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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Prague?

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 Prague. 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 natural, temple-filled, and laid-back city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Prague

Prague is a historical, beautiful, and festive city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Chiang Mai and Prague: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Prague?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chiang Mai. Although Chiang Mai and Prague are popular destinations, Chiang Mai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chiang Mai is very popular for its food, hiking, and shopping, while Prague attracts visitors for its nightlife, music, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Chiang Mai is famous for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. It is also well known for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Prague is famous for its world-famous old town, local beer, wild nightlife, historic landmarks, and the Charles Bridge.

How is Chiang Mai different from Prague?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the terrific sights and museums in either Chiang Mai or Prague.

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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Prague are among the most recognizable in the world. Most of the city's historic sights are found in the Old Town. Famous landmarks include the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, and the National Museum.

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

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Prague is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Chiang Mai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Prague may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The meals are hearty and filling. There's lots of stew and dumplings that make for a soothing meal on a cold winter day. Goulash is a favorite dish at most of the traditional restaurants around town.

Is Chiang Mai or Prague Better for Nightlife?

Prague 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 Prague just to party. The city has long been famous as a beer drinking capital, and although prices are higher than they once were, the fun is the same. The nightlife vibe is great any night of the week, but weekends tend to be the most active.

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 Prague Better for Music?

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

Prague is known as a music capital around the world. The city has a long history of classical music, but rock, pop, and almost any other genre is popular here as well.

Chiang Mai is not a live music destination.

Is Chiang Mai or Prague Better for its Old Town?

Prague is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

The historic old town of Prague is revered around the world. Based around Old Town Square, this city has one of the most impressive old towns in the world.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Is Chiang Mai or Prague Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Prague is not a hiking destination.

Chiang Mai is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Prague is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Prague?

Chiang Mai is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Prague is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Chiang Mai make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Prague. There are many brand name stores in New Town, particularly around Wenceslas Square. In Old Town, Czech porcelain and Bohemia Crystal are popular things to buy.

Is Chiang Mai or Prague Better for Families?

Both Chiang Mai and Prague are excellent 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.

Prague is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a fun energy that appeals to adults and kids alike. Make sure you check out the Astronomical Clock and tour the famous Prague Castle. You'll also find the best playgrounds in town around Slavonic Island.

Is Chiang Mai or Prague Better for Couples?

Prague is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Prague is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Whether you're enjoy beautiful architecture, historical buildings, or a night out drinking, this city makes a great stop for a couple's vacation.

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.

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

For backpackers, both Chiang Mai and Prague are terrific 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 Prague. It has its share of fun hostels that often have a social vibe that can't beat. The city is also a fun and affordable place to explore.

Is Chiang Mai or Prague Better for Students?

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

Prague is a very popular place to visit for students. If you're studying abroad and want a cultural city with a young and fun vibe, the this is among the best.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

Prague 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 Prague can get you around easily. Metro lines, trams, and buses will take you smoothly through old and new town.

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 Prague a more walkable city?

Prague is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Prague is a very easy city to get around on foot. The tourist area through old town is easily explored on foot. Walking around town is the best way to soak up the atmosphere.

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 Prague Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Prague or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Prague?

Both Chiang Mai and Prague have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Prague has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Prague than Chiang Mai. However, 2-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Prague than Chiang Mai. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Prague that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

One day in Chiang Mai or Prague?

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 museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Prague, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're 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 Prague?

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 nightlife and live music around the big city destination of Prague, there's plenty to do. 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.

Five days in Chiang Mai or Prague?

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.

Prague, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Prague?

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.

Prague 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Budget Tours to Czech Republic, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Prague?

Prague has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Prague, 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 Prague?

Prague 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 Prague in the Summer?

Both Prague 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. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Prague this time of year.

In the summer, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Prague. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chiang Mai in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Prague averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In Prague, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Prague. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Prague receives 216 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 Prague. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Prague receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Prague in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Prague. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Also, many travelers come to Prague for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Prague. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 29°C (83°F), and Prague fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Prague during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Prague receives 124 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 Prague. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Prague receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Prague in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Prague. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Prague in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Prague can get quite cold in the winter. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Prague in the winter. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Prague fluctuates around 1°C (33°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 Prague. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Prague receives 49 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Prague. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Prague receives 42 mm (1.7 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 Prague in the Spring?

Both Prague 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, most visitors come to Prague for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Prague. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chiang Mai in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Prague averages at about 10°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Prague during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Prague receives 145 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chiang Mai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Prague. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Prague receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Typical Weather for Prague and Chiang Mai