A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bucharest vs. Chiang Mai for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Bucharest or Chiang Mai?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bucharest and Chiang Mai. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a undiscovered, cultural, and charming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a natural, temple-filled, and laid-back city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Bucharest and Chiang Mai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Chiang Mai?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chiang Mai than Bucharest. While Bucharest is larger than Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Bucharest and is popular for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. It is also well known for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Bucharest is famous for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.

How is Bucharest different from Chiang Mai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chiang Mai and Bucharest. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bucharest or Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Chiang Mai are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many beautiful temples in the area. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a mountain-top temple that is an iconic landmark in the city. Other famous sights include Doi Inthanon and Wat Chedi Luang.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bucharest. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

Is the Food Better in Bucharest or Chiang Mai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chiang Mai is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Chiang Mai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. For many, this city offers some of the best food in all of Thailand. The cuisine is influenced by nearby Burma and China, with ginger and turmeric often used. Curries tend to be a bit milder and dishes are often served with sticky rice. Famous dishes around town include Khao Soi, Larb Kua, and Sai Oua. Cooking classes are also very popular around town and the courses often include a trip to a market.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Bucharest or Chiang Mai Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Chiang Mai is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It is the largest city in Northern Thailand, so it has the most active nightlife scene in the area. Whatever your style, you can find something to do at night here. Many people head to the riverside to drink and listen to music. You'll also find clubs concentrated around Nimmanhaemin Road and Loy Kroh Road. There's also the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, which is packed with stalls and people sampling food and drinks.

If you're looking for night time activities Bucharest has a few options to choose from. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

Is Bucharest or Chiang Mai Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is well known for its old town. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Chiang Mai. The old city is about 1.5 square kilometers in size and it has four gates, one on each side. The most famous area is Sunday Walking Street, which comes to life at 4pm every day when it is lined with stalls and filled with people.

Bucharest has an old town worth visiting. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Is Bucharest or Chiang Mai Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Bucharest is not a hiking destination.

Chiang Mai is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Many people use this city as a base for a trekking excursion into the surrounding countryside. The land is lush and beautiful and many treks also expose you to the welcoming Hilltribe people of Northern Thailand. Treks can be organized at almost any hotel or hostel as well the many tour agencies around town.

Bucharest is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Chiang Mai make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is famous for its night markets, which run every night of the year until around midnight. You'll find the streets packed with people and vendors, rain or shine. This is a great place to search for local handicrafts and try some of the city's famous street food. Popular items to buy include rice boxes, silk, and Thai sky lanterns.

Bucharest has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Is Bucharest or Chiang Mai Better for Families?

Chiang Mai is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Chiang Mai is a very kid-friendly city. This city is very friendly and welcoming to kids. There are many cultural and adventurous activities that the whole family can enjoy. One of the most popular kid-friendly places to visit is the Elephant Sanctuary, where kids can get up close and personal with these beautiful animals. Kids will also enjoy heading into the countryside to trek or visit one of Thailand’s Hilltribes. The cultural experience and opportunity to meet a diversity of kids will be an experience your children will never forget. In town, a cooking class is a popular option for budding foodies.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Chiang Mai Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is well known for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Couples visit Chiang Mai frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Trekking, rafting, temples, and some of the best food in Thailand all make this city a popular destination for a couple's getaway. The region is perfect for adventurous couples who want to experience more of the authentic side of Thailand.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Chiang Mai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Mai is renowned for backpackers. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Chiang Mai. This is one of the biggest backpacker mecca's in Southeast Asia, and you'll find the city flooded with budget travelers out to experience it all. There are countless hostels and budget hotels available and most will organize treks and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and many visitors end up staying longer than they planned. Prices in Northern Thailand are also much more affordable than many other areas.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Is Bucharest or Chiang Mai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bucharest is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Bucharest is fairly effecient and thorough. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

Chiang Mai has a few public transit options. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

Is Bucharest or Chiang Mai a more walkable city?

Bucharest and Chiang Mai both are nice when exploring on foot.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

Chiang Mai is a somewhat walkable city. Although there are a few walking streets, the city can get very crowded and many places are easier to access with a tuk tuk or taxi.

For even more information, also check out Is Bucharest Worth Visiting? and Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chiang Mai or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Chiang Mai?

Both Bucharest and Chiang Mai have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chiang Mai than in Bucharest. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bucharest, and 2-7 days is enough time in Chiang Mai.

Families should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Bucharest. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chiang Mai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Bucharest. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chiang Mai that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Bucharest if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Chiang Mai.

One day in Bucharest or Chiang Mai?

With museums and nightlife around the undiscovered city of Bucharest, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bucharest, one day is sufficent for most.

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Bucharest or Chiang Mai?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bucharest, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Bucharest or Chiang Mai?

Bucharest, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Bucharest or Chiang Mai?

Bucharest is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Chiang Mai is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chiang Mai, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best 3-Day Tours from Bangkok, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Chiang Mai.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bucharest and Chiang Mai, we can see that Bucharest is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bucharest is in Europe and Chiang Mai is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bucharest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bucharest than you might in Chiang Mai.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bucharest Expensive? and Is Chiang Mai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Chiang Mai?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest and Chiang Mai, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Bucharest or Chiang Mai?

Bucharest has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Chiang Mai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Chiang Mai in the Summer?

Both Chiang Mai and Bucharest during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.

In July, Bucharest is generally cooler than Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 23°C (73°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

It's quite sunny in Bucharest. In the summer, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Chiang Mai. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 146 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bucharest usually gets less rain in July than Chiang Mai. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Bucharest or Chiang Mai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Chiang Mai. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Bucharest is much colder than Chiang Mai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Bucharest usually receives less sunshine than Chiang Mai during autumn. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 226 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Chiang Mai. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Bucharest or Chiang Mai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Chiang Mai. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bucharest. In the winter, Bucharest is much colder than Chiang Mai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bucharest in January average around -1°C (29°F), and Chiang Mai averages at about 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. In the winter, Bucharest often gets less sunshine than Chiang Mai. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 283 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets more rain in January than Chiang Mai. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Bucharest or Chiang Mai in the Spring?

Both Chiang Mai and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the spring for the activities around the city. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In April, Bucharest is generally much colder than Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 12°C (54°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. Bucharest usually receives less sunshine than Chiang Mai during spring. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Chiang Mai. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Typical Weather for Chiang Mai and Bucharest