Which place is cheaper, Chiang Mai or Chumphon?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chumphon or Chiang Mai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Chumphon or Chiang Mai? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Chumphon or Chiang Mai?
Chumphon
Sometimes tourism has a tendency to spoil the natural beauty of a place. This is not the case in the magical city of Chumphon, Thailand. As the gateway to the Chumphon Archipelago, this city has maintained natural, untouched beauty. Its miles of coastline are full of fine beaches with fishing, swimming and a number of other activities.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Chiang Mai, The Best 10-Day Tours from Bangkok, The Best 2-Week Tours from Bangkok, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChumphon $36Chiang Mai $45
The average daily cost (per person) in Chumphon is $36, while the average daily cost in Chiang Mai is $45. 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 Chumphon and Chiang Mai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChumphon $16Chiang Mai $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChumphon $32Chiang Mai $52
Compare Hotels in Chumphon and Chiang Mai
Looking for a hotel in Chumphon or Chiang Mai? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Chumphon Hotel Prices and Chiang Mai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chumphon $6.32Chiang Mai $3.63
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.09
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Moped Rental$4.91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Zipline Adventure at Chiang Mai with Return Transfer: $191
- Try find your better than us!Airport transfer service in Chiang Mai APT-HTL(CNX): $5.30
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Chiang Mai HTL-APT(CNX): $5.30
- Skyline Jungle Luge Ticket + Share Transfer: $85
- Skyline Jungle Luge Ticket + Lunch with Private Transfer: $250
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: $152
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): $11
- Private Car: Chiang Mai Airport Transfers : $25
- Private Arrival Transfer : Chiang Mai International Airport (SHA Plus): $15
- Private Arrival Transfer - Chiang Mai Airport to Chiang Mai City Hotel(SHA Plus): $16
- From One-Way Private Transfer to Chiang Rai: $149
- Chiangmai Grand Canyon Ticket and Private Transfer : $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Chumphon or Chiang Mai?
Prices for flights to both Chiang Mai and Chumphon 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.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayChumphon $13Chiang Mai $10
Typical Food Prices in Chumphon
For Chumphon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Ice Cream$0.16
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Fruit at the Market$0.55
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Breakfast$1.09
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.32
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.65
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Casual Breakfast$1.09
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.46
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Mangoes$0.82
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Coffee$1.36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $11
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $11
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $19
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $22
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $22
- Morning Cooking Class in Organic Garden | Chiang Mai: $22
- Evening Cooking Class and Local Market Visit: $24
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $24
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Private Virtual Thai Cooking Class: $25
- Half Day Morning Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Baan Farm Thai Cooking School Chiangmai: $27
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chumphon $10Chiang Mai $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$35
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.64
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Kratong Lessons$2.73
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Pedicure$4.09
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$4.91
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Chiang Mai Thapae Muay Thai Boxing Stadium Ticket: $27
- Private Tour of Sacred Sakyant Tattoo in Lamphun Province.: $79
- 1 Day Doi Inthanon Private tour ( Hiking and Sightseeing ): $96
- 1-Day Bike and River Kayak Adventure from Chiang Mai: $64
- 10KM Inflatable Kayaking Adventure: $81
- 2 Days 1 Night Non Tourist Trek: $122
- 2D1N Mae Wang National Park Jungle Trekking Adventure from Chiang Mai: $83
- 2D1N Trek Adventure at Mae Wang with Overnight at Karen Hilltribe: $97
- 3 Days Trekking Tour to Mae Wang Jungle from Chiang Mai: $152
- 3-in-1: Doi Inthanon Tour, Elephant Sanctuary, and Trekking Trail: $64
- 3D2N Mae Wang Jungle Trekking Adventure from Chiang Mai: $97
- 3D2N Mae Wang Jungle Trekking Adventure from Chiang Mai: $124
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChumphon $11Chiang Mai $6.76
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chumphon
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chumphon are as follows:
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Beer (2)$3.82
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$2.73
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: The Best Bars & Pubs in Chiang Mai!: $9.50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chumphon and Chiang Mai, we can see that Chiang Mai is more expensive. And not only is Chumphon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chumphon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chumphon 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 Mai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chiang Mai than you might in Chumphon.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chumphon Expensive? and Is Chiang Mai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chumphon or Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Chumphon. When comparing the sizes of Chumphon and Chiang Mai, 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.
When is the best time to visit Chumphon or Chiang Mai?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Chumphon or Chiang Mai in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chumphon and Chiang Mai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chumphon year-round. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chumphon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chumphon usually receives more rain than Chiang Mai. Chumphon gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Chumphon usually receives more sunshine than Chiang Mai during summer. Chumphon gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 146 hours of full sun in the summer.
Chumphon is around the same temperature as Chiang Mai in the summer. The daily temperature in Chumphon averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChumphon 28°C (82°F)Chiang Mai 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Chumphon or Chiang Mai in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Chumphon as well as Chiang Mai. Chumphon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.
Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. Chumphon receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chumphon usually gets more rain in October than Chiang Mai. Chumphon gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chumphon often gets less sunshine than Chiang Mai. Chumphon gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 226 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Chumphon is around the same temperature as Chiang Mai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chumphon in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Chiang Mai averages at about 29°C (83°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChumphon 27°C (81°F)Chiang Mai 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Chumphon or Chiang Mai in the Winter?
Both Chiang Mai and Chumphon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chumphon throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February. In January, Chumphon usually receives more rain than Chiang Mai. Chumphon gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chumphon. Chumphon usually receives less sunshine than Chiang Mai during winter. Chumphon gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 283 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Chumphon is generally around the same temperature as Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Chumphon average around 25°C (77°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChumphon 25°C (77°F)Chiang Mai 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Chumphon or Chiang Mai in the Spring?
Both Chiang Mai and Chumphon during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chumphon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. Chumphon usually gets more rain in April than Chiang Mai. Chumphon gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chumphon. In the spring, Chumphon often gets less sunshine than Chiang Mai. Chumphon gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 275 hours of full sun.
The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. Chumphon is around the same temperature as Chiang Mai in the spring. The daily temperature in Chumphon averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChumphon 29°C (84°F)Chiang Mai 31°C (88°F)
Typical Weather for Chiang Mai and Chumphon
| Chumphon | Chiang Mai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 380 mm (15 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.