Which place is cheaper, Dalian 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 Dalian?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chiang Rai or Dalian, 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 Dalian?
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.
Dalian
Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China.
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Chiang Rai Prices
Thailand PricesDalian Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Rai $52Dalian $131
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Rai is $52, while the average daily cost in Dalian is $131. 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 Dalian in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Rai $19Dalian $58
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Rai $38Dalian $116
Compare Hotels in Chiang Rai and Dalian
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Rai or Dalian? 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 $3.58Dalian $43
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:
- Chiang Rai:Private Transfer to Chiang Mai & Temples Visit: $266
- 2 days tour in Chiang rai, included hotel, lunch,pick up&transfer: $140
- 2 Days 1 Night Slow Boat Transfer to Luang Prabang: $82
- Private Transfer Chiang Rai Airport to and from Mueang Chiang Rai: $41
- Private Chiang Rai Airport Transfer to City Hotels: $31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian
Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dalian Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station: $88
- Dalian Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $55
- Dalian Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to Hotel: $88
- Dalian Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $88
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Rai or Dalian?
Prices for flights to both Dalian 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 $22Dalian $50
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
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class with organic ingredients: $56
- Jungle Trek and Bamboo Cooking in Chiang Rai: $56
- 1 Day Trekking Group Tour With Bamboo Cooking / Chiang Rai: $56
- One Day Trekking Chiang Rai Jungle Adventure and Bamboo Cooking: $56
- Trekking & bamboo cooking Tour: $57
- Private Local Food Cooking Class in Chiang Rai: $59
- Chiang Rai City Highlights with Traditional Dinner & Show: $106
- Chiang Rai by Night: Incredible Temples, Market and Northern Dinner: $132
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Rai $8.31Dalian $5.12
Tours and Activities in Chiang Rai
For Chiang Rai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Akha Hill Tribes, Chiang Saen, Mae Sai & Golden Triangle Day Tour: $110
- All stunning tour : Khun Korn waterfall-White Temple-Red Temple: $47
- Ancient City Tour from Chiang Rai including Golden Triangle and Royal Villa: $203
- Border-Crossing Tour to Myanmar & Scenic Mae Khong River Cruise: $197
- CEI. to Phayao Prov. A day Tour : Temples- Hot Spring- Lake view: $80
- Chiang Mai - Full Day Chiang Rai &Golden Triangle Tour with Lunch: $199
- Chiang Rai 7 Incredible Highlights Tour Lunch Included: $51
- Chiang Rai Akha Culture Waterfall and Big Buddha Tour: $90
- Chiang Rai All Inclusive Day Tour: $70
- Chiang Rai All-in-One Daily Tour: $157
- Chiang Rai Discovery: Full‑Day Guided Tour & Free Lunch Buffet: $42
- Chiang Rai Food & Night Market Walking Tour with Local Host: $143
Tours and Activities in Dalian
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.
- Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $250
- Flexible Dalian City Highlights Private Day Tour with Lunch: $200
- Seaside and Skyline A Scenic Walking Tour of Dalian: $150
- Waves & Wharfs: Dalian's Chill Soul 1-Day Tour: $215
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Rai $9.18Dalian $6.76
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Rai and Dalian, we can see that Dalian 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 Dalian would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dalian 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 Dalian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Rai or Dalian?
Dalian has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Chiang Rai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Rai and Dalian, 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.