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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Baltimore?

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 Baltimore. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a historic, vibrant, and diverse 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 and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Baltimore?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai than Baltimore. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Baltimore 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. Baltimore is famous for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities.

How is Chiang Mai different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Baltimore 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 Baltimore?

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Baltimore 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Baltimore can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Chiang Mai has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Baltimore has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Is Chiang Mai or Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Chiang Mai and Baltimore.

The nightlife in Chiang Mai has something for everybody. 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.

Baltimore offers plenty to do in the evening. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Is Chiang Mai or Baltimore Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is well known for its old town. However, Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Baltimore Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Chiang Mai specifically for its hiking. 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.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Baltimore?

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Baltimore 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 Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Is Chiang Mai or Baltimore Better for Families?

Both Chiang Mai and Baltimore are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Chiang Mai is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Baltimore is a very kid-friendly city. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Is Chiang Mai or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

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

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Baltimore 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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

Baltimore 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 Baltimore is fairly effecient and thorough. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

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 Baltimore a more walkable city?

Baltimore is a great city for its walkability. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Baltimore is very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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 Baltimore Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Baltimore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chiang Mai and Baltimore. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chiang Mai than in Baltimore. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 2-3 days is enough time in Baltimore.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Baltimore 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 Chiang Mai or Baltimore?

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 vibrant city of Baltimore, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do 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 Baltimore?

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 food around the destination of Baltimore, 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.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Baltimore?

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.

Baltimore, 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.

A week in Chiang Mai or Baltimore?

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.

Baltimore 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Baltimore, we can see that Baltimore 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 Baltimore is in North America, 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 Baltimore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baltimore 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 Baltimore Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Baltimore?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Baltimore. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Baltimore, 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 Baltimore?

Baltimore 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 Baltimore in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Baltimore. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Baltimore in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Baltimore. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chiang Mai in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Baltimore averages at about 78°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. In the summer, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Baltimore. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 283 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Baltimore. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in July than Baltimore. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Baltimore in the Autumn?

Both Baltimore 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, most visitors come to Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 29°C (83°F), and Baltimore fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Baltimore during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Baltimore. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Baltimore in the Winter?

Both Baltimore 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 winter months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Baltimore can be very cold. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Baltimore in the winter. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Baltimore fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the winter, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Baltimore. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 153 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Baltimore. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Baltimore in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Baltimore. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year.

The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Baltimore. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chiang Mai in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Baltimore averages at about 54°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baltimore this time of the year. In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Baltimore during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Baltimore. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Chiang Mai