Travel Budget for Chiang Mai Visit Chiang Mai on a Budget or Travel in Style

Chiang Mai, Changwat Chiang Mai, Thailand

How much does it cost to travel to Chiang Mai?

You should plan to spend around $46 (฿1,640) per day on your vacation in Chiang Mai. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $11 (฿379) on meals
  • $3.73 (฿133) on local transportation
  • $53 (฿1,898) on hotels

A one week trip to Chiang Mai for two people costs, on average, $644 (฿22,963). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $46
    ฿1,640
  • One Week Per person
    $322
    ฿11,482
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $644
    ฿22,963
  • One Month Per person
    $1,380
    ฿49,207
  • One Week For a couple
    $644
    ฿22,963
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $1,288
    ฿45,926
  • One Month For a couple
    $2,759
    ฿98,414
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Chiang Mai cost?

A one week trip to Chiang Mai usually costs around $322 (฿11,482) for one person and $644 (฿22,963) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Chiang Mai on average costs around $644 (฿22,963) for one person and $1,288 (฿45,926) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Chiang Mai will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Chiang Mai on average costs around $1,380 (฿49,207) for one person and $2,759 (฿98,414) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Independent Travel

Traveling Independently to Chiang Mai has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Is Chiang Mai expensive to visit?

Chiang Mai is a very affordable place to visit. Located in Thailand, which is a reasonably affordable country, visitors will appreciate the lower prices of this destination. It is in the top 25% of cities in the country for its affordability. Budget travelers enjoy spending long periods of time exploring Chiang Mai in depth.

Within Asia, Chiang Mai is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Luang Prabang, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Taipei.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Chiang Mai Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Chiang Mai?

The average Chiang Mai trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Chiang Mai travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.


Category Cost
Accommodation 1 (Double Occupancy) ฿1,898 ($53)
Local Transportation 1 ฿133 ($4)
Food 2 ฿379 ($11)
Entertainment 1 ฿460 ($13)
Tips and Handouts 1 ฿36 - 108 ($1 - 3)
Alcohol 2 ฿124 - 372 ($3 - 10)
Accommodation Budget in Chiang Mai
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Chiang Mai is $27 (฿949). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Chiang Mai is $53 (฿1,898). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.


  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $27
    ฿949
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $53
    ฿1,898

Hotel Prices in Chiang Mai

Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

 

Actual Hotel Prices
The average hotel room price in Chiang Mai based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $22. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Chiang Mai
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The cost of a taxi ride in Chiang Mai is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $3.73 (฿133) per person, per day, on local transportation in Chiang Mai.


  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $3.73
    ฿133

Recommended Services


Flights to Chiang Mai
How much does it cost to go to Chiang Mai? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Chiang Mai
The price of renting a car in Chiang Mai will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.


What did other people spend on Transportation in Chiang Mai?

Typical prices for Transportation in Chiang Mai are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Chiang Mai, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    ฿40
  • Moped Rental
    ฿180


Food Budget in Chiang Mai
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While meal prices in Chiang Mai can vary, the average cost of food in Chiang Mai is $11 (฿379) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Chiang Mai should cost around $4.25 (฿151) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Chiang Mai is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.


  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $11
    ฿379

Recommended

What did other people spend on Food in Chiang Mai?

Typical prices for Food in Chiang Mai are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Chiang Mai, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.


  • Sit Down Dinner (for One)
    ฿195
  • Roti Snack (Bread)
    ฿24
  • Casual Breakfast
    ฿40
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    ฿200
  • Mangoes
    ฿30
  • Coffee
    ฿50


Entertainment Budget in Chiang Mai
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Entertainment and activities in Chiang Mai typically cost an average of $13 (฿460) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.


  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $13
    ฿460

Recommended Activities

What did other people spend on Entertainment in Chiang Mai?

Typical prices for Entertainment in Chiang Mai are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Chiang Mai, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.


  • Thai Cooking Class
    ฿1,300
  • Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket
    ฿60
  • Kratong Lessons
    ฿100
  • Pedicure
    ฿150
  • Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)
    ฿180


Tips and Handouts Budget in Chiang Mai
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Chiang Mai is $2.02 (฿72) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Chiang Mai is 5% - 15%.


  • Tips and Handouts1 For guides or service providers
    $2.02
    ฿72


Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Chiang Mai
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Chiang Mai is $93 (฿3,307), as reported by travelers.


  • Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
    $93
    ฿3,307


Alcohol Budget in Chiang Mai
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $6.94 (฿248) on alcoholic beverages in Chiang Mai per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.


  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $6.94
    ฿248

What did other people spend on Alcohol in Chiang Mai?

Typical prices for Alcohol in Chiang Mai are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Chiang Mai, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.


  • Wine
    ฿100


Water Budget in Chiang Mai
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, people spend $0.69 (฿25) on bottled water in Chiang Mai per day. The public water in Chiang Mai is considered safe to drink.


  • Water2 Bottled water for one day
    $0.69
    ฿25


Chiang Mai On a Budget
Chiang Mai Rice Fields near Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
Sights
The old city center is surrounded by ancient walls, and contains many historic temples and architectural gems. The city sprawls outward from here, and mostly east towards the Ping river and the nearby Night Bazaar with surrounding restaurants, hotels, and shops. While many markets are open during the day as well, the nighttime activity at the market brings in the crowds and a vibe of excitement.

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is a temple 13km outside of the city, and makes for a great half-day trip. Many visitors rent motorbikes or hire a taxi for the ride up the hill to explore the temple and take in the great views of the city from up high. For more information on religious sites in the area, see this great guide to the temples of Chiang Mai.

