Which place is cheaper, Nanjing or Ayutthaya?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Ayutthaya or Nanjing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Nanjing? 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: Ayutthaya or Nanjing?
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.
Nanjing
Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.
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Ayutthaya Prices
Thailand PricesNanjing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAyutthaya $86Nanjing $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Ayutthaya is $86, while the average daily cost in Nanjing is $118. 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 Ayutthaya and Nanjing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAyutthaya $24Nanjing $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAyutthaya $48Nanjing $94
Compare Hotels in Ayutthaya and Nanjing
Looking for a hotel in Ayutthaya or Nanjing? 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.
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: Ayutthaya Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ayutthaya $29Nanjing $39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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River Ferry Crossing$0.63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- [Airport transfer] Nanjing Lukou International Airport ⇔ Nanjing city transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $27
- Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
- Private Arrival Transfer to Nanjing City from Railway Station : $32
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing City : $44
- Private Departure Transfer from Nanjing City Center to Lukou Int'l Airport: $45
- Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport : $45
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
- Private Nanjing Airport Transfer from City Hotels or Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts: $45
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
- Private Nanjing Airport Transfer to City Center or Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts: $46
- Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Ayutthaya or Nanjing?
Prices for flights to both Nanjing and Ayutthaya 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
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Food Meals for one dayAyutthaya $39Nanjing $49
Typical Food Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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Lunch for 2$4.40
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Ice Cream$0.94
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Breakfast for 2$4.40
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Breakfast for 2$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.
- 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ayutthaya $31Nanjing $9.41
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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Temple Entrances (2)$6.28
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Wat Entrance$1.57
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Qixia Mountain Ticket for Adult: $20
- Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River for Adults: $20
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
- Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $72
- Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
- Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
- Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
- 3-Hour Local Food Tasting Tour: $93
- Nanjing Private Day Tour With Must-Visit Attractions: $100
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
- 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAyutthaya $21Nanjing $9.61
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Nanjing, we can see that Nanjing is more expensive. And not only is Ayutthaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Nanjing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nanjing 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 Ayutthaya Expensive? and Is Nanjing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Nanjing?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Nanjing, 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 Ayutthaya or Nanjing?
Nanjing has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ayutthaya experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Nanjing in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Nanjing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round.
In the summer, Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Nanjing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ayutthaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Nanjing averages at about 28°C (83°F).
Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Nanjing. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAyutthaya 29°C (84°F)Nanjing 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Nanjing in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Nanjing. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in October than Nanjing. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. May to October in Ayutthaya is the rainy season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAyutthaya 28°C (82°F)Nanjing 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Nanjing in the Winter?
Both Nanjing and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year.
Nanjing can get quite cold in the winter. Ayutthaya is much warmer than Nanjing in the winter. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 25°C (78°F) in January, and Nanjing fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In January, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Nanjing. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAyutthaya 25°C (78°F)Nanjing 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Nanjing in the Spring?
Both Nanjing and Ayutthaya during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The heat can be very extreme in Ayutthaya. In the spring, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Nanjing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ayutthaya in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Nanjing averages at about 15°C (60°F).
Nanjing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in April than Nanjing. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year. October to April is the dry season in Ayutthaya. May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAyutthaya 31°C (88°F)Nanjing 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Nanjing and Ayutthaya
| Ayutthaya | Nanjing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (78°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (85°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 292 mm (11.5 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.