A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chiang Mai vs. Fiordland National Park for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Fiordland National Park?

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 Fiordland National Park. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is a breathtaking, world famous, and stunning national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Chiang Mai and Fiordland National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Fiordland National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai. Although Chiang Mai and Fiordland National Park are both popular with visitors, Chiang Mai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chiang Mai is more popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Fiordland National Park is known for its impressive beauty. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Fiordland National Park 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. Fiordland National Park is popular for its world renowned hiking trails and stunning natural environments.

How is Chiang Mai different from Fiordland National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fiordland National Park 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 Fiordland National Park?

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Fiordland National Park does not have 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.

Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Chiang Mai or Fiordland National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its restaurants. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Chiang Mai has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Fiordland National Park. Te Anau is a town that serves as the basecamp for the park, and there are a range of restaurants and cafes there. Once you're in the park the dining options are limited, so it's best to come prepared with your own food supplies.

Is Chiang Mai or Fiordland National Park Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Chiang Mai has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fiordland National Park. There are few amenities in the park, so bring your own drinks and supplies.

Is Chiang Mai or Fiordland National Park Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Fiordland National Park does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Fiordland National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Fiordland National Park Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Chiang Mai and Fiordland National Park, and they are first-rate.

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 Fiordland National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The park has world class hiking, and this is the main activity for most visitors. There are three main trails in the park, as well as many shorter hikes that you can do. Milford Track is probably the most famous hike, and it is often considered one of the best hikes in the world. Routeburn Track is a multi-day trek that passes through a variety of environments and landscapes. Other popular trails include Kepler Track, Hollyford Track, and Dusky Track.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Fiordland National Park?

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Fiordland National Park Better for Families?

Fiordland National Park 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, Fiordland National Park is very family-friendly. It's the largest national park in New Zealand, and it makes a great playground for the whole family. It's the perfect place to go for a hike or learn about the natural world. There are dolphins and seals, waterfalls, and glowworm caves. There are also fun adventures like kayaking and jet skiing.

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 Fiordland National Park Better for Couples?

Fiordland National Park is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Fiordland National Park is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who love the great outdoors will be in heaven in this stunning national park. There's gorgeous scenery, romantic boat trips, and world class hikes that are not to be missed.

Chiang Mai is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Chiang Mai or Fiordland National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Chiang Mai and Fiordland National Park are first-rate 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 Fiordland National Park. As the largest national park in New Zealand, this is a world class backpackers destination and it is filled with amazing multi-day treks and once in a lifetime experiences.

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

Chiang Mai is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good 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 limited or non-existant in Fiordland National Park. Public transit is basically nonexistent in the park and there are few roads as well. Even so, having your own car is important as it gives you the flexibility to reach the sections that you want to visit.

Is Chiang Mai or Fiordland National Park a more walkable city?

Chiang Mai is very good for its walkability. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good 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.

Fiordland National Park is generally not very walkable. There are trails throughout the park and it's possible to access it on foot via Routeburn Track from Mt. Aspiring National Park.

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

Should I spend more time in Fiordland National Park or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Fiordland National Park?

Chiang Mai and Fiordland National Park both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Chiang Mai than Fiordland National Park because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 3-6 days is enough time in Fiordland National Park.

Couples should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Fiordland National Park. 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 Fiordland National Park 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 Fiordland National Park?

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With around the world famous national park of Fiordland National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Fiordland National Park?

Chiang Mai is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With around the destination of Fiordland National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Fiordland National Park?

Chiang Mai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Fiordland National Park, a popular national park, 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 national park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Chiang Mai or Fiordland National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Mai. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Fiordland National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

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