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

Should you visit Paphos or Ayutthaya?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Ayutthaya, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Paphos

Paphos is a coastal, overlooked, and ancient town. Paphos is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Paphos travel costs.

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a cultural, famous, and popular city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Ayutthaya travel costs.

Paphos and Ayutthaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paphos or Ayutthaya?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paphos. Although Paphos and Ayutthaya are both popular with visitors, Paphos has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Paphos is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Ayutthaya is known for its historical sights. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Paphos and is known for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Paphos is popular for its historical sights, rich culture, and beautiful churches. It is also home to Paphos Archaeological Park.

How is Paphos different from Ayutthaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paphos is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Paphos that are not to be missed. The area is well known for its impressive archeological ruins, many of which are found at Paphos Archaeological Site. Other impressive sights include the Tombs of the Kings, the Chrysopolitissa Basilica & St. Paul's Pillar, Agia Paraskevi, and Paphos Fort.

Many visitors head to Ayutthaya specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

Paphos is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Paphos is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is a huge part of the culture and family life in the area. The cuisine is influenced by the surrounding areas and you'll see similarities to Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Popular dishes include koupepia (vine leaves stuffed with a filling called gemista), souvlaki (a meat and salad filled pita), and makaronia tou fournou (a pasta dish made with halloumi and béchamel sauce).

Ayutthaya has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Is Paphos or Ayutthaya Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Paphos or Ayutthaya has a better nightlife scene.

Paphos has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Most people think of history, culture, beaches, and wine, but the city also has its share of clubs and bars. It's not the party-hard beach destination that you'll find at some Mediterranean tourist areas, but there are still plenty of bars and clubs with atmosphere and style. Head to Agiou Antoniou Street for the most action.

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.

Is Paphos or Ayutthaya Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Paphos is a great choice. The area is filled with all types of resorts. There are many all-inclusive resorts that cater to families, honeymooners, or luxury vacationers. If you want to experience more of the local culture, there are also smaller boutique hotels or local apartments available.

Ayutthaya is not a resort destination.

Is Paphos or Ayutthaya Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paphos is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ayutthaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Paphos has a few good snorkeling spots. There are many snorkeling and dive spots that aren't far away. You'll also find a number of scuba or snorkeling excursions that you can join. The water conditions for snorkeling and diving are best during the summer months.

Ayutthaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paphos or Ayutthaya Better for Beaches?

Paphos 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 Paphos. Many people head to the area specifically for the beaches. This region has the longest coastline of any region in Cyprus, but keep in mind that some of the best beaches are found outside of the main tourist areas. However, they most are usually accessible by city bus with many remote stretches found along the Akamas Peninsula. Within town the beaches are often rocky and pebbly.

Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Is Paphos or Ayutthaya Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is a great destination for its historic old town. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

Many visitors go to Ayutthaya to see the historical old town. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Paphos. The old town is a pleasant area to walk around with a number of interesting buildings. The area was revitalized in 2017 and there are many historical sites. It's also fun to go shopping at Kennedy Square and Makariou Avenue.

Is the Shopping Better in Paphos or Ayutthaya?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Ayutthaya and Paphos.

Paphos is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are outdoor markets, major shopping streets, and international fashion brands. You can pick up local souvenirs or beach gear that you may have forgotten.

Ayutthaya is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Paphos or Ayutthaya More Beautiful?

Paphos is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Ayutthaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Paphos is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The area is known for its world-renowned archeological ruins, stunning beaches, and beautiful outdoor setting.

Ayutthaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Paphos or Ayutthaya Better for Families?

Paphos 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.

Paphos is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Head to the beach or take a walk along the coastline. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to the zoo, bird park, or aquarium and young thrill seekers will enjoy a day at the Aqua-park of Aphrodite. And, of course, there's also the ruins that kids can have fun exploring.

Ayutthaya is a family-friendly town. 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 Paphos or Ayutthaya Better for Couples?

Paphos 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.

Paphos makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Honeymooners who enjoy history, nature, beaches, and culture will find it all in the area. There are stunning beaches where you can relax in the sun, world renowned archeological ruins where you can immerse yourself in a historical world, and beautiful views around every corner. There are also excellent restaurants and wine tasting opportunities that will make for a memorable trip.

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 Paphos or Ayutthaya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paphos and Ayutthaya are very good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Paphos. The area is generally accessible with a few good hostels and budget accommodation options sprinkled about. There are great beaches and restaurants as well as plenty of beautiful places to enjoy a walk.

Many backpackers visit Ayutthaya. The historic temples are popular with all tourists, including backpackers who often visit as a day trip from Bangkok.

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

Paphos is notable for its public transit. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Paphos is fairly effecient and thorough. It's possible to get around by city bus to most places. Buses connect many touristy areas such as Kato Paphos, Tombs of the Kings, Chloraka, Kissonerga, Coral Bay and Paphos Center.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Is Paphos or Ayutthaya a more walkable city?

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

Paphos is somewhat walkable. The main tourist area is Kato Paphos which is small, compact and easy to walk around, but if you want to head to areas further away then you likely won't be able to travel on foot. It's important to understand where your hotel is located if you're planning to explore on foot.

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 Paphos Worth Visiting? and Is Ayutthaya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ayutthaya or Paphos?

How long in Paphos or Ayutthaya?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Paphos or Ayutthaya to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Paphos than Ayutthaya because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paphos, and 1-2 days is enough time in Ayutthaya.

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

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

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

One day in Paphos or Ayutthaya?

You'll find nightlife and food around the town of Paphos. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ayutthaya. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Paphos or Ayutthaya?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the coastal destination of Paphos. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Ayutthaya is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Paphos or Ayutthaya?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the cultural town of Paphos. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ayutthaya. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Paphos or Ayutthaya?

Paphos 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the famous destination of Ayutthaya. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, 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 Paphos and Ayutthaya, we can see that Paphos is more expensive. And not only is Ayutthaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Paphos 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 Paphos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paphos 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 Paphos Expensive? and Is Ayutthaya Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Paphos or Ayutthaya?

Ayutthaya has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos 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 Paphos or Ayutthaya?

Paphos 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 Paphos or Ayutthaya in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Ayutthaya. Many visitors come to Paphos in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Paphos is around the same temperature as Ayutthaya in the summer. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

In Paphos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Ayutthaya during summer. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies, while Ayutthaya receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Paphos usually receives less rain than Ayutthaya. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paphos or Ayutthaya in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Ayutthaya. Most visitors come to Paphos for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year.

In the autumn, Paphos is cooler than Ayutthaya. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Paphos in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Ayutthaya averages at about 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paphos this time of the year. In the autumn, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Ayutthaya. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ayutthaya receives 206 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. Paphos usually gets less rain in October than Ayutthaya. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 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 Paphos or Ayutthaya in the Winter?

Both Ayutthaya and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Paphos because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Paphos is generally much colder than Ayutthaya. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 12°C (53°F), and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. Paphos usually receives less sunshine than Ayutthaya during winter. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Ayutthaya receives 276 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Paphos usually receives more rain than Ayutthaya. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paphos or Ayutthaya in the Spring?

Both Ayutthaya and Paphos during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Paphos this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round.

The heat can be very extreme in Ayutthaya. Paphos is much colder than Ayutthaya in the spring. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).

In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paphos. In the spring, Paphos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ayutthaya. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ayutthaya receives 262 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in April than Ayutthaya. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 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 Paphos