A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ayutthaya vs. Yaeyama Islands for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Yaeyama Islands?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Yaeyama Islands? 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 popular, historical, and cultural city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Ayutthaya travel costs.

Yaeyama Islands

Yaeyama Islands is a pristine, luxurious, and serene archipelago. You'll find world class beauty in Yaeyama Islands as well. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Yaeyama Islands travel costs.

Ayutthaya and Yaeyama Islands: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Yaeyama Islands?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Yaeyama Islands. Although Ayutthaya and Yaeyama Islands are both popular with visitors, Yaeyama Islands has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Yaeyama Islands is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ayutthaya is known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Yaeyama Islands and is known for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Yaeyama Islands is popular for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches. It is also home to Nishihama Beach.

How is Ayutthaya different from Yaeyama Islands?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands?

Ayutthaya is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Ayutthaya. 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.

While most people don't head to Yaeyama Islands specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The islands are known for their beaches, snorkeling, and jungles, but don't expect much in the form of museums.

Is the Food Better in Ayutthaya or Yaeyama Islands? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ayutthaya is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Yaeyama Islands is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Yaeyama Islands has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are many fruits and vegetables that are local to the region. Tropical fruits are common including pineapples, passionfruit, mango, shikuwasa, watermelon, papaya, and dragon fruit. You can try Yaeyama Soba (noodle soup) or any other local favorite at the restaurants in the area, most of which are usually concentrated around the villages on the island.

Is Ayutthaya or Yaeyama Islands Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Ayutthaya and Yaeyama Islands.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Ayutthaya. There are a number of bars and nightclubs that keep things lively well into the evening.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Yaeyama Islands. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. You can sip a cocktail and enjoy the view from your resort's bar.

Is Ayutthaya or Yaeyama Islands Better for Resorts?

Yaeyama Islands is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Ayutthaya is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Yaeyama Islands is a great choice. There are luxury international resorts as well as smaller upscale hotels. Many resorts are found on the largest island, Ishigaki.

Ayutthaya is not a resort destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Yaeyama Islands Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands. The islands offer great scuba diving and snorkeling with coral reefs and tropical fish as well as manta rays and pelagic fish.

Ayutthaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Yaeyama Islands Better for Beaches?

Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands. This tropical paradise has white sand beaches and turquoise water. There are water sports, including snorkeling and diving, and the beaches on each island have their own atmosphere and vibe.

Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Yaeyama Islands Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Yaeyama Islands does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

Yaeyama Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Yaeyama Islands Better for Hiking?

Yaeyama Islands is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Yaeyama Islands is a popular spot for hiking. The islands offer relatively easy access to jungle hikes, which will quickly make you feel like you've been swept into a hidden paradise. There are waterfalls, wildlife, butterflies, and scenic spots to explore.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Yaeyama Islands?

Ayutthaya is a well-known place for shopping. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Ayutthaya is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Yaeyama Islands More Beautiful?

Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands as well. White sand, blue water, tropical jungles and coral reefs make this a breathtakingly beautiful part of Japan.

Ayutthaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ayutthaya or Yaeyama Islands Better for Families?

Yaeyama Islands 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.

Yaeyama Islands is a very family-friendly place to visit. This island setting has blue waters and water sports that the whole family can enjoy. There are also family-friendly resorts with kids clubs and nearby nature.

Ayutthaya is a family-friendly city. 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 Ayutthaya or Yaeyama Islands Better for Couples?

Yaeyama Islands is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Yaeyama Islands makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Beautiful blue water and fun water sports make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are nice resorts and fine dining opportunities that make this a great couple's retreat.

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 Yaeyama Islands Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ayutthaya is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Yaeyama Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpacking can be challenging as transportation is limited and accommodation can be expensive.

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

Both Ayutthaya and Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands. There is very little in the form of public transit but you can get from the largest island, Ishigaki Island, to nearby islands by ferry.

Is Ayutthaya or Yaeyama Islands a more walkable city?

Yaeyama Islands is a moderate archipelago for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

Yaeyama Islands is generally not very walkable. Some of the islands are small enough to get around on foot.

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 Yaeyama Islands Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yaeyama Islands or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Yaeyama Islands?

In either Ayutthaya or Yaeyama Islands, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Yaeyama Islands than Ayutthaya because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ayutthaya, and 3-5 days is enough time in Yaeyama Islands.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ayutthaya than Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands?

The popular destination of Ayutthaya offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the archipelago of Yaeyama Islands. 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.

A weekend in Ayutthaya or Yaeyama Islands?

The city of Ayutthaya offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the luxurious destination of Yaeyama Islands. 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 archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Yaeyama Islands?

Ayutthaya is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the luxurious archipelago of Yaeyama Islands. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this archipelago makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this archipelago has to offer.

A week in Ayutthaya or Yaeyama Islands?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ayutthaya. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Yaeyama Islands is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Yaeyama Islands, we can see that Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Ayutthaya or Yaeyama Islands?

Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands in the Summer?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Yaeyama Islands because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Yaeyama Islands in the summer. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

It's quite sunny in Yaeyama Islands. Ayutthaya usually receives less sunshine than Yaeyama Islands during summer. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Yaeyama Islands receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yaeyama Islands. It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In July, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Yaeyama Islands. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Yaeyama Islands in the Autumn?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Ayutthaya during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Yaeyama Islands this time of year.

In the autumn, Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Yaeyama Islands. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ayutthaya in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Yaeyama Islands averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the autumn, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Yaeyama Islands. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yaeyama Islands receives 177 hours of full sun.

Yaeyama Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Yaeyama Islands. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 173 mm (6.8 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.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Yaeyama Islands in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Yaeyama Islands. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Yaeyama Islands for the museums and the cuisine.

In January, Ayutthaya is generally a little warmer than Yaeyama Islands. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 25°C (78°F), and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Yaeyama Islands during winter. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Yaeyama Islands receives 97 hours of full sun in the winter.

Yaeyama Islands receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Yaeyama Islands. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Yaeyama Islands in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Yaeyama Islands. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Yaeyama Islands in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

It's very hot in Ayutthaya this time of the year. Ayutthaya is a little warmer than Yaeyama Islands in the spring. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In the spring, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Yaeyama Islands. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yaeyama Islands receives 154 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Yaeyama Islands. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in April than Yaeyama Islands. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 147 mm (5.8 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. May to June in Yaeyama Islands is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Yaeyama Islands and Ayutthaya