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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Genoa?

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 Genoa. 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Genoa

Genoa is a energetic, historic, and vibrant port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Chiang Mai and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Genoa?

You'll generally find more things to do in Chiang Mai than Genoa. Chiang Mai is bigger than Genoa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Chiang Mai is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Genoa is more popular for its beaches. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Genoa 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. Genoa is well known for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

How is Chiang Mai different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Genoa. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.

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

Chiang Mai is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chiang Mai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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, Genoa makes for a great culinary experience. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

Is Chiang Mai or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Genoa. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.

Is Chiang Mai or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Genoa is adequate for its beaches. However, Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Genoa is a good spot to see the beach. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.

Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is great for its historic old town charm. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its historic old town.

Many visitors go to Chiang Mai to see the historical old town. 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 Genoa to see the historical old town. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Is Chiang Mai or Genoa Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is terrific for hiking. However, Genoa 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.

Genoa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Genoa?

Chiang Mai is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Genoa is a great destination for shopping. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

Is Chiang Mai or Genoa Better for Families?

Both Chiang Mai and Genoa are great 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.

Genoa is a very kid-friendly city. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

Is Chiang Mai or Genoa Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai and Genoa both great 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.

Genoa is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

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

Chiang Mai is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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 Genoa. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

Is Chiang Mai or Genoa Better for Students?

Genoa is a great port city for its student-friendly activities. However, Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

Many students visit Genoa. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

Genoa is a great port city 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.

Public transit in Genoa is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

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 Genoa a more walkable city?

Genoa is a great port city for its walkability. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Genoa is very walkable. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy to explore 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 Genoa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Chiang Mai or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Chiang Mai due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 2-4 days is enough time in Genoa.

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

Each neighborhood in Chiang Mai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With museums and nightlife around the energetic port city of Genoa, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do 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 Genoa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Mai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Genoa, 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 port city.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Genoa?

Chiang Mai is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Chiang Mai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Genoa, a popular port 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 Genoa?

Each neighborhood in Chiang Mai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Genoa 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Genoa?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Genoa. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Genoa, 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 Genoa?

Genoa 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 Genoa in the Summer?

Both Genoa 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 Genoa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Genoa. Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Genoa. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Genoa in the Autumn?

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

Chiang Mai is much warmer than Genoa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Genoa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Genoa. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 183 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 Genoa. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 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 Genoa in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Genoa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Genoa averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Genoa during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Genoa. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Genoa in the Spring?

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

Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 15°C (58°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 Genoa. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Genoa. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Genoa and Chiang Mai