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

Should you visit Chiang Rai or Cairns?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chiang Rai or Cairns, 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. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Cairns

Cairns is a idyllic, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Chiang Rai and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Rai or Cairns?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cairns than Chiang Rai, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Cairns is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Chiang Rai is known for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Cairns is more touristy than Chiang Rai and is known for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. It is also home to the Great Barrier Reef. Chiang Rai is popular for its intricate temples, unique cuisine, and being the gateway to the Golden Triangle.

How is Chiang Rai different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Rai is terrific for its museums and history. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its 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.

Cairns offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

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

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

For foodies, Chiang Rai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cairns makes for a great culinary experience. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

Is Chiang Rai or Cairns Better for Nightlife?

Cairns is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Chiang Rai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Cairns has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

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 Cairns Better for Resorts?

Cairns is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Chiang Rai is not a resort destination.

Cairns is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

Chiang Rai is not a resort destination.

Is Chiang Rai or Cairns Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cairns is an amazing city to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Chiang Rai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Cairns specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Chiang Rai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chiang Rai or Cairns Better for Beaches?

Cairns is an amazing city to visit for the beache. However, Chiang Rai is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Cairns are among the best in the world. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

Chiang Rai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Rai or Cairns Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Rai is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Cairns does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Cairns does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Rai or Cairns Better for Hiking?

Cairns is an amazing city 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, Cairns draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

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 Cairns?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Chiang Rai and Cairns.

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 Cairns. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

Is Chiang Rai or Cairns Better for Families?

Cairns is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Chiang Rai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Cairns is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

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.

Is Chiang Rai or Cairns Better for Couples?

Chiang Rai and Cairns are both very good to visit as a couple.

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.

Couples visit Cairns frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

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

Cairns is an amazing 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, Cairns is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

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 Cairns Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cairns 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.

Cairns has some public transit options. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

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 Cairns a more walkable city?

Chiang Rai is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Chiang Rai?

How long in Chiang Rai or Cairns?

In either Chiang Rai or Cairns, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cairns than Chiang Rai because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Rai, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairns.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cairns 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 Cairns.

One day in Chiang Rai or Cairns?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Chiang Rai. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With shopping and nightlife around the adventure-filled city of Cairns, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Cairns?

Chiang Rai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Cairns, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Cairns?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Rai. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cairns, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Cairns?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Chiang Rai. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Cairns 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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Rai and Cairns, we can see that Cairns 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 Cairns 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 Cairns would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cairns 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 Cairns Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chiang Rai or Cairns?

Cairns has a larger population, and is about 96% larger than the population of Chiang Rai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Rai and Cairns, 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.