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

Should you visit Chiang Rai or Picton?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chiang Rai or Picton, 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Picton

Picton is a quaint, relaxing, and picturesque town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches.

Chiang Rai and Picton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Rai or Picton?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chiang Rai. Although Chiang Rai and Picton are both popular with visitors, Chiang Rai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chiang Rai is more popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Picton is known for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Picton is more touristy than Chiang Rai and is popular for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails. Chiang Rai is popular for its intricate temples, unique cuisine, and being the gateway to the Golden Triangle. It is also home to Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple).

How is Chiang Rai different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Rai is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Chiang Rai on the map. 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.

Picton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

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

Chiang Rai is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Picton 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).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Picton. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

Is Chiang Rai or Picton Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Rai is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Picton is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Chiang Rai or Picton Better for Beaches?

Picton is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Chiang Rai is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Picton. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Chiang Rai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Rai or Picton Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Rai is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Picton 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.

Picton does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Rai or Picton Better for Hiking?

Picton 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 Picton. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

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 Picton?

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

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Picton. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Is Chiang Rai or Picton Better for Families?

Chiang Rai and Picton are both great 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.

Picton is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

Is Chiang Rai or Picton Better for Couples?

Chiang Rai and Picton 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 Picton frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

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

Chiang Rai and Picton 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.

Picton is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

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

Picton 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.

Picton has some public transit options. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

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 Picton a more walkable city?

Chiang Rai and Picton are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Picton is a very walkable destination. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Picton or Chiang Rai?

How long in Chiang Rai or Picton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chiang Rai or Picton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Chiang Rai than Picton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Rai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Picton.

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

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 food around the quaint town of Picton, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Picton, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Chiang Rai or Picton?

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 food and shopping around the destination of Picton, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Chiang Rai or Picton?

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.

Picton, 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 Picton?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful 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.

Picton is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Rai or Picton?

Chiang Rai has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Rai and Picton, 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.