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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Honolulu?

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 Honolulu. 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.

Honolulu

Honolulu is a energetic, vibrant, and multi-cultural 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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Chiang Mai and Honolulu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Honolulu?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Honolulu than Chiang Mai. While Chiang Mai is larger than Honolulu, Honolulu has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Honolulu is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Chiang Mai is known for its food, historical sights, and shopping. Chiang Mai is popular for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. Honolulu is popular for its multicultural atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and iconic hikes. It is also home to Pearl Harbor.

How is Chiang Mai different from Honolulu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the fantastic sights and museums in either Chiang Mai or Honolulu.

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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Honolulu are among the most recognizable in the world. For many visitors, a trip to Pearl Harbor is one of the most memorable experiences while they're in Hawaii. It's still an active naval base, but it's also a National Historic Landmark that memorializes that historic day in 1941. There are many sights that reflect on the past and you can also pick up tours to the USS Arizona at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Other cultural sights around Honolulu include the Polynesian Cultural Center, the Shangri-La Museum, and Iolani Palace.

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

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 Honolulu. The city offers a mix of internationally recognized chain restaurants as well as local mom and pop shops. You'll find a mix of cuisines that reflect the city's multicultural personality. There is plenty of Japanese food around town as well as local Hawaiian dishes. Spam is incorporated into many dishes, but you'll also find seafood and tropical fruits.

Is Chiang Mai or Honolulu Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Honolulu offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has the most active nightlife scene on all of the Hawaiian islands. If you're looking for a party, then this is the place to stay. You'll find many bars, clubs, and entertainment options around town, as well as beach parties and festivals. For tourists, the highest concentration of nightlife venues is around Waikiki, which is also where you'll find the most hotels.

Is Chiang Mai or Honolulu Better for Resorts?

Honolulu is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Chiang Mai is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Honolulu for its luxury resorts. The highest concentration of resorts are around Waikiki where you'll find all of the major names such as the Hilton, Marriott, and the Hyatt.

Chiang Mai is not a resort destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Honolulu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Honolulu is a great city 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 Honolulu. There are great beaches around the island and near the city where you can enjoy diving and snorkeling. You'll find coral and tropical fish that make for a wonderful experience.

Chiang Mai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Honolulu Better for Beaches?

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

Honolulu offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Nearby there are countless beach destinations such as the famed Waikiki Beach. There are also more local and lesser known stretches of sand where you can escape the tourist crowds. Other great beaches in the area include Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Magic Island, and Lanikai Beach.

Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Honolulu Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is great for its historic old town. However, Honolulu 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.

Honolulu does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Honolulu Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Chiang Mai and Honolulu, and they are fantastic.

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 Honolulu specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Both in the city and nearby you'll find world famous hiking trails that offer spectacular views and breathtaking landscapes. There are many natural landmarks and dramatic mountains. Moanalua Valley Trail, also known as the Stairway to Heaven, is one of the top hiking trails in the area. Other popular options include Kuliouou Ridge Trail and Diamond Head Crater Hike.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Honolulu?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Honolulu is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has some of the best shopping opportunities in the Hawaiian islands. There are brand name fashion outlets, large shopping malls, and boutique local vendors. Many of the malls are open air and let you enjoy the Hawaiian climate while you browse. Downtown Honolulu and Waikiki both have many shopping opportunities.

Is Chiang Mai or Honolulu Better for Families?

Honolulu 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, Honolulu is very family-friendly. There are many kid-friendly beaches, hiking trails, and activities that appeal to families. While Waikiki Beach can get crowded, it is also a great option for kids. Kids will also enjoy snorkeling with sea turtles, swimming with dolphins, or taking surfing lessons. For a cold treat, everyone can enjoy shave ice and the perfect way to wrap up a day is a fun luau.

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 Honolulu Better for Couples?

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

Honolulu is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Romantic resorts, beautiful beaches, and stunning hikes make this a top honeymoon destination for couples. The city has an energy that is unlike anywhere else on the Hawaiian islands, but there are also nature trails and outdoor adventures nearby. There are a diversity of restaurants that highlight both local and international cuisines, and a nightlife scene that will keep you entertained.

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 Honolulu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Honolulu is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Honolulu is a great city to visit for backpackers. This is one of the easier places to stay in Hawaii as a backpacker. There are a handful of hostels, and public transit is available so having a car isn't as crucial as it is everywhere else.

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

Chiang Mai and Honolulu both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Chiang Mai offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

Honolulu has a few public transit options. TheBus is the public bus system through the city and elsewhere on Oahu.

Is Chiang Mai or Honolulu a more walkable city?

Honolulu is a great city for its walkability. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Honolulu is very walkable. The most walkable areas are around downtown Honolulu and in Waikiki.

Chiang Mai is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Honolulu or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Honolulu?

Both Chiang Mai and Honolulu have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Honolulu has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Honolulu than Chiang Mai. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 5-7 days is enough time in Honolulu.

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

Couples should spend more time in Honolulu than Chiang Mai. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Honolulu that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Honolulu 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 Honolulu?

Chiang Mai is a big city with plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant city of Honolulu, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Honolulu?

Chiang Mai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chiang Mai, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Chiang Mai or Honolulu?

Chiang Mai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chiang Mai, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Honolulu, a popular city, 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 city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Chiang Mai or Honolulu?

Chiang Mai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chiang Mai has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Honolulu is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Honolulu?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Honolulu. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Honolulu, 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 Honolulu?

Honolulu 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 Honolulu in the Summer?

Both Honolulu 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. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Honolulu because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Honolulu in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Honolulu fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Honolulu. Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Honolulu during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Honolulu. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Honolulu in the Autumn?

Both Honolulu 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. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Honolulu this time of year.

In the autumn, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Honolulu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Honolulu averages at about 80°F (26°C).

In Honolulu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Honolulu. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 246 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Honolulu. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Honolulu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Honolulu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Honolulu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Chiang Mai is generally around the same temperature as Honolulu. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Honolulu fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Honolulu this time of the year. In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Honolulu during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Honolulu receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Honolulu. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Honolulu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Honolulu. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Honolulu in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Honolulu in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Honolulu fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Honolulu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Honolulu. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Honolulu receives 253 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in April than Honolulu. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Honolulu receives 1.7 inches (42 mm) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Honolulu and Chiang Mai