To state the obvious before we get started: Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are equally worth visiting. These cities offer incredible food, temples, and a much more relaxed atmosphere than Bangkok. Ideally, you’d incorporate both into the same trip. The comparison is only necessary if you’re really short on time or want to stick to a specific area of Northern Thailand.
A 7-day Thailand itinerary, for example, would only have room for either Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. But even with two or three weeks up your sleeve, you might decide that visiting just one of these cities makes the most logistical sense. After all, the north is a deceptively big place to explore. The good news is that Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai each have their own airport, making it easy to fly to other Thai destinations afterwards (like Phuket).
Chiang Mai
Chiang Rai
Tourist Bubbles vs Pure Local Life
As much as we love Chiang Mai, there’s no denying the fact that it can feel touristy in parts. Walk certain streets and the entire experience is tailored for travelers: Western-style cafes, watered-down Thai food, tattoo parlors, etc. Fortunately, these tourist strips are limited to a couple of spots, mainly in the Old City and Nimman. Everywhere else boasts a rich local vibe.
Head to the riverside areas, university hubs or local markets and you’ll discover the real Chiang Mai. We’ve stayed by the universities a few times and enjoyed following the students to their favorite Mookata joints, coffee shops (not the Instagram kind), and drinking holes. Beyond the temples and elephant sanctuaries, Chiang Mai is just a cool city to hang out. All you need to do is eat, drink and wander and you’ll have a fantastic time.
Chiang Rai has a slightly different feel. Apart from the seedy Jetyod Road, the entire city is devoid of mass tourism. It’s a lot easier to slip into local life here, whether that’s line dancing at the markets or trying the weird and wonderful cuisine. The only places we noticed a strong tourism footprint were at the popular Blue and White Temple, which was to be expected.
Relaxing at our friends coffee shop, Chiang Mai
Line dancing, Chiang Rai
Food, Markets & Nightlife Compared
When it comes to food, you’re spoiled for choice in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. If you can handle spice and some strange protein (frogs, insects, etc), you’ll have a field day in Chiang Rai. This city suits adventurous eaters who want to leave with a story or two. Chiang Mai, on the other hand, is better for sheer variety. You can find plenty of exotic northern fare in addition to the more palatable Pad Thai, Khao Soi, and Gai Yang (grilled chicken).
At night, the contrast between these two cities is stark. Chiang Mai could be called the “Market Capital of Thailand” with endless options to explore, from the bustling Sunday Night Market to the more chilled out Pavilion Night Bazaar. There are plenty of nightlife options as well, and not just in the touristy areas. Ask a tuk-tuk driver to take you to a university bar or local nightclub and you might be the only “farang” (foreigner) there.
Chiang Rai has its own markets but there’s only a handful to choose from - the most authentic being the Walking Street that runs down Thanalai Road every Saturday. Overall, Chiang Rai isn’t a party town in the same way Chiang Mai can be. It’s noticeably quieter at night, suitable for relaxing dinners by Nong Bueng Park or by the glittering golden Clock Tower.
Local dishes in Chiang Mai
Local dishes in Chiang Mai
Chiang Rai Walking Street
Does Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai Have Better Temples?
The temple factor plays a massive role in any Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai debate. Some prefer the walkability of Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang in the Old City of Chiang Mai, while others gravitate towards the artistic brilliance of the Blue Temple and White Temple in Chiang Rai. There’s no right or wrong answer per se but we know where we stand.
In our opinion, you can’t beat the temples of Chiang Rai, particularly Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple). The porcelain white Buddha statue and detailed blue murals are simply magnificent. Plus, the temple can be paired with a lovely lunch at the nearby Chivit Thamma Da - creating the perfect morning. You’ve also got Baan Dam Museum and Wat Huay Pla Kang just north of the city, both of which provide stunning photo opportunities.
Blue Temple, Chiang Rai
White Temple, Chiang Rai
Why Chiang Mai is the Ultimate Base
It’s important to note that Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai aren’t just different cities, they’re also two distinct provinces 200 kilometers apart. This means that each base has its own nearby attractions that can be included in a broader itinerary. Long story short: Chiang Mai is the better option for deeper exploration of Northern Thailand, as Chiang Rai is slightly isolated in the northeastern corner by the border of Myanmar and Laos.
From Chiang Mai, there’s a whole new world at your fingertips: Mae Hong Son Loop, Pai, Chiang Dao, Doi Inthanon National Park, Mae Kampong, Lampang, Phayao and even Nan is worth the effort. Compare that with Chiang Rai where your onward travel options are far narrower, with the most popular being the Golden Triangle and Phu Chi Fa. And to be honest, we wouldn’t say these destinations are essential for Northern Thailand.
Chiang Mai is also useful for car and motorbike rentals. Make sure to bring your International Driving Permit and you’ll be able to set off on an epic road trip. Having your own vehicle makes a huge difference in Northern Thailand. While you can take the bus between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and a variety of other places, the journey is often frustratingly slow.
Read more: 15 Best Places to Visit in Northern Thailand (Travel Guide)
Car and motorbike rentals, Chiang Mai
Mae Kampong
Mae Kampong
Getting Around Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai
Although Chiang Mai has a larger population than Chiang Rai, it’s actually more convenient to get around. This is especially true if you’re staying in the walled Old City where many attractions are within walking distance. That said, we still recommend renting a scooter so you can nip up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep or booking a van to head out to ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary. Keep in mind that the traffic on the city’s outskirts can get bad.
Chiang Rai is a different kettle of fish. The city feels more spread out and less walkable as a whole. Hiring a scooter is handy, otherwise you could stick to taxis and songthaews (for a more local experience). Traffic isn’t a problem here compared to Chiang Mai. To venture up to the mountainous areas of Doi Chang or Doi Mae Salong, a private driver is your best bet.
Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai Old City
Is Chiang Rai Cheaper Than Chiang Mai?
Chiang Rai is slightly cheaper for accommodation, but the differences in things like street food and transport are negligible. In general, Northern Thailand is incredibly budget-friendly - much more so than the islands. It would be difficult to spend more than $100 USD a day per person, unless you’ve got a taste for luxury hotels. The biggest expense will be your return flights and even then they can be cost-effective with airlines like AirAsia.
Cheap bowl of noodle soup, Chiang Rai
FAQs About Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai
Is Chiang Mai better than Chiang Rai overall?
We think Chiang Mai has the edge over Chiang Rai for now. It’s clearly a better regional hub for travelers and it’s the type of place where you could linger for weeks without a plan, maybe timing your trip for the Yi Peng Lantern Festival as your only scheduled activity. Chiang Rai is more of an adventure, in the sense that it forces you out of your comfort zone. It can be a culture shock to some but an enriching experience for others.
What’s the best time to visit Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai?
The best time to visit Thailand is between November and April. However, the north has its own climate nuances. Firstly, October can still work well. The rain should be easing and the cities won’t be inundated with tourists yet. Where it gets complicated is in the “Burning Season” of March/April. We’ve had reasonably clear skies in Chiang Rai in March but we know this can change year to year. To be safe, you may want to avoid these months.
Can you head to Isaan after Northern Thailand?
Connecting your Northern Thailand travels with Isaan is trickier than it appears on a map. The distances are huge and many of the routes haven’t been “tested” by a large enough number of tourists. The smartest strategy is to fly direct from Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen and use this underrated university city as a base. From here, you can easily cruise up to Udon Thani or down to Nakhon Ratchasima to discover a truly unique side of Thailand.
