Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Chiang Rai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Chiang Rai or Beijing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chiang Rai or Beijing, 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking.
Beijing
Beijing is a fascinating, historic, and massive city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.
Chiang Rai and Beijing: Pros and Cons
Chiang Rai
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Very walkable
- Public transit not as usable
Beijing
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Home to the Forbidden City
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in Chiang Rai or Beijing?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing than Chiang Rai, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Beijing is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Chiang Rai is known for its historical sights and hiking. Beijing is more touristy than Chiang Rai and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also home to The Forbidden City. Chiang Rai is popular for its intricate temples, unique cuisine, and being the gateway to the Golden Triangle.
How is Chiang Rai different from Beijing?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Beijing 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 Beijing?
Chiang Rai
Beijing
Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Chiang Rai and Beijing.
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 Beijing on the map. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.
Is the Food Better in Chiang Rai or Beijing? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Chiang Rai
Beijing
Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Chiang Rai and Beijing 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 Beijing have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.
Is Chiang Rai or Beijing Better for Nightlife?
Chiang Rai
Beijing
Beijing is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Chiang Rai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.
Beijing has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.
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 Beijing Better for its Old Town?
Chiang Rai
Beijing
Chiang Rai is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Beijing 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.
Beijing does not have a historic old town.
Is Chiang Rai or Beijing Better for Hiking?
Chiang Rai
Beijing
Chiang Rai is a city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Beijing 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.
Beijing is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Rai or Beijing?
Chiang Rai
Beijing
Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Chiang Rai and Beijing.
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.
Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.
Is Chiang Rai or Beijing Better for Families?
Chiang Rai
Beijing
Chiang Rai is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Chiang Rai is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.
Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.
Is Chiang Rai or Beijing Better for Couples?
Chiang Rai
Beijing
Chiang Rai is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
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.
Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.
Is Chiang Rai or Beijing Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Chiang Rai
Beijing
Chiang Rai and Beijing are both high quality destinations 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.
Beijing is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.
Is Chiang Rai or Beijing Better for Students?
Chiang Rai
Beijing
Beijing is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Chiang Rai is not popular with students.
Beijing is a great city to visit as a student. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.
Chiang Rai is not popular with students.
Is Chiang Rai or Beijing Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Chiang Rai
Beijing
Beijing is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Chiang Rai is lacking in options for its public transit.
Public transit in Beijing can get you to some places easily. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.
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 Beijing a more walkable city?
Chiang Rai
Beijing
Chiang Rai is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.
Chiang Rai is a very walkable destination. The old city is easy to explore on foot.
Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.
For even more information, also check out Is Chiang Rai Worth Visiting? and Is Beijing Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Beijing or Chiang Rai?
How long in Chiang Rai or Beijing?
Both Chiang Rai and Beijing have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than in Chiang Rai. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Rai, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beijing.
Families should spend more time in Chiang Rai than Beijing. 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 Beijing. 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.
-
How many days in Chiang Rai or Beijing? Ideal Length of StayChiang Rai 2-4Beijing 3-7
One day in Chiang Rai or Beijing?
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 Beijing, 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 Beijing?
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 Beijing, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.
Five days in Chiang Rai or Beijing?
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.
Beijing, a popular 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 city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
A week in Chiang Rai or Beijing?
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.
