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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Can Tho?

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 Can Tho. 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 friendly, cultural, and welcoming 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. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Can Tho

Can Tho is a unique, fascinating, and vibrant 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 Can Tho: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Can Tho?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai than Can Tho. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Can Tho and is known for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. It is also well known for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Can Tho is famous for its colorful floating markets, fresh produce, friendly people, and intricate waterways.

How is Chiang Mai different from Can Tho?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Chiang Mai are world-renowned. 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 Can Tho can be an interesting and educational experience. The main attraction nearby is Cai Rang Floating Market, but visitors also enjoy seeing Binh Thuy Ancient House, the Can Tho Rice Noodle Factory, Ong pagoda, and Nam Nha Pagoda.

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

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Dining out in Can Tho is an experience not to be missed. It's the largest city in the Mekong Delta, and there are many restaurants with rooftop views and lively atmospheres. The food is local and fresh. Grilled meats, noodle soup, and local produce are all popular. Many visitors come to Cantho specifically to experience the nearby floating markets. You really must sample the many dishes available at the markets, which are unique to the area and offer a whole new approach to street food.

Is Chiang Mai or Can Tho Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Chiang Mai for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Can Tho. The city is very beautiful at night with many colorful lights. There are a number of bars and places for tourists to hang out and socialize.

Is Chiang Mai or Can Tho Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is great for its old town. However, Can Tho 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.

Can Tho does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Can Tho Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for hiking. However, Can Tho 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.

Can Tho is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Can Tho?

If you're looking to go shopping, Chiang Mai and Can Tho both offer plenty of first-rate 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 Can Tho make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is large with malls and a central market, but most visitors come specifically for the nearby floating markets. These unique markets are best visited by boat. Goods and food are sold out of vendor boats and popular food dishes include noodle soup and local fruits. Each boat has a tall bamboo stick displaying the items that it sells.

Is Chiang Mai or Can Tho Better for Families?

Both Chiang Mai and Can Tho 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.

Can Tho is a very kid-friendly city. Kids and adults alike will be fascinated by the floating markets and the beautiful Mekong Delta. Most visitors use this growing city as a base for exploring the area, which has a fascinating culture and interesting sights.

Is Chiang Mai or Can Tho Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai and Can Tho both high quality 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.

Can Tho is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can take a romantic evening boat ride on the Mekong Delta. During the morning hours, the floating markets are one of Vietnam's most interesting destinations. You can sample local dishes and experience a completely different way of life.

Is Chiang Mai or Can Tho Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Chiang Mai is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Can Tho is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. This is a large city with a number of hostels and many backpackers who pass through during their trip to the floating markets and through the Mekong Delta.

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

Chiang Mai is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Can Tho is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Chiang Mai offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

Public transit is generally limited in Can Tho. There are local buses, but many visitors come to this area as part of an organized tour because transportation can be a bit a tricky.

Is Chiang Mai or Can Tho a more walkable city?

Chiang Mai and Can Tho are nice when it comes to walkability.

Chiang Mai is somewhat walkable. 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.

Can Tho is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Can Tho or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Can Tho?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chiang Mai or Can Tho to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Chiang Mai than Can Tho because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Can Tho.

Families should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Can Tho. 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 Can Tho. 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 Can Tho 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 Can Tho?

Because Chiang Mai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the unique city of Can Tho, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Can Tho, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Can Tho?

Because Chiang Mai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chiang Mai has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Can Tho, there's plenty to do. 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 Can Tho?

Chiang Mai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chiang Mai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Can Tho, 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 Can Tho?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Mai. Because Chiang Mai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Can Tho 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 Bicycle Tours in Vietnam, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Vietnam.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Can Tho?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Can Tho. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Can Tho, 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 Can Tho?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Can Tho in the Summer?

Both Can Tho and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Can Tho because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Can Tho. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Can Tho. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 313 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Can Tho during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Can Tho receives 168 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Can Tho. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chiang Mai in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Can Tho averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Can Tho in the Autumn?

Both Can Tho and Chiang Mai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Can Tho year-round.

November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai. December to April is the dry season in Can Tho. May to November is the rainy season in Can Tho. Can Tho gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in October than Can Tho. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 343 mm (13.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Can Tho. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Can Tho receives 158 hours of full sun.

In October, Chiang Mai is generally around the same temperature as Can Tho. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 29°C (83°F), and Can Tho fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Can Tho in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Can Tho. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Can Tho attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Can Tho. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Can Tho this time of the year. In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Can Tho during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Can Tho receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Can Tho in the winter. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Can Tho fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Can Tho in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Can Tho. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Can Tho throughout the year.

June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season. Also, December to April in Can Tho is the dry season. May to November in Can Tho is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Can Tho. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Can Tho. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Can Tho. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Can Tho. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Can Tho receives 235 hours of full sun.

The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Can Tho. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chiang Mai in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Can Tho averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Can Tho and Chiang Mai