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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Manchester?

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 Manchester. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant, dynamic, and diverse city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

Chiang Mai and Manchester: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Manchester?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chiang Mai than Manchester, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Chiang Mai is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Manchester is known for its music. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Manchester 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. Manchester is popular for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club.

How is Chiang Mai different from Manchester?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Manchester can be an interesting and educational experience. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

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

Chiang Mai is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Manchester 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

Is Chiang Mai or Manchester Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Chiang Mai and Manchester.

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.

Manchester offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

Is Chiang Mai or Manchester Better for Music?

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

Manchester has a thriving music scene. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Chiang Mai is not a live music destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Manchester Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is great for its historic old town. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Manchester Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is very popular for hiking. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Manchester?

Chiang Mai is very popular for shopping. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Manchester is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Is Chiang Mai or Manchester Better for Families?

Both Chiang Mai and Manchester are high quality 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.

Manchester is a very kid-friendly city. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

Is Chiang Mai or Manchester Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai and Manchester both high quality 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.

Manchester is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

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

Chiang Mai is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

Is Chiang Mai or Manchester Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Manchester. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

Manchester is a great 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 Manchester is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

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 Manchester a more walkable city?

Chiang Mai and Manchester 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.

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Manchester or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Manchester?

It's fun to spend time in either Chiang Mai or Manchester. 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 Manchester.

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

When visiting Chiang Mai, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the 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 cultural city of Manchester, 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 Manchester?

When visiting Chiang Mai, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 city.

With food and shopping around the big city destination of Manchester, 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 city.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Manchester?

Chiang Mai, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Manchester, 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 Manchester?

Chiang Mai 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.

Manchester 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Manchester?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Manchester. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Manchester, 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 Manchester?

Manchester 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 Manchester in the Summer?

Both Manchester 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 Manchester in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Chiang Mai is much warmer than Manchester in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Manchester fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Manchester during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Manchester. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Manchester in the Autumn?

Both Manchester 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, most visitors come to Manchester for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Manchester. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Manchester averages at about 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Manchester. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 97 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 Manchester. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Manchester in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Manchester. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Manchester because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Manchester can be very cold. In January, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Manchester. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Manchester fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Manchester during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Manchester. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Manchester in the Spring?

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

It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Manchester in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Manchester fluctuates around 8°C (46°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 Manchester. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 144 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Manchester. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Manchester and Chiang Mai