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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or San Francisco?

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 San Francisco. 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 temple-filled, laid-back, and friendly city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a scenic, beautiful, and outdoorsy coastal city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include theater, nightlife, and live music.

Chiang Mai and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or San Francisco?

Visitors will generally find more to do in San Francisco than Chiang Mai. While Chiang Mai is larger than San Francisco, San Francisco has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. San Francisco is better known for its theatre productions, music, beaches, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Chiang Mai is more popular for its nightlife and historical sights. Chiang Mai is well known for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. San Francisco is well known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. Also, San Francisco is famous for The Golden Gate Bridge.

How is Chiang Mai different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the world-class sights and museums in either Chiang Mai or San Francisco.

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 San Francisco are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

Is Chiang Mai or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a good destination for theatre. However, Chiang Mai is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in San Francisco, take in a show. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Chiang Mai is not a theatre destination.

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

Foodies will find both Chiang Mai and San Francisco both to be world-class destinations.

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.

For foodies, San Francisco is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

Is Chiang Mai or San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Chiang Mai or San Francisco Better for Music?

San Francisco is a good destination for live music. However, Chiang Mai is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Chiang Mai is not a live music destination.

Is Chiang Mai or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

San Francisco is a great coastal city for its beaches. However, Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Many people visit San Francisco for it's beautiful beaches. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Is Chiang Mai or San Francisco Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, San Francisco 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.

San Francisco does not have a historic old town.

Is Chiang Mai or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Chiang Mai and San Francisco, and they are world-class.

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.

People visit San Francisco specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or San Francisco?

If you're looking to go shopping, Chiang Mai and San Francisco 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 San Francisco make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

Is Chiang Mai or San Francisco Better for Families?

San Francisco 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, San Francisco is very family-friendly. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

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 San Francisco Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai and San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Is Chiang Mai or San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Mai is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Chiang Mai, as it is a very popular city for 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit San Francisco. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

Is Chiang Mai or San Francisco Better for Students?

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

Many students visit San Francisco. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

San Francisco 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 San Francisco can get you around easily. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, 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 San Francisco a more walkable city?

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

San Francisco is very walkable. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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 San Francisco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or San Francisco?

Both Chiang Mai and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, San Francisco has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in San Francisco than Chiang Mai. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Chiang Mai, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chiang Mai than San Francisco 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 San Francisco?

Chiang Mai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With theater and nightlife around the outdoorsy coastal city of San Francisco, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chiang Mai or San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Mai. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With nightlife and live music around the big city destination of San Francisco, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 San Francisco?

Chiang Mai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

San Francisco, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Chiang Mai or San Francisco?

Chiang Mai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Visiting the old town is also a must. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Francisco is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or San Francisco?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of San Francisco. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

San Francisco 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 San Francisco in the Summer?

Both San Francisco and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or San Francisco in the Autumn?

Both San Francisco and Chiang Mai during the autumn 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 autumn months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Chiang Mai is much warmer than San Francisco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or San Francisco in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and San Francisco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

In the winter, Chiang Mai is much warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and San Francisco averages at about 50°F (10°C).

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or San Francisco in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as San Francisco. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in April than San Francisco. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Chiang Mai