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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Phoenix?

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 Phoenix. 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 temple-filled, laid-back, and friendly city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a sprawling, desert, and laid back city. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Chiang Mai and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Phoenix?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai than Phoenix. While Phoenix is larger than Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Phoenix and is known for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. Also, Chiang Mai is famous for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Phoenix is well known for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Chiang Mai different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Chiang Mai has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

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

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Is Chiang Mai or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

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 Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Chiang Mai or Phoenix Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix offers some nice hiking trails. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Phoenix?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Chiang Mai specifically to go shopping. 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.

Phoenix is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Chiang Mai or Phoenix Better for Families?

Chiang Mai is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Chiang Mai. 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.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Chiang Mai or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is a great city for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

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

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Chiang Mai, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

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

Chiang Mai is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Phoenix is not known for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Chiang Mai or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Chiang Mai is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known for its walkability.

Chiang Mai is a somewhat walkable city. 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.

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Phoenix?

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

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

Because Chiang Mai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the laid back city of Phoenix, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Phoenix, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Phoenix?

Because Chiang Mai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chiang Mai has to offer.

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

Chiang Mai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chiang Mai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Phoenix, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Phoenix?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Mai. Because Chiang Mai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Phoenix 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 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

Phoenix 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 Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix 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 Phoenix because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Phoenix this time of the year. In July, Chiang Mai is generally cooler than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix 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 and the shopping scene are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.

Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Phoenix in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 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 Phoenix. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Phoenix in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Phoenix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Phoenix averages at about 58°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Phoenix during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Phoenix. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Phoenix in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Phoenix. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Chiang Mai