Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) or Chiang Rai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Chiang Rai or Cheju (Jeju)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chiang Rai or Cheju (Jeju), 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.
Where Should I go: Chiang Rai or Cheju (Jeju)?
Chiang Rai
If you find yourself dreaming of a vacation in Northern Thailand, consider the metropolitan city of Chiang Rai. This centrally located capital of the Chiang Rai province provides an excellent home base for exploring the surrounding areas. While it serves well as a home base, it has its own charms worth wandering.
Cheju (Jeju)
Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.
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Chiang Rai Prices
Thailand PricesCheju (Jeju) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Rai $52Cheju (Jeju) $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Rai is $52, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Rai $19Cheju (Jeju) $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Rai $38Cheju (Jeju) $84
Compare Hotels in Chiang Rai and Cheju (Jeju)
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Rai or Cheju (Jeju)? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Rai $3.58Cheju (Jeju) $9.46
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$1.23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Rai
Also for Chiang Rai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 2 days tour in Chiang rai, included hotel, lunch,pick up&transfer: $141
- Chiang Rai Airport to Chiang Khong & Golden Triangle Transfer: $56
- 2 Days 1 Night Slow Boat Transfer to Luang Prabang: $83
- Chiang Rai:Private Transfer to Chiang Mai & Temples Visit: $266
- Private Chiang Rai Airport Transfer to City Hotels: $31
- Private Transfer Chiang Rai Airport to and from Mueang Chiang Rai: $41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $180
- Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $65
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island: $70
- Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju city (Two way ): $45
- Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City to Jeju Airport(one way ): $90
- Private Jeju Airport Transfer : Jeju Airport to/from Jeju(~7 pax): $89
- Jeju international Airport Transfer Pick up and Sending Service: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Rai or Cheju (Jeju)?
Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) 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 $22Cheju (Jeju) $27
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: $38
- Lanna Home Cooking Class at Give Green Farm House: $55
- 1 Day Trekking Group Tour With Bamboo Cooking / Chiang Rai: $56
- One Day Trekking Chiang Rai Jungle Adventure and Bamboo Cooking: $56
- Jungle Trek and Bamboo Cooking in Chiang Rai: $56
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class with organic ingredients: $57
- Trekking & bamboo cooking Tour: $57
- Private Local Food Cooking Class in Chiang Rai: $59
- Chiang Rai City Highlights with Traditional Dinner & Show: $107
- Chiang Rai by Night: Incredible Temples, Market and Northern Dinner: $133
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):
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Burger$4.11
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Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)$6.63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).
- JEJU Cooking Class _Class & Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $139
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Rai $8.31Cheju (Jeju) $5.03
Tours and Activities in Chiang Rai
For Chiang Rai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Half Day Join Tour Chiang Rai Pick Up Only In Chiang Rai: $27
- Half Day Joyfull Tour in Chiang Rai Downtown: $31
- Scenic View ATV Tour and Pineapple Farm Visit in Chiang Rai: $35
- White Temple, Blue and Red Temple Tour from Chiang Rai: $35
- One Day Group Tour Experience in Chiangrai: $41
- Full Day Group Tour in Chiang Rai: $42
- Sightseeing Join Tour Chiang Rai / PICK UP ONLY IN CHIANG RAI: $42
- From 7 wonder Full-Day Tour and Thai Buffet lunch: $42
- Chiang Rai Discovery: Full‑Day Guided Tour & Free Lunch Buffet: $42
- Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park, around Chiang Rai city tour: $47
- All stunning tour : Khun Korn waterfall-White Temple-Red Temple: $47
- Half Day Cycling Tour to the White temple: $50
Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)
Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- (100% Safety Return) Jeju UNESCO Shore Excursion Cruise: $58
- (Guaranteed Return) Jeju Authentic Shore Excursion Cruise: $58
- (Hotel Pickup Small Vip) Cherry Blossom East Tour Jeju UNESCO: $74
- (Hotel Pickup Small Vip) JEJU Cherry Blossom West&South Tour: $74
- (Return Assurance) Jeju Small Group Cruise Shore Excursion: $84
- 2 Days Private Tour with a Very Experienced Driver in Jeju Island: $290
- 2Days Private Tour Free schedule with A lot of Experience driver: $300
- All-Inclusive Jeju East Tour with Lunch and Tangerine Picking: $105
- Best Jeju Day Tour: UNESCO & Must-See (East): $54
- Cruise Jeju UNESCO East Day Tour: $300
- Customized Private Day Tour in Jeju: $298
- Customized private tour in Jeju island: $175
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Rai $9.18Cheju (Jeju) $6.52
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Rai and Cheju (Jeju), we can see that Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Rai or Cheju (Jeju)?
Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Chiang Rai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Rai and Cheju (Jeju), 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.