Which place is cheaper, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
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.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
In the heart of the Anhui Province of China is the stunning Mount Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws in visitors from around the world to take in the stunning views and conquer a new challenge.
Mount Huangshan is one of the most popular destinations in China. Because of this, most of the towns and regions around it also use the name Huangshan. Even the closest town, Tunxi, has begun going by Huangshan City. Keep this in mind as it could potentially cause some confusion in transit.
The whole of Huangshan has 36 separate peaks rising approximately 1,800 meters into the air. It is often covered in a spiritual-feeling mist that makes the peaks appear to live in the clouds. It has inspired artists for centuries, and is often thought to be the model for the typical mountain ranges seen in ancient Chinese paintings.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.
-
Chiang Mai Prices
Thailand PricesHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $61Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $61, while the average daily cost in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is $72. 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $30Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $60Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)? 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 $4.18Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$1.26
-
Moped Rental$5.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Transfer – Hotel or Airport: $7.96
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Private Transfer: $8.00
- Private Airport Transfer in Chiang Mai to/from Chiangmai Town: $10
- Chiang Mai Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $14
- Chiang Mai Airport Arrival – Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel: $14
- Chiang Mai International Airport Arrival Shared Transfer: $15
- Chiang Mai International Airport Departure Shared Transfer: $15
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Chiang Mai HTL-APT(CNX): $15
- Chiang Mai Private Car :Airport To Hotel transfer (one way) : $15
- Private Airport Transfer in Chiang Mai to/from Mae Rim Hotel: $17
- Private Arrival Transfer : Chiang Mai International Airport (SHA Plus): $17
- Private Arrival Transfer - Chiang Mai Airport to Chiang Mai City Hotel(SHA Plus): $18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain):
-
Shuttle Bus to Tangkou for Two$3.64
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
Prices for flights to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 $21Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $33
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)$6.12
-
Roti Snack (Bread)$0.75
-
Casual Breakfast$1.26
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.28
-
Mangoes$0.94
-
Coffee$1.57
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: $10
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $10
- Chiang Mai Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show Experience: $22
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $22
- Chiang Mai Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show Experience: $22
- Half-day Thai Cooking Class from scratch by an Expert Chef: $27
- Morning Thai cooking class : $29
- Evening Thai cooking class : $29
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $29
- The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai : $29
- Cooking class in organic garden and local market tour ThaiCottage: $29
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner & Cultural Show Tour in Chiang Mai: $31
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27
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$41
-
Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.88
-
Kratong Lessons$3.14
-
Pedicure$4.71
-
Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.65
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car 3 Hour Adventure: $13
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car – 3 Hours Experience: $13
- Old Town History and Culture Walking Tour at Chiang Mai: $15
- Art in Paradise: Chiang Mai 3D Art Museum Experience: $16
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hrs: $16
- Skip the Line: Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Admission Ticket: $16
- Chiang Mai Farm Life & Khao Soy Tasting on a Half-Day Boat Tour: $17
- Chiangmai Temple And City Walking Tour with ex monk Part 1: $18
- Bua Thong Waterfalls Adventure Experience : $18
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples 3 hour Twilight Walking Tour : $18
- Muay Thai Ticket Thapae Boxing Stadium Chiang Mai Live Fight: $19
- Chiang Mai Temples Visit Walking Tour with Ex-Monk Guide Part 2: $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are as follows:
-
Two Entrance Tickets$64
-
Two Cable Car Passes$22
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.78Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
-
Wine$3.14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), we can see that Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Summer?
Both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
Chiang Mai is much warmer than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages at about 4°C (40°F).
Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Spring?
Both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). In April, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 17°C (62°F)
Typical Weather for Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.