Which place is cheaper, Wuhu or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai or Wuhu?
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 Wuhu. 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 Wuhu?
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.
Wuhu
The city of Wuhu is located in the southeast of the Anhui province of China. It lies on the south bank of the Yangtze River, and about 74 miles from the capital city of Hefei. It is made of floodplains, terraces and low hills, and its plentiful water supply makes it the perfect spot for fish and rice production.
The area has a subtropical climate with a humid monsoon season. When planning your trip, remember that the rainy season is from spring to early winter with the heaviest rainfall from mid-June to early July. So the best trips will be in autumn when it is nice and cool, and the chrysanthemums are in bloom.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lhasa, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $51Wuhu $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $51, while the average daily cost in Wuhu is $89. 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 Wuhu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $29Wuhu $31
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $58Wuhu $62
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Wuhu
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Wuhu? 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 $4.11Wuhu $26
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:
- Private Airport Transfer - Chiang Mai International Airport: $4.21
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Transfer to Hotel Or From Hotel To Airport : $6.01
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Chiang Mai HTL-APT(CNX): $9.67
- Private Airport Transfer in Chiang Mai to/from Chiangmai Town: $9.87
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $10
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Departure Transfers: $10
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): $11
- Chiang Mai Airport Arrival – Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel: $14
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Arrival Shared Transfer: $15
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Departure Shared Transfer: $15
- Private Airport Transfer in Chiang Mai to/from Mae Rim Hotel: $16
- Private Arrival Transfer : Chiang Mai International Airport (SHA Plus): $16
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Wuhu?
Prices for flights to both Wuhu 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 $12Wuhu $40
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:
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $12
- Chiang Mai : Small Group Thai Cooking class with market tour: $19
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $22
- Evening Cooking Class in Organic Garden Chiang Mai: $23
- Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai: $24
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $24
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $25
- Morning Cooking Class in Organic Garden | Chiang Mai: $25
- Half-day Thai Cooking Class from scratch by an Expert Chef: $27
- Evening Cooking Class and Local Market Visit: $27
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $27
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $28
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Wuhu $19
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 Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.17
- Chiang Mai Michelin Food Walking Tour with Professional Tour Guide: $13
- 3 Hour Old City and Temples Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Local Food and Markets Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Historical and Culture Exploration Walking Tour: $15
- Art in Paradise Illusion Museum Entry Ticket: $15
- Skip the Line: Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Admission Ticket: $16
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hrs: $16
- Chiang Mai Old City Twilight Walking Tour: $16
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples 3 hour Twilight Walking Tour : $18
- Circuit Karting Experience at Chiang Mai Circuit - Go Kart: $18
- Chiangmai: Temple Walking Tour with ex-monk, part 1.: $19
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.65Wuhu $8.31
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 Wuhu, we can see that Wuhu 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 Wuhu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wuhu 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 Wuhu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Wuhu?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Wuhu. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Wuhu, 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 Wuhu?
Wuhu 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 Wuhu in the Summer?
Both Wuhu and Chiang Mai during the summer 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 July, Chiang Mai is generally around the same temperature as Wuhu. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Wuhu fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
Wuhu 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 July than Wuhu. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Wuhu receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Wuhu 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Wuhu in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Wuhu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
Chiang Mai is much warmer than Wuhu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Wuhu fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Wuhu. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Wuhu receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Wuhu 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Wuhu in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Wuhu. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Wuhu can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Wuhu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Wuhu averages at about 3°C (37°F).
Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Wuhu. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Wuhu receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Wuhu 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Wuhu in the Spring?
Both Wuhu and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.
Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Wuhu. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Wuhu fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Wuhu. In April, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Wuhu. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Wuhu receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Wuhu 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Wuhu and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Wuhu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 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.