Which place is cheaper, Pondicherry or Chiang Rai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chiang Rai or Pondicherry, 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.
If you find yourself dreaming of a vacation in Northern Thailand, consider the metropolitan city of Chiang Rai. This centrally located capital of the Chiang Rai province provides an excellent home base for exploring the surrounding areas. While it serves well as a home base, it has its own charms worth wandering.
Located on the eastern coast of India in the state of Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry has a long and interesting history of trade and war as the largest French colony in India. Today the French influence in the city remains, especially in the old quarters. This being said, Pondicherry very much embodies and east-meets-west culture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best Bicycle Tours in India, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Rai is $39, while the average daily cost in Pondicherry is $33. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Chiang Rai and Pondicherry in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Rai or Pondicherry? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Chiang Rai:
Also for Chiang Rai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Pondicherry and Chiang Rai change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
For Chiang Rai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Pondicherry, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Chiang Rai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
For Pondicherry, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Rai and Pondicherry, we can see that Chiang Rai is more expensive. And not only is Pondicherry much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pondicherry would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pondicherry 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 Chiang Rai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chiang Rai than you might in Pondicherry.
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 Pondicherry Expensive?.
Pondicherry has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Chiang Rai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Rai and Pondicherry, 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.