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

Should you visit Chiang Rai or Surabaya?

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

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

Surabaya

Surabaya is a local, undiscovered, and authentic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping. See Surabaya travel costs.

Chiang Rai and Surabaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Rai or Surabaya?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Surabaya than Chiang Rai, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Surabaya is more popular for its beaches and big city activities, while Chiang Rai is known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Chiang Rai is more touristy than Surabaya and is popular for its intricate temples, unique cuisine, and being the gateway to the Golden Triangle. Surabaya is popular for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution. It is also home to the Submarine Monument.

How is Chiang Rai different from Surabaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Rai is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Surabaya specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You'll likely pass through town on your way somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out Suramadu Bridge, the House of Sampoerna, Cheng Hoo Mosque, Sanggar Agung Temple, and Ampel Mosque. It's also worth a visit to the Submarine Museum and the Heroes Monument.

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

Chiang Rai is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Chiang Rai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Surabaya. It's a port city, and the cuisine reflexs this. You'll find a mix of different flavors that combine Javanese, Chinese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian cuisines. Dishes include a lot of vegetables as well as tofu and tempeh. Many dishes are also sweet in flavor or incredibly spicy.

Is Chiang Rai or Surabaya Better for Nightlife?

Both Chiang Rai and Surabaya have good 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.

Surabaya has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Like the rest of the city, the nightlife scene has a local vibe. There are night markets, fascinating neighborhoods, and some lively clubs and bars.

Is Chiang Rai or Surabaya Better for Beaches?

Surabaya is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Chiang Rai is not a beach destination.

Surabaya has a beach worth visiting. You'll find a few beaches within a short drive of the city center. Some of the popular ones include Ria Kenjeran Beach, Bentar Beach, and Delegan Beach.

Chiang Rai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Rai or Surabaya Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Surabaya does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Rai or Surabaya Better for Hiking?

Chiang Rai is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

Chiang Rai is a good destination for hiking. Head out of town to Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall if you want to enjoy some hiking. It makes an easy half day trip.

Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Rai or Surabaya?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Chiang Rai and Surabaya.

Chiang Rai is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Surabaya. The city has a great mix of air-conditioned mega-malls and colorful street markets. Bratang Market has become a favorite but it's also worth checking out Tugu Pahlawan Market and Ampel Market.

Is Chiang Rai or Surabaya More Beautiful?

Chiang Rai is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Chiang Rai offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Surrounded by the mountains and filled with temples and impressive parks, this city is a beautiful place.

Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Chiang Rai or Surabaya Better for Families?

Chiang Rai is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Chiang Rai is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, Surabaya is not always the best place to visit. You'll like be passing through this city enroute to somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out the Submarine Museum. You can also wander through the market area of Qubah or explore Chinatown.

Is Chiang Rai or Surabaya Better for Couples?

Chiang Rai is a great destination for couples. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for romance.

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.

Surabaya is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are some sights an museums that you can visit while you're in town.

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

Chiang Rai is a great destination for backpackers. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chiang Rai is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Surabaya is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town but most backpackers don't spend more than a night in town.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Chiang Rai and Surabaya.

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 Surabaya. There's a bus system, but it's mostly used by locals. There are two types of buses - normal buses and patas buses, which are express.

Is Chiang Rai or Surabaya a more walkable city?

Chiang Rai and Surabaya are very good when it comes to walkability.

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

Surabaya is a very walkable destination. It's one of the more walkable cities in Indonesia and it has the feel of a bunch of neighborhoods combined together.

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

Should I spend more time in Surabaya or Chiang Rai?

How long in Chiang Rai or Surabaya?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chiang Rai or Surabaya to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Chiang Rai than Surabaya 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 Surabaya.

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

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.

When visiting Surabaya, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Surabaya, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Chiang Rai or Surabaya?

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.

When visiting Surabaya, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Chiang Rai or Surabaya?

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.

Surabaya, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Surabaya?

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.

Surabaya 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Indonesia.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Rai or Surabaya?

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