Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai: Which Is Better?
Torn between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai? We had the same question before our trip — so we spent several days exploring both.
While most travelers flock to Chiang Mai for its cafés and temples, Chiang Rai has a quieter, artsier vibe that’s worth your time, too.
In this guide, we’ll help you figure out which destination fits your travel style best — from nature and culture to budget and travel logistics — so you can choose the city that’s perfect for you.
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Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai: Our Favorites
If you need to make a quick decision between visiting Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, here are our highlights from both cities to help you choose.
Chiang Mai | Chiang Rai | Personal Recommendation | |
Accommodation | ✅ | ||
Food | ✅ | Its Good Kitchen (Location) | |
Sightseeing | ✅ | Wat Rong Khun (Location) | |
Things to Do | ✅ | Grandma’s Home Cooking School (Read our review) |
👉 Read our list of where to go in Thailand for more inspiration on the best places to visit.
Important Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai
The battle of Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai has many factors. Which one you should visit can depend on many factors such as: where you are now, which one is safer, and how much time you have.
Read this section for the answers to all of the above.
Is Chiang Mai easy to get to?
Chiang Mai is well connected all over Thailand making it very easy to get to. For a memorable experience, take the night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. We recommend train #9 or #13.
This is a 12.5 hour journey, passing through some beautiful scenic spots on your way. We were glad to be awake at sunrise because the views were amazing!
Is Chiang Rai easy to get to?
Since Chiang Rai is a smaller, less traveled location, connections aren’t so great to other spots around Thailand. You will likely have to connect via Chiang Mai to reach Chiang Rai.
Alternatively, consider hiring a long boat to Chiang Rai from Tha Ton. We did this since we had visited Chiang Dao first.
The journey took about three hours, meandering between lush green mountains and passing an array of wildlife as you go.
Is Chiang Mai safe for queer travelers?
A huge milestone for us gays in June 2024 – Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage.
Chiang Mai is already ahead of the game, with a well-established gay scene and many queer friendly venues.
Most importantly, our favorite spot in Chiang Mai – Sapphic Riot! We happened to walk by and saw the cool hang out spot, offering a safe community space for lesbians and queers to connect and meet.
Is Chiang Rai safe for queer travelers?
Thailand as a whole is safe for the LGBTQ+ community. Even though Chiang Rai is smaller, we still felt super safe.
On a personal note, wherever we travel we always go easy on the PDA. But that’s because we are generally quite cautious when traveling as a queer couple and don’t like to deal with unwanted attention – good or bad.
How many days do I need in Chiang Mai?
How long you should spend in Chiang Mai depends on how many activities you want to do but a minimum of 3 days will serve you well.
We stayed in Chiang Mai for 4 full days giving us plenty of time to visit temples, take a cooking class, and cafe hop with our Kindles.
If an elephant experience is high on your list, you might want to allow an extra day for this as they tend to be a little way out of the center.
The city as a whole is pretty grand, with lots of areas to explore. We enjoyed just walking around and stumbling upon cool spots.
How many days do I need in Chiang Rai?
Chiang Rai is just as busy but on a smaller scale, so realistically you can cover all the main spots in less time than Chiang Mai.
We spent 3 full days in Chiang Rai before heading to Laos. This was great as it meant we were in no rush, enjoying the down time to read and partake in people watching in all of the cozy cafes around town.
There was only one day that required us to leave the center, and that was for a visit to the famous White Temple. Aside from that, everything else we wanted to see and do was close to our accommodation.
👉 Are you going to Laos after Thailand? Read how to cross the border from Chiang Rai to Huay Xai.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
Budget Homestay
Grab a private room with either a fan or AC, depending on your budget. The friendly owners provide a delicious healthy breakfast, and serve good coffee with a variety of options to choose from.
Midrange Hostel (Our Pick)
This is the hostel we stayed at and would recommend anyone to stay here. It is in a great location, down a side street off the main roads close to Chiang Mai Old Town.
The dorm beds were bigger than average and also included a handy pull out table in the bunk for anyone wanting to work or just watch a movie in bed.
Luxury Hotel
Escape the heat of the day in the pool or sunbathe on the comfortable furniture. Enjoy fantastic views from your air conditioned hotel room, without any disturbance from street noise.
At Asa Hotel you can enjoy luxury at a very reasonable price.