For information on elephant parks, see the Activities section below.

If museums interest you, several great finds are available in Chiang Mai. The Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre offers a modern and air-conditioned experience showcasing the history and culture of northern Thailand. The Chiang Mai National Museum also offers a good overview of history. Don't miss the unique Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders, which displays a wide range of butterflies, bugs, wildlife, geologic samples, and other natural science exhibits.

The Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium also draws in a number of visitors, most of which are Thai. Foreign visitors tend to give the Zoo unfavorable ratings as the animals are kept in small areas and there are more kiosks selling trinkets than the number of animals on display.

Muay Thai Boxing is quite popular in Chiang Mai, just as it is in Bangkok. Various venues around town showcase the sport. But unlike in Bangkok, it is much less expensive in Chiang Mai. The Kalare Boxing Stadium is near the Night Market, and Tha Phae and Loi Kroh are other popular venues.
Neighborhoods
Chiang Mai is an interesting mix of old and new. At the city's center is the old historic area enclosed by a mostly square moat that was once a wall (some of which has been restored). Inside the moat and wall sections are the historic temples along with shops and restaurants.

To the east of the old city, along Tha Phae Road and Loi Kroh Road, heading towards the river, is the main section of shops, hotels, restaurants, and other amenities that tourists would be interested in, such as the Night Market and riverside vendors.

The airport lies to the southwest of the old city.

Straight to the west of the old city is the Su Thep area, and beyond is the border of Doi Suthep Pui National Park (which is home to the Wat Phrathap Doi Suthep temple).

Activities
If you want to wrap everything that northern Thailand offers into a few days, then a jungle trek is a convenient, although somewhat touristy option. Many guesthouses, hostels, and hotels run multi-day treks into the surrounding countryside that combines the beautiful scenery with elephant rides, local villages, and a bit of rafting or swimming. Note that many of these trips are not very authentic as you will be with other travelers and in locations that are not far from Chiang Mai. (Also, many hostels only open rooms up to travelers who agree to go on their organized treks.)

Elephant tours, and visits to elephant parks, are perhaps the most popular activity in northern Thailand, and a number of Elephant parks are in or near the Chiang Mai area. These parks are often very controversial, as many do not take care of their elephants very well, while others are not just for tourists but also act as animal sanctuaries. Do your research first, and ask other tourists what their experiences were like.

Some elephant parks with good reputations include Baanchang Elephant Park (one of the less expensive places), Eddy Elephant Care Chiang Mai (a full day ore more experience), Elephant Nature Park (a sanctuary with day, night, and weekly options), and Friends for Asia Elephant Camp Volunteer Project (two week minimum with lodging options).

Cooking classes are very popular in Chiang Mai, as a number of small cooking schools have opened up to benefit the tourists. These classes are usually a full day, and the students are instructed by local Thai people on how to prepare and cook various Thai dishes. The day usually begins with a trip to the local market where various ingredients are explained (curry, exotic herbs, interesting fruit, etc). Then the students, under instruction and guidance from the teachers, prepare dishes such as salads, curries, meats, and desserts. Many of these classes also involve some entertainment and humor from the teachers, which makes for an enjoyable experience. And, of course, there is much eating.

Tours to hilltribe villages are also quite popular and make for a great cultural experience. The northern jungles of Thailand are home to a dozen or so tribes, each with their own culture and history. Many of the trips to these villages are touristy, and sometimes exploitative of the locals, so do your research first. The further away from civilization, the more authentic your experience will likely be.

Mountain biking is another popular activity, as a number of bike trails have been created in the surrounding hills. Inquire at local travel agencies or at your hostel or hotel or options.

Spas, heath centers, yoga studios, and massage centers are also quite prevalent in Chiang Mai. As always, do your research first to make sure that you are getting what you paid for, not less, and not "more". Many places also offer Thai massage classes.

If you're interested in local markets and handicrafts, make sure you visit the Umbrella Village in Chiang Mai. Here, local artisans make umbrellas and other crafts by hand with generations of traditional techniques.

With so much to offer at great prices, Chiang Mai offers a great addition to any budget-oriented trip through the region. For more information about traveling on a budget, check out this guide to backpacking Thailand.
Food and Dining
Khao Soi seems to be Chiang Mai's signature dish, as it can be found in many places around town. This yellow wheat noodle dish has a curry broth and is usually served with chicken or meat.

Restaurants serving not just Thai food, but every type of international food can be found in Chiang Mai. Many Thai restaurants cater to tourists, and therefore are not considered "authentic" by the locals or discerning travelers. Look for restaurants or street vendors without signs in English, or those away from the main tourist drags.

Transportation
Read this guide for more information on taking the bus or train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

Local buses in Chiang Mai come in the form of songthaews, which are pick-up trucks with covered backs for the passengers. Some act as taxis (the red ones, specifically), while others plow a variety of set routes rather efficiently, so don't be afraid to hop on. (More info on Chiang Mai public transport is here.)

Tuk-Tuks are also common (but not always cheaper than a car taxi). They can be quick and fun for a short ride through the city center, but always negotiate the price.

A samlor is a form of human-powered tricycle that acts as a rickshaw taxi. They can be cheap, but are slow. They make a good option for a short trip or a relaxing tour.

Always negotiate prices, or demand the usage of the meter if the vehicle has one.
Related:
Partying in Chiang Mai or other parts of Thailand?
Going to the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan?
Hitting the beach in Koh Samui?

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.