Mid-Range Travel Guide: Chiang Mai
The sweet spot of travel - comfortable accommodations, diverse dining, and quality experiences without breaking the bank
Daily Budget: $68-190 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for mid-range travel in Chiang Mai
Accommodation
$25-70 per night
Private rooms in mid-range hotels, boutique guesthouses, 3-star properties with AC and private bath
Food & Dining
$15-35 per day
Mix of local restaurants, tourist-friendly eateries, hotel breakfast, occasional upscale dining
Transportation
$8-25 per day
Mix of songthaews and Grab rides, occasional tuk-tuk, airport transfers
Activities
$20-60 per day
Paid temple complexes, cooking classes, day tours, cultural shows, spa treatments
Currency: ฿ Thai Baht (THB) - approximately 35-37 THB per 1 USD
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at local markets and food courts instead of tourist restaurant strips - typically 60-80% cheaper
Use red songthaews (shared pickup trucks) instead of taxis or Grab for 70-85% savings on transportation
Visit temples and cultural sites early morning when many are free, avoiding paid evening shows
Book accommodation outside the Old City walls where prices are typically 30-50% lower
Join group tours instead of private ones for 50-70% savings on activities
Shop at local markets like Warorot instead of tourist night markets for 40-60% lower prices
Stay longer term (7+ nights) to negotiate weekly rates that can save 20-40%
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Taking taxis and Grab everywhere instead of learning the songthaew system - costs 3-5x more daily
Eating only in the tourist Old City area instead of venturing to local neighborhoods - typically 100-200% markup
Booking last-minute accommodation during peak season without comparing prices - can cost 50-150% more
Paying for overpriced tourist trap activities instead of researching local alternatives