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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Ise?

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 Ise. 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 nightlife, food, and hiking.

Ise

Ise is a off-the-beaten-path, overlooked, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches.

Chiang Mai and Ise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Ise?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai than Ise. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Chiang Mai is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ise attracts visitors for its beaches. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Ise 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. Ise is famous for its important Shinto shrines and its coastal setting.

How is Chiang Mai different from Ise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Ise 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ise. While this is an often overlooked part of Japan for tourists, those who venture here will enjoy strolling through the forest and visiting the shrine complex of Ise Jingu.

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

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Ise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find some of Japan's best seafood around town and there are many local delicacies. Head to the downtown area around Iseshi Station to find a high concentration of places. One local specialty is the Japanese spiny lobster (also known as the Ise lobster).

Is Chiang Mai or Ise Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Ise is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Chiang Mai is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Ise doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most visitors don't stay long enough to take in the nightlife, which is limited.

Is Chiang Mai or Ise Better for Beaches?

Ise is a good destination for its beaches. However, Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Ise offers a nice beach destination. There are several nice and sandy beaches in the area that make for a nice break from the sightseeing.

Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Ise Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is well known for its old town. However, Ise 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.

Ise does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Ise Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Ise is not a hiking destination.

Around Chiang Mai visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Ise is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Ise?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ise 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.

Ise has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a shopping street in town with many of the shops housed in traditional buildings, giving the area a nice character.

Is Chiang Mai or Ise Better for Families?

Chiang Mai is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Ise offers lots of family activities. The Ise Jingu Shrine complex is large and sprawling, and has the feel of a park. The kids will likely find visiting all of the temples tedious, but the forest is peaceful and the setting is beautiful.

Is Chiang Mai or Ise Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Ise 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.

Ise is a good city for couples to visit. This is an off-the-beaten path destination that is far more than a shrine - it's a complex of shrines. It's spread out over a large space and filled with forest and peaceful walks that couples will enjoy.

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

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ise. It's off the radar for many backpackers, but those that make it here will find a couple of hostels and affordable accommodation options.

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

Chiang Mai and Ise both offer nice 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.

Ise has a few public transit options. The CAN Bus is a tourist bus that connects the train stations to the main attractions and runs every half hour.

Is Chiang Mai or Ise a more walkable city?

Chiang Mai and Ise are nice when it comes to 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.

Ise is a somewhat walkable place. There are walking paths through the complex that connect the shrines, but some of the distances can be significant.

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

Should I spend more time in Ise or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Ise?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chiang Mai and Ise. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chiang Mai than in Ise. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ise.

Families should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Ise. 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 Ise. 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 Ise 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 Ise?

When visiting Chiang Mai, people usually allow for lots of time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

With museums and food around the off-the-beaten-path city of Ise, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ise, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Ise?

Many people visit Chiang Mai for a weekend. When visiting Chiang Mai, people usually allow for lots of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

With food and shopping around the destination of Ise, 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 Ise?

When visiting Chiang Mai, people usually allow for lots of time. Many people spend five days here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Ise, 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 Ise?

Chiang Mai, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Ise 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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Ise?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ise. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Ise, 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 Ise?

Ise 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 Ise in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Ise. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ise because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Ise. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chiang Mai in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Ise averages at about 26°C (79°F).

In the summer, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Ise. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ise. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in July than Ise. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Ise in the Autumn?

Both Ise 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, the shopping scene are the main draw to Ise this time of year.

In October, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Ise. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 29°C (83°F), and Ise fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Ise during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 160 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Ise. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Ise in the Winter?

Both Ise 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 travelers come to Ise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ise. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Ise in the winter. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Ise fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the winter, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Ise. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 165 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Ise. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Ise in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Ise. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ise in the spring for the beaches.

The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Ise. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chiang Mai in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Ise averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Ise during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

Ise receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Ise. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Typical Weather for Ise and Chiang Mai