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

Should you visit Chiang Rai or Yokohama?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chiang Rai or Yokohama, 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. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a under-rated, laid-back, and diverse 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, shopping, and museums.

Chiang Rai and Yokohama: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Rai or Yokohama?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Yokohama than Chiang Rai. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Yokohama is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Chiang Rai attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Chiang Rai is famous for its intricate temples, unique cuisine, and being the gateway to the Golden Triangle. Yokohama is famous for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night. It is also well known for the Yokohama Chinatown.

How is Chiang Rai different from Yokohama?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Rai is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Chiang Rai that are not to be missed. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Yokohama. The city has some eclectic museums like Cupnoodles Museum, the Ramen Museum, and the Kirin Beer Factory. There are also zoos, gardens, and the largest Chinatown in Japan.

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

Chiang Rai is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Yokohama has a huge number of terrific restaurants. As home to the largest Chinatown in Japan, you'll find no shortage of Chinese restaurants here. You'll also find that the local cuisine uses a lot of vegetables. Local favorites include kenchin-jiru (tofu and vegetable chowder) as well as gyunabe (beef hot pot).

Is Chiang Rai or Yokohama Better for Nightlife?

Yokohama is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Chiang Rai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Yokohama has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is diverse, with lounges, pubs, and clubs throughout. It is also the home of Japan's first commercial brewery - Kinn. You'll find a good live music scene as well as everything from casual bars to upscale cocktail lounges.

Chiang Rai has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Is Chiang Rai or Yokohama Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Rai is well known for its historic old town. However, Yokohama does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Chiang Rai to see the historical old town. 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.

Yokohama does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Rai or Yokohama Better for Hiking?

Chiang Rai is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Chiang Rai has hiking trails worth exploring. Head out of town to Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall if you want to enjoy some hiking. It makes an easy half day trip.

Yokohama is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Rai or Yokohama?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Chiang Rai and Yokohama.

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 Yokohama. The shopping scene has a laid back vibe that encourages you to take a stroll and enjoy the sights. Head to Marine & Walk Yokohama, which is right by the Minato Mirai waterfront, to find boutiques and upscale vendors. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is also one of the more famous shopping areas, but you should also check out Yokohama World Porters.

Is Chiang Rai or Yokohama Better for Families?

Yokohama is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Chiang Rai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Yokohama is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Kodomo no Kuni, or Children’s Land, is a theme park that has a lot to do for younger kids and a few things for older kids as well. Yokohama Cosmo World is another amusement park that is geared towards all ages, including rides for the older kids. Other interesting activities for families include Cupnoodles Museum, Zoorasia, and Hakkeijima Sea Paradise.

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.

Is Chiang Rai or Yokohama Better for Couples?

Chiang Rai and Yokohama are both superb 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 Yokohama frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You can explore the city's impressive Chinatown, enjoy the hot springs at Minato Mirai Manyo Club, or have an adrenaline filled day at Yokohama Cosmo World. There are also many museums and entertainment centers around town.

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

Chiang Rai is well known for backpackers. Also, Yokohama is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Yokohama is a good city to visit for backpackers. Most backpackers skip over this city, but there are still a number of hostels around town and some interesting activities that you can enjoy.

Is Chiang Rai or Yokohama Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Yokohama. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

Chiang Rai is not popular with students.

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

Yokohama is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Chiang Rai is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit in Yokohama can get you to some places easily. Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama Station are the two main train stations. There is a subway system as well as city buses that travel 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 Yokohama a more walkable city?

Chiang Rai and Yokohama are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Yokohama is a very walkable destination. Many of the central parts of the city can be explored on foot. Most of the sites are concentrated around Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and Yokohama Station, which you can walk between.

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

Should I spend more time in Yokohama or Chiang Rai?

How long in Chiang Rai or Yokohama?

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

Families should spend more time in Yokohama than Chiang Rai. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Yokohama, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Chiang Rai than Yokohama. 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 Yokohama 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 Yokohama?

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 Yokohama, 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 Yokohama, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Chiang Rai or Yokohama?

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 Yokohama, 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 Yokohama?

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.

Yokohama, 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 Yokohama?

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.

Yokohama 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Rai or Yokohama?

Yokohama has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Chiang Rai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Rai and Yokohama, 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.