Chiang Rai vs Chiang Mai, how do you split your time between Northern Thailand’s two biggest and most impressive cities? If you only have time for one of these two places, which is the best? It’s no simple choice and there is not a one size fits all answer. We have a favourite, but will it be yours? Read on and we will try to help you decide.

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If you are planning time in Northern Thailand, you may wonder which of these cities you should include on your itinerary. Both places offer ancient temples, and amazing landscapes and plenty of activities to keep you busy. So, which should you choose, Chiang Mia or Chiang Rai?

What is there to do in Chiang Mai?

While there are plenty of things to do in both Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, when you compare Chiang Mai to its northern counterpart, we think it has a few things going for it.

Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand and is often touted as the digital nomad capital of the world. It attracts expats, tourists, and travelling entrepreneurs alike from all walks of life. As a result, it’s an easy place to visit with plenty of English spoken. It’s a lot more social, especially for solo travellers, and there is a greater variety of activities on offer and attractions to see.

Here are some that we think need to be on a first-time visitors’ list.

Visit Chiang Mai Temples

Stunning temples are not in short supply in either Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. Each has dozens of beautiful temples unique to its city. Chiang Rai’s showstopper temples are more well known, but what makes Chiang Mai’s temples special is you can stroll between so many historic and unique temples within the walls of the old city in just a couple of hours.

In Chiang Mai, we think these three temples in the old city should be on a first-time visitors’ list, unless of course, you are a temple lover – then by all means take a self-guided temple tour and see them all.

• Wat Chedi Luang – built around 600 years ago this temple boasts the largest ruined chedi (stupa) in the city.
• Wat Sri Suphan – aka the Silver Temple is stunning, especially at night, combine it with a visit to the Saturday walking street.
• Wat Phakhao Temple – is one of the less-known but unique offerings within the old city where the main buddha is illuminated in changing colours.

Outside the old city walls, we would add

• Wat Phra Tat (better known as Wat Doi Suthep) – This Lanna style temple is said to hold a piece of Buddha’s shoulder bone.
• Wat Phra Lat – on the way to Doi Suthep along the Monk’s Trail, the temple provided a resting place for pilgrims and is usually lovely and quiet.
• Twin Pagodas at Doi Intanon – Built to commemorate the 60th birthdays of King Bhumibol Adulyade and Queen Sirikit.

Wat Phra Lat is the last stop of an old pilgrimage site along Monk’s Trail. If you only have time for one temple in Chiang Mai, let it be this one.

Enjoy Northern Thailands hiking trails

If you are keen to include some hiking on your trip to Thailand, then Chiang Mai has plenty of options near the city centre. Although both cities have mountains and hiking options, the trails in Chiang Mai are well trodden and signposted. There are also not as many organised hiking trips on offer in Chiang Rai.

Here are some of our favorite options for hiking in Chiang Mai:

• Monk’s Trail – Enjoy a moderately challenging 45-minute trek to Wat Phra Lat along a historic pilgrimage route.
• Sticky Waterfalls – Take a refreshing dip in the unique, climbable cascades of the Sticky Waterfalls.
• Doi Inthanon – This national park is home to some of the most impressive waterfalls in northern Thailand.
• Do Pui – Challenge yourself with a climb to Doi Pui, offering breathtaking views and cooler temperatures.

We recommend joining a hiking tour unless you are experienced and have your own transport. There are plenty of excellent operators, just make sure they are registered and have insurance.

We like to book via Get Your Guide for hiking tours because we know they have vetted the operators for safely and reliability and cancellation policies are clear and easy to follow.

Indulge in the culinary excellency of Northern Thailand

In deciding which of these Thai cities to visit, any foodie would tell you that Chiang Mai takes the cake. This is simply because there are so many options for delicious food in Chiang Mai over Chiang Rai.

Chiang Mai offers many Michelin-recommended restaurants for both dine-in restaurants and street food vendors on Nimman Road and the old city. It also happens to be one of the vegan and vegetarian capital of the world.

Chiang Mai also has an excellent selection of weekend/night markets, with a favorite being the Sunday Market in the old city. However, we think the food on offer at the Chang Phuak Gate Night Market is the best.

If you are staying a while, it’s worth starting your visit with a food tour. We have done and really enjoyed this one. Your guide can introduce you to the flavours of the north and help you plan your eats for the rest of your visit.

Go on an adventure

Feeling adventurous? Chiang Mai has plenty to do. From a fun, family-friendly afternoon at a water park to zip-lining adventures.

Here are just a few ideas:

• Take a day trip and see the Grand Canyon in Chiang Mai
• Go zip lining through the jungle
• Hang with the elephants at Elephant Nature Park, one of Thailand’s ethical elephant experiences.

