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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Canberra?

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 Canberra. 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 hiking, shopping, and museums.

Canberra

Canberra is a under-rated, cultural, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Chiang Mai and Canberra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Canberra?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai than Canberra. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Canberra 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. Canberra is famous for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves.

How is Chiang Mai different from Canberra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Canberra 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.

Many visitors head to Canberra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

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

Chiang Mai is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Canberra 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.

Dining out in Canberra is an experience not to be missed. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Is Chiang Mai or Canberra Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Chiang Mai has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Canberra has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Chiang Mai or Canberra Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Canberra 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.

Canberra does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Canberra Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is terrific for its hiking trails. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

People visit Chiang Mai specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Canberra?

Chiang Mai is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Canberra 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 Canberra to go shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Chiang Mai or Canberra Better for Families?

Both Chiang Mai and Canberra are superb 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.

Canberra is a very kid-friendly city. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

Is Chiang Mai or Canberra Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Canberra 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.

Canberra is a good city for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

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

Chiang Mai is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options 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.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Chiang Mai or Canberra Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Canberra. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

Chiang Mai and Canberra 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.

Canberra has a few public transit options. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

Is Chiang Mai or Canberra a more walkable city?

Chiang Mai and Canberra 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.

Canberra is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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

Should I spend more time in Canberra or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Canberra?

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

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

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 museums and nightlife around the under-rated city of Canberra, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Canberra?

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 nightlife and food around the destination of Canberra, 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 city.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Canberra?

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.

Canberra, a popular city, 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 Canberra?

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.

Canberra 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Canberra?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Canberra, 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 Canberra?

Canberra 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 Canberra in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Canberra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chiang Mai in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Canberra averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.

Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Canberrain January. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 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 Canberra in the Autumn?

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

In October, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Canberrain April. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 29°C (83°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Canberra. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Canberrain April. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 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 Canberra in the Winter?

Both Canberra 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 Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Chiang Mai is much warmer than Canberra in the winter. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Canberra fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Canberrain July. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Canberra in the Spring?

Both Canberra 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 Canberra because of the activities around the city.

The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Canberra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chiang Mai in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Canberra averages at about 15°C (60°F)in October.

Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Canberrain October. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Typical Weather for Canberra and Chiang Mai