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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Cardiff?

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 Cardiff. 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 hiking, shopping, and museums.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a green, industrial, and up-and-coming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Chiang Mai and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Cardiff?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai than Cardiff. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Cardiff 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. Cardiff is famous for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Chiang Mai different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cardiff 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 Cardiff. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

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

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Chiang Mai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Chiang Mai or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Chiang Mai know how to have a good time. 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 Cardiff has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Is Chiang Mai or Cardiff Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is a great destination for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Cardiff Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

People visit Chiang Mai specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Cardiff?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Is Chiang Mai or Cardiff Better for Families?

Chiang Mai is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Cardiff offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

Is Chiang Mai or Cardiff Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is a great destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options 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.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

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

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Cardiff Better for Students?

Cardiff is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

Chiang Mai is a popular place for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Chiang Mai, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Chiang Mai or Cardiff a more walkable city?

Chiang Mai and Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable place. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Cardiff?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chiang Mai and Cardiff. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chiang Mai than in Cardiff. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cardiff.

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

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 industrial city of Cardiff, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cardiff, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Cardiff?

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 shopping around the destination of Cardiff, 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 Cardiff?

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.

Cardiff, 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 Cardiff?

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.

Cardiff 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Cardiff?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Cardiff, 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 Cardiff?

Cardiff 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 Cardiff in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chiang Mai in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Cardiff averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. In the summer, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Cardiff. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in July than Cardiff. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Cardiff in the Autumn?

Both Cardiff 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 visitors come to Cardiff in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 29°C (83°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Cardiff. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Cardiff in the Winter?

Both Cardiff 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. Also, most visitors come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cardiff can be very cold during winter. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Cardiff in the winter. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the winter, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Cardiff. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Cardiff in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Cardiff. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cardiff because of 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 Cardiff. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chiang Mai in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Cardiff averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cardiff. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Typical Weather for Cardiff and Chiang Mai