Chiang Rai is a cultural city known for the Blue Temple, the White Temple, and Wat Phra Kaew. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're exploring the museums or eating the delicious cuisine, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Chiang Rai that stays within your budget.
You should plan to spend around $51 (฿1,741) per day on your vacation in Chiang Rai. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
A one week trip to Chiang Rai for two people costs, on average, $712 (฿24,374). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
A one week trip to Chiang Rai usually costs around $356 (฿12,187) for one person and $712 (฿24,374) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Chiang Rai on average costs around $712 (฿24,374) for one person and $1,425 (฿48,748) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Chiang Rai will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Chiang Rai on average costs around $1,527 (฿52,230) for one person and $3,053 (฿104,460) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Chiang Rai is a smaller destination that attracts travelers with diverse styles, spending habits, and budgetary preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Chiang Rai can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.
On average, budget travelers spend $24 (฿834) per day, mid-range travelers spend $51 (฿1,741) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $101 (฿3,457) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Chiang Rai.
Within Asia, Chiang Rai is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Mandalay, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Similan Islands.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Chiang Rai Expensive?
The average Chiang Rai trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Chiang Rai travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Chiang Rai cost?
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy |
$8
(฿279) |
$19
(฿641) |
$36
(฿1,245) |
| Local Transportation 1 |
$1
(฿45) |
$3
(฿117) |
$9
(฿312) |
| Food 2 |
$9
(฿310) |
$21
(฿731) |
$45
(฿1,540) |
| Entertainment 1 |
$3
(฿114) |
$8
(฿271) |
$17
(฿580) |
| Alcohol 2 |
$2-6
(฿63-190) |
$4-13
(฿152-457) |
$10-30
(฿340-1,019) |
When planning your trip to Chiang Rai, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $24 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Thankfully, Chiang Rai is home to plenty of hostels, including Mercy Hostel, Baan Mai Kradan Hostel Chiang Rai, and Get Hi Hostel. In these hostels, you can find economical dorm accommodations and a fun social atmosphere, but amenities are typically limited. Food is a key highlight for everyone who visits Chiang Rai, but budget travelers often stick to street food or cook in their hostel, which means they might not fully appreciate the local culinary offerings.
If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. When visiting Chiang Rai, you'll want to see the Blue Temple, the White Temple, or Wat Phra Kaew. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $51 per person, per day.
There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Chiang Rai. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Le Patta Hotel Chiang Rai is a great choice for kids, and Nak Nakara Hotel is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Chiang Rai hotel costs guide.
If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $101. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the city means you'll need a more luxurious budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Full-Day Private Chiang Rai City Temple Tour - offered by Viator.
In Chiang Rai, hotel prices can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more amenities and luxury, but come at a higher price tag, especially during the peak winter season. Off-season prices average around $19, but in peak season, they can average around $35. Prices generally range from $11 to $80, and hostels remain the cheaper option. Booking early or traveling during the low season can save you money, and you might find special deals along the way.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Chiang Rai for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $37 (฿1,282). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $19 (฿641) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Rai? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Chiang Rai include:
If you're headed to Chiang Rai with your family, you'll likely want to look for accommodations with more room to spread out.
If you avoid winter and go during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better hotel deals and fewer tourists.
Many travelers like to navigate Chiang Rai on foot which can save on transportation costs. So, you'll want to stay in a more central location. This could mean higher hotels prices, though.
The city's attractive old town is a popular destination for visitors. Hotels in this area can be expensive, but they frequently have unique character and are conveniently located near everything.
Chiang Rai lacks an efficient public transit system. Tuk tuks and taxis are your best bet for getting around town in a vehicle.
Anyone who enjoys a good walk to discover their surroundings will love it here. The old city is easy to explore on foot.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
On average, past travelers have spent $3.41 (฿117) per person, per day, on local transportation in Chiang Rai. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Chiang Rai is significantly more than public transportation.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
Some typical prices for transportation in Chiang Rai are shown below. These are actual costs from previous travelers, and are representative of the amount you'll likely spend on transportation in Chiang Rai. Don't forget that your individual costs will vary based on how you get around, because hired cars such as taxis are often much more expensive than local public transportation.
Don't miss the chance to experience the world-class cuisine in Chiang Rai. Spend some time at local dining spots to taste their renowned dishes. 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).
