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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Coffs Harbour?

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 Coffs Harbour. 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 welcoming, natural, and temple-filled city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a relaxing, fun, and nature-filled vacation town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Chiang Mai and Coffs Harbour: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Coffs Harbour?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chiang Mai than Coffs Harbour, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Chiang Mai is more popular for its museums & sights, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Coffs Harbour is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Coffs Harbour and is known for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. It is also home to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Coffs Harbour is popular for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana".

How is Chiang Mai different from Coffs Harbour?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Chiang Mai from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Coffs Harbour offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town is home to the infamous Big Banana Fun Park. It's a large amusement park that's become recognized for the "Big Banana" at the entrance - which is the first of the "Big Things" found in Australia. The town also has several other landmarks to check out such as the Forest Sky Pier, the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, and the Butterfly House.

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

Chiang Mai is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Chiang Mai have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Coffs Harbour. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants that cater to families, couples, and all types of vacations. There are quaint cafes as well as fine dining restaurants and the cuisine ranges from local seafood to modern Australian favorites, or international treats.

Is Chiang Mai or Coffs Harbour Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Chiang Mai and Coffs Harbour.

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.

Coffs Harbour offers plenty to do in the evening. It's a vacation spot that attracts visitors who want to enjoy the evening activities. The Jetty Strip is popular for its nightlife scene, but you'll find no shortage of bars and pubs in other areas as well.

Is Chiang Mai or Coffs Harbour Better for Resorts?

Coffs Harbour is a great vacation town for its luxury resorts. However, Chiang Mai is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Coffs Harbour to choose from. There's a huge range of accommodation types in the area with everything from camping to luxury resorts. There are also budget-friendly hostels and family-friendly hotels.

Chiang Mai is not a resort destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Coffs Harbour Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Coffs Harbour is a great vacation town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Chiang Mai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Coffs Harbour. Scuba diving and snorkeling is popular in the area, as this is where the Solitary Islands Marine Park begins. The area sees a mix of the warm water from the Great Barrier Reef and the cooler waters from around Sydney, so the marine life is diverse. There are sheltered areas that offer snorkeling for all ages and you'll see a great mix of tropical and sub-tropical marine life, as well as both soft and hard corals.

Chiang Mai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Coffs Harbour Better for Beaches?

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

Coffs Harbour offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. People come for the beaches, and they won't disappoint. You can enjoy everything from surfing, swimming, fishing, or simply walking and taking in the beauty. Popular beaches in the area include Emerald Beach, Woolgoolga, and the family-friendly Jetty Beach.

Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Coffs Harbour Better for its Old Town?

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

Chiang Mai is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Coffs Harbour does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Coffs Harbour Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is very popular for its hiking trails. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Chiang Mai visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Coffs Harbour. There are many national parks and natural areas nearby with excellent hiking and bush walks. The Coffs Creek Walk is a walking and biking path that's in town and connects the city center to many of the top sights that are nearby. Out of town, there's the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, the Gumgali Track, Sherwood Nature Reserve and Ulidarra National Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Coffs Harbour?

Chiang Mai is very popular for shopping. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Chiang Mai. 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.

Coffs Harbour is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many shopping centers and markets where you can enjoy leisurely shopping or pick up any essentials that you may have forgotten.

Is Chiang Mai or Coffs Harbour Better for Families?

Coffs Harbour 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, Coffs Harbour is very family-friendly. There are great beaches where kids can swim or learn to surf. There are also water parks, including the famous Big Banana Fun Park, as well as amusement parks, nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. Kids and adults alike will enjoy going dolphin or whale watching, or putting on a mask and going snorkeling.

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 Coffs Harbour Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai and Coffs Harbour both very good 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.

Coffs Harbour is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a beautiful city and a popular honeymoon destination. Couples will enjoy the impressive beaches and fun activities. There are places to explore nature as well as restaurants and fun evening activities. There's also great scuba diving and snorkeling at the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Is Chiang Mai or Coffs Harbour Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Mai is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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.

Coffs Harbour is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town as well as great water activities and a lively atmosphere, making this a nice stop off for backpackers.

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

Chiang Mai is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its public transit.

Chiang Mai has some public transit options. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

Public transit is generally limited in Coffs Harbour. This is a very car dependent area and public transit is very limit. While there are buses, the area is spread out and you need the freedom of having your own vehicle to explore.

Is Chiang Mai or Coffs Harbour a more walkable city?

Chiang Mai is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its high level of 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.

Coffs Harbour is not a walkable city. Most visitors arrive with a car and you'll struggle to fully experience the area if you don't have your own form of transportation.

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

Should I spend more time in Coffs Harbour or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Coffs Harbour?

Both Chiang Mai and Coffs Harbour have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Chiang Mai has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Chiang Mai than Coffs Harbour. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 3-7 days is enough time in Coffs Harbour.

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

Couples should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Coffs Harbour. 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 Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour?

Chiang Mai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the lively vacation town of Coffs Harbour, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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 Coffs Harbour?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Mai. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Coffs Harbour, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Coffs Harbour?

Chiang Mai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Coffs Harbour, a popular vacation town, 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 vacation town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Chiang Mai or Coffs Harbour?

Chiang Mai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Visiting the old town is also a must. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Coffs Harbour is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this vacation town makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this vacation town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Coffs Harbour?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Coffs Harbour. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Coffs Harbour, 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 Coffs Harbour?

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Coffs Harbour. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Coffs Harbour because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coffs Harbour this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Coffs Harbour during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 237 hours of full sun in the summer.

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbourin January. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 187 mm (7.4 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 Coffs Harbour in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Coffs Harbour. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Coffs Harbour this time of year.

In the autumn, Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 20°C (67°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Coffs Harbourin April. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 203 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Coffs Harbour. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in October than Coffs Harbourin April. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 215 mm (8.5 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 Coffs Harbour in the Winter?

Both Coffs Harbour 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, many travelers come to Coffs Harbour for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Coffs Harbourin July. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Coffs Harbour. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Coffs Harbour during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 219 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbourin July. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Coffs Harbour in the Spring?

Both Coffs Harbour 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, many visitors come to Coffs Harbour in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Coffs Harbour in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.

In Coffs Harbour, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coffs Harbourin October. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 257 hours of full sun.

Coffs Harbour gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Coffs Harbourin October. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Typical Weather for Coffs Harbour and Chiang Mai