A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ayutthaya vs. Mount Bromo for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Mount Bromo?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Mount Bromo? 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.

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a famous, popular, and historical city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Ayutthaya travel costs.

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is a scenic, spectacular, and breathtaking volcano. You'll find world class beauty in Mount Bromo as well. It's also known for hiking. See Mount Bromo travel costs.

Ayutthaya and Mount Bromo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Mount Bromo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ayutthaya. Although Ayutthaya and Mount Bromo are both popular with visitors, Ayutthaya has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ayutthaya is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Mount Bromo is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Mount Bromo and is popular for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. It is also home to Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya Historical Park. Mount Bromo is popular for its sunrise views and scenic setting.

How is Ayutthaya different from Mount Bromo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ayutthaya or Mount Bromo?

Ayutthaya is a great city for its historical sights. However, Mount Bromo 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.

Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Ayutthaya or Mount Bromo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ayutthaya is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Ayutthaya. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Mount Bromo. You'll find cheap noodle and rice dishes at the warungs in Cemoro Lawang. Some hotels have breakfast and you should pick up some food and water for the hike at a grocery store in town. There are also some stalls along the route, some that are open even at 3am to accommodate early hikers.

Is Ayutthaya or Mount Bromo Better for Nightlife?

Ayutthaya is a popular place for nightlife. However, Mount Bromo is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Ayutthaya has a few options to choose from. There are a number of bars and nightclubs that keep things lively well into the evening.

People don't go to Mount Bromo for the nightlife. The stars and the early morning hike are the only nightlife you'll find here.

Is Ayutthaya or Mount Bromo Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is a great city for its historic old town. However, Mount Bromo 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.

Mount Bromo does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Mount Bromo Better for Hiking?

Mount Bromo is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Mount Bromo is a popular spot for hiking. The setting is beautiful, and best experienced at sunrise, which means most people hike through the night. Some people take horses and most people organized guided tours.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Mount Bromo?

Ayutthaya is a great city for shopping. However, Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Mount Bromo More Beautiful?

Mount Bromo is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Ayutthaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Mount Bromo as well. The setting and landscapes are spectacular, particularly at sunrise when most visitors make the trip.

Ayutthaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ayutthaya or Mount Bromo Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ayutthaya or Mount Bromo.

Ayutthaya is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Mount Bromo is a family-friendly city. It really depends on the age of your kids and their personality and adaptability as to whether this is a good trip for them. Many of the tours start in the middle of the night so you can see the spectacular sunrise. The trip can be a bit uncomfortable, but everyone is guaranteed an adventure!

Is Ayutthaya or Mount Bromo Better for Couples?

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

Mount Bromo is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic sunrises and stunning views make this a wonderful destination for couples. The surroundings are surreal and you will long remember the experience.

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 Ayutthaya or Mount Bromo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ayutthaya is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for backpackers.

Ayutthaya is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The historic temples are popular with all tourists, including backpackers who often visit as a day trip from Bangkok.

Mount Bromo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Some backpackers choose to go without a guided tour, and this will let you save money. Cemoro Lawang is the closest town to the volcano.

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

Both Ayutthaya and Mount Bromo offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Mount Bromo. Most people visit with a guided tour because this saves a lot of time and allows you to see the sunrise.

Is Ayutthaya or Mount Bromo a more walkable city?

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

Mount Bromo is somewhat walkable. The walk takes you across the sand and up some stairs. It's usually less than an hour.

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 Ayutthaya Worth Visiting? and Is Mount Bromo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mount Bromo or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Mount Bromo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ayutthaya or Mount Bromo to fill your time. In our opinion, Ayutthaya has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ayutthaya than Mount Bromo. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ayutthaya than Mount Bromo 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 Ayutthaya.

One day in Ayutthaya or Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Ayutthaya. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find around the volcano of Mount Bromo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mount Bromo has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Ayutthaya or Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the popular destination of Ayutthaya. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find around the scenic destination of Mount Bromo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this volcano has to offer. This volcano offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Mount Bromo?

The historical city of Ayutthaya offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the spectacular volcano of Mount Bromo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ayutthaya or Mount Bromo?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ayutthaya. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Mount Bromo is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Mount Bromo, we can see that Ayutthaya is more expensive. And not only is Mount Bromo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mount Bromo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo.

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