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

Should you visit Chiang Rai or Ubud?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chiang Rai or Ubud, 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 food, hiking, and shopping. See Chiang Rai travel costs.

Ubud

Ubud is a breathtaking, popular, and famous town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Ubud is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Ubud travel costs.

Chiang Rai and Ubud: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Rai or Ubud?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chiang Rai. Although Chiang Rai and Ubud are both popular with visitors, Chiang Rai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chiang Rai is more popular for its museums and attractions and historical sights, while Ubud is known for its resorts, hiking, and small town charm. Ubud is more touristy than Chiang Rai and is popular for its cultural and religious sites, dramatic rice paddies, and local handicrafts. 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 Ubud?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Rai is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Ubud offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town is filled with temples and cultural sights such as the Ubud Monkey Forest, Goa Gajah (the Elephant Cave), the Ubud Royal Palace, and the Blanco Renaissance Museum.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Chiang Rai and Ubud can be difficult as they are each world-class in their own way.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chiang Rai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

Many restaurants in Ubud have been singled out for their culinary prowess. You'll find some of the best restaurants on Bali in this town. There is everything from family-owned eateries to award winning restaurants. Dishes range from vegan to meat-filled and you'll find both local favorites and western cuisine.

Is Chiang Rai or Ubud Better for Nightlife?

Both Chiang Rai and Ubud 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.

Ubud has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is mostly focused on cultural activities and live music. Many people head here to escape the party scene that is so popular elsewhere on the island.

Is Chiang Rai or Ubud Better for Resorts?

Ubud is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Chiang Rai is not a resort destination.

Ubud offers an unforgettable resort vacation. You'll find beautiful luxury resorts with impressive pools and dramatic landscapes.

Chiang Rai is not a resort destination.

Is Chiang Rai or Ubud Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Rai is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Ubud 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.

Ubud does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Rai or Ubud Better for Hiking?

Ubud 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 Ubud. There are many stunning walks and hikes just outside of town. There are stunning views from Campuhan Ridge Walk, which is best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset. Jalan Subak Sok Wayah Walk will take you through the rice paddies and Kajeng Rice Field Walk is close to town but tucked away from the crowds. One of the biggest draws of the area is the Tegallalang Rice Terraces Walk.

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 Ubud?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Chiang Rai and Ubud.

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 Ubud. Head to the Ubud shopping street for boutiques, markets, and local items. The town has grown into a shopper's paradise with many Balinese handicrafts around.

Is Chiang Rai or Ubud More Beautiful?

Chiang Rai and Ubud are somewhat similar when it comes to the good scenery.

Chiang Rai is a beautiful place to visit, too. Surrounded by the mountains and filled with temples and impressive parks, this city is a beautiful place.

Ubud offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's a stunning setting, which makes it appealing to tourists, but to truly enjoy the beauty you'll want to get a bit outside of town.

Is Chiang Rai or Ubud Better for Families?

Chiang Rai is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Ubud offers lots of family activities. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the jungles and rice paddies. There are also many great restaurants that are family-friend. Ubud is a bit cooler than the beach towns of Bali, so kids will enjoy an escape from the hotter temperatures.

Is Chiang Rai or Ubud Better for Couples?

Ubud is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Chiang Rai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Ubud has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Honeymooners flock to this small town for its stunning scenery and beautiful temples. There are luxury hotels, spas, massages, and poolside escapes that will make for the perfect honeymoon. You'll also find world class restaurants and breathtaking hikes in the area.

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.

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

Chiang Rai and Ubud 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.

Ubud is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. If you need a break from the party scene on Bali, then you'll enjoy the reprieve of this small town. There are still plenty of backpackers and hostels, but the town itself offers a more relaxed setting.

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

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

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 Ubud. Many people hire a vehicle or driver to explore the area. There are also tourist shuttles around with Perama Shuttle being one of the most established.

Is Chiang Rai or Ubud a more walkable city?

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

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

Ubud is a very walkable destination. The town is generally walkable and easy to explore on foot, but you'll need other transportation if you want to get outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Ubud or Chiang Rai?

How long in Chiang Rai or Ubud?

Both Chiang Rai and Ubud have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ubud than in Chiang Rai. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Rai, and 4-7 days is enough time in Ubud.

Families should spend more time in Chiang Rai than Ubud. 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 Ubud than Chiang Rai. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ubud that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chiang Rai than Ubud 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 Ubud?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Chiang Rai. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and nightlife around the popular town of Ubud, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 Ubud?

Chiang Rai is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Ubud, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the food. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Chiang Rai or Ubud?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Chiang Rai. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ubud, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Chiang Rai or Ubud?

The cultural city of Chiang Rai offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Ubud is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Indonesia, and The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Rai or Ubud?

Chiang Rai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ubud. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Rai and Ubud, 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.