A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chiang Rai vs. Fiordland National Park for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Chiang Rai or Fiordland National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chiang Rai or Fiordland National Park, 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's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is a stunning, iconic, and breathtaking national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking.

Chiang Rai and Fiordland National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Rai or Fiordland National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chiang Rai. Although Chiang Rai and Fiordland National Park are popular destinations, Chiang Rai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chiang Rai is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Fiordland National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Fiordland National Park is more touristy than Chiang Rai and is known for its world renowned hiking trails and stunning natural environments. Chiang Rai is famous for its intricate temples, unique cuisine, and being the gateway to the Golden Triangle. It is also well known for Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple).

How is Chiang Rai different from Fiordland National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fiordland National Park 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 Fiordland National Park?

Chiang Rai is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Chiang Rai from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Chiang Rai or Fiordland National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chiang Rai is a world-class destination for its restaurants. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Chiang Rai has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Fiordland National Park. Te Anau is a town that serves as the basecamp for the park, and there are a range of restaurants and cafes there. Once you're in the park the dining options are limited, so it's best to come prepared with your own food supplies.

Is Chiang Rai or Fiordland National Park Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Rai is very good for nightlife. However, Fiordland National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Chiang Rai. 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.

Fiordland National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chiang Rai or Fiordland National Park Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Rai is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Fiordland National Park does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Fiordland National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Rai or Fiordland National Park Better for Hiking?

Fiordland National Park is an amazing national park 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, Fiordland National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The park has world class hiking, and this is the main activity for most visitors. There are three main trails in the park, as well as many shorter hikes that you can do. Milford Track is probably the most famous hike, and it is often considered one of the best hikes in the world. Routeburn Track is a multi-day trek that passes through a variety of environments and landscapes. Other popular trails include Kepler Track, Hollyford Track, and Dusky Track.

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 Fiordland National Park?

Chiang Rai is a very popular place for shopping. However, Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chiang Rai or Fiordland National Park Better for Families?

Fiordland National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Chiang Rai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Fiordland National Park is an amazing family-friendly national park to visit. It's the largest national park in New Zealand, and it makes a great playground for the whole family. It's the perfect place to go for a hike or learn about the natural world. There are dolphins and seals, waterfalls, and glowworm caves. There are also fun adventures like kayaking and jet skiing.

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 Fiordland National Park Better for Couples?

Fiordland National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Chiang Rai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Fiordland National Park has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who love the great outdoors will be in heaven in this stunning national park. There's gorgeous scenery, romantic boat trips, and world class hikes that are not to be missed.

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 Fiordland National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fiordland National Park is an amazing national park 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, Fiordland National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. As the largest national park in New Zealand, this is a world class backpackers destination and it is filled with amazing multi-day treks and once in a lifetime experiences.

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 Fiordland National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chiang Rai is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Chiang Rai. Tuk tuks and taxis are your best bet for getting around town in a vehicle.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Fiordland National Park. Public transit is basically nonexistent in the park and there are few roads as well. Even so, having your own car is important as it gives you the flexibility to reach the sections that you want to visit.

Is Chiang Rai or Fiordland National Park a more walkable city?

Chiang Rai is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Fiordland National Park is generally not very walkable. There are trails throughout the park and it's possible to access it on foot via Routeburn Track from Mt. Aspiring National Park.

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

Should I spend more time in Fiordland National Park or Chiang Rai?

How long in Chiang Rai or Fiordland National Park?

Chiang Rai and Fiordland National Park both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Fiordland National Park than Chiang Rai because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Rai, and 3-6 days is enough time in Fiordland National Park.

Couples should spend more time in Chiang Rai than Fiordland National Park. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chiang Rai than Fiordland National Park 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 Chiang Rai.

One day in Chiang Rai or Fiordland National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the charming city of Chiang Rai. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With around the iconic national park of Fiordland National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Fiordland National Park?

Chiang Rai is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With around the destination of Fiordland National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Chiang Rai or Fiordland National Park?

Chiang Rai is a great place to explore. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Fiordland National Park, a popular national park, 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 national park. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Chiang Rai or Fiordland National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Rai. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Fiordland National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Eco Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in New Zealand.

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