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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Nagano?

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 Nagano. 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 Chiang Mai is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Chiang Mai travel costs.

Nagano

Nagano is a traditional, alpine, and scenic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Nagano is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Nagano travel costs.

Chiang Mai and Nagano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Nagano?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai than Nagano. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Chiang Mai is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Nagano attracts visitors for its skiing and resorts. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Nagano 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. Nagano is famous for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games.

How is Chiang Mai different from Nagano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nagano and Chiang Mai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Chiang Mai or Nagano Better for Skiing?

Nagano is a great city for skiing. However, Chiang Mai is not a skiing destination.

Nagano offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Chiang Mai is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chiang Mai or Nagano?

Chiang Mai is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Nagano. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

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

Chiang Mai is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Dining out in Nagano is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

Is Chiang Mai or Nagano Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Chiang Mai and Nagano.

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.

Nagano offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

Is Chiang Mai or Nagano Better for Resorts?

Nagano is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Chiang Mai is not a resort destination.

Nagano has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Chiang Mai is not a resort destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Nagano Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is a great city for its old town. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

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.

Nagano offers a nice historic old town area. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Is Chiang Mai or Nagano Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is terrific for hiking. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Nagano is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Nagano?

Chiang Mai is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Many visitors go to Nagano to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

Is Chiang Mai or Nagano More Beautiful?

Chiang Mai and Nagano both are comparable with their very good scenery and beauty.

Chiang Mai is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It is famous for it's beautiful surrounding countryside where visitors often enjoy trekking and getting out in nature. The city is also filled with historic temples, night markets, and a relaxed atmosphere.

The beauty of Nagano is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city is found in a beautiful part of Japan. It's surrounded by mountains and filled with history and historic sights.

Is Chiang Mai or Nagano Better for Families?

Both Chiang Mai and Nagano are very good 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.

Nagano is a very kid-friendly city. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

Is Chiang Mai or Nagano Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Chiang Mai is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Nagano is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

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

Chiang Mai is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nagano. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Is Chiang Mai or Nagano Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Nagano. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

Chiang Mai and Nagano 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.

Nagano has a few public transit options. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

Is Chiang Mai or Nagano a more walkable city?

Chiang Mai and Nagano 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.

Nagano is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Nagano or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Nagano?

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

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

Chiang Mai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With nightlife and food around the traditional city of Nagano, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nagano, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Nagano?

Chiang Mai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With food and shopping around the destination of Nagano, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Nagano?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Mai. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nagano, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Nagano?

Chiang Mai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Nagano 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 in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Nagano?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Nagano, 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 Nagano?

Nagano 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 Nagano in the Summer?

Both Nagano and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Nagano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chiang Mai in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Nagano averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Nagano. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Nagano in the Autumn?

Both Nagano and Chiang Mai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

In October, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 29°C (83°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun.

Nagano 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 October than Nagano. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Nagano in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Nagano. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Also, many travelers come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nagano. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Nagano in the winter. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nagano this time of the year. In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Nagano. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Nagano in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Nagano. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Nagano in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Nagano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chiang Mai in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Nagano averages at about 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Nagano. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Nagano and Chiang Mai