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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Rockhampton?

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 Rockhampton. 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 hiking, shopping, and museums.

Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a traditional, charming, and cultural town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Chiang Mai and Rockhampton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Rockhampton?

You'll generally find more things to do in Chiang Mai than Rockhampton. Chiang Mai is bigger than Rockhampton, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Chiang Mai is better known for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Rockhampton is more popular for its beaches and small town charm. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Rockhampton 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. Rockhampton is well known for its cultural centers and surrounding national parks.

How is Chiang Mai different from Rockhampton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Many visitors head to Rockhampton specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. While many people come for the area's natural beauty, there are also educational centers where you can learn about the indigenous culture. Make sure you visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre as well as the Rockhampton Museum of Art. Also of interest are the Rockhampton Heritage Village and the Mount Morgan Historical Railway Museum.

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

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Chiang Mai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Rockhampton makes for a great culinary experience. Despite its small size, the food scene is surprisingly diverse. There are local cafes that offer local produce, waterfront restaurants that have great views, and casual international eateries, as well as low key pubs.

Is Chiang Mai or Rockhampton Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Chiang Mai has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Rockhampton has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a small place, but there are still a number of pubs and bars around town. Many visitors enjoy going to a coastal beach bar for the evening.

Is Chiang Mai or Rockhampton Better for Beaches?

Rockhampton is a good destination for its beaches. However, Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Rockhampton offers a nice beach destination. The town is about 40 kilometers inland from the Capricorn Coast beaches.

Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Rockhampton Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Rockhampton does not have a historic old town.

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.

Rockhampton does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Rockhampton Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

People visit Chiang Mai specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Rockhampton. The area has several national parks that are perfect for an avid bush walker or anyone looking for an afternoon in nature. Whether you're interested in a day trip or overnight camping trip, there are many natural scenic areas nearby.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Rockhampton?

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Rockhampton is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping centers in town where you can pick up anything you might need.

Is Chiang Mai or Rockhampton Better for Families?

Both Chiang Mai and Rockhampton are superb 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.

Rockhampton is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy a visit to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. You can also picnic and walk around the nearby Mount Etna Caves National Park or explore the Capricorn Caves which is about half an hour outside of town. Other kid-friendly places include Kershaw Gardens and Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.

Is Chiang Mai or Rockhampton Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai and Rockhampton both superb 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.

Rockhampton is a very popular place to visit for couples. Near several great national parks and interesting outdoor settings, this is a wonderful couple's destination. There are sunset cruises and beautiful gardens as well as wellness spas and great food and wine.

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

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Rockhampton is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area as well as a low key backpacker scene.

Is Chiang Mai or Rockhampton Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Rockhampton. The city has universities that attract an international crowd. It's a friendly setting that welcomes cultural diversity.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

Chiang Mai is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Rockhampton is lacking in options for its public transit.

Chiang Mai has some public transit options. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

Public transit is generally limited in Rockhampton. There are regional buses operated by Sunbus.

Is Chiang Mai or Rockhampton a more walkable city?

Chiang Mai and Rockhampton are notable 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.

Rockhampton is a somewhat walkable place. It's fun to explore the Riverside Precinct on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Rockhampton or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Rockhampton?

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

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

Chiang Mai is a friendly 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.

With museums and nightlife around the traditional town of Rockhampton, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Rockhampton?

Chiang Mai is a natural 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Rockhampton, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Rockhampton?

Chiang Mai is a natural 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.

Rockhampton, 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 Rockhampton?

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.

Rockhampton 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 3-Day Tours from Bangkok, The Best 3-Day Tours from Chiang Mai, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Rockhampton?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Rockhampton. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Rockhampton, 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 Rockhampton?

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Rockhampton. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rockhampton for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Chiang Mai is generally around the same temperature as Rockhamptonin January. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Rockhampton receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Rockhamptonin January. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Rockhampton in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Rockhampton. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Rockhampton in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Rockhampton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in April.

Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Rockhamptonin April. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Rockhampton in the Winter?

Both Rockhampton and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Rockhampton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Rockhampton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Rockhampton averages at about 16°C (61°F)in July.

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Rockhamptonin July. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Rockhampton in the Spring?

Both Rockhampton and Chiang Mai during the spring 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 spring months attract visitors to Rockhampton because of the beaches and the small town charm.

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

Chiang Mai usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Rockhamptonin October. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Typical Weather for Rockhampton and Chiang Mai