A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Chiang Rai vs. Khao Lak for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Chiang Rai or Khao Lak?

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

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

Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a friendly, idyllic, and serene area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Chiang Rai and Khao Lak: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Rai or Khao Lak?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chiang Rai. Although Chiang Rai and Khao Lak are popular destinations, Chiang Rai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chiang Rai is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, and shopping, while Khao Lak attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Khao Lak is more touristy than Chiang Rai and is popular for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. 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 Khao Lak?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Rai is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Khao Lak. You'll find plenty or natural beauty, but not much in the form of temples or museums.

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

Chiang Rai is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Chiang Rai have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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).

Khao Lak has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a range of southern Thai classics that include seafood, curries, grilled meats, and even vegetarian options. You'll also find an abundance of western food restaurants that serve everything from pizza to burgers.

Is Chiang Rai or Khao Lak Better for Nightlife?

Both Chiang Rai and Khao Lak 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.

Khao Lak has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's a tranquil place, there are still some bars and clubs that have a laid back atmosphere and are fun places to hang out in the evening.

Is Chiang Rai or Khao Lak Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Chiang Rai is not a resort destination.

Khao Lak is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The resorts cater to couples and families and offer a laid back and relaxed setting.

Chiang Rai is not a resort destination.

Is Chiang Rai or Khao Lak Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Khao Lak is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Chiang Rai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Khao Lak to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many great dive and snorkel spots in the area and you'll find no shortage of excursions and day trips, whether you're interested in scuba diving or snorkeling.

Chiang Rai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chiang Rai or Khao Lak Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is an amazing area to visit for the beache. However, Chiang Rai is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Khao Lak are among the best in the world. The beaches are a highlight of any trip to Thailand. They offer a laid back and peaceful setting with white sand, turquoise water, and tropical marine life. Some of the best beaches include Bang Niang Beach - which is one of the most popular, Nang Thong Beach - which is one of the most beautiful, and Coconut Beach - which is one of the most idyllic.

Chiang Rai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Rai or Khao Lak Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Rai is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Khao Lak does not have a historic old town.

Chiang Rai is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Khao Lak does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Rai or Khao Lak Better for Hiking?

Chiang Rai is a city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

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.

Khao Lak is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Rai or Khao Lak?

Chiang Rai is a great destination for shopping. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Khao Lak. You'll find night markets, souvenir shops, local tailors, and other places where you can grab essentials or pick up souvenirs from your holiday.

Is Chiang Rai or Khao Lak Better for Families?

Chiang Rai and Khao Lak are both high quality 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.

Khao Lak is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This series of islands is filled with outdoor adventures for the whole family. You can explore the undersea world with a mask or snorkel or get out on the water on a kayak. There are also turtle sanctuaries and beautiful beaches where you can pass the time.

Is Chiang Rai or Khao Lak Better for Couples?

Khao Lak is an amazing area to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Chiang Rai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Khao Lak has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Underwater beauty, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences all make these islands a world class honeymoon destination.

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 Khao Lak Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Rai and Khao Lak are both high quality 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.

Khao Lak is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Like most of Thailand, the backpacker amenities are abundant. You'll find plenty of hostels, fun activities, and affordable entertainment throughout the region.

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

Khao Lak 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.

Khao Lak has some public transit options. Transportation comes in the form of tuk tuks, Songthaew (pick up trucks), taxis, and public buses. There are also VIP buses and minivans as well.

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 Khao Lak a more walkable city?

Chiang Rai is a great destination for its walkability. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Khao Lak is generally not a very walkable city. While there are areas where you can walk, the region isn't particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Khao Lak or Chiang Rai?

How long in Chiang Rai or Khao Lak?

Both Chiang Rai and Khao Lak have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Khao Lak than in Chiang Rai. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Rai, and 5-7 days is enough time in Khao Lak.

Families should spend more time in Chiang Rai than Khao Lak. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chiang Rai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Khao Lak than Chiang Rai. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Khao Lak that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chiang Rai than Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak?

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.

With shopping and nightlife around the friendly area of Khao Lak, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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 Khao Lak?

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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Khao Lak, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Chiang Rai or Khao Lak?

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.

Khao Lak, a popular area, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this area. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Chiang Rai or Khao Lak?

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.

Khao Lak is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this area makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this area has to offer. 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 G Adventures Tours to Thailand, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Rai or Khao Lak?

Chiang Rai has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Rai and Khao Lak, 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.