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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Amsterdam?

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 Chiang Mai and Amsterdam. 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.

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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a laid-back, scenic, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Chiang Mai and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Amsterdam?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Amsterdam than Chiang Mai. While Chiang Mai is larger than Amsterdam, Amsterdam has more sights and attractions for tourists. Amsterdam is very popular for its nightlife, music, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Chiang Mai attracts visitors for its museums, food, hiking, and shopping. Chiang Mai is famous for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. Amsterdam is famous for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Rijksmuseum.

How is Chiang Mai different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Amsterdam 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Amsterdam. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.

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

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chiang Mai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Is Chiang Mai or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

People head to Amsterdam just to party. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

Chiang Mai offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Is Chiang Mai or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for live music. However, Chiang Mai is not a live music destination.

Amsterdam is known as a music capital around the world. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Chiang Mai is not a live music destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the great old town areas in both Chiang Mai and Amsterdam.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Amsterdam. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.

Is Chiang Mai or Amsterdam Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Chiang Mai draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Amsterdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Amsterdam?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amsterdam 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Amsterdam. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

Is Chiang Mai or Amsterdam Better for Families?

Chiang Mai is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam 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, Amsterdam is not always the best place to visit. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.

Is Chiang Mai or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai and Amsterdam both great destinations for a couple.

Chiang Mai is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Amsterdam is a very popular place to visit for couples. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.

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

For backpackers, both Chiang Mai and Amsterdam are world-class places to visit.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Amsterdam. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

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

Amsterdam is a world-class destination 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.

With a huge network, the transit system in Amsterdam can get you around easily. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

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

Is Chiang Mai or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Amsterdam is a very easy city to get around on foot. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.

Chiang Mai is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Chiang Mai Worth Visiting? and Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Amsterdam?

Both Chiang Mai and Amsterdam have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Chiang Mai has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Chiang Mai than Amsterdam. However, 2-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Amsterdam. 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.

One day in Chiang Mai or Amsterdam?

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.

With museums and nightlife around the scenic city of Amsterdam, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Amsterdam?

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.

With nightlife and live music around the big city destination of Amsterdam, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Amsterdam?

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.

Amsterdam, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Chiang Mai or Amsterdam?

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.

Amsterdam is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chiang Mai is in Asia and Amsterdam is in Europe, 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam 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 Chiang Mai Expensive? and Is Amsterdam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Amsterdam?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Amsterdam, 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 Chiang Mai or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam 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 Chiang Mai or Amsterdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Amsterdam. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chiang Mai in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amsterdam. In the summer, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Amsterdam. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in July than Amsterdam. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

Both Amsterdam and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 29°C (83°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Amsterdam in the Winter?

Both Amsterdam and Chiang Mai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

It's quite cold in Amsterdam in the winter. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Amsterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the winter, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Amsterdam. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Amsterdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Amsterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chiang Mai in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Amsterdam. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Chiang Mai