Which place is cheaper, Bogota or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai or Bogota?
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 Bogota. 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.
Where Should I go: Chiang Mai or Bogota?
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.
Bogota
Sprawling across a high altitude in the Columbian Andes region, Bogota is the capital city of Columbia. It is a mix of the old and new with century-old plazas and churches shadowed by towering skyscrapers, museums representing the history, art, and culture of the region, as well as a mix of distinct neighborhoods from quaint and historic to trendy and contemporary.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Colombia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $45Bogota $52
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $45, while the average daily cost in Bogota is $52. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Chiang Mai and Bogota in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $26Bogota $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $52Bogota $52
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Bogota
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Bogota? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Chiang Mai Hotel Prices and Bogota Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $3.61Bogota $8.61
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.09
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Moped Rental$4.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Zipline Adventure at Chiang Mai with Return Transfer: $192
- Try find your better than us!Airport transfer service in Chiang Mai APT-HTL(CNX): $12
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Chiang Mai HTL-APT(CNX): $12
- Skyline Jungle Luge Ticket + Lunch with Private Transfer: $250
- Private Vehicle: Transfer from Airport in Chiang Mai: $21
- Private Van: Chiang Mai Airport Arrival or Departure Transfer : $45
- Private Transfer: Four Seasons Hotel to Chiang Mai Airport: $24
- Private Transfer: Chiang Mai Airport Arrival or Departure ride: $155
- Private Transfer Chiang Mai Airport to Hotel in Chiang Mai by Car and Van: $37
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): $11
- Private Car: Chiang Mai Airport Transfers : $25
- Private Arrival Transfer - Chiang Mai Airport to Chiang Mai City Hotel(SHA Plus): $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bogota are as follows:
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Taxi from Airport$7.42
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Taxi Ride$0.39
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2 Bus Passes$0.87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota
Also for Bogota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Salt Cathedral and Nemocón Salt Mines + In & out Transfer + (8 hours): $242
- Bogotá to or from Barichara or San Gil Private Transfer: $167
- Arrival Private Transfer Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City in a Luxury Van: $134
- Departure Private Transfer Bogota City to Bogota Airport BOG in Luxury Van: $134
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bogota Airport BOG to Bogota City by Minibus: $124
- Bogotá Private Luxury Transfer - Airport Pick Up or Drop Off - SUV Mercedes Benz: $97
- Bogotá to or from Villa de Leyva Private Transfer: $80
- Bogotá Graffiti Bike Tour - No Transfers: $80
- El Dorado International Airport (BOG) - Private Round trip transfer Bogota: $80
- Bogota Airport BOG to Downtown Hotels Round Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Salt Cathedral Zipaquira • Premium Private Transfer: $39
- Andres Carne de Res Chia • Premium Private Transfer: $39
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Bogota?
Prices for flights to both Bogota and Chiang Mai change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayChiang Mai $10Bogota $13
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.30
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.65
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Casual Breakfast$1.09
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.43
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Mangoes$0.82
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Coffee$1.36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $11
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $11
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $19
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $22
- Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai: $22
- Evening Cooking Class in Organic Garden Chiang Mai: $22
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $22
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $25
- Authentic Easy Thai Recipes for Home-Style Cooking Half Day AM: $25
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Half-Day Thai Cuisine Cooking Experience in Chiang Mai : $27
- Thai and Isaan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour: $27
Typical Food Prices in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$1.54
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Hot Dog$0.90
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bogota Local Food Tour in the City Center: $13
- Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $49
- PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax: $55
- Bogota Food Tour • Private Car • Fruits Cacao Lunch Coffee Beer: $59
- Private Colombian Cooking Class and Market Tour In Bogota: $90
- Dinner and party at Andres Carne de Res DC: $100
- Private Street Food Tour in Candelaria Bogota: $131
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $13Bogota $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$35
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.63
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Kratong Lessons$2.72
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Pedicure$4.08
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$4.89
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- 9 Hours Nature Tour in Inthanon National Park From Chiang Mai: $71
- Chiang Mai Thapae Muay Thai Boxing Stadium Ticket: $28
- One Day Doi Inthanon National Park Small Group Guided Tour: $40
- Private Tour of Sacred Sakyant Tattoo in Lamphun Province.: $79
- 1 Day Doi Inthanon Private tour ( Hiking and Sightseeing ): $96
- 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $128
- 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
- 1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $150
- 1-Day Bike and River Kayak Adventure from Chiang Mai: $64
- 10KM Inflatable Kayaking Adventure: $82
- 10km Rafting with 8Adventures from Chiang Mai Include Pickup & Lunch : $103
- 2 Days 1 Night Non Tourist Trek: $123
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bogota
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bogota's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Beer$1.29
Tours and Activities in Bogota
For Bogota, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Bogotá Architecture Private Tour (6 Hrs.): $149
- Bogota Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Private Tour + Lunch: $80
- La Candelaria and Monserrate Walking Half Day Tour: $234
- Salt Cathedral Zipaquira - Group tour and daily departure: $80
- *Private tour* to Guatavita sacred lagoon + Nemocon salt mine: $153
- 3 days- private tour Chingaza-Guatavita Savannah Expedition: $60
- 3-Hour Walking Tour and Musical Picnic in the Heart of Ibague: $23
- 3h 30 -Hour StopOver—Walking Tour: Bogota Historical Center: $54
- 4 Hours Private Tour to Monserrate from Bogotá: $69
- 4-hour Paragliding Adventure from Bogota: $170
- 5-hour Tour through Bogotá during the stopover. Includes round-trip from airport: $160
- 6 hour Private City Tour through Bogotá (Con Monserrate): $134
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $6.73Bogota $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$2.72
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: The Best Bars & Pubs in Chiang Mai!: $9.55
Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:
- Thursday Bar Crawl in Bogotá: $25
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Bogotá : $25
- Pub Crawl in Bogota - Ancient Brews : $103
When comparing the travel costs between Chiang Mai and Bogota, we can see that Bogota is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Chiang Mai is in Asia and Bogota is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
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 Bogota Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Bogota?
Bogota has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Bogota, 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 Bogota?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Bogota in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Bogota. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Bogota attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Bogota. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Chiang Mai is much warmer than Bogota in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Bogota 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Bogota in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Bogota. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bogota throughout the year.
Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Bogota. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Bogota. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Bogota. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Bogota averages at about 14°C (57°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Bogota 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Bogota in the Winter?
Both Bogota 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. Plenty of visitors come to Bogota because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February. In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Bogota. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Bogota. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Bogota 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Bogota in the Spring?
Both Bogota 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bogota year-round.
June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Bogota. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Bogota in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Bogota fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Bogota 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Bogota and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Bogota | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.