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

Should you visit Riga or Chiang Mai?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Riga or Chiang Mai? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Riga

Riga is a vibrant, fun, and high energy city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

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 hiking, shopping, and museums.

Riga and Chiang Mai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Riga or Chiang Mai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai than Riga. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Chiang Mai is very popular for its museums, food, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Riga attracts visitors for its nightlife. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Riga and is popular for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. It is also well known for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Riga is famous for its vibrant nightlife scene, busy old town, and beautiful architecture.

How is Riga different from Chiang Mai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chiang Mai and Riga. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Riga or Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Chiang Mai are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Many visitors head to Riga specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As a capital city with a diverse history, you'll find a number of museums and landmarks in the area. Visitors frequently visit The Freedom Monument, St. Peters Church, the Riga Cathedral, The House of the Black Heads, and any of the many museums around town.

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

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Chiang Mai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Riga has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city offers a great opportunity to try many Latvian specialties including rasol (a potato salad), pelmeni (a Latvian dumpling), and karbonade (kind of like schnitzel). The cuisine is hearty and filling with lots of bread, dumpling, and meats. Riga is also where you'll find the largest food market in Europe, which is the perfect place to wander and pick up some local items.

Is Riga or Chiang Mai Better for Nightlife?

Riga 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 Riga just to party. Despite being a small city, this capital has gained a reputation for its party atmosphere. The historic center comes to life in the evenings, particularly between Wednesdays and Saturdays. The area is compact enough that you can walk from club to club and prices are reasonable.

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 Riga or Chiang Mai Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the superb old towns in both Riga and Chiang Mai.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Riga. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming architecture. The city is less touristy than many places in Europe so you can usually avoid the large crowds and enjoy a peaceful walk. During the evening you'll find the area turns into an entertainment district with many clubs and bars.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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 Riga or Chiang Mai Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Riga is not a hiking destination.

People visit Chiang Mai specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Riga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Riga or Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Riga 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 Riga. Some of the most interesting shopping in the city is in the old town. Prices might be a little more expensive than you expect but it's possible to find some unique items. The city also has many markets, including the largest food market in Europe, which is a must-see.

Is Riga or Chiang Mai Better for Families?

Chiang Mai is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Riga is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Riga is a family-friendly city. During the winter months, there are a number of museums that are fun to explore with kids including the Nature Museum, the Railroad Museum, the Aviation Technology Museum, and the Riga Firefighter Museum. There are also several indoor play areas. When the weather is warmer there are a number of outdoor parks and playgrounds to explore.

Is Riga or Chiang Mai Better for Couples?

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

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.

Riga is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a charming old town that you can explore, taking time to relax in the city squares or sip coffee at a cafe. There are also many nice restaurants that will make for a romantic date night.

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

Both Riga and Chiang Mai are amazing destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Riga. There are many affordable hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can grab a cheap meal. The city offers a great European experience at a fraction of the price of many cities.

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.

Is Riga or Chiang Mai Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Riga. The city's affordability and vibrant atmosphere make it a great spot for international students. There are many places to hang out and a lively nightlife scene that appeals to young travelers.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

Riga 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 Riga is fairly effecient and thorough. Transportation options include buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

Chiang Mai has a few public transit options. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

Is Riga or Chiang Mai a more walkable city?

Riga 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.

Riga is very walkable. The city is small enough that most areas can be explored 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 Riga Worth Visiting? and Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chiang Mai or Riga?

How long in Riga or Chiang Mai?

Both Riga and Chiang Mai have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chiang Mai than in Riga. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Riga, and 2-7 days is enough time in Chiang Mai.

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

One day in Riga or Chiang Mai?

With museums and nightlife around the charming city of Riga, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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.

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.

A weekend in Riga or Chiang Mai?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Riga, 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. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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.

Five days in Riga or Chiang Mai?

Riga, 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.

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.

A week in Riga or Chiang Mai?

Riga is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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.

Chiang Mai is a natural 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.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Riga and Chiang Mai, we can see that Riga is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Riga is in Europe and Chiang Mai is in Asia, 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 Riga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Riga 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 Riga Expensive? and Is Chiang Mai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Riga or Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Riga. When comparing the sizes of Riga and Chiang Mai, 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 Riga or Chiang Mai?

Riga 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 Riga or Chiang Mai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Riga as well as Chiang Mai. Most visitors come to Riga for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.

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

It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. Riga usually gets less rain in July than Chiang Mai. Riga gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.

Should I visit Riga or Chiang Mai in the Autumn?

Both Chiang Mai and Riga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Riga because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Riga is much colder than Chiang Mai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Riga averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. In October, Riga usually receives less rain than Chiang Mai. Riga gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.

Should I visit Riga or Chiang Mai in the Winter?

Both Chiang Mai and Riga during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Riga this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.

It's quite cold in Riga in the winter. In the winter, Riga is much colder than Chiang Mai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Riga in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Chiang Mai averages at about 23°C (74°F).

Riga usually gets more rain in January than Chiang Mai. Riga gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Riga or Chiang Mai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Riga and Chiang Mai. Many travelers come to Riga for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In April, Riga is generally much colder than Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Riga average around 5°C (42°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).

In April, Riga usually receives less rain than Chiang Mai. Riga gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Typical Weather for Chiang Mai and Riga