Which place is cheaper, Bangkok or Chiang Rai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chiang Rai or Bangkok?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chiang Rai or Bangkok, 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 cultural, beautiful, and friendly city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.
Bangkok
Bangkok is a colorful, vibrant, and high energy capital city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.
Chiang Rai and Bangkok: Pros and Cons
Chiang Rai
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Scenic old town
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Very walkable
- Less popular for nightlife
Bangkok
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in Chiang Rai or Bangkok?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Bangkok than Chiang Rai. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bangkok is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Chiang Rai attracts visitors for its historical sights and hiking. Bangkok is more touristy than Chiang Rai and is popular for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. It is also well known for The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw. Chiang Rai is famous for its intricate temples, unique cuisine, and being the gateway to the Golden Triangle.
How is Chiang Rai different from Bangkok?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bangkok 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 Bangkok?
Chiang Rai
Bangkok
Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Chiang Rai and Bangkok.
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.
You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Bangkok on the map. The city is filled with golden temples and beautiful statues of Buddha. Famous landmarks include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Temple of the Golden Buddha.
Is the Food Better in Chiang Rai or Bangkok? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Chiang Rai
Bangkok
Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Chiang Rai and Bangkok can be difficult as they are each first-rate in their own way.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chiang Rai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).
Many restaurants in Bangkok have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has many colorful markets, street food vendors, and a range of restaurants from casual to high end. The aroma and beautiful flavors of local dishes are a big part of the experience in this city. Dishes that you must try include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup), and Gaeng Daeng (red curry). Many foods are very spicy so make sure you order with "no spice" if that is your preference.
Is Chiang Rai or Bangkok Better for Nightlife?
Chiang Rai
Bangkok
Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Chiang Rai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.
Bangkok has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Cheap drinks, late nights, and crazy parties make this city a favorite for backpackers and young party-goers. Head to Khao San Road for the biggest crowds and crazy parties. Nana Plaza is another option with a three story building that is filled with bars and clubs.
Chiang Rai has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.
Is Chiang Rai or Bangkok Better for its Old Town?
Chiang Rai
Bangkok
Chiang Rai is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Bangkok 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.
Bangkok does not have a historic old town.
Is Chiang Rai or Bangkok Better for Hiking?
Chiang Rai
Bangkok
Chiang Rai is a city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Bangkok 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.
Bangkok is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Rai or Bangkok?
Chiang Rai
Bangkok
Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Chiang Rai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.
Known for shopping, Bangkok draws large crowds to its stores. Shopping options range from modern malls to more traditional markets. The malls offer bargain prices for technology and gadgets while the markets offer fabric, food, local goods, and a unique experience. The city also has nearby floating markets as well as night markets, which let you experience a different side to the culture.
Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.
Is Chiang Rai or Bangkok Better for Families?
Chiang Rai
Bangkok
Chiang Rai and Bangkok are both high quality destinations for the whole family.
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.
Bangkok is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This city is full of energy and kids will love the vibrant atmosphere. There are colorful temples, spirited markets, and kid-friendly museums. It's good to choose a hotel with a pool, as temperatures can get hot during the day. Kids will also enjoy having new experiences like riding in a tuk tuk or taking a boat ride. There are also a number of amusement parks and entertainment centers around town.
Is Chiang Rai or Bangkok Better for Couples?
Chiang Rai
Bangkok
Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Chiang Rai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.
Bangkok has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This is a great city for couples who enjoy culture, food, partying, and soaking up life. Wandering the grounds of the stunning temples, sampling food at the markets, or taking a boat cruise will all make memorable experiences.
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 Bangkok Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Chiang Rai
Bangkok
Bangkok is an amazing capital city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chiang Rai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
With so many budget-friendly offerings, Bangkok is extremely popular for backpackers. This part of the world is a mecca for backpackers, and many arrive or depart from this city. It's filled with hostels and budget accommodation, as well as entertainment, bars, tours (and even scams so stay alert). The most famous backpacker area is around Khao San Road, where you'll find parties, bars, street food, and large crowds. If you're looking for a slightly more mellow vibe, you should consider a different area like Phaya Thai.
