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

Should you visit Chiang Rai or Perth?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chiang Rai or Perth, 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 beautiful, friendly, and charming city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Perth

Perth is a relaxed, easy-going, and isolated city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Chiang Rai and Perth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Rai or Perth?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Chiang Rai than Perth. While Perth is larger than Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Chiang Rai is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Perth attracts visitors for its beaches. 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). Perth is famous for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location.

How is Chiang Rai different from Perth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Rai is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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 Perth can be an interesting and educational experience. There are some interesting sights and museums around town like the Perth Mint, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Bell Tower, and Scitech. There's also the Perth Zoo and the Aviation Heritage Museum.

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

Chiang Rai is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Perth. There's a good selection of restaurants with many great international options as well as fine dining and casual. Family-friendly restaurants are also very common.

Is Chiang Rai or Perth Better for Nightlife?

Both Chiang Rai and Perth 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.

Perth has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has many nightclubs and music venues. There are also low key pubs and trendy wine bars. Northbridge is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

Is Chiang Rai or Perth Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Perth are among the best in the world. There is an 80 kilometer coastline that has beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Within the city there are 19 beaches that offer snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Many beaches have any amenity that you might need but it's also very easy to escape the city crowds.

Chiang Rai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Rai or Perth Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Rai is great for its historic old town. However, Perth 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.

Perth does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Rai or Perth Better for Hiking?

Chiang Rai is very good for hiking. However, Perth 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.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Rai or Perth?

Chiang Rai is great for shopping. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Perth offers some nice shopping areas. There are weekend street markets where you can pick up local crafts. There are also large shopping malls and trendy high end boutiques with international and local brands.

Is Chiang Rai or Perth Better for Families?

Chiang Rai and Perth 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.

Perth is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a family-friendly city with ropes courses, fruit picking, and many different playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. There's also the Perth Zoo and several kid-friendly museums like the Aviation Heritage Museum and Scitech. Kids will also enjoy spending a day or two at the beach.

Is Chiang Rai or Perth Better for Couples?

Chiang Rai is great for romance. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Chiang Rai is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Beautiful temples, impressive gardens, and an authentic Thai experience all make this a romantic and fun destination for couples.

Perth makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

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

Chiang Rai is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Chiang Rai is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Perth. While most backpackers don't make it all the way to this isolated city, those that do will be rewarded with beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Is Chiang Rai or Perth Better for Students?

Perth is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Chiang Rai is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Perth. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

Chiang Rai is not popular with students.

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

Perth 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.

Perth has some public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

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 Perth a more walkable city?

Chiang Rai is great for its walkability. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Perth is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas with streets that are fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Perth or Chiang Rai?

How long in Chiang Rai or Perth?

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

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

In Chiang Rai, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With museums and nightlife around the sunny city of Perth, 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 Perth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Rai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Perth, 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 city.

Five days in Chiang Rai or Perth?

Chiang Rai is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Chiang Rai. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Perth, a popular city, 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 Perth?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Chiang Rai. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Perth 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 Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Rai or Perth?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Chiang Rai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Rai and Perth, 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.