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

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

Where Should I go: Petra or Ayutthaya?

Petra

Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.

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 Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Ayutthaya or Petra?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $125, 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 Petra and Ayutthaya in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Ayutthaya $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Ayutthaya $42
Compare Hotels in Petra and Ayutthaya

Looking for a hotel in Petra 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 Petra


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: Petra Hotel Prices and Ayutthaya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Petra $23
    Ayutthaya $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:

  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Ma'in Hotel and vice versa: $73
  • Petra to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $80
  • Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
  • Private Transfer from Petra City Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $93
  • Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
  • Petra Private Transfer to or from Aqaba: $105
  • Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels Private Transfer: $110
  • Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $118
  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
  • Private Transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $135
  • Petra to Madaba Private Transfer: $140
  • Petra to Sheikh Hussein Crossing Border Private Transfer: $180

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 Petra or Ayutthaya?

Prices for flights to both Ayutthaya and Petra 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
    Petra $38
    Ayutthaya $20
Typical Food Prices in Petra

Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:


  • Dinner for Two
    $12
  • Juice
    $1.76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.

  • Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. : $45
  • Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $300

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.
    Petra $47
    Ayutthaya $27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:


  • Entry to Petra for One
    $71

Tours and Activities in Petra

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:

  • 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
  • Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $90
  • Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $120
  • Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
  • Private Petra Back Entrance Tour with Guide .: $140
  • 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
  • Wadi Rum Private Tour from Petra with Martian and Star Wars Film Site: $173
  • Petra Back Entrance Private Walking Tour: $215
  • Private Full-Day Tour to Petra and Wadi Rum from Dead Sea: $269
  • Private Back Trail Tour of Petra starting from the Monastery : $276

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Ayutthaya $18


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


Which is Bigger, Petra or Ayutthaya?

Ayutthaya has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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 Petra 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 Petra or Ayutthaya in the Summer?

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Ayutthaya. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Ayutthaya during summer. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Ayutthaya receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


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

Should I visit Petra or Ayutthaya in the Autumn?

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

October to April is the dry season in Ayutthaya. May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Petra usually gets less rain in October than Ayutthaya. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Petra. In the autumn, Petra often gets more sunshine than Ayutthaya. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ayutthaya receives 206 hours of full sun.

In October, Petra is generally around the same temperature as Ayutthaya. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 27°C (80°F), and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Ayutthaya 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Petra or Ayutthaya in the Winter?

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

In January, Petra usually receives more rain than Ayutthaya. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives less sunshine than Ayutthaya during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Ayutthaya receives 276 hours of full sun in the winter.

Petra is much colder than Ayutthaya in the winter. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 15°C (59°F) in January, and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Ayutthaya 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Petra or Ayutthaya in the Spring?

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

Also, October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. May to October in Ayutthaya is the rainy season. Petra usually gets less rain in April than Ayutthaya. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 71 mm (2.8 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 Petra this time of the year. In the spring, Petra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ayutthaya. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ayutthaya receives 262 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya can become quite hot in the spring. In the spring, Petra is cooler than Ayutthaya. Typically, the spring temperatures in Petra in April average around 25°C (76°F), and Ayutthaya averages at about 31°C (88°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Ayutthaya 31°C (88°F)

Typical Weather for Ayutthaya and Petra

Petra Ayutthaya
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 25°C (78°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 30°C (85°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 31°C (88°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 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 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 29°C (84°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (83°F) 292 mm (11.5 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)


Related Articles for Petra
Related Articles for Ayutthaya