A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chiang Rai vs. Atami for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Chiang Rai or Atami?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chiang Rai or Atami, 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 charming, cultural, and beautiful city. Chiang Rai is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Chiang Rai travel costs.

Atami

Atami is a nostalgic, authentic, and overlooked town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Atami travel costs.

Chiang Rai and Atami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Rai or Atami?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Chiang Rai than Atami, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Chiang Rai is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Atami is more popular for its beaches. Chiang Rai is more touristy than Atami and is known for its intricate temples, unique cuisine, and being the gateway to the Golden Triangle. Also, Chiang Rai is famous for Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple). Atami is well known for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Chiang Rai different from Atami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Rai is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Chiang Rai are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Atami. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

Is the Food Better in Chiang Rai or Atami? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chiang Rai is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Chiang Rai have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Atami area. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

Is Chiang Rai or Atami Better for Nightlife?

Both Chiang Rai and Atami have notable vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Chiang Rai. 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.

Atami has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Is Chiang Rai or Atami Better for Beaches?

Atami is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Chiang Rai is not a beach destination.

Atami has a beach worth visiting. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Chiang Rai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Rai or Atami Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Rai is a very popular place for its old town. However, Atami does not have a historic old town.

Chiang Rai is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Atami does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Rai or Atami Better for Hiking?

Chiang Rai is a city with good options for its hiking trails. However, Atami is not a hiking destination.

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.

Atami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Rai or Atami?

Chiang Rai is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Chiang Rai is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Atami to go shopping. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

Is Chiang Rai or Atami More Beautiful?

Chiang Rai is a city with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Atami is not a destination known for its beauty.

Chiang Rai is a beautiful place to visit, too. Surrounded by the mountains and filled with temples and impressive parks, this city is a beautiful place.

Atami is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Chiang Rai or Atami Better for Families?

Chiang Rai is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Chiang Rai is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Atami. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

Is Chiang Rai or Atami Better for Couples?

Chiang Rai is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Chiang Rai makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful temples, impressive gardens, and an authentic Thai experience all make this a romantic and fun destination for couples.

Atami is a good city for couples to visit. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Chiang Rai or Atami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Rai is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many 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 backpackers visit Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

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

Atami is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Chiang Rai is lacking in options for its public transit.

Atami has some public transit options. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

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

Is Chiang Rai or Atami a more walkable city?

Chiang Rai is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Atami is a somewhat walkable city. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Atami or Chiang Rai?

How long in Chiang Rai or Atami?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chiang Rai or Atami to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Chiang Rai than Atami because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Rai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Atami.

Families should spend more time in Chiang Rai than Atami. 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 Atami. 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 Atami 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 Atami?

In Chiang Rai, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With museums and nightlife around the authentic town of Atami, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atami, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Chiang Rai or Atami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Rai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Atami, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Chiang Rai or Atami?

Chiang Rai is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Chiang Rai. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Atami, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Atami?

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Chiang Rai. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Atami 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 Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Rai and Atami, we can see that Atami is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Rai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Atami would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atami 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 Atami Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chiang Rai or Atami?

Chiang Rai has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Atami. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Rai and Atami, 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.