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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Munich?

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 Munich. 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 cultural, welcoming, and natural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Munich

Munich is a high energy, multicultural, and economically thriving city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

Chiang Mai and Munich: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Munich?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chiang Mai than Munich. While Munich is larger than Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chiang Mai is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Munich is more popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Munich and is popular for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. Also, Chiang Mai is famous for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Munich is well known for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles.

How is Chiang Mai different from Munich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Chiang Mai on the map. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Munich. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.

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

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Munich is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Munich. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

Is Chiang Mai or Munich Better for Nightlife?

Munich 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 Munich just to party. The city has a young and vibrant population that keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are many bars and clubs around town, but the city is also famous for Oktoberfest during the months of September and October.

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 Munich Better for Music?

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

Munich is known as a music capital around the world. The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

Chiang Mai is not a live music destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Munich Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Chiang Mai to see the historical old town. 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.

Munich does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Munich Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Munich 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.

Munich is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Munich?

If you're looking to go shopping, Chiang Mai and Munich both offer plenty of world-class 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 Munich make it a world-class shopping destination. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

Is Chiang Mai or Munich Better for Families?

Both Chiang Mai and Munich are great 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.

Munich is a very kid-friendly city. Popular kid activities include going to the top of Stadium Roof at Olympic Park, checking out the movie sets at Filmstadt, and taking a paddle boat ride in the city park.

Is Chiang Mai or Munich Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai and Munich both great 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.

Munich is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy exploring the palaces around the city, visiting the Roman baths at Müller's Volksbad, and checking out the many great restaurants around town.

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

For backpackers, both Chiang Mai and Munich are world-class 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 Munich. The city has many fun hostels that often host events and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and take advantage of the nightlife around town.

Is Chiang Mai or Munich Better for Students?

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

Munich is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is an economic hub for both Germany and Europe, so it attracts employees from around the world. There are many wonderful university programs, including a great business school in town. The city's multicultural setting makes it great for international students.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

Munich 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 Munich can get you around easily. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

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 Munich a more walkable city?

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

Munich is very walkable. While walking tours are a great way to explore, the city is quite large so you'll want to take public transit as well.

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 Munich Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Munich or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Munich?

In either Chiang Mai or Munich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chiang Mai than Munich because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 2-5 days is enough time in Munich.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Munich 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 Munich.

One day in Chiang Mai or Munich?

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 economically thriving city of Munich, 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 Munich?

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 shopping around the big city destination of Munich, 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 Munich?

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.

Munich, 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 Munich?

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.

Munich 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, and The Best Walking Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Munich?

Munich has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Munich, 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 Munich?

Munich 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 Munich in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Munich. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Munich for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Munich. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Munich fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Munich. In the summer, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Munich. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 242 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in July than Munich. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Munich receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Munich in the Autumn?

Both Munich and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Munich because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Chiang Mai is much warmer than Munich in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Munich fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Munich during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 115 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Munich. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Munich receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Munich in the Winter?

Both Munich and Chiang Mai during the winter 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, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Munich this time of year.

It's quite cold in Munich in the winter. In the winter, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Munich. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Munich averages at about -1°C (31°F).

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the winter, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Munich. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Munich receives 30 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Munich. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Munich receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Munich in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Munich. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Munich for the activities around the city.

Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Munich. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Munich fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Munich during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Munich receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Munich. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Munich receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Typical Weather for Munich and Chiang Mai