What to do in Chiang Rai

Think Chiang Mai is the obvious choice? Think again! Chiang Rai is a small city that’s more peaceful (and less noisy) and has an entirely different vibe than Chiang Mai, but still has tons of options for things to do and see.

If you’re looking for something more traditional in northern Thailand, Chiang Rai is for you.

Explore Chiang Rai’s iconic temples

Some of Thailand’s unique temples are found in Chiang Rai province. The white temple is probably the most interesting temple in the country.

While you are in Chiang Rai, try to see these three sites:

• Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
• Wat Ron Seur Ten (Blue Temple)

If you have time, you could add the Black House, which is actually an art site rather than a temple.

• Baan Dam Museum (Black House) While not actually a temple, the Black House is often included in many tour itineraries.

Get a glimpse of the Golden Triangle

If you’re going to visit Chiang Rai for a few days, taking a trip to the Golden Triangle is a must. It’s a historical site that marks the confluence of the Ruak River and the Mekong River where the borders of Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand meet and used to be the central point of the Opium trade.

The Golden Triangle is near Sop Rauk, about 65km from Chiang Rai via Mae Sai. The drive will take about an hour. You can also take a local bus to Mae Sai, but from here you will need a taxi or local driver.

Once you arrive in Sop Rauk, you can join a boat tour along the Mekong River. The long-tail boat driver will take you on a quick trip that technically allows you to visit Myanmar and Laos. Don’t forget your passport!

For a next-level elephant, encounter a night at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp where you can observe these giants and learn more about them.

Learn about Opium and its history

There are two opium museums in the area. Choose the Hall of Opium – it’s brilliant. The smaller house of Opium is much less interesting.

Check out Mae Salong Yunanese Village

Something unique to Chiang Rai (and northern Thailand) is this beautiful village. It has stunning views, amazing local Yunnanese food, and a lot of rich history, including another amazing temple sitting atop Chiang Rai’s dramatic mountains.

The village is 70km northwest of Chiang Rai and offers a piece of China. The area is also home to tea plantations.

Other things to see in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai has so much to offer; here are just a few more places to see:

• Chiang Rai Night Market
• Chiang Rai Clock Tower
• Singha Park

What are the differences between the two cities?

There is so much to see in both two cities, but how do you choose between Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai? While Chiang Mai is a large city with lots to do, more people, and an active community, it can take longer to experience it. Chiang Rai, on the other hand, has a lot of unique cultural experiences to explore on a quick trip.

Deciding how long to stay in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai

If you have more time, you can experience both cities on the same trip. Simply flying to Chiang Mai and taking a private car to Chiang Rai allows you to get the best of both worlds. You could also fly into Chiang Rai from another part of Thailand and make your way south.

We recommend staying in Chiang Mai for 4-5 days, which allows for a few day trips. If you only have time for one city and are keen to see the famous White Temple then a day trip to Chiang Rai is not the worse idea.

However, where you can we recommend staying for two or three nights to make the most of this incredible region that sees many fewer visitors than its better known neighbour.

If you are comfortable driving on the left renting a car is a good option. The road between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai is in good condition and having a car lets you explore more of the north and include a tea plantation and historic cities like Lampang.

Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, which one is more expensive?

The reality is both cities are relatively cheap to experience. According to Numbeo, however, Chiang Mai is roughly 12% more expensive than Chiang Rai. This is likely due to it being a bigger city.

Which city has better nightlife?

Looking for a city with bustling nightlife? Well Chiang Mai would certainly win in this category. It doesn’t have as much nightlife or tourism as Bangkok, but Chiang Rai pales in comparison.

Chiang Mai vs. Chiang Rai: Where to Stay?

If you’re looking for accommodation, there are plenty of hotels and resorts in Chiang Mai. Here are our favorite Chiang Mai Hotels:

• U Nimman Chiang Mai
• Akyra Manor Chiang Mai
• Furama Chiang Mai

Here are our accommodation recommendations for Chiang Rai:

• Le Meridien Chiang Rai
• Sleepy House Chiang Rai
• Imperial River House Resort

Which city is right for you?

While most travellers go to Thailand to see Bangkok and the southern islands, we recommend visiting the rich cities of the north if you’re interested in culture, history and mountain landscapes.

• Chaing Mai is perfect for hiking, dining and ancient temple hopping
• Chiang Rai, on the other hand, is best suited for those seeking a more off the beaten track experience with traditional cultural activities along with its famous colourful temples.

If you have the time, you should experience both as they’re only 115 miles (186 km) apart. If you’re limited on time, it really comes down to personal preference.
Of the two cities, our favourite was Chiang Mai city, but when it came to exploring Northern Thailand we found the most beautiful landscapes and interesting places lay in the smaller towns across the region, which really means you are probably going to want to return!

You can fly into Chiang Rai and then drive or take the bus south to Chiang Mai when you are done.