Beijing is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this 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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Rai $39Beijing $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Rai is $39, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $77. 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 Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Rai $17Beijing $39
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Rai $34Beijing $78
Compare Hotels in Chiang Rai and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Rai or Beijing? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Rai $3.18Beijing $7.63
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Rai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Chiang Rai:
-
Bus to White Temple$1.09
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: $159
- Chiang Mai Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Rai: $119
- Chiang Mai Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Saen Border: $141
- Chiang Rai Airport (CEI): Private Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer: $32
- Chiang Rai Airport: Transfer To Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai: $77
- Private Airport (CEI) Transfer to Hotel: $22
- Private Transfer From Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai: $122
- Private Airport Transfer in Chiang Rai: $22
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chiang Rai International Airport to Hotel: $20
- Private Transfer Chiang Rai Airport to and from Mueang Chiang Rai: $41
- Private Transfer from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai: $83
- SUV Private car Chiang Mai transfer to/from Chiang Rai: $149
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
-
Taxi$4.71
-
Train from Airport for Two$6.90
-
Taxi to Hotel$8.28
-
2 Metro Passes$2.21
-
Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- [Airport Transfer] Beijing Capital Airport ⇔ Beijing City Transfer (one way) ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $30
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Beijing APT-HTL (PEK): $62
- Tianjin Cruise Port Private Transfer to Beijing International Airport: $153
- Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City Private Tour With Airport Transfer: $205
- Shared Shuttle Bus Transfer Between Tianjin Cruise Port And Downtown Beijing : $59
- Self Guided transfer service to Juyongguan Great Wall or Badaling Great Wall: $78
- Red Theatre Acrobatics Show Ticket with Hotel Transfer: $79
- Private transfer to the Great Wall of Jinshanling: $106
- Private transfer to Tianjin airport from downtown Beijing: $108
- Private transfer from Zhangjiakou Ski Resort to Beijing: $168
- Private transfer Service from Beijing To Mutianyu and Huanghuacheng Great Wall: $76
- Private day to Beijing Hua Bei ski resort with transfer service : $174
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Rai or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing 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
-
Food Meals for one dayChiang Rai $12Beijing $21
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:
- Authentic Private Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Rai: $33
- 1 Day Trekking Group Tour With Bamboo Cooking / Chiang Rai: $47
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class with organic ingredients: $50
- Chiang Rai Private Cooking Class - Cooking With Ann: $57
- Jungle Adventure-Group Trekking & Bamboo Cooking: $68
- Chiang Rai by Night with Show, Dinner and Trishaw Ride: $82
- Chiang Rai City Tour with Dinner and Show: $86
- Chiang Rai by Night: Incredible Temples, Market and Northern Dinner: $128
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
-
Popcorn$0.83
-
Hot Pot Dinner$6.90
-
Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.76
-
Watermelon$1.93
-
Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
-
Two Popsicles$0.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Nangong Hot Spring Water World with Dinner: $38
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
- Mogolian Hot Pot Dinner with no limit soft drink and local beer .: $70
- Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $80
- Authentic Lunch or Dinner Tour in Beijing's Best Hidden Spots: $80
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
- Discovery more local Beijing evening food Tour: $89
- 4-hour Evening Tour: Jingshan Hill, Beihai Park & Hutongs Street Food Tour: $105
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Rai $7.38Beijing $24
Tours and Activities in Chiang Rai
For Chiang Rai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Sightseeing Join Tour Chiang Rai / PICK UP ONLY IN CHIANG RAI: $30
- Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour with Lunch: $34
- Chiang Rai:Guide with lunch full day Highlight Tour: $34
- Guided Highlights Full-Day Tour with Thai Lunch: $36
- Popular Sightseeing Tour 8 Places - Small group: $38
- Full Day Group Tour in Chiang Rai: $40
- Day tour visit the top attractions in chiang rai: $41
- Popular Sightseeing Tour 8 places, Buffet Lunch: $41
- Temple Treasures & Popular Sightseeings (Buffet): $41
- JOIN TOUR 1 day trip around Chiang Rai included lunch buffet: $41
- Explore the adventures of Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle: $41
- Half Day Cycling Tour to the White temple: $41
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.28
-
Two Opera Tickets$59
-
Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.66
-
Forbidden City (for 2)$17
-
Forbidden City Tickets$17
-
Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- All Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Private Tour: $188
- Beijing Art Tour: Seeing Fantastic Ming Murals at Fa Hai Temple : $220
- Classic One Day Beijing Tour: $240
- Forbidden City Tour : $110
- Mutianyu Great Wall And Ming Tomb Private One Day Tour: $205
- Mutianyu Great Wall and Ming Tomb Private Tour: $190
- Private Day to T-Square, Forbidden city, Temple of heaven, Summer palace Tour : $177
- Private Temple of Heaven Walking Tour w/ Options Nearby: $90
- The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) Entrance Ticket: $8.00
- 1 Day Romantic Tour in Oriental Provence Lavender Manor and Mutianyu Great Wall: $208
- 1 day Summer Palace+Yonghe Temple+Confucius Temple Private Tour: $280
- 1-Day Beijing Private tour: Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace: $267
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Rai $8.32Beijing $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Private Tour-Drum Tower, Hutong Food Taste and Local Brewery Beer: $150
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Rai and Beijing, we can see that Beijing 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing 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 Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Rai or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Chiang Rai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Rai and Beijing, 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.