Conclusion: Best for People Who Like to Have Options
The beauty of Chiang Mai is that there are tons more accommodation choices than Chiang Rai. There’s plenty of budget options, as well as plenty of real luxury options if that’s what you’re looking for.
Where to Stay in Chiang Rai
Budget Hostel (Our Pick)
We stayed here! There are plenty of toilets and showers to use and the beds are super spacious. Lots of airy common areas to relax with a book (including a beautiful garden) or chat to new people.
Midrange Homestay
A few miles out of the center, but tuk tuks are cheap! The owners are very hospitable and provide a tasty breakfast.
Luxury Hotel
A hotel with clean, big rooms and bathrooms. Just a short walk from the center, Le Patta offers luxury services for a very reasonable price.
Conclusion: Ideal for Travelers Looking for Best Value
If accommodation options are important to you when choosing Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, the latter only has a fraction of the number of properties.
Regardless, you can still find high quality, fairly priced properties for whatever your needs may be.
Where to Eat and Drink in Chiang Mai
Coffee Telling
Grab yourself a tasty milk tea – think high quality at a low price. Inside is small but cute, and there’s seating outside too if you want to take five here.
Its Good Kitchen
A highly rated, small, family-run restaurant. It was here where we tried khao soi for the first time.
This place is famous for its khao soi and we can see why. We didn’t know what to expect from the dish, but the crispy noodles and side plate of pickled vegetables were unforgettable.
Tha Phae Walking Street
It is the biggest market in Thailand, so you can expect a loud and chaotic atmosphere. Enjoy the smells and sensations on offer every Sunday evening from 4pm.
Sapphic Riot
We were shocked when we were strolling down the side streets of Chiang Mai and saw the name “Sapphic Riot” lit up in bright white lights.
Come with friends, come alone, you’re guaranteed a good time. A space for the LGBTQ+ community to feel safe and comfortable.
Conclusion: Ideal for People Seeking Different Cuisines
Similarly to your accommodation options, Chiang Mai is a much bigger city and therefore has more choice and variety when deciding where to grab a bite to eat or get a drink.
🤔 Thinking about heading to Pai after Chiang Mai? Before you commit to the winding mountain road, read our guide on whether Pai is actually worth visiting — and who will love it (and who might want to skip it).
Where to Eat and Drink in Chiang Rai
Kyoto Shi Cafe
Step foot inside this cafe and you might just think you’ve stepped foot into a cafe in Kyoto.
The exterior is designed to look like you’re walking around a Japanese city. Once inside, we can guarantee whatever you order will be life-changing.
All of the donuts and cream cakes were light and fluffy. There is also a good selection of drinks to choose from at a good price.
วาสนาฝ้ายล้านนา&เจ้านางสตูดิโอ
Copy and paste this place into Google Maps – it’s just up the road from Baan Mai Kradan Hostel for reference.
You’ll know it when you see it, thanks to its jungle-like design. It feels like stepping into another world. The food is amazing too. We had chicken green curry, khao soi, and mango sticky rice for dessert.
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
Spread across a vast space, you can find local crafts and an impressive food court with a great variety at the night bazaar.
For the best deal, try the hot pot and make sure to leave room for a delicious waffle for dessert.
Waan Jai
A must-do for anybody with a sweet tooth. Jam packed with coconut-y goodness, be adventurous and try some of the unusual toppings you may not be accustomed to back home.
Conclusion: Best for Those Looking for Authentic Dishes
Chiang Rai generally has cheaper options, more authentic choices, and as a result, is less westernized. In Chiang Rai you will definitely be able to sample all of the best dishes perfected in Northern Thailand.
Things to Do in Chiang Mai
Wat Chiang Man
A temple within Chiang Mai’s old city, home to distinctive and impressive elephant statues. It’s definitely worth a visit. The temple grounds aren’t too big, so no need to take too much time out of your day to explore.
Local Craft Workshop
In this 2-hour workshop, you will create a Dok Mai Wai, a traditional Lanna flower hairpin once worn for luck and protection.
The experience offers a hands-on way to connect with Chiang Mai’s cultural heritage and take home a meaningful handcrafted keepsake (that will also keep your hair off your neck in the Thai heat!)
👉 Interested? Help preserve this fading art form at this workshop in Kalm Village.
Wat Lok Moli
The colorful Buddhist prayer flags are a memorable part of our visit to this temple. The place of worship is housed within a piece of grand architectural magic.
You feel at peace here during your visit, with the prayer flags gently blowing in the wind whilst you take it all in.
