A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chiang Mai vs. Anchorage for Attractions, Food, Hiking, and Backpackers

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Anchorage?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Chiang Mai and Anchorage. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a laid-back, friendly, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a outdoorsy, scenic, and breathtaking city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking.

Chiang Mai and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Anchorage?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chiang Mai than Anchorage, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Chiang Mai is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Anchorage is known for its impressive beauty. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Anchorage and is popular for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. It is also home to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Anchorage is popular for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture.

How is Chiang Mai different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chiang Mai or Anchorage?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Anchorage 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 Chiang Mai that are not to be missed. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many beautiful temples in the area. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a mountain-top temple that is an iconic landmark in the city. Other famous sights include Doi Inthanon and Wat Chedi Luang.

Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

Is the Food Better in Chiang Mai or Anchorage? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Chiang Mai have been singled out for their culinary prowess. For many, this city offers some of the best food in all of Thailand. The cuisine is influenced by nearby Burma and China, with ginger and turmeric often used. Curries tend to be a bit milder and dishes are often served with sticky rice. Famous dishes around town include Khao Soi, Larb Kua, and Sai Oua. Cooking classes are also very popular around town and the courses often include a trip to a market.

Anchorage has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Chiang Mai or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

Chiang Mai offers plenty to do in the evening. It is the largest city in Northern Thailand, so it has the most active nightlife scene in the area. Whatever your style, you can find something to do at night here. Many people head to the riverside to drink and listen to music. You'll also find clubs concentrated around Nimmanhaemin Road and Loy Kroh Road. There's also the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, which is packed with stalls and people sampling food and drinks.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Chiang Mai or Anchorage Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Anchorage does not have a historic old town.

Chiang Mai is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old city is about 1.5 square kilometers in size and it has four gates, one on each side. The most famous area is Sunday Walking Street, which comes to life at 4pm every day when it is lined with stalls and filled with people.

Anchorage does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Chiang Mai and Anchorage, and they are fantastic.

Chiang Mai is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Many people use this city as a base for a trekking excursion into the surrounding countryside. The land is lush and beautiful and many treks also expose you to the welcoming Hilltribe people of Northern Thailand. Treks can be organized at almost any hotel or hostel as well the many tour agencies around town.

People visit Anchorage specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Anchorage?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Chiang Mai is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is famous for its night markets, which run every night of the year until around midnight. You'll find the streets packed with people and vendors, rain or shine. This is a great place to search for local handicrafts and try some of the city's famous street food. Popular items to buy include rice boxes, silk, and Thai sky lanterns.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Anchorage. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Chiang Mai or Anchorage Better for Families?

Chiang Mai is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Chiang Mai is a very family-friendly place to visit. This city is very friendly and welcoming to kids. There are many cultural and adventurous activities that the whole family can enjoy. One of the most popular kid-friendly places to visit is the Elephant Sanctuary, where kids can get up close and personal with these beautiful animals. Kids will also enjoy heading into the countryside to trek or visit one of Thailand’s Hilltribes. The cultural experience and opportunity to meet a diversity of kids will be an experience your children will never forget. In town, a cooking class is a popular option for budding foodies.

Anchorage is a family-friendly city. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Chiang Mai or Anchorage Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai and Anchorage both very good destinations for a couple.

Chiang Mai is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Trekking, rafting, temples, and some of the best food in Thailand all make this city a popular destination for a couple's getaway. The region is perfect for adventurous couples who want to experience more of the authentic side of Thailand.

Anchorage is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

Is Chiang Mai or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chiang Mai is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. This is one of the biggest backpacker mecca's in Southeast Asia, and you'll find the city flooded with budget travelers out to experience it all. There are countless hostels and budget hotels available and most will organize treks and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and many visitors end up staying longer than they planned. Prices in Northern Thailand are also much more affordable than many other areas.

Plenty of backpackers visit Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

Is Chiang Mai or Anchorage Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chiang Mai is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Chiang Mai has a few public transit options. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

Public transit is quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Chiang Mai or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Chiang Mai is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

Chiang Mai is somewhat walkable. Although there are a few walking streets, the city can get very crowded and many places are easier to access with a tuk tuk or taxi.

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting? and Is Anchorage Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chiang Mai and Anchorage. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chiang Mai than in Anchorage. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Anchorage 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 Chiang Mai.

One day in Chiang Mai or Anchorage?

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. 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.

With museums and food around the outdoorsy city of Anchorage, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Anchorage, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Anchorage?

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

With food and shopping around the destination of Anchorage, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Anchorage?

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Anchorage, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Chiang Mai or Anchorage?

Chiang Mai is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chiang Mai, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Anchorage is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chiang Mai is in Asia and Anchorage is in North America, 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 Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage than you might in Chiang Mai.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chiang Mai Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Anchorage?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Anchorage, 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 Chiang Mai or Anchorage?

Anchorage has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Chiang Mai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Anchorage in the Summer?

Both Anchorage and Chiang Mai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Chiang Mai is much warmer than Anchorage in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Anchorage. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in July than Anchorage. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Anchorage in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Anchorage. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

It's quite cold in Anchorage in the autumn. In the autumn, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Anchorage averages at about 35°F (2°C).

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Anchorage in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Anchorage. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. In January, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the winter, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Anchorage. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Anchorage in the Spring?

Both Anchorage and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the spring for the natural beauty.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the spring. It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Anchorage in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

It's quite sunny in Anchorage. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Chiang Mai