Which place is cheaper, Zhengzhou or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai or Zhengzhou?
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 Zhengzhou. 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 Zhengzhou?
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.
Zhengzhou
Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.
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 Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Chiang Mai Prices
Thailand PricesZhengzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $59Zhengzhou $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $59, while the average daily cost in Zhengzhou is $68. 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 Zhengzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $29Zhengzhou $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $58Zhengzhou $44
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Zhengzhou
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Zhengzhou? 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 and Zhengzhou Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $4.04Zhengzhou $15
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$1.22
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Moped Rental$5.47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall & Dantewada Cafe with Hotel Transfer: $21
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Private Arrival Transfer: $70
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Round Trip Private Transfer: $140
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $187
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Transfer – Arrival or Departure: $25
- Chiang Mai Airport To / From Hotel with Private Transfer: $23
- Chiang Mai Airport Transfer by Private Van – Arrival or Departure: $53
- Chiang Mai International Airport Departure Shared Transfer: $15
- Chiang Mai Mae Kam Pong Wild Gibbon Jungle Trek with Transfer: $95
- Chiang Mai Mae Wang Day Trek and Raft with Lunch Transfer: $59
- Chiang Mai Private Car :Airport To Hotel transfer (one way): $15
- Chiang Mai Siam Dragon Cabaret Show with Hotel Transfer: $31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:
- Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
- Zhengzhou airport or Train Staion Transfer Service: $100
- Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple & Longmen Grottoes: $98
- Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
- Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes: $95
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
- Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
- Zhengzhou Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $55
- Zhengzhou Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $55
- [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service!: $27
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Zhengzhou?
Prices for flights to both Zhengzhou 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 $20Zhengzhou $38
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)$5.93
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.73
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Casual Breakfast$1.22
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.08
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Mangoes$0.91
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Coffee$1.52
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 Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $12
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $12
- Chiang Mai Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show Experience: $27
- Half-Day Cooking Class: $28
- Morning Thai cooking class: $28
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $28
- The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai: $28
- Khantoke Dinner at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center: $29
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai: $29
- Half Day Morning Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai: $29
- Baan Farm Thai Cooking School Chiangmai: $30
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner & Cultural Show Tour in Chiang Mai: $30
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Zhengzhou $5.28
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$1.82
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Kratong Lessons$3.04
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Pedicure$4.56
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.47
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Chiang Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $3.51
- Chiang Mai Eco Tourism Elephant Poop Paper Creative Experience: $6.18
- Tube Trek Water Park Tickets in San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai: $8.90
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car 3 Hour Adventure: $12
- Art in Paradise: Chiang Mai 3D Art Museum Experience: $15
- Skip the Line: Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Admission Ticket: $16
- FAM Fahlanna Art Museum Admission Ticket, Chiang Mai: $17
- Chiang Mai Mae Ping River Cruise and Thai Farmer House Visit: $20
- Doi Suthep Temple, Wat Pha Lat, Hmong Village Tour (Comfort Van): $21
- Explore Wat Phra Singh on a Walking Tour in Chiang Mai: $21
- Chiang Mai Old City Temples and Heritage Walking Tour: $21
- Authentic Muay Thai Experience with Hotel Pickup: $21
Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $222
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $288
- All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $140
- All-Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Day Tour: $251
- Beijing: Shaolin Temple Day Tour by Round Trip Bullet Train: $398
- Datong:HangingTemple&Grotto Private Car with Entrance ticket: $199
- Full-Day Private Kaifeng Highlight Tour from Zhengzhou: $248
- Half Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Entry Tickets: $159
- Kaifeng City Highlights Independant Tour from Zhengzhou: $80
- Kaifeng city highlights tour with delicious lunch from Zhengzhou: $120
- Private Day Tour to Guoliang from Zhengzhou: $268
- Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.53Zhengzhou $4.24
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$3.04
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: 4 Venues, Beer Buffet & VIP Entry: $22
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Zhengzhou, we can see that Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Zhengzhou?
Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Zhengzhou, 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 Zhengzhou?
Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Zhengzhou. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Zhengzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zhengzhou. In the summer, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Zhengzhou. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zhengzhou receives 215 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Zhengzhou. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in July than Zhengzhou. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Zhengzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Zhengzhou in the Autumn?
Both Zhengzhou and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.
In the autumn, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Zhengzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Zhengzhou averages at about 16°C (61°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Zhengzhou during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Zhengzhou receives 188 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Zhengzhou in the Winter?
Both Zhengzhou and Chiang Mai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The weather in Zhengzhou can be very cold. In January, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Zhengzhou. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).
It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the winter, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Zhengzhou. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zhengzhou receives 159 hours of full sun.
Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Zhengzhou. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Zhengzhou in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Zhengzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Zhengzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zhengzhou this time of the year. In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Zhengzhou during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Zhengzhou receives 201 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Zhengzhou and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Zhengzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.