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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Ljubljana?

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 Ljubljana. 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 welcoming, natural, and temple-filled city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a under-rated, authentic, and historic capital 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Chiang Mai and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Ljubljana?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chiang Mai than Ljubljana, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Ljubljana and is known for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. It is also home to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Ljubljana is popular for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty.

How is Chiang Mai different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its sights and museums.

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.

Ljubljana offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Because the city is so compact, it's easy to see the notable landmarks with an easy walk. Famous landmarks include Ljubljana Castle, the Dragon Bridge, and the Franciscan Church.

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

Chiang Mai is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Ljubljana. The city is surrounded by nature, so there's easy access to wild fruits and vegetables. It also has a lot of locally made honey and traditional, family run restaurants. Popular dishes include local sausage, pražen krompir (a potato side dish) and Slovenian style fried chicken.

Is Chiang Mai or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is a great city for nightlife. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for nightlife and partying.

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 Ljubljana. Given its small size, there are a surprising number of clubs and bars in town. The city has a vibrant energy in the evening, and it's easy to travel from venue to venue on foot.

Is Chiang Mai or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the great old town areas in both Chiang Mai and Ljubljana.

There are many historical things to see 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 explore the old town while visiting Ljubljana. The old town is compact with wondering cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. At the heart of the city is Prešernov trg Square, which is where you'll find several notable buildings and nearby Central Market.

Is Chiang Mai or Ljubljana Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is renowned for hiking. However, Ljubljana 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.

Ljubljana is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Ljubljana?

Chiang Mai is renowned for shopping. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Ljubljana is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has several shopping streets where you can find local and international fashion brands. Many people enjoy shopping for crystal and glass products in the city. Also check out the Central Market which has fresh local food products.

Is Chiang Mai or Ljubljana Better for Families?

Chiang Mai is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Ljubljana is not known for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Ljubljana is not the most family-friendly destination. The city has several good museums including the House of Experiments, which is only open on weekends. There are parks you can explore and it's fun to take the funicular to the castle. You can also take a boat ride which is fun for the whole family.

Is Chiang Mai or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is a great city for romance. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its romantic activities.

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.

Ljubljana makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's one of the more under-rated cities in Europe, but there are a number of romantic activities that you can enjoy here. Explore the old town, wander through the botanical gardens, or take a boat ride along the river. All make for a nice couple's weekend.

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

Chiang Mai is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for backpackers.

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.

Ljubljana is a great city to visit for backpackers. Although its not as popular as many of the more well known cities, this is an affordable option that is great for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Chiang Mai or Ljubljana Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Ljubljana. If you're looking for a unique study abroad opportunity, the University of Ljubljana offers an excellent academic experience in a a lively small city with easy access to nature.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

Chiang Mai and Ljubljana both offer good 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.

Ljubljana has a few public transit options. There is a city bus system.

Is Chiang Mai or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

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

Ljubljana is very walkable. It is compact and 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 Ljubljana Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Ljubljana?

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

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

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 historic capital city of Ljubljana, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ljubljana, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Ljubljana?

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 destination of Ljubljana, 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 capital city.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Ljubljana?

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.

Ljubljana, a popular capital city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Ljubljana?

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.

Ljubljana 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Ljubljana?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ljubljana. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Ljubljana, 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 Ljubljana?

Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana in the Summer?

Both Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Ljubljana in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Ljubljana. Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Ljubljana during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Ljubljana. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

Both Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Ljubljana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun.

Ljubljana gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ljubljana. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Ljubljana in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Ljubljana. 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 Ljubljana this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ljubljana in the winter. In January, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Ljubljana in the Spring?

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

It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Ljubljana in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 12°C (54°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 Ljubljana. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Ljubljana. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Chiang Mai