A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cesis vs. Ayutthaya for Food, Old Town, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Cesis or Ayutthaya?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cesis and Ayutthaya can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cesis

Cesis is a authentic, natural, and traditional town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Cesis is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking. See Cesis travel costs.

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a cultural, famous, and popular city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Ayutthaya travel costs.

Cesis and Ayutthaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cesis or Ayutthaya?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ayutthaya. Although Cesis and Ayutthaya are popular destinations, Ayutthaya has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ayutthaya is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Cesis attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Cesis and is known for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. It is also well known for Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya Historical Park. Cesis is famous for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

How is Cesis different from Ayutthaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cesis or Ayutthaya?

Ayutthaya is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Ayutthaya is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Cesis may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The town is small so there are a limited number of restaurants to choose from. You'll find some nice cafes and bakeries though where you can enjoy local foods and traditional Latvian dishes.

Is Cesis or Ayutthaya Better for Nightlife?

Ayutthaya is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Ayutthaya has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a number of bars and nightclubs that keep things lively well into the evening.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Cesis The town is small and many travelers visit as a day trip from Riga, so you'll find limited nightlife options around town.

Is Cesis or Ayutthaya Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is well known for its old town. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its historic old town charm.

Ayutthaya is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

The old town area in Cesis is worth visiting. The old town is small but charming and authentic. There are a few unique sites that are worth visiting as well.

Is Cesis or Ayutthaya Better for Hiking?

Cesis is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Cesis is a good destination for hiking. The town makes the perfect base for exploring the surrounding Gauja National Park, which has many hiking and cycling trails. Two of the most well known hikes are the Baltic Forest Trail and the Camino Latvia, both or which pass through town. There are also shorter day hikes to choose from as well.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Ayutthaya?

Ayutthaya is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Ayutthaya is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Ayutthaya More Beautiful?

Cesis is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Ayutthaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Cesis is a gorgeous place to visit. Head outside of town to experience the hiking trails and natural beauty. The park is best explored during the summer months.

Ayutthaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cesis or Ayutthaya Better for Families?

Both Cesis and Ayutthaya are nice to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cesis. The Cēsis Medieval Castle has a unique interactive set of tasks and games that the whole family can enjoy. Other fun family-friendly activities around town include adventure parks such as Supervāvere, the camel park of Rakši, and a farmhouse bakery where kids can learn about traditional baking and breadmaking.

Ayutthaya offers lots of family activities. 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 Cesis or Ayutthaya Better for Couples?

Both Cesis and Ayutthaya are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Cesis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are a number of outdoor activities that adventurous couples can enjoy. The medieval castle is also a unique place to explore.

Ayutthaya is a good town for couples to visit. The historical ruins make an easy day trip from Bangkok, so couples who appreciate history and iconic temples will appreciate a visit here.

Is Cesis or Ayutthaya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ayutthaya is well known for backpackers. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ayutthaya is a great city to visit for backpackers. The historic temples are popular with all tourists, including backpackers who often visit as a day trip from Bangkok.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cesis. Many people visit town as a day trip from Riga, so there are a limited number of hotels and hostels to choose from. If you want to enjoy hiking and the area's natural beauty, it is recommend that you spend more time here.

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

Ayutthaya is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Cesis is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in Cesis. There are some bus options, but to thoroughly explore the surrounding area you'll really need access to a car.

Is Cesis or Ayutthaya a more walkable city?

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

Cesis is somewhat walkable. It's fun to explore old town on foot but many places in the surrounding countryside require a car to access.

Ayutthaya is not a very walkable town. 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 Cesis Worth Visiting? and Is Ayutthaya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ayutthaya or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Ayutthaya?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ayutthaya than Cesis 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 Cesis or Ayutthaya?

Even though Cesis is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cesis has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Ayutthaya, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Cesis or Ayutthaya?

Cesis is a small town where visitors enjoy the . This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ayutthaya. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Cesis or Ayutthaya?

Cesis is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ayutthaya is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Ayutthaya. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cesis or Ayutthaya?

Cesis is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Ayutthaya. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand.

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

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Ayutthaya?

Ayutthaya has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis 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 Cesis or Ayutthaya?

Cesis 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 Cesis or Ayutthaya in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Ayutthaya. Many travelers come to Cesis for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Cesis is generally much colder than Ayutthaya. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 17°C (63°F), and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Cesis usually receives less rain than Ayutthaya. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cesis or Ayutthaya in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Ayutthaya. Many visitors come to Cesis in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year.

Cesis is much colder than Ayutthaya in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. Cesis usually gets less rain in October than Ayutthaya. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 180 mm (7.1 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.

Should I visit Cesis or Ayutthaya in the Winter?

Both Ayutthaya and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cesis for the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Cesis can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Cesis is much colder than Ayutthaya. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cesis in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Ayutthaya averages at about 25°C (78°F).

In January, Cesis usually receives more rain than Ayutthaya. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cesis or Ayutthaya in the Spring?

Both Ayutthaya and Cesis during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Cesis because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round.

It's very hot in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In April, Cesis is generally much colder than Ayutthaya. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 5°C (42°F), and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).

Cesis usually gets less rain in April than Ayutthaya. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 71 mm (2.8 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.

Typical Weather for Ayutthaya and Cesis