A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chiang Mai vs. Fez for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Fez?

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 Fez. 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 nightlife, food, and hiking.

Fez

Fez is a winding, busy, and colorful city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Chiang Mai and Fez: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Fez?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai. Although Chiang Mai and Fez are about the same size, Chiang Mai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chiang Mai is very popular for its nightlife and hiking, while Fez attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Fez 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. Fez is famous for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes.

How is Chiang Mai different from Fez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the fantastic sights and museums in either Chiang Mai or Fez.

Travelers visit Chiang Mai from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Fez are among the most recognizable in the world. Tucked into the medina are ancient mosques, historic universities, and beautiful gardens. Highlights of the city include Al Quaraouiyine Mosque, Dar Batha (a palace and museum), and Medersa Bou Inania (a former theological college). Another not to be missed sight is the tanneries. You'll likely smell them before you see them, but the history is truly impressive.

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

Foodies will find both Chiang Mai and Fez both to be fantastic destinations.

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.

For foodies, Fez is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Some of the best food in Morocco can be found in Fez. Head away from the main gates and the major tourist routes to find more local restaurants. Every visitor must try tagine. It's not actually a recipe but instead a cooking pot and technique. If you order a tagine, you'll enjoy a stew like dish that's slow cooked and usually made with lamb or chicken although vegetarian options are often available. Other dishes to try include couscous and pastilla. Pastilla is a pastry covered chicken dish that is seasoned with cinnamon and sugar.

Is Chiang Mai or Fez Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Fez is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Chiang Mai has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fez. It's a conservative city and the nightlife reflects that. You'll find some bars in the major hotel chains and you can often find alcohol at the more expensive restaurants.

Is Chiang Mai or Fez Better for its Old Town?

Fez is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

The historic old town of Fez is revered around the world. The walled medina offers a maze of streets that are lined with shops selling perfume, spices, street food, and trinkets.

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.

Is Chiang Mai or Fez Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, Fez is not a hiking destination.

Around Chiang Mai visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Fez is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Fez?

If you're looking to go shopping, Chiang Mai and Fez both offer plenty of fantastic 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 Fez make it a world-class shopping destination. Head to the medina and try your hand at negotiating. There are impressive art shops and hidden gems spread between more touristy shops selling souvenir trinkets.

Is Chiang Mai or Fez Better for Families?

Chiang Mai is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fez is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Chiang Mai is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Fez. Kids will enjoy wandering the medina, sampling Moroccan dishes, and trying their hand at bartering for a good price. There are several gardens that offer a quiet oasis from the chaotic streets. There's also baklava and other sweet treats that kids can taste. Many kids enjoy taking a tour to the nearby countryside where they can feed monkeys, hike, and visit local villages.

Is Chiang Mai or Fez Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai and Fez both very good 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.

Fez is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who like an adventure will enjoy soaking up the medina, visiting the gardens, and taking a trip into the countryside.

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

For backpackers, both Chiang Mai and Fez are fantastic 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 Fez. Prices are very affordable and there are riads that range in price and style. Many restaurants cater to different budgets and most of the entertainment involves wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere.

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

Chiang Mai is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Fez is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Fez. There's a basic public transportation system with buses and a train station, but you'll likely need to take taxis if you can't walk to a destination. Taxis are affordable and abundant.

Is Chiang Mai or Fez a more walkable city?

Fez 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.

Fez is very walkable. The medina can be explored on foot, but it's easy to get lost so allow a lot of time. There are several walking routes through the medina that are marked with colors but you'll likely find yourself wandering on and off the routes as you explore. Outside of the medina, you'll likely want to take a taxi.

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 Fez Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fez or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Fez?

In either Chiang Mai or Fez, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chiang Mai than Fez because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 3-5 days is enough time in Fez.

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

When visiting Chiang Mai, people usually allow for lots of time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

With museums and food around the winding city of Fez, 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 Fez?

Many people visit Chiang Mai for a weekend. When visiting Chiang Mai, people usually allow for lots of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

With food and shopping around the big city destination of Fez, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Fez?

When visiting Chiang Mai, people usually allow for lots of time. Many people spend five days here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Fez, 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 Fez?

Chiang Mai, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Fez 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Fez?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Fez. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Fez, 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.