A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Chiang Mai vs. Koh Chang for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Koh Chang?

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 Koh Chang. 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is a scenic, idyllic, and serene island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Chiang Mai and Koh Chang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Koh Chang?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai. Although Chiang Mai and Koh Chang are both popular with visitors, Chiang Mai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chiang Mai is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Chang is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Koh Chang and is known for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. It is also home to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Koh Chang is popular for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches.

How is Chiang Mai different from Koh Chang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is very popular for its museums and history. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Koh Chang offers a few options for museum-goers. This is a beach paradise, but you won't find any temples or museums around the island.

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

Chiang Mai is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chiang Mai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Koh Chang. There's a good selection of restaurants that serve everything from international dishes to Thai favorites. You'll also find restaurants attached to many of the resorts, many with nice views.

Is Chiang Mai or Koh Chang Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Chiang Mai has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Koh Chang has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's Thailand, so there is plenty of partying, but there are quiet parts to the island as well. For the biggest party scenes head to Lonely Beach, White Sand Beach, and Kai Bae Beach. Lonely Beach is where you'll find the highest concentration of backpackers.

Is Chiang Mai or Koh Chang Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Chiang Mai is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Koh Chang to choose from. The island has managed to maintain a natural atmosphere without the overdevelopment found at many Thai islands, yet it still has the amenities and comforts that you need like nice resorts.

Chiang Mai is not a resort destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Koh Chang Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Chang is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Chiang Mai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Koh Chang. You can book a snorkeling or dive trip to the nearby islands for the best experience. The beaches on Koh Chang are sandy with very few rocks and coral, so walk in snorkeling is limited.

Chiang Mai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Koh Chang Better for Beaches?

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

Koh Chang offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. You'll find the vast majority of the beaches on the west side of the island. The most developed beach is White Sand Beach, and most of the backpackers hang out at Lonely Beach. For a quiet and more upscale atmosphere check out Klong Prao Beach. Also make sure you keep an eye on high and low tides, because the difference is pretty extreme. You'll find large, sandy beaches at low tide, which disappear at high tide.

Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Koh Chang Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Koh Chang does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Chiang Mai to see the historical old town. 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.

Koh Chang does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Koh Chang Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its hiking experiences.

Known for its hiking, Chiang Mai draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Koh Chang. Very few people actually head inland to go hiking, but if you do it can be a rewarding experience. It's a challenge to hike on the island though, as there are no marked trails. You'll need to hire a guide for any trekking that you wish to do.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Koh Chang?

Chiang Mai is very popular for shopping. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Chang has some nice offerings. While this isn't the place to do any serious shopping, there are a few places where you can pick up essentials and souvenirs from your trip.

Is Chiang Mai or Koh Chang Better for Families?

Both Chiang Mai and Koh Chang are great 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.

Koh Chang is a very kid-friendly city. The laid back vibe is perfect for families who want to get away from the party scene and overdevelopment that's found at many Thai islands. The island has kid-friendly beaches, great hiking, and resorts with pools and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Chiang Mai or Koh Chang Better for Couples?

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

Koh Chang is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful island is a perfect destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are beautiful resorts that have the charm and character that is lost at many of the more developed parts of Thailand. There are also beaches that cater to every travel style, including upscale and idyllic gems.

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 Koh Chang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Mai is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Koh Chang is a great city to visit for backpackers. Most of the backpackers hang out around Lonely Beach, which also has a bit of a party vibe.

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

Chiang Mai and Koh Chang 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.

Koh Chang has a few public transit options. There's a main road that goes around the outside of the island, with the exception of the southern tip. You can rent a motorbike or catch a ride on a Songthaew (pick-up truck taxi). Do note that the roads can be very steep and windy, which can be difficult to drive independently.

Is Chiang Mai or Koh Chang a more walkable city?

Chiang Mai is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its high level of 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.

Koh Chang is generally not very walkable. Your ability to walk around really depends on where you stay. Many of the resorts are located in quieter areas without easy access to restaurants or shopping.

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Chang or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Koh Chang?

In either Chiang Mai or Koh Chang, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chiang Mai than Koh Chang because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 3-5 days is enough time in Koh Chang.

Families should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Koh Chang. 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.

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

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With food and nightlife around the idyllic island of Koh Chang, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Koh Chang?

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Koh Chang, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Koh Chang?

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Koh Chang, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Chiang Mai or Koh Chang?

Chiang Mai is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chiang Mai, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Koh Chang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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 3-Day Tours from Bangkok, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Chiang Mai.

When comparing the travel costs between Chiang Mai and Koh Chang, we can see that Koh Chang is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Koh Chang Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai or Koh Chang?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Koh Chang in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Koh Chang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. Koh Chang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Koh Chang. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Chang during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Chang receives 143 hours of full sun in the summer.

Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Koh Chang in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Koh Chang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Koh Chang in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Koh Chang. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Chang throughout the year.

Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. Also, November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season. June to October in Koh Chang is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in October than Koh Chang. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Koh Chang. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Chang receives 193 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Koh Chang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Koh Chang averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Koh Chang in the Winter?

Both Koh Chang and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Chang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February. The dry season in Koh Chang is November to February. In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Koh Chang. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Koh Chang. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Chang during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Chang receives 282 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chiang Mai is generally cooler than Koh Chang. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Koh Chang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Koh Chang in the Spring?

Both Koh Chang and Chiang Mai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round.

June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang. Koh Chang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Koh Chang. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Koh Chang, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Koh Chang. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Chang receives 247 hours of full sun.

It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Koh Chang in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Koh Chang fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Chang and Chiang Mai