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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Brisbane?

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 Brisbane. 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 temple-filled, laid-back, and friendly city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a diverse, cultural, and active coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Chiang Mai and Brisbane: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Brisbane?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai. Although Chiang Mai and Brisbane are about the same size, Chiang Mai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chiang Mai is better known for its museums & sights, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Brisbane is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Brisbane and is known for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. Also, Chiang Mai is famous for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Brisbane is well known for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas.

How is Chiang Mai different from Brisbane?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Chiang Mai has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Brisbane can be an interesting and educational experience. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

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

Chiang Mai is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Chiang Mai has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Chiang Mai or Brisbane Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Chiang Mai and Brisbane.

The nightlife in Chiang Mai has something for everybody. 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.

Brisbane offers plenty to do in the evening. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

Is Chiang Mai or Brisbane Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Chiang Mai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Brisbane. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Chiang Mai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Brisbane Better for Beaches?

Brisbane is a great coastal city for its beaches. However, Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Brisbane for it's beautiful beaches. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Brisbane Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is great for its historic old town charm. However, Brisbane does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Chiang Mai. 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.

Brisbane does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Brisbane Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is an amazing city to visit for hiking. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Chiang Mai specifically for its hiking. 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.

Brisbane has hiking trails worth exploring. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Brisbane?

Chiang Mai is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for shopping.

Many people travel to Chiang Mai specifically to go shopping. 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.

Brisbane is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Is Chiang Mai or Brisbane Better for Families?

Both Chiang Mai and Brisbane are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Chiang Mai is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Brisbane is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

Is Chiang Mai or Brisbane Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is great for couples. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

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.

Brisbane is a nice destination for couples. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

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

Chiang Mai is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Chiang Mai, as it is a very popular city for 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

Is Chiang Mai or Brisbane Better for Students?

Brisbane is a great coastal city for its student-friendly activities. However, Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

Many students visit Brisbane. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

Chiang Mai and Brisbane both offer notable 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.

Brisbane has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

Is Chiang Mai or Brisbane a more walkable city?

Brisbane is a great coastal city for its walkability. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Brisbane is very walkable. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

Chiang Mai is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Brisbane or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Brisbane?

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

Couples should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Brisbane. 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 Brisbane 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 Brisbane?

Chiang Mai is a big city with plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the diverse coastal city of Brisbane, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Brisbane?

Chiang Mai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chiang Mai, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Brisbane, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Brisbane?

Chiang Mai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chiang Mai, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Brisbane, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Brisbane?

Chiang Mai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chiang Mai has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Brisbane 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 3-Day Tours from Bangkok, The Best 3-Day Tours from Chiang Mai, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Brisbane, we can see that Brisbane 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 Brisbane is in Pacific, 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 Brisbane would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brisbane 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 Brisbane Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Brisbane?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Brisbane, 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 Brisbane?

Brisbane 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 Brisbane in the Summer?

Both Brisbane and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Brisbane in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Brisbanein January. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Brisbanein January. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Brisbane in the Autumn?

Both Brisbane and Chiang Mai during the autumn 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, most visitors come to Brisbane for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Brisbane in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Brisbane fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brisbanein April. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun.

Brisbane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Brisbanein April. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Brisbane in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Brisbane. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Brisbane. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Brisbane averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Brisbane during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Brisbanein July. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Brisbane in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Brisbane. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.

Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Brisbanein October. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brisbanein October. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Brisbanein October. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Brisbane and Chiang Mai