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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Frankfurt?

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 Frankfurt. 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 temple-filled, laid-back, and friendly city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a energetic, dynamic, and diverse city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Chiang Mai and Frankfurt: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Frankfurt?

You'll generally find more things to do in Chiang Mai than Frankfurt. Chiang Mai is bigger than Frankfurt, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Frankfurt and is known for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. Also, Chiang Mai is famous for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Frankfurt is well known for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife.

How is Chiang Mai different from Frankfurt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Chiang Mai has many famous sights for visitors. 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 Frankfurt can be an interesting and educational experience. Many sights are concentrated in the old town center. Highlights include the Historical Museum and St. Nicholas Church. Elsewhere, make sure you check out Maintower, the Städel Museum, and the Museum District.

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

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Frankfurt makes for a great culinary experience. In addition to a number of international restaurants, the city also has a strong regional cuisine. Some of the most interesting local dishes include Frankfurter Sausage, Rindwurst, Grüne Soße (an herb sauce), and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated sour milk cheese). Also make sure you sample the Apfelwein.

Is Chiang Mai or Frankfurt Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Chiang Mai and Frankfurt.

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.

Frankfurt offers plenty to do in the evening. It's a vibrant city with many trendy clubs, cocktail bars, music venues, and more. You can enjoy techno, hip hop, and almost any style of music. There are also festivals, beer halls, and classic pubs.

Is Chiang Mai or Frankfurt Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Many visitors go to Frankfurt to see the historical old town. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Is Chiang Mai or Frankfurt Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Frankfurt?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Chiang Mai specifically to go shopping. 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.

Frankfurt is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's a financial capital in Europe, and as such there are plenty of high end shopping opportunities. MyZeil is a major shopping mall in the city and Kleinmarkthalle is a more classic market. Popular shopping neighborhoods and streets include Goethestrasse, Sachsenhausen and Berger Strasse.

Is Chiang Mai or Frankfurt Better for Families?

Both Chiang Mai and Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt is a very kid-friendly city. In town there's a zoo, a children’s museum, a math and technology museum (EXPERIMINTA), and a number of parks, natural areas, and playgrounds. If you're willing to head out of town then you can visit Taunus Wunderland, which is an amusement park with about 50 rides and attractions.

Is Chiang Mai or Frankfurt Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Chiang Mai makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Frankfurt is a nice destination for couples. The iconic spot of romance in the city is the Iron Footbridge, which is a traditional spot to attach a "love lock" and take a selfie. The city also offers river cruises, winery tours, and beautiful parks and natural areas.

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

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Chiang Mai, as it is a very popular city for 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Frankfurt. You'll find a number of hostels in town. The city is also a major transportation hub so many backpackers pass through the area at some point on their trip through Germany.

Is Chiang Mai or Frankfurt Better for Students?

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

Frankfurt is a very popular place to visit for students. The city offers prestigious universities and a world class education. The economy offers many internships and job opportunities and you'll find students from around the world studying here. Frankfurt is also well connected to the rest of Europe, so it's easy to explore the region.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt can get you around easily. It is a huge transportation hub with a major international airport and a number of international train connections. Locally, the city has a subway, trams, commuter trains and buses.

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 Frankfurt a more walkable city?

Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt is very walkable. It has a compact city center that is generally pedestrian-friendly.

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 Frankfurt Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Frankfurt or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Frankfurt?

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

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

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and nightlife around the connected city of Frankfurt, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Frankfurt, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Frankfurt?

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and food around the big city destination of Frankfurt, 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 Frankfurt?

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Frankfurt, 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 Frankfurt?

Chiang Mai is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chiang Mai, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Frankfurt 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 Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Frankfurt?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Frankfurt. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Frankfurt, 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 Frankfurt?

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Frankfurt. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Frankfurt in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Frankfurt this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Frankfurt during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 225 hours of full sun in the summer.

Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Frankfurt. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Frankfurt. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Frankfurt for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Chiang Mai is much warmer than Frankfurt in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Frankfurt. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 103 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Frankfurt. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Frankfurt in the Winter?

Both Frankfurt and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Frankfurt can be very cold. In the winter, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Frankfurt. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 1°C (34°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Frankfurt. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Frankfurt in the Spring?

Both Frankfurt and Chiang Mai during the spring 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 activities around the city are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year.

Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Frankfurt. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 163 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Frankfurt. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Chiang Mai