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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or London?

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 London. 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.

London

London is a international, historic, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Chiang Mai and London: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or London?

You'll generally find more things to do in London than Chiang Mai. London is bigger than Chiang Mai, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. London is better known for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Chiang Mai is more popular for its food, historical sights, and hiking. Chiang Mai is well known for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. London is well known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. Also, London is famous for Big Ben.

Big Ben

How is Chiang Mai different from London?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the first-rate sights and museums in either Chiang Mai or London.

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 London are among the most recognizable in the world. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

Is Chiang Mai or London Better for Theater?

London is a world-class destination for theatre. However, Chiang Mai is not a theatre destination.

London is considered to be a world-class theater destination. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Chiang Mai is not a theatre destination.

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

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

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, London makes for a great culinary experience. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

Is Chiang Mai or London Better for Nightlife?

London is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

People head to London just to party. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

Chiang Mai offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Is Chiang Mai or London Better for Music?

London is a world-class destination for live music. However, Chiang Mai is not a live music destination.

London is known as a music capital around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Chiang Mai is not a live music destination.

Is Chiang Mai or London Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, London does not have a 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.

London does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or London Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is terrific for hiking. However, London 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.

London is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or London?

If you're looking to go shopping, Chiang Mai and London both offer plenty of first-rate 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 London make it a world-class shopping destination. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

Is Chiang Mai or London Better for Christmas?

London is a world-class destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Chiang Mai does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in London. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Chiang Mai does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Chiang Mai or London Better for Christmas Markets?

London is a world-class destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Chiang Mai does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people travel to London specifically for the Christmas markets. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Chiang Mai does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Chiang Mai or London Better for Families?

London is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, London is very family-friendly. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

Chiang Mai is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Chiang Mai or London Better for Couples?

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

London is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant 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 London Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Chiang Mai and London are first-rate 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 London. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

Is Chiang Mai or London Better for Students?

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

London is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

London 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 London can get you around easily. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

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 London a more walkable city?

London 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.

London is a very easy city to get around on foot. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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 London Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in London or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or London?

Both Chiang Mai and London have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, London has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in London than Chiang Mai. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 3-7 days is enough time in London.

Families should spend more time in London than Chiang Mai. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in London, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London than Chiang Mai 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 London.

One day in Chiang Mai or London?

Chiang Mai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With theater and nightlife around the historic city of London, 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 London?

Chiang Mai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With nightlife and live music around the big city destination of London, there's plenty to do. 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 London?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Mai. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

London, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. 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 London?

Chiang Mai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

London 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or London?

London has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and London, 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 London?

London 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 London in the Summer?

Both London 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, many visitors come to London in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than London. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and London fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than London during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than London. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while London receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or London in the Autumn?

Both London 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, most visitors come to London for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Chiang Mai is much warmer than London in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and London fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than London. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 107 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 London. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while London receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or London in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and London. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to London because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in London can be very cold. In the winter, Chiang Mai is much warmer than London. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and London averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than London during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 52 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than London. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while London receives 52 mm (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 London in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as London. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to London this time of year.

Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than London. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and London fluctuates around 9°C (48°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 London. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 147 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in April than London. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while London receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for London and Chiang Mai