Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai or Busan (Pusan)?
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 Busan (Pusan). 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 Busan (Pusan)?
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.
Busan (Pusan)
An important port city in South Korea, Busan is known for its beaches, mountains, and temples. With a thriving harbor, the city's main revenue comes from international shipping, although the area is quite popular with tourists from all over the globe, too. The place is bustling with sailors from around the world as well as tourists who come to enjoy the culture of this modern and dynamic city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $45Busan (Pusan) $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $45, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) is $86. 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 Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $26Busan (Pusan) $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $52Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Busan (Pusan)? 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 Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $3.63Busan (Pusan) $20
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$4.91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Chiang Mai HTL-APT(CNX): $5.30
- Try find your better than us!Airport transfer service in Chiang Mai APT-HTL(CNX): $5.30
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Transfer to Hotel Or From Hotel To Airport : $5.41
- Chiang Mai Private Car :Airport To Hotel transfer (one way) : $7.47
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Private Transfer: $8.00
- Private Airport Transfer in Chiang Mai to/from Chiangmai Town: $8.87
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Departure Transfers: $10
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): $11
- Chiang Mai Airport (CNX): One-Way Private Transfer: $12
- Chiang Mai Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $13
- Chiang Mai Shared Arrival or Departure Transfer: $14
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Arrival Shared Transfer: $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $84
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $84
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $79
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) 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 $10Busan (Pusan) $26
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)$5.32
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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)$5.46
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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
- Morning Cooking Class in Organic Garden | Chiang Mai: $22
- Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai: $22
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $22
- Evening Cooking Class and Local Market Visit: $24
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $24
- Private Virtual Thai Cooking Class: $25
- Half Day Morning Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Authentic Easy Thai Recipes for Home-Style Cooking Half Day AM: $25
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.48
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Carp Bread$0.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).
- Busan history and market food tour with local chef: $49
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
- Busan Seafood Tour & Dinner with Busan Oppa: $105
- Kkakdugi(Korean radish Kimchi) Cooking class at Busan : $110
- Enjoy tailored Korean cooking class with Ocean view at Busan: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $13Busan (Pusan) $20
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$1.64
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Kratong Lessons$2.73
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Pedicure$4.09
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$4.91
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Scavenger Hunt City Tour for Your Smartphone: $7.65
- Chiang Mai Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Art in Paradise Illusion Museum Entry Ticket: $11
- Mae Ping River Cruise: $12
- Old City and Temples Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Local Food and Markets Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Skip the Line: Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Admission Ticket: $14
- Tweechol Botanic Garden Half Day Adventure : $14
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 2 Hrs: $15
- Chiang Mai Michelin Food Walking Tour with Professional Tour Guide: $15
- Circuit Karting Experience at Chiang Mai Circuit - Go Kart: $16
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Full Day Private Guided Tour in Hidden Spot, Daegu: $180
- 2-Day Busan East and South Private Tour: $300
- 4Hour Tour From Seokbulsa Temple To Geumjeongsan Fortress: $90
- Adventures in Blossoms: Daegu E-World Cherry Blossoms Tour: $77
- Beomeosa Temple and Hongbeopsa Temple Tour and local market tour: $81
- Busan City Tour - Haedong Yonggung Temple And Shopping in Lotte Premium Outlet: $289
- Busan City Tour Including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple And APEC House: $290
- Busan Custom-made Car Tour （Private Tour）: $187
- Busan Essential Private Tour with Heaedong Yonggungsa and Gamcheon Village: $240
- Busan Glowing Panorama Private Night Tour for Max 6 Guests: $300
- Busan Guided Small Group Tour for Up to 6 Cruise Guests.: $99
- Busan Hidden Gems Private Guided Tour: $89
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $6.76Busan (Pusan) $12
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$2.73
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!: $9.46
Sample the Local Flavors in Busan (Pusan)
Also in Busan (Pusan), these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Busan Pub Crawl: $20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Busan (Pusan), 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 Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
Both Busan (Pusan) 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.
In the summer, Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the summer temperatures in Chiang Mai in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 25°C (77°F).
In the summer, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 166 hours of full sun.
Busan (Pusan) 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 less rain in July than Busan (Pusan). Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
In October, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 29°C (83°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 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 Busan (Pusan). Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Busan (Pusan). Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
It's quite cold in Busan (Pusan) in the winter. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the winter. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). 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 Busan (Pusan). Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun.
Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Busan (Pusan). Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
Both Busan (Pusan) 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.
The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the spring temperatures in Chiang Mai in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 14°C (57°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 196 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). In April, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.