Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai or Cheju (Jeju)?
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 Cheju (Jeju). 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 Cheju (Jeju)?
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.
Cheju (Jeju)
Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $51Cheju (Jeju) $76
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $51, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) is $76. 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 Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $29Cheju (Jeju) $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $58Cheju (Jeju) $96
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Cheju (Jeju)
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Cheju (Jeju)? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $4.11Cheju (Jeju) $11
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$1.24
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Moped Rental$5.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 2-Day Transfer Luang Prabang from Chiang Mai by Sleeper Bus : $95
- ATV Riding and Grand Canyon Chiang Mai Include Pickup Transfer: $103
- Chiang Dao to Chiang Mai Airport CNX Private Departure Transfer: $28
- Chiang Mai #1 Way Private Car transfer to/from Bangkok City: $310
- Chiang Mai #Private Car transfer to/from Mae Sot: $223
- Chiang Mai : Sticky Waterfall transfer by van (half-day ): $29
- Chiang Mai Airport (CNX): One-Way Private Transfer: $18
- Chiang Mai Airport Arrival – Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel: $14
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Private Arrival Transfer: $28
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Round Trip Private Transfer: $57
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $159
- Chiang Mai Airport PRIVATE Arrival or Departure Transfer : $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- Private Half-Day Udo Tour in Jeju Island with Roundtrip Transfer: $200
- Private Tour in West Jeju Island with Transfer : $122
- Hallasan Seongpanak transfer,One way, Round trip: $93
- One Way Transfer to or from Jeju Airport and Jeju si South Korea: $78
- jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
- Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
- Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju çity Jeju Island: $25
- Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Cheju (Jeju)?
Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) 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 $12Cheju (Jeju) $18
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)$6.02
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.74
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Casual Breakfast$1.24
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.18
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Mangoes$0.93
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Coffee$1.54
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:
- Chiang Mai : Small Group Thai Cooking class with market tour: $20
- Morning Cooking Class in Organic Garden | Chiang Mai: $24
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $25
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $25
- Evening Cooking Class and Local Market Visit: $26
- Thai Cooking Class in Organic Farm & Market: $26
- Half-day Thai Cooking Class from scratch by an Expert Chef: $27
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $28
- The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai : $29
- Private Virtual Thai Cooking Class: $29
- Cooking Class with Local Chef only 4 people Since 2013: $29
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $29
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):
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Burger$4.73
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Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)$7.63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).
- JEJU Cooking Class _Class & Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $108
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Cheju (Jeju) $5.78
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$40
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.85
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Kratong Lessons$3.09
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Pedicure$4.63
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.56
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- 3 Hour Old City and Temples Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Local Food and Markets Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Mae Ping River Cruise: $14
- Chiangmai: Temple Walking Tour with ex-monk, part 1.: $14
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples 3 hour Twilight Walking Tour : $14
- Old Town History and Culture Walking Tour at Chiang Mai: $15
- Historical and Culture Exploration Walking Tour: $15
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hrs: $15
- Chiang Mai Michelin Food Walking Tour with Professional Tour Guide: $15
- Chiangmai: Temple Walking Tour with ex-monk, part II: $15
- Art in Paradise Illusion Museum Entry Ticket: $16
- Chiang Mai Old City Twilight Walking Tour: $16
Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)
Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2Days Private Luxury Tour With Experienced Driver in Jeju island: $135
- Private Day Tour World Natural Heritage in jeju island : $60
- Private Taxi Tour Hydrangea flower & Garden place in jeju island: $300
- Small Group Day Tour in East Jeju Healing Island: $115
- 1Day Tour to Jeju for Gangjeong Seogwipo Cruise Guests: $74
- 2 Day Private pictures of Nature Tour very experience taxi tour: $150
- 2 Days Private Tour with a Very Experienced Driver in Jeju Island: $150
- 2Days Limousine Taxi Tour with Experienced driver in jeju island: $170
- 2Days Private Tour Free schedule with A lot of Experience driver : $115
- 2Days World Natural Heritage & South & west tour in jeju island : $150
- 3days Private Free Schedule Tour a lot of Experience Driver : $170
- 5Hour Private Taxi driver Tour in Jeju: $240
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.65Cheju (Jeju) $7.51
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$3.09
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: The Best Nightlife in Town!: $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Cheju (Jeju), we can see that Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Cheju (Jeju)?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Cheju (Jeju), 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 Cheju (Jeju)?
Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Cheju (Jeju). Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cheju (Jeju). In the summer, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 209 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Cheju (Jeju). Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in July than Cheju (Jeju). Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Cheju (Jeju) in the Autumn?
Both Cheju (Jeju) and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.
In the autumn, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 179 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Cheju (Jeju). Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Cheju (Jeju) in the Winter?
Both Cheju (Jeju) and Chiang Mai during the winter 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 January, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the winter, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 75 hours of full sun.
Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Cheju (Jeju). Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Cheju (Jeju) in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Cheju (Jeju). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Cheju (Jeju) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 8°C (46°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.