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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Wollongong?

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 Wollongong. 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.

Wollongong

Wollongong is a trendy, vibrant, and student-friendly coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Chiang Mai and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Wollongong?

You'll generally find more things to do in Chiang Mai than Wollongong. Chiang Mai is bigger than Wollongong, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Chiang Mai is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Wollongong is more popular for its beaches. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Wollongong 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. Wollongong is well known for its surrounding nature and urban beaches.

How is Chiang Mai different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Chiang Mai has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Many visitors head to Wollongong specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are several museums like the Wollongong Science Centre and Wollongong Planetarium and the railway museum Trainworks. There's also the Illawarra Museum, which is housed in the former post and telegraph office.

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

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Wollongong makes for a great culinary experience. In recent years a younger crowd of entrepreneurs and self-starters has moved into the city, and with them has come a growing food scene. You'll find local cafes, fine dining restaurants, and many great beachfront restaurants where you can dine.

Is Chiang Mai or Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Chiang Mai and Wollongong.

The nightlife in Chiang Mai has something for everybody. 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.

Wollongong offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene has seen a revitalization in recent years, and in addition to the standard bars and pubs, you'll find local venues that range from quirky to lively.

Is Chiang Mai or Wollongong Better for Beaches?

Wollongong is a great coastal city for its beaches. However, Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Wollongong for it's beautiful beaches. There are urban beaches, as well as more hidden coastal areas that attract locals and visitors alike. In the heart of the city you'll find North Wollongong Beach and Wollongong City Beach, both of which have picnic areas and are popular with locals.

Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Wollongong Better for its Old Town?

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

Wollongong does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Wollongong Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Wollongong. The surrounding area has many great hikes that can be done as a day trip or even a half day trip. There are waterfalls, city views, and forest walks. Some of the most popular trails include Brokers Nose and Clover Hill Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Wollongong?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for shopping.

Many people travel to Chiang Mai specifically to go shopping. 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.

Wollongong is a great destination for shopping. The most popular shopping area is Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, which has international brands and all of the big fashion names.

Is Chiang Mai or Wollongong Better for Families?

Both Chiang Mai and Wollongong are superb family-friendly destinations.

Chiang Mai is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Wollongong is a very kid-friendly city. The beaches, nearby nature, and ubiquitous bike trails make this a fun coastal city to explore with kids. There are also interactive museums such as Discovery Space and plenty of playgrounds. Kid-friendly surf lessons as well as the Nan Tien Temple make this a fun and fascinating family destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Wollongong Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai and Wollongong 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.

Wollongong is a very popular place to visit for couples. The scenic natural areas, including the Grand Pacific Drive or the many bush walks, make this a wonderful couples retreat. There are water sports like surfing as well as horseback riding and even helicopter rides. In the evening, enjoy a nice meal and a sunset view.

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

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

Wollongong is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as many outdoor areas to explore, so backpackers who want to escape the traditional backpacker scene will appreciate some time here.

Is Chiang Mai or Wollongong Better for Students?

Wollongong is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Wollongong. It's not too far from Sydney and has a smaller, more laid back coastal vibe that appeals to many students.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

Wollongong is a great coastal city 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.

Public transit in Wollongong is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a free Gong shuttle bus that travels around the city center. It runs a loop from Wollongong Station to Wollongong University in both directions. There are also other bus services in town.

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 Wollongong a more walkable city?

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

Wollongong is very walkable. There are walking paths in the city center so it's possible to walk to many tourist destinations.

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 Wollongong Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Wollongong?

It's fun to spend time in either Chiang Mai or Wollongong. 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 2-4 days is enough time in Wollongong.

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

When visiting Chiang Mai, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the student-friendly coastal city of Wollongong, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Wollongong?

When visiting Chiang Mai, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Wollongong, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Wollongong?

Chiang Mai, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wollongong, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Wollongong?

Chiang Mai 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.

Wollongong 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Wollongong?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Wollongong. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Wollongong, 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 Wollongong?

Wollongong 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 Wollongong in the Summer?

Both Wollongong 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 Wollongong for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Wollongongin January. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Wollongong. Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Wollongongin January. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Wollongong in the Autumn?

Both Wollongong 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 Wollongong in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

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

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Wollongongin April. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Wollongongin April. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Wollongong in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Wollongong averages at about 10°C (50°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wollongong this time of the year. In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Wollongong during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Wollongongin July. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 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 Wollongong in the Spring?

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

Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Wollongongin October. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wollongong. 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 Wollongongin October. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Wollongongin October. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Chiang Mai