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

Should you visit Chiang Rai or Napier?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chiang Rai or Napier, 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.

Napier

Napier is a relaxed, character-filled, and coastal town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Chiang Rai and Napier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Rai or Napier?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Napier than Chiang Rai. While Chiang Rai is larger than Napier, Napier has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Napier is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking, while Chiang Rai attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Napier is more touristy than Chiang Rai and is known for its many art deco buildings, its beautiful vineyards, and the area's long sandy beaches. It is also well known for the art deco architecture. Chiang Rai is famous for its intricate temples, unique cuisine, and being the gateway to the Golden Triangle.

How is Chiang Rai different from Napier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Rai is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Napier is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Napier can be an interesting and educational experience. Considered an "Art Deco capital", there are many interesting buildings around town and it's worth taking an Art Deco Walk. The National Aquarium of New Zealand is also impressive as is the MTG Hawke's Bay, which is a museum, gallery, and theater in one. For something a little outside the box, you can visit the Napier Prison, which is New Zealand's oldest place of incarceration, dating back to 1862.

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

Chiang Rai is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Napier 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).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Napier. With its many wineries and big mix of fine dining restaurants, there is plenty for a foodie to enjoy around town. You'll find restaurants that serve up New Zealand favorites as well as those that experiment with modern and trendy recipes.

Is Chiang Rai or Napier Better for Nightlife?

Napier is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Chiang Rai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Napier has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is diverse and fun. Whether you're looking for a wild party or just want to relax with a drink and some friends, there are plenty of places where you can hang out.

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 Napier Better for Beaches?

Napier is an amazing town to visit for the beache. However, Chiang Rai is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Napier are among the best in the world. It's a popular beach destination and you'll find plenty of beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and playing with the kids. You'll want to head out of town to find the best and most beautiful beaches. For hidden beaches and some of the area's best surf, head to Mahia Peninsula. To escape the tourists and hang out with the locals, go to Waipatiki Beach. And for a picnic, Westshore Beach is a favorite. Waimarama Beach is another favorite in the area as well.

Chiang Rai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Rai or Napier Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Rai is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Napier 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.

Napier does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Rai or Napier Better for Hiking?

Napier is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Chiang Rai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Napier. Hawke's Bay is filled with wonderful walks and hikes. There are easy coastal paths as well as mult-day treks around Lake Waikaremoana. It's not hard to find somewhere to stretch your legs and explore the scenery.

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 Napier?

Chiang Rai is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Napier is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Napier offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find all of the standard New Zealand retail chains as well antique and boutique shops. With its many Art Deco buildings, the city has character and personality.

Is Chiang Rai or Napier Better for Families?

Chiang Rai and Napier 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.

Napier is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This coastal city has a waterpark, a waterfall walk, and plenty of beaches where the family can hang out. There's also a waterfront promenade that is filled with water features and playgrounds where the kids can run around. You can also check out Hawke's Bay Farmyard Zoo or on a rainy day head to the Faraday Museum of Technology.

Is Chiang Rai or Napier Better for Couples?

Chiang Rai and Napier 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 Napier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Surrounded by vineyards and lined with beaches, this is a great place for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon. Hop on a bike and explore the wineries or enjoy a beautiful hike through nature. There are also adrenaline-filled activities for thrill seekers or fine dining restaurants for the foodies.

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

Chiang Rai and Napier are both excellent 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.

Napier is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of fun activities like mountain biking or white water rafting that you can enjoy.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Chiang Rai and Napier.

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 generally limited in Napier. Public transit to most of the beaches is limited or nonexistent, so you really need a car if you want to get around and see everything.

Is Chiang Rai or Napier a more walkable city?

Chiang Rai is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Napier 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.

Napier is generally not very walkable. If you stay in town you can walk to cafes and restaurants, but you really need a car if you're planning to visit beaches or explore the area in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Napier or Chiang Rai?

How long in Chiang Rai or Napier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chiang Rai and Napier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chiang Rai than in Napier. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Rai, and 2-3 days is enough time in Napier.

Families should spend more time in Chiang Rai than Napier. 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 Chiang Rai than Napier. 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 Napier 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 Napier?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Chiang Rai. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the character-filled town of Napier, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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 Napier?

Chiang Rai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Napier, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Chiang Rai or Napier?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Rai. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Napier, 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 Napier?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Chiang Rai. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Napier is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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 Contiki Tours to New Zealand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Rai or Napier?

Chiang Rai has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Napier. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Rai and Napier, 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.