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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Hiroshima?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Chiang Mai and Hiroshima. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a welcoming, natural, and temple-filled city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Chiang Mai is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Chiang Mai travel costs.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a park-filled, memorable, and meaningful city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Hiroshima travel costs.

Chiang Mai and Hiroshima: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Hiroshima?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai. Although Chiang Mai and Hiroshima are both popular with visitors, Chiang Mai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Hiroshima and is known for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. It is also home to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Hiroshima is popular for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation.

How is Chiang Mai different from Hiroshima?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hiroshima and Chiang Mai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chiang Mai or Hiroshima?

Spend time exploring the fantastic sights and museums in either Chiang Mai or Hiroshima.

Travelers visit Chiang Mai from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many beautiful temples in the area. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a mountain-top temple that is an iconic landmark in the city. Other famous sights include Doi Inthanon and Wat Chedi Luang.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Hiroshima are among the most recognizable in the world. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was built to commemorate the victims of the world's first nuclear attack. The park also serves as a sight to promote long term peace. In the park you'll find the Peace Memorial Museum, the Memorial Cenotaph, the Atom Bomb Dome, and the Flame of Peace. Other sights in Hiroshima include the Itsukushima shrine, the Hiroshima Castle, and Mitaki-dera Temple.

Is the Food Better in Chiang Mai or Hiroshima? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Chiang Mai have been singled out for their culinary prowess. For many, this city offers some of the best food in all of Thailand. The cuisine is influenced by nearby Burma and China, with ginger and turmeric often used. Curries tend to be a bit milder and dishes are often served with sticky rice. Famous dishes around town include Khao Soi, Larb Kua, and Sai Oua. Cooking classes are also very popular around town and the courses often include a trip to a market.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hiroshima. There are many local dishes that you'll find in restaurants around town. Some of the best dining areas are around Hiroshima Station and in downtown Hiroshima. Make sure you try the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the local oysters, and tsukemen.

Is Chiang Mai or Hiroshima Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is a great city for nightlife. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Chiang Mai has something for everybody. It is the largest city in Northern Thailand, so it has the most active nightlife scene in the area. Whatever your style, you can find something to do at night here. Many people head to the riverside to drink and listen to music. You'll also find clubs concentrated around Nimmanhaemin Road and Loy Kroh Road. There's also the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, which is packed with stalls and people sampling food and drinks.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Hiroshima. The city has many hidden pubs and traditional Japanese bars. The most vibrant nightlife scene is in the Chugoku-Shikoku district, particularly around Nagarekawa Street.

Is Chiang Mai or Hiroshima Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is a great city for its historic old town. However, Hiroshima does not have a historic old town.

Chiang Mai is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old city is about 1.5 square kilometers in size and it has four gates, one on each side. The most famous area is Sunday Walking Street, which comes to life at 4pm every day when it is lined with stalls and filled with people.

Hiroshima does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Hiroshima Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Around Chiang Mai visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Many people use this city as a base for a trekking excursion into the surrounding countryside. The land is lush and beautiful and many treks also expose you to the welcoming Hilltribe people of Northern Thailand. Treks can be organized at almost any hotel or hostel as well the many tour agencies around town.

Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Hiroshima?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Chiang Mai. The city is famous for its night markets, which run every night of the year until around midnight. You'll find the streets packed with people and vendors, rain or shine. This is a great place to search for local handicrafts and try some of the city's famous street food. Popular items to buy include rice boxes, silk, and Thai sky lanterns.

Hiroshima is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are outlet malls as well as morning markets, that make for interesting shopping. Head to old Sanyodo Road to shop where the locals shop and for international brands head to Hondori Central Shopping District.

Is Chiang Mai or Hiroshima More Beautiful?

Chiang Mai is a great city for its scenery and beauty. However, Hiroshima is not a destination known for its beauty.

Chiang Mai is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It is famous for it's beautiful surrounding countryside where visitors often enjoy trekking and getting out in nature. The city is also filled with historic temples, night markets, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Hiroshima is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Chiang Mai or Hiroshima Better for Families?