Chiang Rai is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.
Is Chiang Rai or Bangkok Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Chiang Rai
Bangkok
Bangkok 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.
Bangkok has some public transit options. The Skytrain and Metro are the most efficient way to get around. The city's crazy traffic can make buses and taxis a bit frustrating, but tuk tuks are also a fun option.
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 Bangkok a more walkable city?
Chiang Rai
Bangkok
Chiang Rai is a great destination for its walkability. However, Bangkok is a capital city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.
Chiang Rai is very walkable. The old city is easy to explore on foot.
Bangkok is generally not a very walkable city. The crowds and size make walking a bit challenging, so it's best to plan your day in advance.
For even more information, also check out Is Chiang Rai Worth Visiting? and Is Bangkok Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Bangkok or Chiang Rai?
How long in Chiang Rai or Bangkok?
Both Chiang Rai and Bangkok have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bangkok than in Chiang Rai. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Rai, and 2-7 days is enough time in Bangkok.
Families should spend more time in Chiang Rai than Bangkok. 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 Bangkok than Chiang Rai. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bangkok that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bangkok than Chiang Rai 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 Bangkok.
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How many days in Chiang Rai or Bangkok? Ideal Length of StayChiang Rai 2-4Bangkok 2-7
One day in Chiang Rai or Bangkok?
In Chiang Rai, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
When visiting Bangkok, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Chiang Rai or Bangkok?
In Chiang Rai, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chiang Rai has to offer.
When visiting Bangkok, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this capital city.
Five days in Chiang Rai or Bangkok?
Chiang Rai is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
Bangkok, a popular capital city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this capital city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
A week in Chiang Rai or Bangkok?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Rai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Chiang Rai. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
Bangkok is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this capital city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this capital city has to offer. 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 G Adventures Tours to Thailand, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Rai $42Bangkok $83
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Rai is $42, while the average daily cost in Bangkok is $83. 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 Rai and Bangkok in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Rai $19Bangkok $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Rai $38Bangkok $90
Compare Hotels in Chiang Rai and Bangkok
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Rai or Bangkok? 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 Rai Hotel Prices and Bangkok Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Rai $3.46Bangkok $6.27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Rai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Chiang Rai:
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Bus to White Temple$1.19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Rai
Also for Chiang Rai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chiang Khong Border Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Mai: $177
- Chiang Mai Hotel to/from Chiang Rai Hotel: Private Transfer: $134
- Chiang Mai Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Rai: $132
- Chiang Mai Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Saen Border: $156
- Chiang Rai Airport (CEI): Private Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer: $18
- Chiang Rai Airport: Transfer To Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai: $86
- Chiang Rai Airports: Transfer Chiang Kong, Golden Triangel, and More: $55
- Chiang Rai Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Saen Border: $69
- Private Airport (CEI) Transfer to Hotel: $24
- Private Transfer From Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai: $150
- Private Transfer From Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai: $165
- From Chiang Rai:Transfer to Laos Immigration: $29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.37
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Skytrain Ticket$4.74
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Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$0.95
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Ferry Ride$0.77
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Taxi From Airport$7.41
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Short Taxi Ride$2.67
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Boat Taxi$1.48
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Trains to airport$4.74
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- VIP Bangkok Tours and Transfers: $64
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Pattaya APT-HTL (BKK): $59
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Bangkok APT-HTL (BKK): $18
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Hua Hin APT-HTL (DMK): $71
- Transfer from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Pattaya: $65
- Transfer from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Koh Chang: $143
- Transfer from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to HuaHin: $81
- Transfer from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Bangkok city: $29
- Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Trat: $146
- Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya: $53
- Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Ayutthaya: $45
- Transfer from Bangkok Airport to Aranyaprathet: $153
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Rai or Bangkok?
