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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Mashiko?

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 Mashiko. 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 temple-filled, laid-back, and friendly city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, Chiang Mai attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Chiang Mai travel costs.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a rural, quaint, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking. See Mashiko travel costs.

Chiang Mai and Mashiko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Mashiko?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Chiang Mai than Mashiko, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Chiang Mai is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Mashiko is more popular for its small town charm and quaint atmosphere. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Mashiko and is known for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. Also, Chiang Mai is famous for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Mashiko is well known for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making.

How is Chiang Mai different from Mashiko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Chiang Mai has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Mashiko is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a couple of museums around town that are focused on the local activities such as pottery. You can check out the Shoji Hamada Memorial Mashiko Sankokan Museum, the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, and the Entsuji Temple.

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

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chiang Mai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Mashiko offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around town that serve udon, soba, and other Japanese favorites that use local ingredients.

Is Chiang Mai or Mashiko Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Mashiko is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Mashiko specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a couple of bars and pubs around town, but not a huge nightlife scene.

Is Chiang Mai or Mashiko Better for its Old Town?

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

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

Mashiko does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Mashiko Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for hiking. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Known for its hiking, Chiang Mai draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Mashiko. There are three mountains in the area with hiking trails that let you experience the Japanese countryside and natural beauty. These mountains are Mt. Amamakisan, Mt.Mitsudoyasan, and Mt. Takadateyama.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Mashiko?

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Mashiko is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Chiang Mai specifically to go shopping. 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.

Mashiko is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.

Is Chiang Mai or Mashiko More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Chiang Mai attracts visitors from all around. 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.

Mashiko is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Chiang Mai or Mashiko Better for Families?

Both Chiang Mai and Mashiko are great 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.

Mashiko is a very kid-friendly city. Pottery is the claim to fame in this small town, and kids will thoroughly enjoy taking a children's pottery class. Its the perfect way to immerse them in the local culture in a fun and hands-on way. Farm life, and fruit picking are also popular here.

Is Chiang Mai or Mashiko Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai and Mashiko both great destinations for a couple.

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.

Mashiko is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a charming town with local farms, pottery, and sake. Many couples enjoy spending a few days soaking up the local atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures.

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

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mashiko is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Chiang Mai, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Mashiko is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't venture to this community, but its seeped in quaint culture and small town atmosphere.

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

Chiang Mai and Mashiko both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Chiang Mai offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

Mashiko has a few public transit options. There are local trains that stop by the strawberry picking farms. There are also local buses in the area.

Is Chiang Mai or Mashiko a more walkable city?

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

Mashiko is very walkable. Many people choose to walk around town and the pottery area is about a 20 minute walk from Mashiko Station.

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 Mashiko Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mashiko or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Mashiko?

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

Families should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Mashiko. 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 Mashiko. 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 Mashiko 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 Mashiko?

Because Chiang Mai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Mashiko might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mashiko, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Mashiko?

Because Chiang Mai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chiang Mai has to offer.

Even though Mashiko is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Mashiko?

Chiang Mai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chiang Mai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Mashiko, a popular town, 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 Mashiko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Mai. Because Chiang Mai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Mashiko 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Mashiko?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Mashiko, 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 Mashiko?

Mashiko 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 Mashiko in the Summer?

Both Mashiko 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, most visitors come to Mashiko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 130 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Mashiko. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Mashiko in the Autumn?

Both Mashiko 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 autumn months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

Chiang Mai is much warmer than Mashiko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 133 hours of full sun.

Mashiko 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 less rain in October than Mashiko. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Mashiko in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Mashiko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.

It's quite cold in Mashiko in the winter. In the winter, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Mashiko averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 181 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Mashiko in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Mashiko. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Mashiko for the small town charm.

Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 12°C (53°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 Mashiko. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 160 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Mashiko. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Chiang Mai