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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Cairns?

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 Cairns. 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 hiking, shopping, and museums.

Cairns

Cairns is a adventure-filled, tropical, and idyllic city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Chiang Mai and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Cairns?

Both Cairns and Chiang Mai have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Chiang Mai is better known for its museums & sights, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cairns is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Chiang Mai is well known for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. Cairns is well known for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system.

How is Chiang Mai different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is terrific for its museums and history. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Cairns offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

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

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

For foodies, Chiang Mai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cairns makes for a great culinary experience. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

Is Chiang Mai or Cairns Better for Nightlife?

Cairns is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

People head to Cairns just to party. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

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.

Is Chiang Mai or Cairns Better for Resorts?

Cairns is a great city for its luxury resorts. However, Chiang Mai is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Cairns to choose from. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

Chiang Mai is not a resort destination.

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

Cairns is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Chiang Mai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Cairns. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Chiang Mai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Cairns Better for Beaches?

Cairns is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Cairns offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Cairns Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Cairns does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Cairns does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Cairns Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Chiang Mai and Cairns, and they are amazing.

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 Cairns specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Cairns?

Chiang Mai is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Cairns is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Cairns is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

Is Chiang Mai or Cairns Better for Families?

Cairns is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cairns is very family-friendly. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

Chiang Mai is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Chiang Mai or Cairns Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai and Cairns both superb 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.

Cairns is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

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

For backpackers, both Chiang Mai and Cairns are amazing places to visit.

Many backpackers frequent Chiang Mai. 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 and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Cairns. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

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

Chiang Mai and Cairns 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.

Cairns has a few public transit options. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

Is Chiang Mai or Cairns a more walkable city?

Chiang Mai is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its walkability.

Chiang Mai is a somewhat walkable city. 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.

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Cairns?

In either Chiang Mai or Cairns, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chiang Mai than Cairns because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairns.

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

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

Chiang Mai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With shopping and nightlife around the adventure-filled city of Cairns, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Cairns?

Chiang Mai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Cairns, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Cairns?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Mai. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cairns, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Chiang Mai or Cairns?

Chiang Mai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Cairns 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 2-Week Tours in Australia, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Cairns?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Cairns. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Cairns, 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 Cairns?

Cairns 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 Cairns in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Cairns. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cairns for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Chiang Mai is generally around the same temperature as Cairnsin January. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Cairns 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 Cairnsin January. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. Also, November to March is the rainy season in Cairns.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Cairns in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Cairns. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Cairns in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Cairns in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Cairns. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in October than Cairnsin April. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 273 mm (10.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. Also, April to October in Cairns is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Cairns in the Winter?

Both Cairns 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, most visitors come to Cairns for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Cairns. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Cairns averages at about 23°C (73°F)in July.

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Cairnsin July. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Cairns in the Spring?

Both Cairns 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. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cairns because of the beaches.

Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Cairnsin October. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in April than Cairnsin October. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. April to October is the dry season in Cairns. November to March is the rainy season in Cairns.

Typical Weather for Cairns and Chiang Mai