A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chiang Mai vs. Lake Tekapo for Food, Hiking, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Lake Tekapo?

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 Lake Tekapo. 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 cultural, welcoming, and natural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, Chiang Mai attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Chiang Mai travel costs.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a basic, small, and remote town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Lake Tekapo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Lake Tekapo travel costs.

Chiang Mai and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Chiang Mai than Lake Tekapo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Chiang Mai is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Lake Tekapo is more popular for its small town charm. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Lake Tekapo and is popular for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. Also, Chiang Mai is famous for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Lake Tekapo is well known for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Chiang Mai different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is terrific for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Chiang Mai on the map. 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.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Chiang Mai is terrific for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Chiang Mai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Chiang Mai or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Chiang Mai know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Lake Tekapo This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Chiang Mai or Lake Tekapo Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Lake Tekapo does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Chiang Mai. 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.

Lake Tekapo does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is terrific for its hiking experiences. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Chiang Mai is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Many visitors go to Lake Tekapo for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Lake Tekapo?

Chiang Mai is terrific for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for shopping.

Chiang Mai is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Is Chiang Mai or Lake Tekapo More Beautiful?

Chiang Mai and Lake Tekapo both are comparable with their excellent scenery and 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.

The beauty of Lake Tekapo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. You really want to get out of town and explore the area's stunning natural beauty.

Is Chiang Mai or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Both Chiang Mai and Lake Tekapo are excellent family-friendly destinations.

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.

Lake Tekapo is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

Is Chiang Mai or Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is a great destination for couples. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Chiang Mai frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Lake Tekapo is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Is Chiang Mai or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Mai is terrific for backpackers. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chiang Mai is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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 budget travelers visit Lake Tekapo. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

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

Chiang Mai is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Chiang Mai, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

Public transit is quite limited in Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Chiang Mai or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

Chiang Mai and Lake Tekapo are notable when it comes to walkability.

Chiang Mai is somewhat walkable. 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.

Lake Tekapo is a somewhat walkable place. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

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

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Lake Tekapo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chiang Mai or Lake Tekapo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Chiang Mai than Lake Tekapo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lake Tekapo.

Families should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Lake Tekapo. 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 Lake Tekapo. 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 Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo?

Chiang Mai is a natural city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With around the remote town of Lake Tekapo, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lake Tekapo, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Lake Tekapo?

Chiang Mai is a friendly big city where you can fill many days. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With around the destination of Lake Tekapo, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Lake Tekapo?

Chiang Mai is a friendly city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Lake Tekapo, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Lake Tekapo?

Chiang Mai is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Lake Tekapo 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 G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Lake Tekapo, we can see that Lake Tekapo is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chiang Mai is in Asia and Lake Tekapo is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Lake Tekapo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Lake Tekapo?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 3030 times larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Lake Tekapo, 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.