A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chiang Rai vs. Katoomba for Attractions, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Chiang Rai or Katoomba?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chiang Rai or Katoomba, 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 friendly, charming, and cultural city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a peaceful, serene, and natural town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Chiang Rai and Katoomba: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Rai or Katoomba?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chiang Rai. Although Chiang Rai and Katoomba are popular destinations, Chiang Rai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chiang Rai is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Katoomba attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Katoomba is more touristy than Chiang Rai and is popular for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. 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 Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Rai is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Chiang Rai that are not to be missed. 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.

Katoomba offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.

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

Chiang Rai is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Chiang Rai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).

Katoomba has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Is Chiang Rai or Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

Both Chiang Rai and Katoomba have nice vibes after the sun sets.

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.

Katoomba has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

Is Chiang Rai or Katoomba Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Rai is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Katoomba does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Katoomba does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Rai or Katoomba Better for Hiking?

Katoomba is an amazing town 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, Katoomba draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

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 Katoomba?

Chiang Rai is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Chiang Rai is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Katoomba. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Is Chiang Rai or Katoomba Better for Families?

Katoomba is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Chiang Rai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Katoomba is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

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 Katoomba Better for Couples?

Chiang Rai and Katoomba are both great 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 Katoomba frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

Is Chiang Rai or Katoomba Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Rai and Katoomba are both great destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Chiang Rai. 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.

Katoomba is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

Is Chiang Rai or Katoomba Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Katoomba 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.

Katoomba has some public transit options. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

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 Katoomba a more walkable city?

Chiang Rai is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Katoomba is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Chiang Rai?

How long in Chiang Rai or Katoomba?

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

Couples should spend more time in Chiang Rai than Katoomba. 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 Katoomba 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 Katoomba?

The city of Chiang Rai offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Katoomba might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Katoomba?

Chiang Rai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chiang Rai, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Even though Katoomba is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Chiang Rai or Katoomba?

Chiang Rai is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Katoomba, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Katoomba?

Chiang Rai is a great place to explore. 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. This city offers something for everyone.

Katoomba 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Rai or Katoomba?

Chiang Rai has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Rai and Katoomba, 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.