A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chiang Rai vs. Aoraki Mount Cook for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Chiang Rai or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chiang Rai or Aoraki Mount Cook, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is a beautiful, friendly, and charming city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is a world renowned, scenic, and dramatic mountain. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking.

Chiang Rai and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Rai or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chiang Rai. Although Chiang Rai and Aoraki Mount Cook are both popular with visitors, Chiang Rai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chiang Rai is more popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Aoraki Mount Cook is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Aoraki Mount Cook is more touristy than Chiang Rai and is known for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand. Chiang Rai is popular for its intricate temples, unique cuisine, and being the gateway to the Golden Triangle. It is also home to Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple).

How is Chiang Rai different from Aoraki Mount Cook?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Aoraki Mount Cook and Chiang Rai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chiang Rai or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Chiang Rai is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. However, Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Chiang Rai has many famous sights for visitors. The Old City is filled with breathtaking temples and cultural sites. Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) is an iconic sight, but you should also visit the Black House, and Wat Rong Seua Ten (the Blue Temple). Wat Tham Pla is the Monkey Temple and has a dramatic effect with its steep staircase. It's a short drive from Chiang Rai, but worth the trip as it's overrun with monkeys.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Chiang Rai or Aoraki Mount Cook? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chiang Rai is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Chiang Rai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The regional cuisine is famous for its unique dishes and flavors. It's slightly less spicy than the southern Thai cuisine and the dishes are rich in flavor. Northern Thai sausage is a must-try dish, as is Khao Soi Curry, and Khao Soi Gai Nong (coconut curry and chicken soup).

Aoraki Mount Cook offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few cafes and restaurants in the village, but if you're doing any hiking you should pack your own food.

Is Chiang Rai or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Rai is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Chiang Rai has a few options to choose from. The small city has a laid back nightlife scene with a number of bars and cafes along Jetyod Road. You'll find a mix of expats and locals, without the usual backpacker crowds that are common in some cities.

People don't go to Aoraki Mount Cook for the nightlife. There's an upscale bar at the Hermitage Hotel, but otherwise very little to do at night.

Is Chiang Rai or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Rai is great for its historic old town charm. However, Aoraki Mount Cook does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Chiang Rai. The Old City is filled with intricate temples and impressive beauty. The area is very walkable and you can easily visit the famed Wat Ming Muang, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Phra Singh.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Rai or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

Aoraki Mount Cook is an amazing mountain to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Chiang Rai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Known for its hiking, Aoraki Mount Cook draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. There are beginner trails as well as world class routes that bring out expert climbers. As the highest peak in New Zealand, many people come here for the challenge, but if you're looking for a most simple experience, the hiking opportunities are still abundant.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Chiang Rai. Head out of town to Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall if you want to enjoy some hiking. It makes an easy half day trip.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Rai or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Chiang Rai is great for its shopping areas. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Chiang Rai. Local markets, night markets, and souvenir shops with handcrafted goods all make shopping a fun experience. Head to the Night Bazaar or the Walking Street for some of the best experiences.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chiang Rai or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

Chiang Rai is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Aoraki Mount Cook is not as popular, but is still a nice mountain for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Chiang Rai. There are parks and outdoor spaces to explore such as Singha Park and the Garden of Reeds. For a little bit of silly fun, check out Nava Land Water Park and if you want to get out of town a bit, you'll find some great hiking nearby at Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of short walks that are perfect for little legs. Kids will also enjoy the boat rides on the lakes and the area's superb stargazing.

Is Chiang Rai or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

Aoraki Mount Cook is an amazing mountain to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Chiang Rai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Aoraki Mount Cook has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples will enjoy the stunning glaciers, beautiful walks, and iconic views. Many couples take helicopter rides to fully experience the area. Stargazing and hiking is also high on the list of must-do romantic activities.

Couples visit Chiang Rai frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beautiful temples, impressive gardens, and an authentic Thai experience all make this a romantic and fun destination for couples.

Is Chiang Rai or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Rai is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Aoraki Mount Cook is not as popular, but is still a nice mountain for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Chiang Rai. There is no shortage of affordable hostels around town. There are also enough backpackers around to keep things fun but not so many that the local vibe is lost.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aoraki Mount Cook. While many activities in the area are expensive, the hiking is world class and there are a few hostels and camping opportunities nearby.

Is Chiang Rai or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chiang Rai is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Chiang Rai. Tuk tuks and taxis are your best bet for getting around town in a vehicle.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Aoraki Mount Cook. Having a car is essential unless you take a private tour that provides transportation.

Is Chiang Rai or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

Chiang Rai is great for its ease of walking around. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its walkability.

Chiang Rai is a very walkable destination. The old city is easy to explore on foot.

Aoraki Mount Cook is generally not very walkable. While there are many trails through the region, you really must have a car to access the trail heads and efficiently get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Chiang Rai Worth Visiting? and Is Aoraki Mount Cook Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aoraki Mount Cook or Chiang Rai?

How long in Chiang Rai or Aoraki Mount Cook?

It's fun to spend time in either Chiang Rai or Aoraki Mount Cook. In our opinion, Chiang Rai has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Chiang Rai than Aoraki Mount Cook. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Chiang Rai than Aoraki Mount Cook. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chiang Rai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Chiang Rai than Aoraki Mount Cook. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chiang Rai that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chiang Rai than Aoraki Mount Cook 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 Rai.

One day in Chiang Rai or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Chiang Rai, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

With around the scenic mountain of Aoraki Mount Cook, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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.

A weekend in Chiang Rai or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Chiang Rai, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

With around the destination of Aoraki Mount Cook, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this mountain.

Five days in Chiang Rai or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming destination of Chiang Rai. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Aoraki Mount Cook, a popular mountain, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Rai or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Chiang Rai is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Rai and Aoraki Mount Cook, we can see that Aoraki Mount Cook is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Rai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chiang Rai is in Asia and Aoraki Mount Cook 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 Rai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Rai 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 Aoraki Mount Cook would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aoraki Mount Cook than you might in Chiang Rai.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chiang Rai Expensive? and Is Aoraki Mount Cook Expensive?.