Which place is cheaper, Phnom Penh or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai or Phnom Penh?
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 Phnom Penh. 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.
Where Should I go: Chiang Mai or Phnom Penh?
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city in the country of Cambodia. It is located at the edge of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers and is the nation's center of economics and industry. The metropolitan area has a population of about 2.2 million.
Phnom Penh was once called the "Pearl of Asia." In the 1920s it was one of the most impressive French built cities in the region and was an important tourist destination. During the Vietnam War, refugees fled to the city and by 1975 the city's population was between 2 and 3 million, most of them being refugees. The city fell to the Khmer Rouge in 1975 and they cut off supplies to the population for over a year. Journalists reported torture and mutilation of the trapped civilians and the Khmer Rouge forcibly evacuated the city in what is known as the death march. The Khmer Rouge was driven from the city by the Vietnamese in 1979 and reconstruction began.
Today, tourism continues to grow in the city and those who visit are greeted by a welcoming and friendly population, a rich culture, and truly rewarding travel experience.
Phnom Penh has a tropical wet and dry climate. It is hot year around with very little temperature variation. Lows are usually in the low 70s Fahrenheit and highs are in the mid to high 90s Fahrenheit. The southwest monsoon brings rains between May and October and the northeast monsoon brings the dry season from November to March.
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 Cambodia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Cambodia.
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Chiang Mai Prices
Thailand PricesPhnom Penh Prices
Cambodia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $58Phnom Penh $50
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $58, while the average daily cost in Phnom Penh is $50. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Chiang Mai and Phnom Penh in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $29Phnom Penh $12
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $58Phnom Penh $24
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Phnom Penh
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Phnom Penh? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Chiang Mai Hotel Prices and Phnom Penh Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $3.97Phnom Penh $7.84
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.19
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Moped Rental$5.37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Baan Tawai Woodcarving Workshop with Transfers from Chiang Mai: $61
- Chiang Dao to Chiang Mai Airport CNX Private Departure Transfer: $69
- Chiang Mai 2026 Yi Peng Sky Lantern Festival with Transfer: $95
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Private Arrival Transfer: $69
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $183
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Transfer – Arrival or Departure: $24
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Transfer with Hotel Drop-off: $29
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Van Transfer – Arrival or Departure: $38
- Chiang Mai Airport To / From Hotel with Private Transfer: $23
- Chiang Mai Airport Transfer by Private Van – Arrival or Departure: $52
- Chiang Mai Airport Transfers by Private Car: $30
- Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Temples Tour with Premium Transfer: $240
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:
- Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh City to Can Tho City: $375
- Siem Reap: Private Transfer to or from Phnom Penh: $239
- Private Transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by VIP Alphard 2010: $190
- Private Taxi Transfer Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville: $160
- Siem Reap or Private One-Way Transfer: $158
- Private Taxi Transfer from/to Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville: $145
- Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville city: $145
- Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Kompot or Kep: $145
- Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $145
- Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $145
- Private taxi transfer from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh city: $145
- Private Taxi transfer from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: $145
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Phnom Penh?
Prices for flights to both Phnom Penh and Chiang Mai change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayChiang Mai $20Phnom Penh $22
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.82
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.72
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Casual Breakfast$1.19
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.97
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Mangoes$0.90
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Coffee$1.49
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $12
- Half-day Thai Cooking Class from scratch by an Expert Chef: $27
- Chiang Mai Cooking Class Adventure Tour: $27
- Chiang Mai Lanna Thai Cooking Class with Mae Malai Market: $27
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $28
- Chiang Mai Thai Cooking Class at Grand Canyon and Market Tour: $28
- Morning Thai cooking class: $28
- Evening Thai cooking class: $28
- Half-Day Cooking Class: $28
- The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai: $28
- Private Virtual Thai Cooking Class: $28
- Khantoke Dinner at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center: $29
Typical Food Prices in Phnom Penh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phnom Penh:
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Dinner for Two$10
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Breakfast for Two$4.82
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phnom Penh
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phnom Penh.
- Mekong Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $9.90
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with English Speaking Guide: $10
- Dinner 4-course Mekong River cruise with Kanika Boat: $27
- Nightlife three hours food tours: $27
- Evening City Tour by Tuk Tuk with 1 Dinner: $29
- Cooking Class in Phnom Penh: $31
- Phnom Penh’s Hands-On Khmer Cooking Class in the Countryside: $35
- Street Art & Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $35
- Khmer Cooking Class Half Day (AM or PM): $36
- Street Art and Food Tour with Pickup and Beer: $39
- Street Art and Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $39
- Authentic Walking Food Tour with Local Guide: $39
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Phnom Penh $7.62
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$39
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.79
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Kratong Lessons$2.98
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Pedicure$4.48
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.37
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Chiang Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $3.56
- Chiang Mai Eco Tourism Elephant Poop Paper Creative Experience: $6.09
- Relaxing Daycation Massage Experience in Chiang Mai: $9.17
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car – 3 Hours Experience: $12
- Chiang Mai Old City Temple Tour: $14
- Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Interactive 3D Museum Experience: $14
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hrs: $16
- Chiangmai Temple And City Walking Tour with ex monk Part 1: $17
- FAM Fahlanna Art Museum Admission Ticket, Chiang Mai: $17
- Mae Ping Cruise and Farmer’s House Visit: $18
- Best Seller! Doi Suthep & Wat Umong Night Tour: $19
- Chiang Mai Farm Life & Khao Soy Tasting on a Half Day Boat Tour: $19
Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh
Here are a few actual costs in Phnom Penh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- ( Free eSim) Phnom Penh Historical Full Day Tour: $40
- 2 Day Mt. Aural Hiking Adventure Cambodia's Peak Challenge: $249
- 2 Days Phnom Penh Cyclo and Cycling Tour: $128
- 2 Days Phnom Penh Siem Reap Private Tour, Cambodia Road Tour: $25
- 2 Days Private Guide Tour Phnom Penh Heritage: $282
- 2-Day Mekong Delta Tour: Phu Quoc to Phnom Penh via Chau Doc: $488
- 3 Day Cambodia Private Tours: $80
- 3 Days Local Life Experience, Nature view, Waterfall: $199
- 4 Hours Private Phnom Penh National Museum and Royal Palace Tour: $155
- 5-Hour Biking Tour in Mekong Island: $49
- A Day Hiking Adventure to Chonlos Waterfalls: $189
- A Full Day Tour for Royal Palace S21 Killing Fields and More: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.39Phnom Penh $4.32
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$2.98
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: 4 Venues, Beer Buffet & VIP Entry: $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Phnom Penh
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Phnom Penh:
- Phnom Penh Pub Crawl with Free Mad Monkey Singlet: $12
When comparing the travel costs between Chiang Mai and Phnom Penh, we can see that Chiang Mai is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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 Phnom Penh Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Phnom Penh, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.