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

Should you visit Chiang Rai or Gili Trawangan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chiang Rai or Gili Trawangan, 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 beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a idyllic, laidback, and tropical island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Chiang Rai and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Rai or Gili Trawangan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gili Trawangan than Chiang Rai, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gili Trawangan is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Chiang Rai is more popular for its museums & sights, food, historical sights, hiking, and shopping. Gili Trawangan is more touristy than Chiang Rai and is known for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving. Also, Gili Trawangan is famous for beautiful beachfront setting. Chiang Rai is well known for its intricate temples, unique cuisine, and being the gateway to the Golden Triangle.

How is Chiang Rai different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Rai is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Gili Trawangan offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of art and cultural museums on the island, but most people spend their time soaking up the idyllic setting.

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

Chiang Rai is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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).

Dining out in Gili Trawangan is an experience not to be missed. As the largest and one of the most touristy of the Gili Islands, you'll find a wide range of cuisines. There's everything from Mexican to Greek available. You'll also find plenty of tropical fruits and some local Indonesian cuisine as well.

Is Chiang Rai or Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

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

Gili Trawangan has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. This is the "party island" of the Gili Islands. It has a wild nightlife scene that is particularly popular with backpackers. There are tons of beach bars that have live music, DJs, and nightly parties. There are also regular boat parties. The party scene is pretty well coordinated across the bars, and one bar will stay open late each night while the others close around midnight. This keeps the partygoers concentrated in one location and keeps the energy high for everyone.

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 Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

Gili Trawangan is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Chiang Rai is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Gili Trawangan makes a nice vacation spot. The island was long known for its backpacker vibe which included poorly concentrated beach huts. More recently there's been an upswing in upmarket accommodation, particularly on the quieter western and northern sides of the island.

Chiang Rai is not a resort destination.

Is Chiang Rai or Gili Trawangan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

People travel to Gili Trawangan specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. Snorkeling and diving are a highlight on the island, and a big draw for many visitors. The island is small, with a large concentration of tourists, so if you book a boat trip, you'll likely be surrounded by others. This doesn't mean you won't be able to enjoy colorful fish, a magical undersea world, and the occasional sea turtle.

Chiang Rai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chiang Rai or Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

Gili Trawangan is an amazing island to visit for the beache. However, Chiang Rai is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Gili Trawangan are among the best in the world. The island is filled with white sand beaches, most of which have restaurants and beachside bars nearby. One of the busiest beaches is near the port, but a quieter area is nearby Surf Point. The sunset side of the island is perfect in the evening when the sun starts to dip below the horizon, but the beaches on that side aren't as great as the other side of the island.

Chiang Rai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Rai or Gili Trawangan Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Rai is a very popular place for its old town. However, Gili Trawangan 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.

Gili Trawangan does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Rai or Gili Trawangan Better for Hiking?

Chiang Rai is very good for its hiking trails. However, Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting 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.

Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Rai or Gili Trawangan?

Chiang Rai is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

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.

Gili Trawangan has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find most things you need on the island, but this isn't a place people usually shop for fun.

Is Chiang Rai or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

Chiang Rai and Gili Trawangan are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Chiang Rai is very family-friendly. 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.

Gili Trawangan is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are many kid-friendly activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and biking. There are also glass bottom boat tours and a great laidback island vibe that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Do note that this is one of the more popular islands for backpackers, so there is a big party scene.

Is Chiang Rai or Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

Chiang Rai and Gili Trawangan are both excellent 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 Gili Trawangan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. White sand, blue water, and a true tropical island paradise make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. It's one of the more energetic of the Gili Islands, so if you're looking for a calm retreat, there may be better options, but it still has wonderful resorts and great diving.

Is Chiang Rai or Gili Trawangan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gili Trawangan is an amazing island 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, Gili Trawangan is extremely popular for backpackers. It's the most popular of the Gili Islands for backpackers so you'll find tons of hostels and a great nightlife scene. The energy is high and the scenery and idyllic beaches are wonderful.

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

Gili Trawangan 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.

Gili Trawangan has some public transit options. Many tourists enjoy getting around the island by cidomo, which are horse-drawn carts. Otherwise, walking or biking are your best options.

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 Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

Chiang Rai and Gili Trawangan are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

Gili Trawangan is a very walkable destination. While it's the largest of the Gili Islands, it still small enough to walk around in about two hours and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Gili Trawangan or Chiang Rai?

How long in Chiang Rai or Gili Trawangan?

It's fun to spend time in either Chiang Rai or Gili Trawangan. In our opinion, Gili Trawangan has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Gili Trawangan than Chiang Rai. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gili Trawangan 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 Gili Trawangan.

One day in Chiang Rai or Gili Trawangan?

In Chiang Rai, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the laidback island of Gili Trawangan, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chiang Rai or Gili Trawangan?

Chiang Rai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Gili Trawangan, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Five days in Chiang Rai or Gili Trawangan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Rai. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Gili Trawangan, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Chiang Rai or Gili Trawangan?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Chiang Rai. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.

Gili Trawangan 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 Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Indonesia.

When comparing the travel costs between Chiang Rai and Gili Trawangan, we can see that Chiang Rai is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Gili Trawangan Expensive?.