Which place is cheaper, Tanah Rata or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai or Tanah Rata?
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 Tanah Rata. 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 Tanah Rata?
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.
Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.
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 Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $45Tanah Rata $137
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $45, while the average daily cost in Tanah Rata is $137. 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 Tanah Rata in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $26Tanah Rata $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $52Tanah Rata $134
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Tanah Rata
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Tanah Rata? 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 and Tanah Rata Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $3.63Tanah Rata $29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.09
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Moped Rental$4.91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 2-Day Transfer Luang Prabang from Chiang Mai by Sleeper Bus : $83
- Chiang Dao to Chiang Mai Airport CNX Private Departure Transfer: $27
- Chiang Mai #1 Way Private Car transfer to/from Bangkok City: $270
- Chiang Mai #Private Car transfer to/from Mae Sot: $195
- Chiang Mai : Sticky Waterfalls transfer: $22
- Chiang Mai Airport (CNX): One-Way Private Transfer: $12
- Chiang Mai Airport Arrival – Private Transfer from Airport to Four Seasons Hotel: $24
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Round Trip Private Transfer: $55
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $153
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $76
- Chiang Mai Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $13
- Chiang Mai Airport PRIVATE Arrival or Departure Transfer : $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $118
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Tanah Rata?
Prices for flights to both Tanah Rata 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
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Food Meals for one dayChiang Mai $10Tanah Rata $44
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.32
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.65
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Casual Breakfast$1.09
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.46
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Mangoes$0.82
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Coffee$1.36
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:
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $11
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $11
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $19
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $22
- Morning Cooking Class in Organic Garden | Chiang Mai: $22
- Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai: $22
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $22
- Evening Cooking Class and Local Market Visit: $24
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $24
- Private Virtual Thai Cooking Class: $25
- Half Day Morning Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Authentic Easy Thai Recipes for Home-Style Cooking Half Day AM: $25
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
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Dinner for Two$5.66
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Dessert$0.63
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Lunch$3.98
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Afternoon tea$3.88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $13Tanah Rata $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$35
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.64
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Kratong Lessons$2.73
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Pedicure$4.09
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$4.91
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Scavenger Hunt City Tour for Your Smartphone: $7.65
- Chiang Mai Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Art in Paradise Illusion Museum Entry Ticket: $11
- Mae Ping River Cruise: $12
- Old City and Temples Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Local Food and Markets Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Skip the Line: Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Admission Ticket: $14
- Tweechol Botanic Garden Half Day Adventure : $14
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 2 Hrs: $15
- Chiang Mai Michelin Food Walking Tour with Professional Tour Guide: $15
- Circuit Karting Experience at Chiang Mai Circuit - Go Kart: $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata
Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Tea Factory Visit$5.66
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Tour of Orang Asli Village$21
Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata
Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $33
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Delight Tour: $61
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $6.76Tanah Rata $19
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$2.73
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: The Best Bars & Pubs in Chiang Mai!: $9.46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Tanah Rata, we can see that Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Tanah Rata?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Tanah Rata, 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 Tanah Rata?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Tanah Rata in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Tanah Rata. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year.
June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in July than Tanah Rata. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Chiang Mai is generally around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Tanah Rata in the Autumn?
Both Tanah Rata and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Tanah Rata. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Tanah Rata in the Winter?
Both Tanah Rata and Chiang Mai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round.
November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai. Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Tanah Rata. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Chiang Mai is cooler than Tanah Rata. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Tanah Rata averages at about 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Tanah Rata in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Tanah Rata. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Tanah Rata. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Tanah Rata and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Tanah Rata | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 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.