Calculated from travelers like you
While restaurant and meal prices in Chiang Rai can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Chiang Rai is $21 (฿731) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Chiang Rai is around $21 (฿731) per person, with previous travelers spending from $9 to $45. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Chiang Rai are as follows:
There are a lot of good meals to be had in Chiang Rai. A favorite of most tourists is the Night Bazaar. Here you'll find a Western-Thai restaurant, and the night bazaar food court. Both of these are perfect for a night out in Chiang Rai, as there are free music and dance performances every night. With over 50 stalls and a great atmosphere, there are plenty of things to eat, though they may not be authentically Thai. For that, you'll want to peruse the restaurants in town.
When you're dining out with kids, seek out restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since these meals are usually more affordable. Keep in mind that some restaurants might not showcase their kids' options, so be sure to ask your server before placing your order.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Pack a water bottle to save on drinks. It's also a way to help protect the environment.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
If you want to experience the culture in Chiang Rai, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
Tourists can't resist Chiang Rai, especially for its well-known museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Chiang Rai typically cost an average of $7.91 (฿271) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Some of the most popular sights include:
Some of the most iconic and beautiful sights you'll find in Thailand are the temples and local art. The Baan dam Museum, or Black Temple, was created by a Thai artist and includes nearly 40 black houses constructed with wood, glass, concrete, bricks, or terracotta in various, unique styles and designs. The houses contain collections of paintings, sculptures, animal bones, skins, horns and silver and gold items from all over the world. The artist often gathers inspiration from animal skeletons so if you're an animal lover, you may not want to visit. It can be a bit disturbing.
Then there's the White Temple, or Wat Rong Khun. This modern temple was designed and built in 1998. There are large mural paintings of the Buddha, and beautiful white halls decorated with glittering mirrors. There are halls of reciting prayers, museums and reception pavilions.
Remember, if you're visiting these temples these, you must not forget that these are temples. Cover your shoulders and your knees. Especially in the White Temple, where they still take this very seriously. Show up with your knees exposed, they'll likely hand you a skirt for cover up.
Another temple worth exploring is the Wat Phra Kaeo. This Buddhist temple is most known for its 14th century housing Emerald Buddha. It is one of the most famous images in all of Thailand, and according to legend, the statue was discovered when a bolt of lightning hit a stupa on the grounds. The stupa cracked open and inside was this stunning Buddha. Today, a near exact replica of the Emerald Buddha is on display for all visitors.
Thailand is full of amazing rocks to scale and Chang Rai is no exception. The limestone rocks shoot up miles into the air. There are at least two dozen routes cleared for climbers of every experience level.
For the most marvelous viewpoints in the city, take the old road, Thamon Ratchayotha, for a few kilometers. Take the hill on the left toward the temple at the top to arrive at Buffalo Horn Hill. There's also the views worth seeing from Rice Box Hill, otherwise known as Doi Kong Kao, just west of town.
For a shower like you've never had before, visit the Kun Korn waterfall. Follow a winding road to the end and you've arrived. You can also find the smaller waterfalls in the Mae Sai Hill tribe village, or the larger ones at the Akha Village.
A nice spot to spend a day trekking and relaxing is at Lion Hill Cav. On the west side there's a Buddha Cave and a picnic area, while the east side is home to a three chambered cavern. Each chamber is filled with its own, natural skylight. Visitors can hike through the hills from the south side to the north. This area is home to the country's largest red fig tree. If you happen to be visiting during early summer, have your camera ready to tae photos of its enormous branches covered in beautiful, pink figs.
Museums and Attractions:
The museums and landmarks in Chiang Rai have earned worldwide fame. 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.
Historical Sights:
The historic old town attracts a large number of visitors. 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.
Shopping:
Be sure to enjoy the shopping here, as it's an experience you won't forget. 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.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Chiang Rai. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
When it comes to nightlife, Chiang Rai has a few activities to offer, but it's not as lively as in other more popular destinations. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average person spends about $8.91 (฿305) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Chiang Rai per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.
When drinking at night, be mindful of your surroundings, as pickpockets and other crimes can happen. Stay safe by sticking with a group of trusted people.
We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Chiang Rai.
What makes Chiang Rai a budget-friendly destination? Or not?
It's easy to get around the town without needing a car or motorbike, and the trekking tours and other activities were not too expensive. We also found a great place to stay that was very affordable.
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Chiang Rai, Thailand
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.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.
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It's a pretty small town with a lot of cheaper places to stay. I also found some cheap places to eat that were delicious and quick. Tours to the nearby jungle areas can cost a bit more, but it's still overall pretty cheap.