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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Perth?

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 Perth. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Perth

Perth is a isolated, sunny, and friendly city. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Chiang Mai and Perth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Perth?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai than Perth. While Perth is larger than Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Chiang Mai is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Perth is known for its beaches. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Perth 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. Perth is popular for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location.

How is Chiang Mai different from Perth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Perth can be an interesting and educational experience. There are some interesting sights and museums around town like the Perth Mint, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Bell Tower, and Scitech. There's also the Perth Zoo and the Aviation Heritage Museum.

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

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

Chiang Mai has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 Perth. There's a good selection of restaurants with many great international options as well as fine dining and casual. Family-friendly restaurants are also very common.

Is Chiang Mai or Perth Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is great for nightlife. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Perth. The city has many nightclubs and music venues. There are also low key pubs and trendy wine bars. Northbridge is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

Is Chiang Mai or Perth Better for Beaches?

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

Perth offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There is an 80 kilometer coastline that has beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Within the city there are 19 beaches that offer snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Many beaches have any amenity that you might need but it's also very easy to escape the city crowds.

Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Perth Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is great for its historic old town. However, Perth does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Perth does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Perth Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is very popular for hiking. However, Perth is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Chiang Mai specifically for its hiking. 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.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Perth?

Chiang Mai is very popular for shopping. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Perth offers some nice shopping areas. There are weekend street markets where you can pick up local crafts. There are also large shopping malls and trendy high end boutiques with international and local brands.

Is Chiang Mai or Perth Better for Families?

Both Chiang Mai and Perth are high quality 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.

Perth is a very kid-friendly city. It's a family-friendly city with ropes courses, fruit picking, and many different playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. There's also the Perth Zoo and several kid-friendly museums like the Aviation Heritage Museum and Scitech. Kids will also enjoy spending a day or two at the beach.

Is Chiang Mai or Perth Better for Couples?

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

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.

Perth makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

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

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Perth. While most backpackers don't make it all the way to this isolated city, those that do will be rewarded with beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Is Chiang Mai or Perth Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Perth. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

Chiang Mai and Perth 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.

Perth has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

Is Chiang Mai or Perth a more walkable city?

Chiang Mai and Perth are good 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.

Perth is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas with streets that are fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Perth or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Perth?

It's fun to spend time in either Chiang Mai or Perth. 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 Perth.

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

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.

With museums and nightlife around the friendly city of Perth, 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 Perth?

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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Perth, there's plenty to do. 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 city.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Perth?

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.

Perth, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Perth?

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.

Perth 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 Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Perth?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Perth, 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 Perth?

Perth 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 Perth in the Summer?

Both Perth 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, many visitors come to Perth in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Perth in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Perth fluctuates around 25°C (76°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Perth. Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Perth during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Perth receives 331 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Perthin January. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Perth receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Perth in the Autumn?

Both Perth 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, most visitors come to Perth for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Perth. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Perth averages at about 19°C (67°F)in April.

In Perth, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Perthin April. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Perth receives 219 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Perthin April. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Perth receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Perth in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Perth. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Perth because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Perthin July. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Perth fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Perth during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Perth receives 166 hours of full sun in the winter.

Perth receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Perthin July. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Perth receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Perth in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Perth. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches are the main draw to Perth this time of year.

It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Perth in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Perth fluctuates around 17°C (62°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Perth. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Perthin October. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Perth receives 273 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Perth and Chiang Mai