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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Atami?

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 Atami. 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 friendly, cultural, and welcoming city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Atami

Atami is a overlooked, nostalgic, and authentic town. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Chiang Mai and Atami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Atami?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chiang Mai. Although Chiang Mai and Atami are popular destinations, Chiang Mai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chiang Mai is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Atami attracts visitors for its beaches. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Atami and is known for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. It is also well known for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Atami is famous for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Chiang Mai different from Atami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Atami 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 Atami?

Chiang Mai is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Chiang Mai are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Atami. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

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

Chiang Mai is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Atami area. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

Is Chiang Mai or Atami Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Chiang Mai has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Atami has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Is Chiang Mai or Atami Better for Beaches?

Atami is a good destination for its beaches. However, Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Atami offers a nice beach destination. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Atami Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is a very popular place for its old town. However, Atami 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.

Atami does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Atami Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Atami is not a hiking destination.

Around Chiang Mai visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Atami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Atami?

Chiang Mai is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Chiang Mai draws large crowds to its 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.

Many visitors go to Atami to go shopping. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

Is Chiang Mai or Atami Better for Families?

Chiang Mai is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Chiang Mai is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Atami. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

Is Chiang Mai or Atami Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Chiang Mai makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Atami is a good city for couples to visit. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

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

Chiang Mai is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Chiang Mai is extremely popular for backpackers. 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 Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

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

Chiang Mai and Atami both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Chiang Mai offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

Atami has a few public transit options. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

Is Chiang Mai or Atami a more walkable city?

Chiang Mai and Atami are nice when it comes to 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.

Atami is a somewhat walkable place. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Atami or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Atami?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chiang Mai or Atami to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Chiang Mai than Atami because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Atami.

Families should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Atami. 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 Atami. 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 Atami 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 Atami?

Each neighborhood in Chiang Mai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With museums and nightlife around the nostalgic town of Atami, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atami, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Atami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Mai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Atami, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Atami?

Chiang Mai is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Chiang Mai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Atami, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Atami?

Each neighborhood in Chiang Mai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Atami is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Atami?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Atami. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Atami, 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 Atami?

Atami 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 Atami in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Atami. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Atami because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Atami. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chiang Mai in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Atami averages at about 26°C (78°F).

Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Atami during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 140 hours of full sun in the summer.

Atami receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Atami. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Atami in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Atami. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Atami this time of year.

In October, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Atami. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 29°C (83°F), and Atami fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Atami. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 130 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atami. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in October than Atami. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Atami in the Winter?

Both Atami and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Atami for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Chiang Mai is much warmer than Atami in the winter. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Atami fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Atami during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Atami. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Atami in the Spring?

Both Atami and Chiang Mai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Atami in the spring for the beaches.

The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Atami. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chiang Mai in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Atami averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Atami. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 161 hours of full sun.

Atami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Atami. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Typical Weather for Atami and Chiang Mai