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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Brussels?

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 Brussels. 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 laid-back, friendly, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Brussels

Brussels is a historic, cosmopolitan, and authentic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Chiang Mai and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Brussels?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai. Although Chiang Mai and Brussels are both popular with visitors, Chiang Mai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chiang Mai is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Brussels is known for its big city activities. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. It is also home to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Brussels is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles.

How is Chiang Mai different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Chiang Mai that are not to be missed. 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.

Brussels offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

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

Chiang Mai is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Brussels 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.

Brussels has a huge number of terrific restaurants. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

Is Chiang Mai or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is well known for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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 Brussels has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

Is Chiang Mai or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the excellent old town areas in both Chiang Mai and Brussels.

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 Brussels. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

Is Chiang Mai or Brussels Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Brussels 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.

Brussels is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Brussels?

If you're looking to go shopping, Chiang Mai and Brussels both offer plenty of terrific spots.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Chiang Mai. 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.

The abundance of shops in Brussels make it a world-class shopping destination. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

Is Chiang Mai or Brussels Better for Families?

Both Chiang Mai and Brussels are excellent 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.

Brussels is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

Is Chiang Mai or Brussels Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai and Brussels both excellent 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.

Brussels is a very popular place to visit for couples. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

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

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

Chiang Mai is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Many backpackers visit Brussels. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

Is Chiang Mai or Brussels Better for Students?

Brussels is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

Many students visit Brussels. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

Brussels 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 Brussels can get you around easily. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

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 Brussels a more walkable city?

Brussels 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.

Brussels is very walkable. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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 Brussels Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Brussels?

In either Chiang Mai or Brussels, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chiang Mai than Brussels because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 1-5 days is enough time in Brussels.

Families should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Brussels. 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 Brussels. 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 Brussels 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 Brussels?

Chiang Mai is a big city with plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the multicultural city of Brussels, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Brussels, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Brussels?

Chiang Mai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chiang Mai, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the big city destination of Brussels, 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. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Brussels?

Chiang Mai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chiang Mai, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Brussels, 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 Brussels?

Chiang Mai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chiang Mai has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Brussels is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Brussels, 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 Brussels?

Brussels 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 Brussels in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Brussels. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

Chiang Mai is much warmer than Brussels in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In the summer, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Brussels. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in July than Brussels. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Brussels 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 Brussels in the Autumn?

Both Brussels 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, many travelers come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Brussels averages at about 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Brussels. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 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 Brussels in the Winter?

Both Brussels 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, many visitors come to Brussels in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Brussels can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the winter, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Brussels. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 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 Brussels in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Brussels. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Brussels for the activities around the city during these months.

It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Brussels in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Brussels. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Chiang Mai