A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chiang Mai vs. Shiretoko National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Shiretoko National Park?

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 Shiretoko National Park. 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 cultural, welcoming, and natural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Chiang Mai and Shiretoko National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Shiretoko National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Chiang Mai than Shiretoko National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Shiretoko National Park and is popular for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. Also, Chiang Mai is famous for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Shiretoko National Park is well known for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Chiang Mai different from Shiretoko National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Chiang Mai on the map. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Shiretoko National Park. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.

Is the Food Better in Chiang Mai or Shiretoko National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chiang Mai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

Is Chiang Mai or Shiretoko National Park Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Chiang Mai offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chiang Mai or Shiretoko National Park Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Shiretoko National Park does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Chiang Mai to see the historical old town. 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.

Shiretoko National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Shiretoko National Park Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Chiang Mai and Shiretoko National Park, and they are world-class.

Chiang Mai is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

People visit Shiretoko National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Shiretoko National Park?

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Chiang Mai is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Shiretoko National Park Better for Families?

Chiang Mai is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Chiang Mai is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is a family-friendly city. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.

Is Chiang Mai or Shiretoko National Park Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai and Shiretoko National Park both great 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.

Shiretoko National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.

Is Chiang Mai or Shiretoko National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chiang Mai is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

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

Chiang Mai is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.

Is Chiang Mai or Shiretoko National Park a more walkable city?

Chiang Mai and Shiretoko National Park 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.

Shiretoko National Park is a somewhat walkable place. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.

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

Should I spend more time in Shiretoko National Park or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Shiretoko National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Chiang Mai or Shiretoko National Park. 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 3-4 days is enough time in Shiretoko National Park.

Families should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park?

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With around the national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Chiang Mai is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With around the destination of Shiretoko National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Shiretoko National Park?

Chiang Mai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Shiretoko National Park, a popular remote,natural,scenic,pristine, 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 Shiretoko National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Mai. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Shiretoko National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai or Shiretoko National Park?

Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Chiang Mai during the summer 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, most visitors come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the summer, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in July than Shiretoko National Park. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Shiretoko National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Shiretoko National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Chiang Mai is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 158 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Shiretoko National Park. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

It's quite cold in Shiretoko National Park in the winter. In the winter, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about -6°C (20°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the winter, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 108 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Shiretoko National Park. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 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 Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Shiretoko National Park for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Shiretoko National Park. Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Shiretoko National Park. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Typical Weather for Shiretoko National Park and Chiang Mai