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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Surabaya?

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 Surabaya. 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 hiking, shopping, and museums.

Surabaya

Surabaya is a authentic, local, and undiscovered city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Chiang Mai and Surabaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Surabaya?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chiang Mai than Surabaya. While Surabaya is larger than Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chiang Mai is better known for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Surabaya is more popular for its beaches. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Surabaya 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. Surabaya is well known for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution.

How is Chiang Mai different from Surabaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Surabaya specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You'll likely pass through town on your way somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out Suramadu Bridge, the House of Sampoerna, Cheng Hoo Mosque, Sanggar Agung Temple, and Ampel Mosque. It's also worth a visit to the Submarine Museum and the Heroes Monument.

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

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Surabaya. It's a port city, and the cuisine reflexs this. You'll find a mix of different flavors that combine Javanese, Chinese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian cuisines. Dishes include a lot of vegetables as well as tofu and tempeh. Many dishes are also sweet in flavor or incredibly spicy.

Is Chiang Mai or Surabaya Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Chiang Mai know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Surabaya has a few options to choose from. Like the rest of the city, the nightlife scene has a local vibe. There are night markets, fascinating neighborhoods, and some lively clubs and bars.

Is Chiang Mai or Surabaya Better for Beaches?

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

Surabaya offers a nice beach destination. You'll find a few beaches within a short drive of the city center. Some of the popular ones include Ria Kenjeran Beach, Bentar Beach, and Delegan Beach.

Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Surabaya Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Surabaya 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.

Surabaya does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Surabaya Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

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.

Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Surabaya?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Surabaya. The city has a great mix of air-conditioned mega-malls and colorful street markets. Bratang Market has become a favorite but it's also worth checking out Tugu Pahlawan Market and Ampel Market.

Is Chiang Mai or Surabaya Better for Families?

Chiang Mai is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options 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.

For families, Surabaya is not always the best place to visit. You'll like be passing through this city enroute to somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out the Submarine Museum. You can also wander through the market area of Qubah or explore Chinatown.

Is Chiang Mai or Surabaya Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is a great destination for couples. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for romance.

Couples visit Chiang Mai frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Surabaya is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are some sights an museums that you can visit while you're in town.

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

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options 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.

Surabaya is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town but most backpackers don't spend more than a night in town.

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

Chiang Mai is a popular place for its public transit. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Chiang Mai, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

Public transit is mostly limited in Surabaya. There's a bus system, but it's mostly used by locals. There are two types of buses - normal buses and patas buses, which are express.

Is Chiang Mai or Surabaya a more walkable city?

Surabaya is a great city for its walkability. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Surabaya is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in Indonesia and it has the feel of a bunch of neighborhoods combined together.

Chiang Mai is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Surabaya or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Surabaya?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chiang Mai or Surabaya to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Chiang Mai than Surabaya because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Surabaya.

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

Chiang Mai is a big city with plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Surabaya?

Chiang Mai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chiang Mai, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the big city destination of Surabaya, 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 Surabaya?

Chiang Mai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chiang Mai, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Surabaya, 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 Surabaya?

Chiang Mai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chiang Mai has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Surabaya 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 10-Day Tours in Indonesia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Indonesia.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Surabaya?

Surabaya has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Surabaya, 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.