Which place is cheaper, Dalian or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai or Dalian?
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 Dalian. 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 Dalian?
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.
Dalian
Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.
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 China, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $51Dalian $106
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $51, while the average daily cost in Dalian is $106. 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 Dalian in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $29Dalian $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $58Dalian $112
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Dalian
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Dalian? 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 $4.11Dalian $42
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:
- Chiang Mai #1 Way Private Car transfer to/from Bangkok City: $300
- Chiang Rai:Private Transfer to Chiang Mai with Temples Visit: $255
- Skyline Jungle Luge Ticket + Lunch with Private Transfer: $250
- Private Transfer to/from Mae Sot: $240
- Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Temples Tour with Premium Transfer: $240
- Private Transfer to/from Mae Sot: $225
- Chiang Mai #Private Car transfer to/from Mae Sot: $216
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: $170
- From One-Way Private Transfer to Chiang Rai: $165
- Chiang Mai's Top 2 Activities with Return Airport Transfers: $161
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $157
- Private Transfer: Chiang Mai Airport Arrival or Departure ride: $155
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian
Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Dalian?
Prices for flights to both Dalian 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 $12Dalian $28
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:
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $12
- Chiang Mai : Small Group Thai Cooking class with market tour: $19
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $22
- Evening Cooking Class in Organic Garden Chiang Mai: $23
- Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai: $24
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $24
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $25
- Morning Cooking Class in Organic Garden | Chiang Mai: $25
- Half-day Thai Cooking Class from scratch by an Expert Chef: $27
- Evening Cooking Class and Local Market Visit: $27
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $27
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $28
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Dalian $4.91
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.
- 9 Hours Nature Tour in Inthanon National Park From Chiang Mai: $71
- Chiang Mai Thapae Muay Thai Boxing Stadium Ticket: $31
- One Day Doi Inthanon National Park Small Group Guided Tour: $44
- Private Tour of Sacred Sakyant Tattoo in Lamphun Province.: $88
- 1 Day Doi Inthanon Private tour ( Hiking and Sightseeing ): $107
- 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $142
- 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
- 1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $166
- 1 day Private Tour to Unseen Temple in Lampang: $135
- 10KM Inflatable Kayaking Adventure: $90
- 2 Days 1 Night Non Tourist Trek: $135
- 2 Days Hiking Tour in Chiang Mai: $123
Tours and Activities in Dalian
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.
- Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.65Dalian $6.48
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 Dalian, we can see that Dalian 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 Dalian would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dalian 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 Dalian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Dalian?
Dalian has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Dalian, 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 Dalian?
Dalian 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 Dalian in the Summer?
Both Dalian and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.
In July, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Dalian. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Dalian fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Dalian. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Dalian. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Dalian 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Dalian in the Autumn?
Both Dalian and Chiang Mai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Chiang Mai is much warmer than Dalian in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Dalian fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Dalian. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Dalian 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Dalian in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Dalian. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
Dalian can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Dalian. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Dalian averages at about -4°C (25°F).
In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Dalian. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Dalian -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Dalian in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Dalian. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Dalian. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Dalian fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in April than Dalian. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Dalian 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Dalian and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Dalian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.