Prices for flights to both Bangkok and Chiang Rai 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 Rai $13Bangkok $20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Rai
For Chiang Rai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Chiang Mai: Traditional Thai-Akha Cooking Class& Market Tour: $43
- 1 Day Trekking Group Tour With Bamboo Cooking / Chiang Rai: $52
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class with organic ingredients: $56
- Private Local Food Cooking Class in Chiang Rai: $59
- 1 day trek only walk and bamboo cooking.: $59
- Full Day Trekking & bamboo cooking Tour in Chiang Rai: $61
- The Adventure of Trekking & Bamboo Cooking: $62
- Jungle Adventure-Group Trekking & Bamboo Cooking: $69
- Chiang Rai Private Cooking Class - Cooking With Ann: $79
- Chiang Rai by Night with Show, Dinner and Trishaw Ride: $91
- Chiang Rai City Tour with Dinner and Show: $96
- Chiang Rai by Night: Incredible Temples, Market and Northern Dinner: $142
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
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Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$27
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Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$5.93
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2 Rotis (Bread)$1.33
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Mango & Sticky Rice$0.89
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Lunch at KFC (for Two)$5.93
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Pad Thai$2.07
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Airport Lunch for 2$16
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Lunch for 2$22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $21
- Baiyoke Observation Deck with Lunch/Dinner Buffet: $23
- River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $26
- Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise Ticket: $26
- Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Local Market: $26
- Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $27
- White Orchid Dinner Cruise Luxury Experience in Bangkok: $27
- Twilight Dinner Cruise Along Chao Phraya River in Bangkok: $27
- Must-try: Hidden Bangkok Bike and Food Tour: $28
- Chao Phraya Buffet Dinner Viva Alangka Cruise: $30
- Viva Alangka Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $30
- Alangka Luxury Buffet Dinner Cruise With Live Music: $30
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Rai $8.02Bangkok $17
Tours and Activities in Chiang Rai
For Chiang Rai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Full Day Group Tour in Chiang Rai: $38
- Chiang Rai:Guide with lunch full day Highlight Tour: $39
- Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour with Lunch: $39
- Temple Treasures & Popular Sightseeings (Buffet): $39
- Guided Highlights Full-Day Tour with Thai Lunch: $39
- Sightseeing Join Tour Chiang Rai / PICK UP ONLY IN CHIANG RAI: $40
- Group tour in Chiang rai: $41
- Highlights temple tour with tasting and scenery in chiangrai: $41
- Unforgettable tour of Chiangrai: $41
- Explore the adventures of Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle: $41
- Chiangrai Full day: Popular 8 Place+Free Opium museum ticket: $43
- Day tour visit the most popular in Chiang Rai: $45
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Movie Ticket$4.74
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Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$10
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Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.48
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Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$5.93
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Club Cover Charge$11
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Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$71
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Fish Pedicure$4.45
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Wat Pho entrance ticket$2.96
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Siriraj Museum (2)$12
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ayutthaya Historic Park Group Tour from Bangkok: $65
- Ayutthaya Historic Park Tour Group Tour from Bangkok: $55
- Bangkok Thrilling Tuk Tuk Tour (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
- Full-Day Erawan Waterfall and River Kwai Private Guided Tour: $150
- Mystical Waterfall and River Kwai Tour (Private & All-Inclusive): $198
- (Join Tour) BANGKOK 'S 2 HOURS CANAL TOUR: $86
- 1 Hour Heritage Cruise In Ayutthaya with Classical Dance: $15
- 1 Hour Heritage Cruise in Ayutthaya with Traditional Dance: $15
- 10 Hours Private Tour Ayuttaya: $125
- 2 Hour Private Bangkok Chinatown Sightseeing and Foodie Tour: $62
- 2-Day River Kwai Jungle Rafts Experience from Bangkok: $220
- 2-Day River Kwai and Kanchanaburi Tour from Bangkok: $220
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Rai $9.03Bangkok $6.49
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
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Beer$1.19
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- The Bangkok Pub Crawl: $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Rai and Bangkok, we can see that Bangkok 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 Bangkok would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangkok 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 Bangkok Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Rai or Bangkok?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Chiang Rai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Rai and Bangkok, 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.
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.