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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Noosa Heads?

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 Noosa Heads. 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 nightlife, food, and hiking.

Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is a scenic, natural, and charming coastal town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Chiang Mai and Noosa Heads: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Noosa Heads?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chiang Mai. Although Chiang Mai and Noosa Heads are popular destinations, Chiang Mai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chiang Mai is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Noosa Heads attracts visitors for its beaches and small town charm. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Noosa Heads 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. Noosa Heads is famous for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and surfing culture.

How is Chiang Mai different from Noosa Heads?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Noosa Heads is not known 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.

Noosa Heads offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. As a holiday destination, it is all about the beaches and laid back natural beauty. You'll find little in the form of museums, but do make your way to Laguna Lookout to take in the view.

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

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

Dining out in Noosa Heads is an experience not to be missed. The scenic setting means that there are peaceful restaurants that look out on the sea or river. Many restaurants use local ingredients from nearby farms. Farm-to-table is a popular concept here, and there are many sustainable seafood dishes that use locally caught fish.

Is Chiang Mai or Noosa Heads Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Noosa Heads. There are a number of pubs and bars that have opened around town. You'll find cocktail lounges, beer gardens, an plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.

Is Chiang Mai or Noosa Heads Better for Beaches?

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

Noosa Heads offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Visitors come for the laid back vibe and the spectacular beaches. For swimming, head to Noosa Main Beach. There's also surfing at the Noosa World Surfing Reserve and a peaceful and natural setting at Noosa National park.

Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Noosa Heads Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is a great city for its old town. However, Noosa Heads 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.

Noosa Heads does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Noosa Heads Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for hiking. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

Noosa Heads is a popular spot for hiking. There are hiking trails that take in the coastal views or you can head inland and wander through wooded landscapes. Some of the best hiking trails are found at Noosa National Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Noosa Heads?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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 Noosa Heads to go shopping. The main shopping street through town is Hastings Street. It's where you'll find beachside boutiques, impressive art galleries, as well as international brands.

Is Chiang Mai or Noosa Heads Better for Families?

Both Chiang Mai and Noosa Heads 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.

Noosa Heads is a very kid-friendly city. There are playgrounds and green space where you can picnic at the Noosa Villages. Kids will also enjoy taking ferry rides and exploring Noosa National Park. Also nearby is the impressive K'Gari (Fraser Island).

Is Chiang Mai or Noosa Heads Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai and Noosa Heads both very good destinations for a couple.

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.

Noosa Heads is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's filled with romantic beaches and fun outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking. There are plenty of places to hike and explore, as well as sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. You can also unwind with a spa day or sip wine by the sea.

Is Chiang Mai or Noosa Heads Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Noosa Heads is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The laid back atmosphere makes this a long running stop for backpackers to Australia. There are a number of hostels to choose from and many ways to explore nature.

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

Chiang Mai and Noosa Heads 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.

Noosa Heads has a few public transit options. There's a ferry that travels along the river. There are also buses that travel to local destinations.

Is Chiang Mai or Noosa Heads a more walkable city?

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

Noosa Heads is very walkable. It's fun to explore the town and surrounding areas on foot. There are walking and bike paths throughout.

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 Noosa Heads Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Noosa Heads or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Noosa Heads?

It's fun to spend time in either Chiang Mai or Noosa Heads. 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 2-4 days is enough time in Noosa Heads.

Families should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Noosa Heads. 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 Noosa Heads. 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 Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads?

Chiang Mai is a temple-filled city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Noosa Heads 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 beaches. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Noosa Heads?

Chiang Mai is a welcoming big city where you can fill many days. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Even though Noosa Heads is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Noosa Heads?

Chiang Mai is a friendly city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Noosa Heads, a popular coastal 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 Noosa Heads?

Chiang Mai is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Noosa Heads 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Contiki Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Noosa Heads?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Noosa Heads. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Noosa Heads, 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 Noosa Heads?

Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads in the Summer?

Both Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Noosa Heads. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chiang Mai in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Noosa Heads averages at about 20°C (67°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Noosa Heads. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Noosa Headsin January. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Noosa Heads in the Autumn?

Both Noosa Heads 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 shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Noosa Heads this time of year.

In October, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Noosa Headsin April. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 29°C (83°F), and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Noosa Headsin April. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Noosa Heads in the Winter?

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

Chiang Mai is much warmer than Noosa Heads in the winter. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 7°C (44°F)in July.

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Noosa Headsin July. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 57 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Noosa Heads in the Spring?

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

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

Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Noosa Headsin October. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Noosa Heads and Chiang Mai