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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Malaga?

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 Malaga. 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 natural, temple-filled, and laid-back 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. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Malaga

Malaga is a beautiful, friendly, and welcoming port city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Chiang Mai and Malaga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Malaga?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai than Malaga. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Chiang Mai is very popular for its museums, food, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Malaga attracts visitors for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Malaga and is popular for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. It is also well known for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Malaga is famous for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene.

How is Chiang Mai different from Malaga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Chiang Mai are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Malaga has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

Is Chiang Mai or Malaga Better for Nightlife?

Malaga 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 Malaga just to party. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

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 Malaga Better for Music?

Malaga is a great port city for live music. However, Chiang Mai is not a live music destination.

Malaga has a thriving music scene. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Chiang Mai is not a live music destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Malaga Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Chiang Mai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Malaga. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Chiang Mai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Malaga Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a good destination for its beaches. However, Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Malaga offers a nice beach destination. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Malaga Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the excellent old town areas in both Chiang Mai and Malaga.

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 Malaga. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

Is Chiang Mai or Malaga Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Chiang Mai is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Malaga?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Chiang Mai make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Malaga has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Is Chiang Mai or Malaga Better for Families?

Chiang Mai is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Malaga is a family-friendly city. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Is Chiang Mai or Malaga Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

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.

Malaga is a good city for couples to visit. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

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

For backpackers, both Chiang Mai and Malaga are terrific 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 Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Is Chiang Mai or Malaga Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Malaga. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

Chiang Mai and Malaga 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.

Malaga has a few public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

Is Chiang Mai or Malaga a more walkable city?

Malaga 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.

Malaga is very walkable. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible 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 Malaga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Malaga or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Malaga?

Both Chiang Mai and Malaga have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 3-7 days is enough time in Malaga.

Families should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Malaga. 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 Malaga. 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 Malaga 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 Malaga.

One day in Chiang Mai or Malaga?

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 live music and food around the welcoming port city of Malaga, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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 Malaga?

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 food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Malaga, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Malaga?

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.

Malaga, a popular port 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 port city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Chiang Mai or Malaga?

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.

Malaga is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this port city makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this port 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 Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Malaga?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Malaga, 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 Malaga?

Malaga 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 Malaga in the Summer?

Both Malaga and Chiang Mai during the summer 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 beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.

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

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Malaga. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in July than Malaga. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Malaga in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Malaga. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Also, many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 29°C (83°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Malaga. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Malaga in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Malaga. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Malaga in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Chiang Mai is much warmer than Malaga in the winter. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the winter, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Malaga. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Malaga. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 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 Malaga in the Spring?

Both Malaga and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Malaga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chiang Mai in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Malaga averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Malaga during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Malaga. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Typical Weather for Malaga and Chiang Mai