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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Melbourne?

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 Melbourne. 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 friendly, cultural, and welcoming 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. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a progressive, livable, and friendly city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Chiang Mai and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Melbourne?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai than Melbourne. While Melbourne is larger than Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Chiang Mai is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Melbourne attracts visitors for its beaches. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Melbourne and is known for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. It is also well known for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Melbourne is famous for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population.

How is Chiang Mai different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Chiang Mai are world-renowned. 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.

Many visitors head to Melbourne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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

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

For foodies, Chiang Mai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Dining out in Melbourne is an experience not to be missed. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Is Chiang Mai or Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Melbourne offers plenty to do in the evening. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Is Chiang Mai or Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is a great city for its beaches. However, Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Melbourne for it's beautiful beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Melbourne Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is a very popular place for its old town. However, Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Melbourne Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

People visit Chiang Mai specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Melbourne?

Chiang Mai is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Chiang Mai draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Is Chiang Mai or Melbourne Better for Families?

Both Chiang Mai and Melbourne are superb 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.

Melbourne is a very kid-friendly city. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Is Chiang Mai or Melbourne Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Chiang Mai makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

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

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

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Chiang Mai is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Chiang Mai or Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

Melbourne is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Melbourne is fairly effecient and thorough. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Chiang Mai has a few public transit options. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

Is Chiang Mai or Melbourne a more walkable city?

Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is very walkable. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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 Melbourne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Melbourne?

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

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

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 museums and nightlife around the progressive city of Melbourne, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Melbourne?

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 big city destination of Melbourne, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Melbourne?

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.

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

A week in Chiang Mai or Melbourne?

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.

Melbourne 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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?

Melbourne 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 Melbourne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Melbourne. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Also, many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chiang Mai in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Melbourne averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Melbourne this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.

Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Melbournein January. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Melbourne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Melbourne. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Melbourne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Melbournein April. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 29°C (83°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

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 Melbournein April. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Melbournein April. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Melbourne in the Winter?

Both Melbourne 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. Also, most visitors come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Chiang Mai is much warmer than Melbourne in the winter. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Melbourne during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Melbournein July. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Melbourne in the Spring?

Both Melbourne 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. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chiang Mai in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Melbourne averages at about 14°C (57°F)in October.

In Melbourne, 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 Melbournein October. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Melbournein October. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Chiang Mai