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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Sado?

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 Sado. 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 laid-back, friendly, and cultural 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. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums. See Chiang Mai travel costs.

Sado

Sado is a traditional, cultural, and off-the-beaten-path island. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums. See Sado travel costs.

Chiang Mai and Sado: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Sado?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai. Although Chiang Mai and Sado are both popular with visitors, Chiang Mai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Sado and is popular for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. It is also home to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Sado is popular for its beautiful scenery, traditional culture, and population of endangered crested ibis.

How is Chiang Mai different from Sado?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Chiang Mai that are not to be missed. 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.

Many visitors head to Sado specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The former gold mines are open to the public and fascinating to explore. For a traditional town, head to Shukunegi, which has narrow alleys and historic homes. Also worth a visit is the Sado History Museum.

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

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Chiang Mai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Sado has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find great seafood including crab, tuna, and prawns. There are also fresh vegetables, rice, and other typical Japanese ingredients in the area.

Is Chiang Mai or Sado Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is notable for nightlife. However, Sado is a mediocre island for nightlife and partying.

Chiang Mai has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Sado doesn't offer many options. This is a quiet island and doesn't have much in the form of nightlife.

Is Chiang Mai or Sado Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is notable for its historic old town. However, Sado does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Sado does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Sado Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Chiang Mai specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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 explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Sado. There is wonderful hiking on the island. Head to the Osado Mountain Range for wildflowers and spectacular views and scenery.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Sado?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for shopping. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its shopping opportunities.

Chiang Mai is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Sado has some nice offerings. You'll find shops where you can pick up any necessities that you may have forgotten. There are also souvenir shops where you can find local items to remember your trip.

Is Chiang Mai or Sado More Beautiful?

Chiang Mai is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Sado 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.

Sado is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Chiang Mai or Sado Better for Families?

Chiang Mai is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Chiang Mai is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Sado is a family-friendly city. The former gold mines are fascinating and open to the public. There are also parks and interesting wildlife such as the Japanese ibis that you can see.

Is Chiang Mai or Sado Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is notable for romance. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its romantic activities.

Chiang Mai is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Sado makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area's history and nature make it a unique place for a couple's trip. There are museums, and outdoor spaces that you visit as well as the interesting mines.

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

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chiang Mai is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Sado is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as guesthouses that backpackers can stay at while they're in town.

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

Chiang Mai is a popular place for its public transit. However, Sado is a mediocre island for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Sado. There are no trains on the island and the bus routes are infrequent and slow. You really must have a car to explore the area.

Is Chiang Mai or Sado a more walkable city?

Chiang Mai is a popular place for its walkability. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its high level of 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.

Sado is not a very walkable city. The island isn't particularly walkable, so you'll want to have a vehicle to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Sado or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Sado?

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

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

Chiang Mai is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and food around the traditional island of Sado, 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. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Sado?

Chiang Mai is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With food and museums around the destination of Sado, 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 island.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Sado?

Chiang Mai is a natural big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Sado, a popular island, 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 Sado?

Chiang Mai is a laid-back city where you can fill many days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Sado 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 Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai or Sado?

Sado 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 Sado in the Summer?

Both Sado and Chiang Mai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sado for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Sado in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Sado fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In the summer, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Sado. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 198 hours of full sun.

Sado 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 around the same amount of rain in July as Sado. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Sado in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Sado. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sado in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Sado. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Sado averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Sado during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sado receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sado. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Sado in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Sado. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Sado for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Sado can be very cold during winter. In January, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Sado fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the winter, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Sado. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 65 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sado. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Sado. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Sado in the Spring?

Both Sado and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.

It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Sado in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Sado fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Sado during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. In April, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Sado. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Typical Weather for Sado and Chiang Mai