Which place is cheaper, Hongcun or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Chiang Mai or Hongcun?
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 Hongcun. 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 Hongcun?
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.
Hongcun
When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.
The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, and The Best Adventure Tours to China.
-
Chiang Mai Prices
Thailand PricesHongcun Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $59Hongcun $70
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $59, while the average daily cost in Hongcun is $70. 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 Hongcun in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $29Hongcun $24
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $58Hongcun $48
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Hongcun
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Hongcun? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $4.04Hongcun $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$1.22
-
Moped Rental$5.47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared AC Minivan Transfer Chiang Mai to Mon Jam (Return Option): $9.09
- Chiang Mai to Pai Shared Minivan Transfer with Hotel Pickup: $11
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): $11
- Shared Minivan Transfer to Chiang Mai and Mae Kampong Village: $13
- Chiang Mai Private Car :Airport To Hotel transfer (one way): $15
- Chiang Mai International Airport Departure Shared Transfer: $15
- Private Chiang Mai Airport Transfer to or from Mae Rim Hotels: $16
- Hassle-Free Private Arrival Transfer from Chiang Mai Airport: $20
- Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall & Dantewada Cafe with Hotel Transfer: $21
- Private Arrival Transfer from Chiang Mai International Airport: $21
- Chiang Mai Airport To / From Hotel with Private Transfer: $23
- Sticky Waterfall Retreat and Chet Si Fountain Transfer: $23
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Hongcun?
Prices for flights to both Hongcun 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
-
Food Meals for one dayChiang Mai $20Hongcun $35
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
-
Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.93
-
Roti Snack (Bread)$0.73
-
Casual Breakfast$1.22
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.08
-
Mangoes$0.91
-
Coffee$1.52
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 Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $12
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $12
- Chiang Mai Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show Experience: $27
- Half-Day Cooking Class: $28
- Morning Thai cooking class: $28
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $28
- The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai: $28
- Khantoke Dinner at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center: $29
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai: $29
- Half Day Morning Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai: $29
- Baan Farm Thai Cooking School Chiangmai: $30
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner & Cultural Show Tour in Chiang Mai: $30
Typical Food Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hongcun are as follows:
-
Lunch for Two$5.15
-
Breakfast of Dumplings$2.21
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Hongcun $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Thai Cooking Class$40
-
Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.82
-
Kratong Lessons$3.04
-
Pedicure$4.56
-
Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.47
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Chiang Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $3.51
- Chiang Mai Eco Tourism Elephant Poop Paper Creative Experience: $6.18
- Tube Trek Water Park Tickets in San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai: $8.90
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car 3 Hour Adventure: $12
- Art in Paradise: Chiang Mai 3D Art Museum Experience: $15
- Skip the Line: Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Admission Ticket: $16
- FAM Fahlanna Art Museum Admission Ticket, Chiang Mai: $17
- Chiang Mai Mae Ping River Cruise and Thai Farmer House Visit: $20
- Doi Suthep Temple, Wat Pha Lat, Hmong Village Tour (Comfort Van): $21
- Explore Wat Phra Singh on a Walking Tour in Chiang Mai: $21
- Chiang Mai Old City Temples and Heritage Walking Tour: $21
- Authentic Muay Thai Experience with Hotel Pickup: $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hongcun are as follows:
-
Two Entrance Tickets$31
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.53Hongcun $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
-
Wine$3.04
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: 4 Venues, Beer Buffet & VIP Entry: $22
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Hongcun, we can see that Hongcun 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 Hongcun would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hongcun 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 Hongcun Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai or Hongcun?
Hongcun 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 Hongcun in the Summer?
Both Hongcun and Chiang Mai during the summer 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 July, Chiang Mai is generally around the same temperature as Hongcun. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Hongcun fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
Hongcun gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in July than Hongcun. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Hongcun 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Hongcun in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Hongcun. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
Chiang Mai is much warmer than Hongcun in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Hongcun fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Hongcun. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Hongcun 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Hongcun in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Hongcun. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Hongcun. In the winter, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Hongcun. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Hongcun averages at about 4°C (40°F).
Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Hongcun. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Hongcun 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Hongcun in the Spring?
Both Hongcun and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.
Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Hongcun. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Hongcun fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hongcun. In April, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Hongcun. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Hongcun 17°C (62°F)
Typical Weather for Hongcun and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Hongcun | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.