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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Oslo?

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 Oslo. 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. Chiang Mai is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food. See Chiang Mai travel costs.

Oslo

Oslo is a progressive, park-filled, and green city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums. See Oslo travel costs.

Chiang Mai and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Oslo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chiang Mai than Oslo, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Oslo 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. Oslo is popular for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

How is Chiang Mai different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Oslo. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

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

Chiang Mai is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Oslo has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has a reputation of serving a lot of cured meats and potato dishes, but there is actually a good amount of variation available. Local favorites include smoked salmon, meatballs, and meat stews.

Is Chiang Mai or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is notable for nightlife. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Chiang Mai has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Oslo. The city's high alcohol prices mean that many locals enjoy their drinks at home during pre-parties before heading out on the town. The atmosphere is usually laid-back and chill, with a diversity of entertainment venues that you can choose between.

Is Chiang Mai or Oslo Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is notable for its historic old town. However, Oslo 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.

Oslo does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or Oslo Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is an amazing city to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Oslo 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.

Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Oslo?

Chiang Mai is an amazing city to visit for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Oslo has some nice offerings. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.

Is Chiang Mai or Oslo More Beautiful?

Chiang Mai is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Oslo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Chiang Mai is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It is famous for it's beautiful surrounding countryside where visitors often enjoy trekking and getting out in nature. The city is also filled with historic temples, night markets, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Oslo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Chiang Mai or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Oslo is very family-friendly. The city goes out of its way to integrate kid-friendly activities into everyday life. From playgrounds and parks to interactive museums and nearby amusement parks, this city is among the most kid-friendly around.

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.

Is Chiang Mai or Oslo Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is notable for romance. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Oslo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

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

Chiang Mai is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Oslo is a good city to visit for backpackers. Notoriously expensive, this city does have some hostels, but it can be a bit challenging for those on a budget. Because many backpackers avoid the area due to the costs, it can be challenging to meet other backpackers.

Is Chiang Mai or Oslo Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Oslo. The University of Oslo has an excellent reputation and welcomes many foreign students every year. The school does a lot to make sure international students feel at home here.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

Oslo 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 Oslo can get you around easily. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

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 Oslo a more walkable city?

Oslo 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.

Oslo is very walkable. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun to explore 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 Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Oslo?

In either Chiang Mai or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chiang Mai than Oslo because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 1-5 days is enough time in Oslo.

Families should spend more time in Oslo than Chiang Mai. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Oslo, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Oslo. 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 Oslo 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 Oslo?

Chiang Mai is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and nightlife around the clean city of Oslo, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oslo, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Oslo?

Chiang Mai is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With nightlife and food around the big city destination of Oslo, 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 Oslo?

Chiang Mai is a welcoming big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Oslo, 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 Oslo?

Chiang Mai is a friendly city where you can fill many days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Oslo 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Oslo?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Oslo, 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 Oslo?

Oslo 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 Oslo in the Summer?

Both Oslo 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Chiang Mai is much warmer than Oslo in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Oslo, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 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 Oslo. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Oslo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Oslo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Oslo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Oslo averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 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 Oslo. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Oslo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Oslo. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

It's quite cold in Oslo in the winter. In January, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°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 Oslo. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Oslo. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 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 Oslo in the Spring?

Both Oslo 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, many travelers come to Oslo for the activities around the city.

It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Oslo in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Oslo. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Chiang Mai