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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Florence?

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 Florence. 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Florence

Florence is a iconic, alluring, and historical city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Chiang Mai and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Florence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai than Florence. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Chiang Mai is very popular for its nightlife, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Florence attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Chiang Mai is famous for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. It is also well known for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Florence is famous for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens.

How is Chiang Mai different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the world-class sights and museums in either Chiang Mai or Florence.

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 Florence are among the most recognizable in the world. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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

Foodies will find both Chiang Mai and Florence both to be world-class 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, Florence is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

Is Chiang Mai or Florence Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Chiang Mai or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence 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 Florence is revered around the world. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

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 Florence Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Florence is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Chiang Mai draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Florence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Florence?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Chiang Mai draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Is Chiang Mai or Florence Better for Families?

Chiang Mai is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Chiang Mai or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Florence is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

Chiang Mai is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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

For backpackers, both Chiang Mai and Florence are world-class 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 Florence. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

Is Chiang Mai or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

Florence is a very popular place to visit for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

Chiang Mai and Florence both offer nice public transit to get you around.

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.

Florence has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Chiang Mai or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Florence is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most people explore the city on foot.

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 Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Florence?

Both Chiang Mai and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 2-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Chiang Mai or Florence?

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 artistic city of Florence, 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 Florence?

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 destination of Florence, 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. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Florence?

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.

Florence, 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 Florence?

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.

Florence is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Florence?

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

Florence 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 Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence 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. Also, most visitors come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Florence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chiang Mai in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Florence averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Florence. Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Florence during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Florence. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Florence because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Florence. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 29°C (83°F), and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Florence. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Florence. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Florence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Florence. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

Chiang Mai is much warmer than Florence in the winter. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Florence during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Florence. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Florence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Florence. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the natural beauty.

The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Florence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chiang Mai in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Florence averages at about 14°C (57°F).

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 Florence. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Florence. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Florence and Chiang Mai