A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Riga vs. Ayutthaya for Nightlife, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Riga or Ayutthaya?

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

Should I visit Riga or Ayutthaya? 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.

Riga

Riga is a high energy, off-the-beaten-path, and charming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Riga is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Riga travel costs.

Ayutthaya

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

Riga and Ayutthaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Ayutthaya?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Riga than Ayutthaya. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Riga and is known for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Riga is famous for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture. It is also well known for Riga St. Peter's Church.

How is Riga different from Ayutthaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Riga and Ayutthaya.

Riga offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As a capital city with a diverse history, you'll find a number of museums and landmarks in the area. Visitors frequently visit The Freedom Monument, St. Peters Church, the Riga Cathedral, The House of the Black Heads, and any of the many museums around town.

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 Riga or Ayutthaya? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Riga and Ayutthaya offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Riga. The city offers a great opportunity to try many Latvian specialties including rasol (a potato salad), pelmeni (a Latvian dumpling), and karbonade (kind of like schnitzel). The cuisine is hearty and filling with lots of bread, dumpling, and meats. Riga is also where you'll find the largest food market in Europe, which is the perfect place to wander and pick up some local items.

Ayutthaya has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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 Riga or Ayutthaya Better for Nightlife?

Riga is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Riga is a world class party destination. Despite being a small city, this capital has gained a reputation for its party atmosphere. The historic center comes to life in the evenings, particularly between Wednesdays and Saturdays. The area is compact enough that you can walk from club to club and prices are reasonable.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Ayutthaya. There are a number of bars and nightclubs that keep things lively well into the evening.

Is Riga or Ayutthaya Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the high quality old towns in both Riga and Ayutthaya.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Riga. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming architecture. The city is less touristy than many places in Europe so you can usually avoid the large crowds and enjoy a peaceful walk. During the evening you'll find the area turns into an entertainment district with many clubs and bars.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Ayutthaya?

Both Riga and Ayutthaya are high quality shopping destinations.

Riga is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Some of the most interesting shopping in the city is in the old town. Prices might be a little more expensive than you expect but it's possible to find some unique items. The city also has many markets, including the largest food market in Europe, which is a must-see.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Is Riga or Ayutthaya More Beautiful?

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

Riga is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city's unique architecture is notable for its wooden buildings, which give the city an interesting historical style.

Ayutthaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Riga or Ayutthaya Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Riga or Ayutthaya.

Riga is a family-friendly place to visit. During the winter months, there are a number of museums that are fun to explore with kids including the Nature Museum, the Railroad Museum, the Aviation Technology Museum, and the Riga Firefighter Museum. There are also several indoor play areas. When the weather is warmer there are a number of outdoor parks and playgrounds to explore.

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 Riga or Ayutthaya Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Riga and Ayutthaya make for a nice place to visit.

Riga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has a charming old town that you can explore, taking time to relax in the city squares or sip coffee at a cafe. There are also many nice restaurants that will make for a romantic date night.

Ayutthaya is a good city 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 Riga or Ayutthaya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Riga is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Riga is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many affordable hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can grab a cheap meal. The city offers a great European experience at a fraction of the price of many cities.

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

Is Riga or Ayutthaya Better for Students?

Riga is notable for students. However, Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

Riga is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city's affordability and vibrant atmosphere make it a great spot for international students. There are many places to hang out and a lively nightlife scene that appeals to young travelers.

Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit in Riga is fairly effecient and thorough. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

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 Riga or Ayutthaya a more walkable city?

Riga is notable for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

Riga is very walkable. The city is small enough that most areas can be explored 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 Riga Worth Visiting? and Is Ayutthaya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ayutthaya or Riga?

How long in Riga or Ayutthaya?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Riga or Ayutthaya to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Riga than Ayutthaya because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 1-2 days is enough time in Ayutthaya.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Riga 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 Riga.

One day in Riga or Ayutthaya?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Riga. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Ayutthaya. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Riga or Ayutthaya?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the unique destination of Riga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Ayutthaya is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Riga or Ayutthaya?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Riga. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the popular destination of Ayutthaya. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Riga or Ayutthaya?

Riga is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

The cultural city of Ayutthaya offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

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 Riga and Ayutthaya, we can see that Riga is more expensive. And not only is Ayutthaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Riga 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 Riga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Riga 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 Riga Expensive? and Is Ayutthaya Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Riga or Ayutthaya?

Riga has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Riga 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 Riga or Ayutthaya?

Riga 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 Riga or Ayutthaya in the Summer?

Both Ayutthaya and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Riga because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. In July, Riga usually receives less rain than Ayutthaya. Riga 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 Riga or Ayutthaya in the Autumn?

Both Ayutthaya and Riga during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round.

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

Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Riga usually gets less rain in October than Ayutthaya. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 180 mm (7.1 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 Riga or Ayutthaya in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Ayutthaya. Many travelers come to Riga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Riga. In the winter, Riga is much colder than Ayutthaya. Typically, the winter temperatures in Riga in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Ayutthaya averages at about 25°C (78°F).

In January, Riga usually receives more rain than Ayutthaya. Riga 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 Riga or Ayutthaya in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Riga as well as Ayutthaya. Many visitors come to Riga in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year.

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

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

Typical Weather for Ayutthaya and Riga