A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Koh Samui vs. Ayutthaya for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Koh Samui or Ayutthaya?

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

Should I visit Koh Samui 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.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a tropical, rainforest-covered, and lush resort island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Ayutthaya

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

Koh Samui and Ayutthaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Samui or Ayutthaya?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Samui than Ayutthaya, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Samui is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ayutthaya is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Koh Samui is well known for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Also, Koh Samui is famous for The Big Buddha Temple. Ayutthaya is well known for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok.

How is Koh Samui different from Ayutthaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Samui or Ayutthaya?

Ayutthaya is a great city for its historical sights. However, Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

Ayutthaya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Koh Samui or Ayutthaya? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Koh Samui and Ayutthaya can be difficult as they are each high quality in their own way.

Koh Samui has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Food on the island is fresh and delicious. You'll find fine dining restaurants as well as hole in the wall dives where you can enjoy local flavors. There are also international restaurants if you need a break from the curries. Beachfront restaurants offer a beautiful setting and sunset dinner cruises are a not to be missed experience. Authentically local dishes usually include some form of coconut but there are also other common Thai dishes available almost anywhere like curries or Pad Thai.

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 Koh Samui or Ayutthaya Better for Nightlife?

Koh Samui 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.

Koh Samui is a world class party destination. All night beach parties, cheap bars, and lively dance clubs all give this island its party atmosphere. Young travelers from around the globe head here to enjoy music, cheap drinks, and world class fun. For the most active nightlife, head to Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach or Bophut Beach.

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 Koh Samui or Ayutthaya Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Koh Samui is a great choice. The island is filled with countless resorts, hotels, and private villas that you can rent. You can choose from beachfront properties or resorts that are located in the hills, which offer beautiful views. The resorts often have pools and range from five star all the way down to budget-friendly.

Ayutthaya is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Samui or Ayutthaya Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Samui is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ayutthaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Koh Samui. It's easy to arrange snorkeling or scuba diving trips through hotels or travel companies, but it's also possible to snorkel right off the shore in places like Chaweng Beach. Due to the island's popularity, the coral isn't always the healthiest, but the water is clear and you'll likely see some interesting sea life just off the shore.

Ayutthaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Samui or Ayutthaya Better for Beaches?

Koh Samui is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Samui. The white sand beaches are lined with coconut trees and look out on crystal blue waters, making this a perfect tropical destination. There are lively activity-filled beaches as well as quiet retreats where you can enjoy a peaceful setting away from the crowds.

Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Samui or Ayutthaya Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Koh Samui does not have a historic old town.

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.

Koh Samui does not have a historic old town.

Is Koh Samui or Ayutthaya Better for Hiking?

Koh Samui is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Koh Samui is a popular spot for hiking. Hikes will take you inland through the beautiful rainforest. There are hidden waterfalls as well as Buddha gardens and ridge trails with breathtaking views. Hikes range from easy to challenging, so make sure you understand the skill level required before you set out.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Samui or Ayutthaya?

Ayutthaya is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Ayutthaya. 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.

Koh Samui is a great destination for shopping. The resort areas have the most interesting shops and you'll find the most options around Chaweng. There are boutique shops as well as some malls. You can sometimes negotiate prices down in independently run stores, but some places advertise fixed prices.

Is Koh Samui or Ayutthaya Better for Families?

Koh Samui 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.

Koh Samui is a very family-friendly place to visit. The island is one of the slightly calmer, family-friendly options in Thailand. It has a number of activities that all ages can enjoy including water parks, water sports, and temples to explore. Snorkeling is also fun and there's an aquarium and zoo that you can check out.

Ayutthaya is a family-friendly resort island. 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 Koh Samui or Ayutthaya Better for Couples?

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

Koh Samui is a very popular place to visit for couples. Dinner cruises, beachfront restaurants, and beautiful sunsets all make this island a romantic destination for couples. There are also spas, resorts, and fine dining restaurants that you can enjoy.

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 Koh Samui or Ayutthaya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Koh Samui and Ayutthaya are high quality places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Koh Samui. The island feels a bit more like a holiday destination than a backpacker destination, but it still has a lively nightlife and affordable accommodation around Lamai Beach. It's also a nice place to go for yoga or Muay Thai classes.

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

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

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

Koh Samui has a few public transit options. Songthaew, the Thai version of a bus, and taxis or motorbikes are the best ways to get around the island.

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 Koh Samui or Ayutthaya a more walkable city?

Koh Samui is a moderate resort island for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

Koh Samui is generally not very walkable. The roads have a good amount of traffic and generally aren't designed for walking.

Ayutthaya is not a very walkable resort island. 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 Koh Samui Worth Visiting? and Is Ayutthaya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ayutthaya or Koh Samui?

How long in Koh Samui or Ayutthaya?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Samui or Ayutthaya to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui, and 1-2 days is enough time in Ayutthaya.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui.

One day in Koh Samui or Ayutthaya?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the resort island of Koh Samui. 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.

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

A weekend in Koh Samui or Ayutthaya?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the lush destination of Koh Samui. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This resort island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the popular destination of Ayutthaya. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Five days in Koh Samui or Ayutthaya?

You'll find nightlife and food around the tropical resort island of Koh Samui. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this resort island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this resort island has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Ayutthaya. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Samui or Ayutthaya?

Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Ayutthaya 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui Expensive? and Is Ayutthaya Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Ayutthaya?

Ayutthaya has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui or Ayutthaya in the Summer?

Both Ayutthaya and Koh Samui during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in July than Ayutthaya. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Koh Samui is cooler than Ayutthaya. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Samui in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Ayutthaya averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Should I visit Koh Samui or Ayutthaya in the Autumn?

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

December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Also, October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui. 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. Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Ayutthaya. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In October, Koh Samui is generally cooler than Ayutthaya. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (75°F), and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Koh Samui or Ayutthaya in the Winter?

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

Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in January than Ayutthaya. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Koh Samui is cooler than Ayutthaya in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Should I visit Koh Samui or Ayutthaya in the Spring?

Both Ayutthaya and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui 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. In April, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Ayutthaya. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 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, Koh Samui is cooler than Ayutthaya. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Samui in April average around 24°C (76°F), and Ayutthaya averages at about 31°C (88°F).

Typical Weather for Ayutthaya and Koh Samui