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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Houston?

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 Houston. 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 natural, temple-filled, and laid-back city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Houston

Houston is a diverse, sprawling, and southern city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

Chiang Mai and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Houston?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chiang Mai than Houston. While Houston is larger than Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chiang Mai is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Houston attracts visitors for its music and big city activities. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. It is also well known for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

How is Chiang Mai different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Chiang Mai are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Houston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

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

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Chiang Mai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Houston is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Is Chiang Mai or Houston Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Chiang Mai and Houston.

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.

Houston offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

Is Chiang Mai or Houston Better for Music?

Houston is a good destination for live music. However, Chiang Mai is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Chiang Mai is not a live music destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Houston Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is well known for its old town. However, Houston does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Houston does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Houston Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Houston is not a hiking destination.

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.

Houston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Houston?

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Chiang Mai make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Chiang Mai or Houston Better for Families?

Both Chiang Mai and Houston are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Chiang Mai is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Houston is a very kid-friendly city. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

Is Chiang Mai or Houston Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Chiang Mai frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Houston is a good city for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Chiang Mai or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Houston Better for Students?

Houston is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

Chiang Mai is a good destination for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Chiang Mai, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

Public transit is mostly limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Chiang Mai or Houston a more walkable city?

Chiang Mai is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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.

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Houston or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chiang Mai and Houston. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chiang Mai than in Houston. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

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

Couples should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Houston. 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 Houston 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 Houston?

Because Chiang Mai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With live music and food around the southern city of Houston, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Houston?

Because Chiang Mai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chiang Mai has to offer.

With food and shopping around the big city destination of Houston, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Houston?

Chiang Mai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chiang Mai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Houston, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Chiang Mai or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Mai. Because Chiang Mai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Houston is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Houston, 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 Houston?

Houston 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 Houston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Houston. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In the summer, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chiang Mai in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in July than Houston. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Houston. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 29°C (83°F), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Houston. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Chiang Mai during the winter 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, many visitors come to Houston in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Chiang Mai is much warmer than Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Houston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Houston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Houston for the activities around the city during these months.

The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chiang Mai in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

In April, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Houston. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Typical Weather for Houston and Chiang Mai