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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Nashville?

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 Nashville. 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 nightlife, food, and hiking.

Nashville

Nashville is a eclectic, southern, and country music lovers city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Chiang Mai and Nashville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Nashville?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chiang Mai than Nashville, 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, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Nashville is known for its music and resorts. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Nashville 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. Nashville is popular for its influence in country music and its many live music venues.

How is Chiang Mai different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Nashville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash Museum.

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

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Chiang Mai have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nashville. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Is Chiang Mai or Nashville Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Chiang Mai and Nashville.

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.

Nashville offers plenty to do in the evening. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Is Chiang Mai or Nashville Better for Music?

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

Nashville is known as a music capital around the world. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Chiang Mai is not a live music destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Nashville Better for Resorts?

Nashville is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Chiang Mai is not a resort destination.

Nashville has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Chiang Mai is not a resort destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Nashville Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Nashville does not have a historic old town.

Chiang Mai is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Nashville does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Nashville Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Around Chiang Mai visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Nashville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Nashville?

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.

Is Chiang Mai or Nashville Better for Christmas?

Nashville is a good destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Chiang Mai does not offer Christmas activities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy Christmas activities while in Nashville. Several different venues decorate beautifully for the Christmas season including the Gaylord Opryland.

Chiang Mai does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Chiang Mai or Nashville Better for Families?

Chiang Mai is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nashville. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

Is Chiang Mai or Nashville Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is a very popular place for romance. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Chiang Mai makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Nashville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

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

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

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

Chiang Mai is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Chiang Mai has some public transit options. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

Is Chiang Mai or Nashville a more walkable city?

Chiang Mai is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of 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.

Nashville is not a walkable city. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Nashville?

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

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

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and nightlife around the southern city of Nashville, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Nashville?

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Nashville, 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 live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Nashville?

People visit Chiang Mai because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Nashville, 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 Nashville?

Chiang Mai is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chiang Mai, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Nashville is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. 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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Nashville?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Nashville. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Nashville, 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 Nashville?

Nashville 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 Nashville in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Nashville. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nashville because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Nashville in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Nashville fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nashville this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Nashville during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Nashville. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the summer. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Nashville in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Nashville. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Nashville this time of year.

In the autumn, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Nashville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Nashville averages at about 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nashville. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nashville. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 212 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Nashville. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Nashville in the Winter?

Both Nashville and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Nashville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nashville. In January, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Nashville. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Nashville fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Nashville during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Nashville receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Nashville. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Nashville in the Spring?

Both Nashville and Chiang Mai during the spring 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, many visitors come to Nashville in the spring for the activities around the city.

It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Nashville in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

In Nashville, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Nashville. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nashville receives 234 hours of full sun.

Nashville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Nashville. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nashville receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Typical Weather for Nashville and Chiang Mai