Which place is cheaper, Yangshuo or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai or Yangshuo?
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 Yangshuo. 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 Yangshuo?
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.
Yangshuo
A county of the city, Guilin, Yangshuo is located in a region famous for its karst topography. Surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and bordered on one side by the Li River, Yangshuo has become a popular home base for tourists looking to explore the region's natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists, both foreign and domestic, come to Yangshuo every year making it a city of many cultures. Most locals are even able to speak English, which is fairly uncommon for Chinese cities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Budget Tours to China, and The Best Tours for Seniors to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $45Yangshuo $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $45, while the average daily cost in Yangshuo is $72. 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 Yangshuo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $26Yangshuo $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $52Yangshuo $50
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Yangshuo
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Yangshuo? 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 $3.63Yangshuo $42
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:
- Chiang Mai #1 Way Private Car transfer to/from Bangkok City: $270
- Skyline Jungle Luge Ticket + Lunch with Private Transfer: $250
- Private Transfer to/from Mae Sot: $216
- Private Transfer to/from Mae Sot: $203
- Chiang Mai #Private Car transfer to/from Mae Sot: $195
- Zipline Adventure at Chiang Mai with Return Transfer: $191
- Private Transfer: Chiang Mai Airport Arrival or Departure ride: $155
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $153
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: $152
- From One-Way Private Transfer to Chiang Rai: $149
- Chiang Mai Private Transfer to Pai (one way): $143
- Private Airport Transfer to or from Chiang Rai: $127
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo
Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Longsheng hotel: $107
- Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
- Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $75
- Yangshuo Rock Climbing with Hotel Transfer (3 hours): $69
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin International Airport (KWL): $49
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $48
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo(Xingping) Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $21
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $21
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Yangshuo?
Prices for flights to both Yangshuo 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 $10Yangshuo $19
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangshuo
For Yangshuo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3-Hour Yangshuo Cooking Class with Yangshuo Town Shopping: $138
- Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $13Yangshuo $23
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.
- Chiang Mai Thapae Muay Thai Boxing Stadium Ticket: $27
- One Day Doi Inthanon National Park Small Group Guided Tour: $39
- Private Tour of Sacred Sakyant Tattoo in Lamphun Province.: $79
- 1 Day Doi Inthanon Private tour ( Hiking and Sightseeing ): $96
- 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $128
- 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
- 1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $149
- 1-Day Bike and River Kayak Adventure from Chiang Mai: $64
- 10KM Inflatable Kayaking Adventure: $81
- 10km Rafting with 8Adventures from Chiang Mai Include Pickup & Lunch : $102
- 2 Days 1 Night Non Tourist Trek: $122
- 2 Days Hiking Tour in Chiang Mai: $111
Tours and Activities in Yangshuo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.
- Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $181
- Yangshuo Helicopter Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $149
- 1 Day - Yangshuo Bike Tour: $80
- 1-Day Longji Rice Terraces hiking tour from Guilin/Yangshuo hotel: $188
- 1-Day Tour: Yangshuo Yulong Bamboo Boat and Ruyi Peak Cable Car: $149
- 2 Day - Longji Rice Terraces - Sunrise Hiking Tour: $280
- Full-Day Li-River Tour from Yangshuo to Yangdi With the English Speaking Driver: $159
- Full-day Tour: Longji Rice Terraces & Minority Villages: $146
- Full/Half-Day Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Private Tour: $136
- Guilin Highlight Sightseeing Private Day City Tour: $139
- Guilin Tea plantation and Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $181
- Guilin Yangshuo Day tour from Guangzhou by Round Way Bullet Train: $212
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $6.76Yangshuo $33
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 Yangshuo, we can see that Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Yangshuo?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Yangshuo. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Yangshuo, 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 Yangshuo?
Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo in the Summer?
Both Yangshuo 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.
In the summer, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Yangshuo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chiang Mai in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Yangshuo averages at about 30°C (86°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Yangshuo. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Yangshuo. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 206 mm (8.1 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 JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Yangshuo 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Yangshuo in the Autumn?
Both Yangshuo 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 October, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Yangshuo. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 29°C (83°F), and Yangshuo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Yangshuo. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 93 mm (3.7 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 OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Yangshuo 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Yangshuo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Yangshuo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
Chiang Mai is much warmer than Yangshuo in the winter. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Yangshuo fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Yangshuo. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 61 mm (2.4 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 JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Yangshuo 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Yangshuo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Yangshuo. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Yangshuo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chiang Mai in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Yangshuo averages at about 20°C (68°F).
It's quite rainy in Yangshuo. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Yangshuo. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 263 mm (10.3 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 AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Yangshuo 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Yangshuo and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Yangshuo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.