences, but it still has a distinct flavor that's all its own. Most notably, Hanoi is the birthplace of the famous soup, Pho. There are also many dishes that use freshwater fish and seafood. Street food and food stalls are a part of the culture, and you'll find some of the best dishes prepared right on the street.

Ayutthaya has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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 Hanoi or Ayutthaya Better for Nightlife?

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

Hanoi has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There are night markets, nightclubs, and bars that are popular with backpackers and other young travelers. Some of the best streets for nightlife include Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom Street, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.

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 Hanoi or Ayutthaya Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The rich history of Hanoi can be explored in its historical center. This compact and energetic area is filled with history, Vietnamese architecture, traditional food stalls, and some of the city's most interesting streets. It's also at the heart of the city's backpacker scene, and you'll find many hostels in the area.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Ayutthaya?

Hanoi 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.

Hanoi is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Explore the Old Quarter where you'll find narrow shophouses and traditional markets. It's best to explore on foot and pop in to the places that look interesting. Silk Street and Silver Street are particularly fascinating.

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 Hanoi or Ayutthaya Better for Families?

Both Hanoi and Ayutthaya are nice to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Hanoi. Some kids love the energy of the city, but others can get a bit intimidated by it. The traffic and chaotic congestion is part of the experience, but for kids it can feel overwhelming. Take a tour to help ease some of the pressure. Kids will also enjoy going to a water puppet show or visiting a museum such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Ayutthaya offers lots of family activities. 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 Hanoi or Ayutthaya Better for Couples?

Both Hanoi and Ayutthaya are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Hanoi makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy adventure and exploring new cultures will love a trip to this fascinating city. If you want to get out of town, also book a trip through the stunning Halong Bay.

Ayutthaya is a good city for couples to visit. The historical ruins make an easy day trip from Bangkok, so couples who appreciate history and iconic temples will appreciate a visit here.

Is Hanoi or Ayutthaya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi 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.

Hanoi is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a highlight for many backpackers doing the Southeast Asian circuit. It is filled with hostels and cheap places to eat, and there is no shortage of backpackers around town. Most stay in the Old Quarter, where you'll find the highest concentration of hostels and budget accommodation.

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

Is Hanoi or Ayutthaya Better for Students?

Hanoi is notable for students. However, Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

Hanoi is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's affordability, fascinating culture, and accessibility make it a great study abroad destination. The food and plethora of cultural opportunities are a highlight for many international students.

Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Hanoi and Ayutthaya.

Public transit is generally limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.

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 Hanoi or Ayutthaya a more walkable city?

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

Hanoi is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are best explored on foot, but you'll also find crowded areas with motorbikes, food stalls, and cars, so come prepared for a bit of a thrill. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, which is compact and dense.

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 Hanoi Worth Visiting? and Is Ayutthaya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ayutthaya or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Ayutthaya?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hanoi or Ayutthaya to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hanoi than Ayutthaya because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 1-2 days is enough time in Ayutthaya.

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

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

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

One day in Hanoi or Ayutthaya?

People visit Hanoi 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.

In Ayutthaya, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this popular 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 Hanoi or Ayutthaya?

People visit Hanoi because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Hanoi or Ayutthaya?

People visit Hanoi 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 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 Hanoi or Ayutthaya?

Hanoi 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.

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 Tours for Seniors to Vietnam, The Best G Adventures Tours to Vietnam, 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 Hanoi and Ayutthaya, we can see that Ayutthaya is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi 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 Hanoi.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Ayutthaya?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi 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 Hanoi or Ayutthaya?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Ayutthaya in the Summer?

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

Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Ayutthaya. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Should I visit Hanoi or Ayutthaya in the Autumn?

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

Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. Also, October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. May to October in Ayutthaya is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hanoi usually gets less rain in October than Ayutthaya. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Hanoi is cooler than Ayutthaya in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Hanoi or Ayutthaya in the Winter?

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

In January, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Ayutthaya. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In the winter, Hanoi is cooler than Ayutthaya. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hanoi in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Ayutthaya averages at about 25°C (78°F).

Should I visit Hanoi or Ayutthaya in the Spring?

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

November to April is the dry season in Hanoi. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. October to April is the dry season in Ayutthaya. May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in April than Ayutthaya. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's very hot in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In April, Hanoi is generally cooler than Ayutthaya. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 24°C (75°F), and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).

Typical Weather for Ayutthaya and Hanoi