Elephant Sanctuary
You can see these almighty creatures in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, but Chiang Mai tends to be the more popular location.
There are lots of places to choose from and sadly we didn’t end up finding a place we were happy with.
This is an ethical tour you can book – no touching, feeding, or bathing included!
TOP TIP: If animal welfare is important to you, be sure to do thorough research before choosing which elephant sanctuary to go to. We had a tough time locating one that doesn’t allow touching, feeding or bathing. If the service offers anything more than simply observing the elephants, for us it’s a no go.
Wasana Thai Massage
What a treat! An hour long foot massage given by two super friendly and attentive staff members.
You don’t necessarily have to go to this place – there are high quality massage services all around Chiang Mai for you to sample.
Grandma’s Home Cooking School
One of our favorite activities to do in a new country is a cooking class and Grandma’s Home Cooking School was one of our very favorite experiences in Thailand (you can read our full review of the day here).
Learning about the classic Thai ingredients and how to cook with them made ordering in restaurants so much easier and more fun!
Conclusion: Best for Travelers who Love Activities
Chiang Mai is definitely more touristy than Chiang Rai, but that’s not necessarily a problem.
There is so much to do here with tons of unique temples, a vibrant coffee culture, and a distinct, relaxed atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in Thailand.
Things to Do in Chiang Rai
Visit the Famous Temples
You can see temples in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. However, potentially the most famous temple in Thailand, if not the world, is in Chiang Rai.
Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) is certainly one to remember, with plenty of photo opportunities and very impressive architectural features.
Once you’ve seen the White Temple in all its glory, head to the Blue Temple for more impressive craftsmanship, focusing more on the artistry rather than philosophical meaning.
Here you’ll find stunning murals and breathtaking sculptures.
TOP TIP: Always keep a scarf with you when exploring Thailand so that you can go inside any temples you come across.
Chiang Rai Walking Street
When we visited, there was a large event which involved locals dancing in unison in front of the main stage.
It was lovely to see as many tourists joined in, and the locals were ready and waiting to teach them some moves!
On a regular evening, you can expect lots of good food options and local crafts to admire.
Hilltribe (village) Museum
This small but informative museum is a must visit spot in Chiang Rai if you are curious about the local minority tribes in the region.
Housed in an unassuming government building, the museum includes a short film in your language of choice and exhibits on each of the minority communities around Chiang Rai.
For only 50 baht ($1.50USD) the Hilltribe Museum is definitely worth a visit.
Makers Market
A cute market held every Saturday and Sunday at Singhaklai House. Stop by to purchase some goods or just to browse and admire the local arts scene.
We Used Clothing
What’s more “hidden gem” than a vintage t-shirt? We’ll wait.
Shop til you drop at this larger than usual second hand shop located just outside the center of Chiang Rai. The store is filled with vintage shirts, pants, and bins of tank tops, swimwear and more.
Conclusion: Best for Visitors Who Like a City that Feels Lived In
Chiang Rai is a well trodden stop on the Southeast Asia backpacker trail, but it felt like much more of a locals city than Chiang Mai to us.
The food was great, the temples were incredible, and the shopping was affordable and fun. What more could you ask for?
Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai: The Verdict
We visited both cities and recognized that they both have different strengths – it just depends what you’re looking for.
Chiang Mai is more on the tourist trail and is good for first time backpackers. In general, Chiang Mai is more accessible from other parts of Thailand and has more hotels and amenities for travelers.
Chiang Rai is more of a locals city and is good for travelers looking to wander just a little more off the beaten path. Personally, it was a highlight of Thailand for us.
If we we did our Thailand itinerary again and simply HAD to pick between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, we would choose Chiang Rai as it is more of our vibe – it’s the kind of city we seek out when we are backpacking.
📌 Still need convincing? Here are more reasons to love Chiang Rai.
💔 If you’re looking for somewhere quieter than Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, consider Chiang Dao.
This small mountain town is one of Northern Thailand’s best hidden gems. Our complete Chiang Dao guide and where-to-stay breakdown will help you plan your visit.
Explore More of Thailand
Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai feature throughout the itineraries we’ve created. Pick the right one for you:
🧳 Blend iconic highlights with offbeat favorites with 3 weeks in Thailand
🎒 How to spend one month in Thailand on a Budget
🌏 The Perfect Southeast Asia Travel Route for First-Timers
