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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Malang?

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 Malang. 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 laid-back, friendly, and cultural 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. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Malang

Malang is a under-rated, authentic, and cultural city. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Chiang Mai and Malang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Malang?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chiang Mai than Malang, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Malang and is popular for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. It is also home to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Malang is popular for its many nearby natural attractions.

How is Chiang Mai different from Malang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Chiang Mai that are not to be missed. 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.

Malang offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a handful of museums around town that provide information on the city's culture and history. There are also mosques, temples, and the famous Rainbow Village.

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

Foodies will find both Chiang Mai and Malang both to be amazing destinations.

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.

For foodies, Malang is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. This is a top foodie destination and you'll find plenty of amazing street food. It's also the credited with being the birthplace of bakso (meatballs). Many of the dishes around town are sweet, spicy, and served with peanut sauce. It's been influenced by many different cuisines such as Chinese, Javanese, Madurese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian.

Is Chiang Mai or Malang Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is well known for nightlife. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Chiang Mai is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Malang has a few options to choose from. The universities around town mean that there's a youthful vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll also find a mix of cultural activities as well as modern and trendy venues. There are dance clubs, upscale lounges, and everything in between.

Is Chiang Mai or Malang Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is well known for its historic old town. However, Malang does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Malang does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Malang Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Chiang Mai specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Malang. Many visitors use this city as a base for hiking Mount Bromo. It's popular to hire a jeep tour from town, or you can hire a private driver or motorbike. Near town you'll also find one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Indonesia - Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. It's possible to hike to the base of the waterfall, but it's a very challenging route.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Malang?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Chiang Mai is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Malang. You'll find places to pick up many local items. The region is known for its ceramics, wood, and rattan (palms).

Is Chiang Mai or Malang Better for Families?

Chiang Mai is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Chiang Mai is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Malang offers lots of family activities. If you're willing to head just outside of town, you'll find theme parks and waterparks. Some of the favorites are Batu Secret Zoo, Jatim Park, Selecta Park, and Batu Night Spectacular.

Is Chiang Mai or Malang Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is well known for romance. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Chiang Mai frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Malang makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy culture, museums, temples, and great food will have a good time visiting this city. It is also a bit cooler than much of Indonesia, which can make a nice escape from the heat.

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

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chiang Mai is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Malang is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Most backpackers pass through town when they're headed to climb Mount Bromo. There are plenty of hostels and cheap places to stay as well as some sights that are worth checking out.

Is Chiang Mai or Malang Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Malang. The university means that there's a large student population in town.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

Chiang Mai is a popular place for its public transit. However, Malang is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Chiang Mai, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

Public transit is mostly limited in Malang. Angkot or mikrolet are small buses or modified cars that carry passengers around town. Many visitors also hire a motor scooter or driver to get around.

Is Chiang Mai or Malang a more walkable city?

Chiang Mai and Malang are good when it comes to walkability.

Chiang Mai is somewhat walkable. 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.

Malang is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is relatively walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting? and Is Malang Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Malang or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Malang?

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

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

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 museums and nightlife around the authentic city of Malang, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Malang, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Malang?

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 food around the destination of Malang, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Malang?

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.

Malang, 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 Malang?

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.

Malang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 3-Day Tours from Bangkok, The Best 3-Day Tours from Chiang Mai, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Indonesia, and The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Malang, we can see that Malang is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Malang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malang 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 Malang Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Malang?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Malang. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Malang, 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.