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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Nikko?

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 Nikko. 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 nightlife, food, and hiking.

Nikko

Nikko is a relaxing, peaceful, and natural town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking.

Chiang Mai and Nikko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Nikko?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai. Although Chiang Mai and Nikko are both popular with visitors, Chiang Mai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chiang Mai is more popular for its food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Nikko is known for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Nikko 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. Nikko is popular for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting.

How is Chiang Mai different from Nikko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the fantastic sights and museums in either Chiang Mai or Nikko.

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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Nikko are among the most recognizable in the world. The town sits on the edge of Nikko National Park, where you'll find shrines and temples. Toshogu Shrine is lavishly designed. Other notable temples in the area are Taiyuin, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan Temple.

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

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Nikko. There are many traditional dishes in the area, but one of the most famous is yuba. Yuba is made from a part of soy milk, and you'll find it in places all over town. You'll also find sushi, tofu, and tea everywhere.

Is Chiang Mai or Nikko Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is great for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Chiang Mai for the nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Nikko for the nightlife. The town is about relaxing in a tranquil setting and soaking up nature, so you won't find much in the form of nightlife.

Is Chiang Mai or Nikko Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

The historic old town of Nikko is revered around the world. The ancient town is filled with giant cedar trees that line walking paths that take you to the many shrines and temples in the area.

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.

Is Chiang Mai or Nikko Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for hiking. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Nikko is a popular spot for hiking. The town is surrounded by beautiful nature that you can explore on the many walking paths. The forests are well-preserved and they're filled with large cedar trees, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful hikes. The area embraces the Japanese practice of "forest bathing" where you "bath" yourself in a beautiful natural environment.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Nikko?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Nikko is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Nikko offers some nice shopping areas. There are places in town where you can pick up local handicrafts and traditional items.

Is Chiang Mai or Nikko Better for Families?

Both Chiang Mai and Nikko 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.

Nikko is a very kid-friendly city. The area offers a unique way for kids to experience Japanese culture. A highlight for the little ones is a ninja show at Grand Ninja Theatre and the Mizugei-za water magic show. Kids will also enjoy staying in a traditional ryokan and floating in the hot spring baths.

Is Chiang Mai or Nikko Better for Couples?

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

Nikko is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. While many visitors come to see the shrines and temples, they often end up falling in love with the area's natural beauty, waterfalls, and "forest bathing" (surrounding yourself with nature). Couples will also enjoy dining on the local food and relaxing in a pool fed by a natural hot spring.

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 Nikko Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Nikko is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

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

Nikko is a great town 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 Nikko is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

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 Nikko a more walkable city?

Nikko is a great town for its walkability. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Nikko is very walkable. While the town is relatively walkable and there are walking paths through the forest and to most of the temples and shrines, if you want to get further into the region, it's helpful to have a car.

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 Nikko Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nikko or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Nikko?

It's fun to spend time in either Chiang Mai or Nikko. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Chiang Mai due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 1-4 days is enough time in Nikko.

Families should spend more time in Nikko than Chiang Mai. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Nikko, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Nikko than Chiang Mai. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nikko that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

Each neighborhood in Chiang Mai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Nikko might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nikko, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Nikko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Mai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Even though Nikko is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Nikko?

Chiang Mai is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Chiang Mai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Nikko, a popular town, 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 Nikko?

Each neighborhood in Chiang Mai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Nikko is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Nikko?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Nikko, 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 Nikko?

Nikko 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 Nikko in the Summer?

Both Nikko 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 Nikko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Nikko in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nikko. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Nikko in the Autumn?

Both Nikko 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. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.

In the autumn, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Nikko averages at about 16°C (61°F).

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

Nikko 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 around the same amount of rain in October as Nikko. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Nikko in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nikko. In January, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

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

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Nikko. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Nikko in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Nikko. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Nikko in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Nikko in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°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 Nikko. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nikko. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Nikko. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Nikko and Chiang Mai