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

Should you visit Chiang Mai or Strasbourg?

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 Strasbourg. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a charming, picturesque, and impressive city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Chiang Mai and Strasbourg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chiang Mai or Strasbourg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chiang Mai than Strasbourg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Chiang Mai is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Strasbourg is known for its historical sights. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Strasbourg 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. Strasbourg is popular for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses.

How is Chiang Mai different from Strasbourg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Strasbourg can be an interesting and educational experience. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

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

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Chiang Mai has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 Strasbourg. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

Is Chiang Mai or Strasbourg Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is a great city for nightlife. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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 Strasbourg. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

Is Chiang Mai or Strasbourg Better for its Old Town?

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg is revered around the world. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

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 Strasbourg Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Strasbourg is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Chiang Mai specifically for its hiking. 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.

Strasbourg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chiang Mai or Strasbourg?

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Strasbourg is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

Is Chiang Mai or Strasbourg Better for Families?

Chiang Mai is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Strasbourg is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

Is Chiang Mai or Strasbourg Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai and Strasbourg both high quality 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.

Strasbourg is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples getaway.

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

Chiang Mai is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Strasbourg. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

Is Chiang Mai or Strasbourg Better for Students?

Strasbourg is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Strasbourg. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

Strasbourg is a great city 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.

Public transit in Strasbourg is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

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 Strasbourg a more walkable city?

Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg is very walkable. One of the best ways to explore the city is 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 Strasbourg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Strasbourg or Chiang Mai?

How long in Chiang Mai or Strasbourg?

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

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

When visiting Chiang Mai, people usually allow for lots of time. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Strasbourg, 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 Strasbourg?

When visiting Chiang Mai, people usually allow for lots of time. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Strasbourg, 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 Strasbourg?

Chiang Mai, a popular 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 city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Strasbourg, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Strasbourg?

Chiang Mai 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.

Strasbourg 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Strasbourg?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Strasbourg. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Strasbourg, 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 Strasbourg?

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg in the Summer?

Both Strasbourg 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, many visitors come to Strasbourg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Strasbourg in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Strasbourg fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Strasbourg. Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Strasbourg during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Strasbourg. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Strasbourg in the Autumn?

Both Strasbourg 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, most visitors come to Strasbourg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Strasbourg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Strasbourg averages at about 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Strasbourg. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 101 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Strasbourg. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Strasbourg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Strasbourg. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Strasbourg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Strasbourg can be very cold. In January, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Strasbourg. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Strasbourg fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Strasbourg during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Strasbourg. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.

Should I visit Chiang Mai or Strasbourg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Strasbourg. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year.

It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Strasbourg in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Strasbourg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Strasbourg. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 161 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Strasbourg. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Strasbourg and Chiang Mai