Chiang Mai is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Chiang Mai is a very family-friendly destination. This city is very friendly and welcoming to kids. There are many cultural and adventurous activities that the whole family can enjoy. One of the most popular kid-friendly places to visit is the Elephant Sanctuary, where kids can get up close and personal with these beautiful animals. Kids will also enjoy heading into the countryside to trek or visit one of Thailand’s Hilltribes. The cultural experience and opportunity to meet a diversity of kids will be an experience your children will never forget. In town, a cooking class is a popular option for budding foodies.

Hiroshima is a family-friendly place to visit. Tragedy often comes to mind when you think of this city, as it was the sight of the first atomic bomb detonation. Older kids will learn a lot from a visit, but it may be a bit overwhelming for younger kids. There are still many things to do with kids of all ages in the city though, such as feeding the koi fish at Shukeien Park or visiting the floating Itsukushima shrine.

Is Chiang Mai or Hiroshima Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is a great city for romance. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Chiang Mai is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Trekking, rafting, temples, and some of the best food in Thailand all make this city a popular destination for a couple's getaway. The region is perfect for adventurous couples who want to experience more of the authentic side of Thailand.

Hiroshima makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There is plenty of nature and green space in the city. Couples will enjoy visiting the Hiroshima Castle or wandering through the gardens such as Shukkeien or the Hiroshima Botanical Garden.

Is Chiang Mai or Hiroshima Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Chiang Mai. This is one of the biggest backpacker mecca's in Southeast Asia, and you'll find the city flooded with budget travelers out to experience it all. There are countless hostels and budget hotels available and most will organize treks and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and many visitors end up staying longer than they planned. Prices in Northern Thailand are also much more affordable than many other areas.

Plenty of backpackers visit Hiroshima. There are many hostels around town and plenty of things to see an do.

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

Hiroshima is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Hiroshima is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a good tram and streetcar network around town as well as a ferry connecting the city to Miyajima Island. There are also buses around town.

Chiang Mai has a few public transit options. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

Is Chiang Mai or Hiroshima a more walkable city?

Hiroshima is a great city for its walkability. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Hiroshima is very walkable. If you base yourself in downtown Hiroshima, you can explore many areas on foot.

Chiang Mai is a somewhat walkable place. Although there are a few walking streets, the city can get very crowded and many places are easier to access with a tuk tuk or taxi.

For even more information, also check out Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting? and Is Hiroshima Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hiroshima or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Hiroshima?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chiang Mai and Hiroshima. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chiang Mai than in Hiroshima. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hiroshima.

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

Couples should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Hiroshima. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chiang Mai that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Hiroshima 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 Mai.

One day in Chiang Mai or Hiroshima?

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and nightlife around the meaningful city of Hiroshima, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Hiroshima?

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Hiroshima, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Hiroshima?

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Hiroshima, 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 Mai or Hiroshima?

Chiang Mai is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chiang Mai, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Hiroshima is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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 G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Hiroshima, we can see that Hiroshima is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Hiroshima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hiroshima than you might in Chiang Mai.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chiang Mai Expensive? and Is Hiroshima Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Hiroshima?

Hiroshima has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Hiroshima, 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 Chiang Mai or Hiroshima?

Hiroshima has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Chiang Mai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Hiroshima in the Summer?

Both Hiroshima and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hiroshima because of the family-friendly experiences.

Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Hiroshima in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Hiroshima during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 194 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Hiroshima. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Hiroshima in the Autumn?

Both Hiroshima and Chiang Mai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Hiroshima this time of year.

In the autumn, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Hiroshima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Hiroshima. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 193 hours of full sun.

Hiroshima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Hiroshima. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Hiroshima in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Hiroshima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Also, many travelers come to Hiroshima for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hiroshima. In January, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Hiroshima. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Hiroshima fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Hiroshima during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Hiroshima. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Hiroshima in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Hiroshima. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Hiroshima in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Hiroshima. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 193 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hiroshima. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Hiroshima. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Hiroshima and Chiang Mai