Is Chiang Mai Expensive?

March 30, 2025
Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, the cultural heart of Northern Thailand, caters to all travellers, from budget backpackers to luxury seekers. Whether you’re looking to indulge in five-star accommodations or experience authentic Thai culture on a shoestring budget, Chiang Mai offers a perfect balance of affordability and quality.

So, is Chiang Mai expensive? The short answer is no—it’s one of the most cost-effective cities in Thailand, providing great value for money. However, the cost of your trip depends entirely on your travel style and preferences. Let’s break down the cost of visiting Chiang Mai so you can plan your trip accordingly.

The Cost of Accommodation in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai offers various accommodation options, from hostels and budget hotels to luxury resorts and boutique retreats. Regardless of your budget, you’ll find a comfortable place to stay.

Budget travellers: Dormitory beds in hostels cost as little as ฿150–฿300 per night (£3–£6 / $4–$8), while private rooms in guesthouses start at around ฿500 (£10 / $14) per night.

Mid-range stays: Boutique hotels and 3-4 star accommodations typically range from ฿1,000–฿2,500 (£20–£50 / $28–$70) per night, offering great comfort at an affordable price.

Luxury travellers: Chiang Mai boasts world-class resorts like Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai, where you can experience holistic wellness, elegant accommodations, and personalised service for ฿4,000+ (£80+ / $110+) per night.

Compared to cities like Bangkok or Phuket, Chiang Mai provides incredible value for accommodation, making it an excellent choice for all travellers.

Affordable & Delicious Food & Drink

One of the best things about Chiang Mai is its delicious and affordable food scene. Whether dining on street food or enjoying a gourmet meal, you’ll find fantastic options to suit your budget.

Street food: A plate of authentic Khao Soi (Chiang Mai’s signature coconut curry noodle dish) costs around ฿40–฿60 (£1–£1.50 / $1.50–$2). Grilled meats, dumplings, and fresh fruit shakes can be found for ฿20–฿50 (£0.50–£1 / $0.75–$1.50).

Local restaurants: A sit-down meal in a local eatery with a drink can cost between ฿100–฿250 (£2–£5 / $3–$7).

Fine dining: High-end restaurants serving international cuisine range from ฿500–฿2,000 (£10–£40 / $15–$60) per meal but remain more affordable than similar experiences in Bangkok or Phuket.

Visit The Garden at Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai for a farm-to-table dining experience using locally sourced organic ingredients.

Getting Around Chiang Mai on a Budget

Chiang Mai is compact and walkable, but there are plenty of affordable transportation options:

Songthaews (red trucks): These shared taxis cost around ฿20–฿40 (£0.50–£1 / $0.75–$1.50) per ride within the city.

Tuk-tuks: A short ride costs ฿80–฿150 (£1.50–£3 / $2–$5), but always negotiate the fare beforehand.

Scooter rental: If you’re comfortable on two wheels, you can rent a scooter for ฿200–฿300 (£4–£6 / $6–$9) per day.

Grab (ride-hailing app): Prices are slightly higher than Songthaews but are still affordable and convenient.

Taxis and private cars are available but more expensive than local transport options.

Sightseeing & Activities

Chiang Mai is home to stunning temples, lush mountains, and vibrant markets; many free or cost just a few pounds/dollars to enter.

Explore the Old City and temples – Iconic temples like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang have small entrance fees of ฿50–฿100 (£1–£2 / $1.50–$3).

Hike Doi Suthep – Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for just ฿30 (£0.75 / $1), or hike up for free!

Night markets – Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and Sunday Walking Street Market offer an incredible atmosphere and budget-friendly souvenirs.

Monk Chats – Have a free conversation with Buddhist monks at certain temples to learn about their way of life.

Bo Sang Umbrella Village – Watch artisans create beautiful hand-painted umbrellas with no entry fee.

For those looking for adventure activities like ziplining, ethical elephant sanctuaries, or cooking classes, expect to pay ฿1,000–฿3,000 (£20–£60 / $30–$90) per experience.

How Much Should You Budget for Chiang Mai?

Your daily budget in Chiang Mai will depend on your travel style:

Budget backpackers: ฿800–฿1,200 (£16–£24 / $23–$35) per day

Mid-range travellers: ฿2,000–฿4,000 (£40–£80 / $55–$110) per day

Luxury travellers: ฿5,000+ (£100+ / $140+) per day

With such flexibility in pricing, Chiang Mai allows you to enjoy an incredible experience on any budget.

Chiang Mai Won’t Break the Bank

Chiang Mai is one of the most affordable travel destinations in Thailand. It offers world-class experiences, cultural immersion, and natural beauty at a fraction of the cost of Bangkok or Phuket. Whether you’re looking to travel on a budget or indulge in luxury and wellness at Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai, you’ll find that Chiang Mai offers incredible value for money.

Plan your trip today and experience Chiang Mai without breaking the bank!