A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chiang Mai vs. Palma de Mallorca for Food, Nightlife, Hiking, and Backpackers

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Palma de Mallorca?

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 Palma de Mallorca. 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a historic, beautiful, and stunning island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Chiang Mai and Palma de Mallorca: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Palma de Mallorca?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chiang Mai than Palma de Mallorca, 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 big city activities, while Palma de Mallorca is known for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Chiang Mai 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. Palma de Mallorca is popular for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns.

How is Chiang Mai different from Palma de Mallorca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have 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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Chiang Mai or Palma de Mallorca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

Is Chiang Mai or Palma de Mallorca Better for Nightlife?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca just to party. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

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 Palma de Mallorca Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is a great island for live music. However, Chiang Mai is not a live music destination.

Palma de Mallorca has a thriving music scene. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Chiang Mai is not a live music destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Palma de Mallorca Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Chiang Mai is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Palma de Mallorca to choose from. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Chiang Mai is not a resort destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Palma de Mallorca Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Chiang Mai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Chiang Mai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Palma de Mallorca Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Palma de Mallorca offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Palma de Mallorca Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Many people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Chiang Mai or Palma de Mallorca Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Palma de Mallorca. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Palma de Mallorca?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Is Chiang Mai or Palma de Mallorca Better for Families?

Both Chiang Mai and Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a very kid-friendly city. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

Is Chiang Mai or Palma de Mallorca Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Chiang Mai or Palma de Mallorca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a great city to visit for backpackers. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

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

Chiang Mai and Palma de Mallorca both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Chiang Mai offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

Palma de Mallorca has a few public transit options. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

Is Chiang Mai or Palma de Mallorca a more walkable city?

Chiang Mai and Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

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

Should I spend more time in Palma de Mallorca or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Palma de Mallorca?

In either Chiang Mai or Palma de Mallorca, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chiang Mai than Palma de Mallorca because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 3-5 days is enough time in Palma de Mallorca.

Couples should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Palma de Mallorca. 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca?

When visiting Chiang Mai, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

With live music and food around the stunning island of Palma de Mallorca, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or Palma de Mallorca?

When visiting Chiang Mai, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Palma de Mallorca, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Palma de Mallorca?

When visiting Chiang Mai, people usually allow for lots of time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Palma de Mallorca, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Chiang Mai or Palma de Mallorca?

Chiang Mai is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Palma de Mallorca 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 in Spain, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Palma de Mallorca?

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

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Palma de Mallorca. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Palma de Mallorca in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Palma de Mallorca fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palma de Mallorca this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Palma de Mallorca during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Palma de Mallorca receives 334 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 Palma de Mallorca. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Palma de Mallorca in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Palma de Mallorca. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Palma de Mallorca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Palma de Mallorca averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Palma de Mallorca. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palma de Mallorca receives 204 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Palma de Mallorca. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 58 mm (2.3 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 Palma de Mallorca in the Winter?

Both Palma de Mallorca 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, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Palma de Mallorca this time of year.

In January, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Palma de Mallorca. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Palma de Mallorca receives 164 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Palma de Mallorca. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Palma de Mallorca in the Spring?

Both Palma de Mallorca 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. Also, many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches and the natural beauty.

It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Palma de Mallorca in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Palma de Mallorca fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In Palma de Mallorca, 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 Palma de Mallorca. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palma de Mallorca receives 210 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in April than Palma de Mallorca. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Typical Weather for Palma de Mallorca and Chiang Mai