Which place is cheaper, Shenyang or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Chiang Mai or Shenyang?
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 Shenyang. 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 Shenyang?
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.
Shenyang
Shenyang, China is the capital, and largest, city in the Liaoning Province in northwest China which borders North Korea. Shenyang has a long, imperial, history and is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty. The city has a blend of beautifully preserved architecture and modern buildings, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $51Shenyang $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $51, while the average daily cost in Shenyang is $72. 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 Shenyang in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $29Shenyang $41
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $58Shenyang $82
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Shenyang
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Shenyang? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $4.11Shenyang $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$1.24
-
Moped Rental$5.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Wat Doi Suthep & Wat Phalat transfer (air conditioned van): $17
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Chiang Mai HTL-APT(CNX): $9.67
- Transfer: Chiang Mai to Huay Xai City, Laos: $51
- Transfer : From Chiang Mai to ChiangKhong Border,Chiang Rai: $48
- Skyline Jungle Luge Ticket + Lunch with Private Transfer: $250
- Private Vehicle: Transfer from Airport in Chiang Mai: $21
- Private Transfer: Four Seasons Hotel to Chiang Mai Airport: $27
- Private Transfer: Chiang Mai Airport Arrival or Departure ride: $155
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: $174
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai Airport (One-Way): $18
- Private Transfer Chiang Mai Airport to Hotel in Chiang Mai by Car and Van: $42
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): $11
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Shenyang?
Prices for flights to both Shenyang 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
-
Food Meals for one dayChiang Mai $12Shenyang $19
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
-
Sit Down Dinner (for One)$6.02
-
Roti Snack (Bread)$0.74
-
Casual Breakfast$1.24
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.18
-
Mangoes$0.93
-
Coffee$1.54
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:
- Chiang Mai : Small Group Thai Cooking class with market tour: $20
- Morning Cooking Class in Organic Garden | Chiang Mai: $24
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $25
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $25
- Evening Cooking Class and Local Market Visit: $26
- Thai Cooking Class in Organic Farm & Market: $26
- Half-day Thai Cooking Class from scratch by an Expert Chef: $27
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $28
- The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai : $29
- Private Virtual Thai Cooking Class: $29
- Cooking Class with Local Chef only 4 people Since 2013: $29
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $29
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Shenyang $7.85
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Thai Cooking Class$40
-
Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.85
-
Kratong Lessons$3.09
-
Pedicure$4.63
-
Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.56
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Chiang Mai Thapae Muay Thai Boxing Stadium Ticket: $31
- One Day Doi Inthanon National Park Small Group Guided Tour: $45
- Private Tour of Sacred Sakyant Tattoo in Lamphun Province.: $90
- 1 Day Doi Inthanon Private tour ( Hiking and Sightseeing ): $110
- 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $146
- 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
- 1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $170
- 1 day Private Tour to Unseen Temple in Lampang: $135
- 10KM Inflatable Kayaking Adventure: $93
- 10km Rafting with 8Adventures from Chiang Mai Include Pickup & Lunch : $117
- 2 Days 1 Night Non Tourist Trek: $139
- 2 Days Hiking Tour in Chiang Mai: $127
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.65Shenyang $5.94
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
-
Wine$3.09
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: The Best Nightlife in Town!: $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Shenyang, we can see that Shenyang is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Shenyang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shenyang 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 Shenyang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Shenyang?
Shenyang has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Shenyang, 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 Shenyang?
Shenyang 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 Shenyang in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Shenyang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
In the summer, Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Shenyang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chiang Mai in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Shenyang averages at about 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shenyang this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Shenyang during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Shenyang receives 214 hours of full sun in the summer.
Shenyang 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 less rain than Shenyang. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Shenyang 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Shenyang in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Shenyang. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 29°C (83°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shenyang. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shenyang. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenyang receives 216 hours of full sun.
Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Shenyang. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Shenyang 10°C (51°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Shenyang in the Winter?
Both Shenyang 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.
Shenyang can be very cold during winter. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Shenyang in the winter. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Shenyang fluctuates around -11°C (13°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Shenyang during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Shenyang receives 167 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Shenyang. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Shenyang -11°C (13°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Shenyang in the Spring?
Both Shenyang 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.
The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Shenyang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chiang Mai in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Shenyang averages at about 10°C (50°F).
In Shenyang, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Shenyang. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenyang receives 241 hours of full sun.
Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in April than Shenyang. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Shenyang 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Shenyang and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Shenyang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | -11°C (13°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | -7°C (19°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | -7°C (19°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
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.