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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Tokyo?

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 Tokyo. 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.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a vibrant, iconic, and eclectic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

Chiang Mai and Tokyo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Tokyo?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai than Tokyo. While Tokyo is larger than Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Chiang Mai is better known for its historical sights and hiking, while Tokyo is more popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Tokyo 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. Tokyo is well known for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks.

How is Chiang Mai different from Tokyo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the amazing sights and museums in either Chiang Mai or Tokyo.

Travelers visit Chiang Mai from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Tokyo are among the most recognizable in the world. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

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

Foodies will find both Chiang Mai and Tokyo both to be amazing destinations.

Eat your way through Chiang Mai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

For foodies, Tokyo is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

Is Chiang Mai or Tokyo Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

People head to Tokyo just to party. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

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.

Is Chiang Mai or Tokyo Better for Music?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for live music. However, Chiang Mai is not a live music destination.

Tokyo is known as a music capital around the world. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Chiang Mai is not a live music destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Tokyo Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is great for its historic old town charm. However, Tokyo 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.

Tokyo does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Tokyo Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is renowned for hiking. However, Tokyo 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.

Tokyo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Tokyo?

If you're looking to go shopping, Chiang Mai and Tokyo both offer plenty of amazing spots.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Chiang Mai. 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.

The abundance of shops in Tokyo make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

Is Chiang Mai or Tokyo Better for Families?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Tokyo is very family-friendly. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

Chiang Mai is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Chiang Mai or Tokyo Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai and Tokyo 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.

Tokyo is a very popular place to visit for couples. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

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

Chiang Mai is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tokyo is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Tokyo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

Is Chiang Mai or Tokyo Better for Students?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

Tokyo is a very popular place to visit for students. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

Tokyo is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Tokyo can get you around easily. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

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

Is Chiang Mai or Tokyo a more walkable city?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Tokyo is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

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 Tokyo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tokyo or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Tokyo?

Both Chiang Mai and Tokyo have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Tokyo has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Tokyo than Chiang Mai. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 3-7 days is enough time in Tokyo.

Families should spend more time in Tokyo than Chiang Mai. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Tokyo, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Tokyo than Chiang Mai. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Tokyo that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Tokyo 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 Tokyo?

Each neighborhood in Chiang Mai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With live music and food around the iconic city of Tokyo, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Tokyo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Mai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

With food and shopping around the big city destination of Tokyo, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Tokyo?

Chiang Mai is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Chiang Mai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Tokyo, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Chiang Mai or Tokyo?

Each neighborhood in Chiang Mai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Tokyo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. 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 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Tokyo?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?

Tokyo 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 Tokyo in the Summer?

Both Tokyo and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tokyo during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 137 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Tokyo. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Tokyo in the Autumn?

Both Tokyo and Chiang Mai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Tokyo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Chiang Mai is much warmer than Tokyo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Tokyo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 129 hours of full sun.

Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in October than Tokyo. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Tokyo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Tokyo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Tokyo averages at about 5°C (42°F).

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Tokyo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Tokyo. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 161 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Tokyo. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Tokyo and Chiang Mai