Which place is cheaper, Whitsundays or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai or Whitsundays?
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 Whitsundays. 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 Whitsundays?
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.
Whitsundays
Just off the coast of Queensland, Australia is a cluster of 74 different islands. These islands, the Whitsunday Islands, welcome over a half a million visitors every year to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Great Barrier Reef.
As one of the most famous destinations in the world, it's not uncommon to see expensive yachts sailing around among the private ferries. Most of the islands are designated as national parks with access to snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs, or just to lay in the sand on the famous Whitehaven Beach.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Bangkok, The Best 3-Day Tours from Chiang Mai, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $51Whitsundays $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $51, while the average daily cost in Whitsundays is $139. 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 Whitsundays in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $29Whitsundays $72
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $58Whitsundays $144
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Whitsundays
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Whitsundays? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $4.11Whitsundays $58
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$1.24
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Moped Rental$5.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chiang Mai #1 Way Private Car transfer to/from Bangkok City: $310
- Chiang Rai:Private Transfer to Chiang Mai with Temples Visit: $263
- Skyline Jungle Luge Ticket + Lunch with Private Transfer: $250
- Private Transfer to/from Mae Sot: $248
- Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Temples Tour with Premium Transfer: $240
- Private Transfer to/from Mae Sot: $232
- Chiang Mai #Private Car transfer to/from Mae Sot: $223
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: $174
- From One-Way Private Transfer to Chiang Rai: $170
- Chiang Mai's Top 2 Activities with Return Airport Transfers: $165
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $159
- Private Transfer: Chiang Mai Airport Arrival or Departure ride: $155
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whitsundays
Also for Whitsundays, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Whitsunday Islands: Whitehaven Beach Camping Transfer: $131
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Whitsundays?
Prices for flights to both Whitsundays 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 $12Whitsundays $31
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)$6.02
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.74
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Casual Breakfast$1.24
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.18
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Mangoes$0.93
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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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Whitsundays
For Whitsundays, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hamilton Island: Whitsundays Sunset BBQ Dinner Cruise: $104
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Whitsundays $26
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$40
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.85
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Kratong Lessons$3.09
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Pedicure$4.63
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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
Tours and Activities in Whitsundays
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Whitsundays.
- Airlie Beach: Private Guided 2-Night Yacht Sailing Cruise: $5,226
- Airlie Beach: Whitsundays Full-Day Camira Sailing Adventure: $165
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.65Whitsundays $13
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$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 Whitsundays, we can see that Whitsundays is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chiang Mai is in Asia and Whitsundays is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Whitsundays would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Whitsundays 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 Whitsundays Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai or Whitsundays?
Whitsundays 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 Whitsundays in the Summer?
Both Whitsundays 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.
Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Whitsundays in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Whitsundays fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.
It's quite sunny in Whitsundays. Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Whitsundays during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Whitsundays receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Whitsundays. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Whitsundaysin January. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Whitsundays 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Whitsundays in the Autumn?
Both Whitsundays 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.
In the autumn, Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Whitsundays. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Whitsundays averages at about 23°C (73°F)in April.
In Whitsundays, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Whitsundaysin April. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whitsundays receives 207 hours of full sun.
Whitsundays 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 Whitsundaysin April. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Whitsundays in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Whitsundays. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
In January, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Whitsundaysin July. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Whitsundays fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Whitsundays this time of the year. In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Whitsundays during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Whitsundays receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Whitsundaysin July. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Whitsundays 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Whitsundays in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Whitsundays. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Whitsundays in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Whitsundays fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Whitsundays. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Whitsundaysin October. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whitsundays receives 298 hours of full sun.
Chiang Mai usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Whitsundaysin October. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Whitsundays and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Whitsundays | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 331 mm (13 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 377 mm (14.8 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 191 mm (7.5 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.