Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Chiang Rai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chiang Rai or Harbin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chiang Rai or Harbin, 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 Harbin?
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.
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Rai $44Harbin $56
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Rai is $44, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $56. 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 Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Rai $20Harbin $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Rai $40Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Chiang Rai and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Rai or Harbin? 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 $3.61Harbin $1.53
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$1.24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Rai
Also for Chiang Rai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- SUV Private car Chiang Mai transfer to/from Chiang Rai: $170
- Private Transfer Chiang Rai Airport to and from Mueang Chiang Rai: $41
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chiang Rai International Airport to Hotel: $22
- Private Airport Transfer in Chiang Rai: $25
- From Chiang Rai:Transfer to Laos Immigration: $29
- Private Transfer From Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai: $170
- Private Transfer From Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai: $155
- Private Airport (CEI) Transfer to Hotel: $25
- Chiang Rai Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Saen Border: $71
- Chiang Rai Airport: Transfer To Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai: $89
- Chiang Rai Airport (CEI): Private Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer: $19
- Chiang Mai Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Saen Border: $161
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
- Shared Night Transfer Service to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $85
- Private Transfer to China's Snow Town from Yabuli Ski Resort: $107
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $168
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin Railway Station from Harbin City Hotel: $50
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $55
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer, Pick up.: $59
- Harbin Private Transfer from Harbin Airport (HRB) to central Harbin: $119
- Harbin City Car Transfer Service with Driver: $168
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Rai or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin 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 $13Harbin $14
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:
- Chiang Mai: Traditional Thai-Akha Cooking Class& Market Tour: $44
- 1 Day Trekking Group Tour With Bamboo Cooking / Chiang Rai: $54
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class with organic ingredients: $57
- Jungle Adventure-Group Trekking & Bamboo Cooking: $62
- The Adventure of Trekking & Bamboo Cooking: $64
- 1 day trek only walk and bamboo cooking.: $68
- Chiang Rai Private Cooking Class - Cooking With Ann: $81
- Chiang Rai City Tour with Dinner and Show: $98
- Chiang Rai by Night: Incredible Temples, Market and Northern Dinner: $146
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World with Dinner Options: $261
- Private Full Day Tour to Harbin Beifang Forest Zoo and Optional Seafood Dinner: $261
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Rai $8.36Harbin $54
Tours and Activities in Chiang Rai
For Chiang Rai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Chiang Rai Temples Tour in Thailand: $95
- Sightseeing Join Tour Chiang Rai / PICK UP ONLY IN CHIANG RAI: $41
- 4 Days Mae Hong Son Loop Motorcycle Tour from Chiang Mai: $1,610
- Akha Hill Tribes, Chiang Saen, Mae Sai & Golden Triangle Day Tour : $106
- Akha Home Cookery Experience Half Day Trip: $120
- Ancient City Tour from Chiang Rai including Golden Triangle and Royal Villa: $174
- Ancient City Tour from Chiang Rai with Golden Triangle Royal Vila: $167
- Ancient City Tour from Chiang Rai with Golden Triangle Royal Vila: $151
- Ancient City Tour from Chiang Rai with Golden Triangle and Royal Villa: $143
- Ancient City Tour from Chiang Rai with Golden Triangle and Royal Villa: $101
- Bus Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang: Amazing Experience: $56
- Chiang Mai: Chiang Rai & Doi Mae Salong Tea Plantation Tour: $361
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $130
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
- 4-Hour Private Tour of the Largest Indoor Ice and Snow Paradise: $136
- 4Hour Tour Heilongjiang Museum to Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral: $250
- All-Inclusive Harbin City History and Local Culture Private Day Tour: $300
- From Amazing Day Trip Including tickets: $400
- Full Day Private Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow Festival: $250
- Group Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World plus Sun Island Snow Sculpture Festival: $298
- Half Day Tour for Harbin Guandong Ancient Lane and Wood Sculpture Museum: $104
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Harbin Ice Festival /Harbin Ice and Snow World Entrance Ticket: $100
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Rai $9.42Harbin $8.00
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Rai and Harbin, we can see that Harbin 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 Harbin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Harbin 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 Harbin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Rai or Harbin?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Chiang Rai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Rai and Harbin, 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.