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

Should you visit Vilnius or Chiang Mai?

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 Vilnius and Chiang Mai. 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.

Vilnius

Vilnius is a authentic, historic, and religious city. 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 food, hiking, and shopping.

Vilnius and Chiang Mai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Chiang Mai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai than Vilnius. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Vilnius 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. Vilnius is famous for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Chiang Mai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chiang Mai is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Vilnius 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Vilnius. The city has fascinating museums relating to Soviet times. These include the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and the Lithuanian Diaspora Art Museum. Other notable sights include the Three Crosses Monument and the St. Anne's and Bernardine Church Complex.

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

Chiang Mai is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Vilnius is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is hearty with plenty of meat and potatoes. There are also soups and herring dishes as well as great desserts. Popular dishes in the area include cepelinai (meat filled potato dumplings), kibinai (a pastry), and potato pancakes.

Is Vilnius or Chiang Mai Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are excellent in both Vilnius and Chiang Mai.

Vilnius has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The large student population is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene. You'll find most of the activity centered around three streets - Vilniaus, Islandijos and Vokiečių. These areas have a number of bars and clubs, and they draw the biggest crowds.

Chiang Mai has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Vilnius or Chiang Mai Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the excellent old town areas in both Vilnius and Chiang Mai.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Vilnius. The old town is filled with history, architecture, and churches. It's also where you'll find Vilnius University. At the heart of the area is Pilies Gatve (Castle Street), which has shopping, cafes, and restaurants.

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 Vilnius or Chiang Mai Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is an amazing city to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Vilnius 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.

Vilnius is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Vilnius 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.

Vilnius has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. For quaint shops, head to old town, particularly around Pilies Gatve. The city also has an open air market, Kalvarijų Turgus, that is popular on Saturdays. There are also a few shopping malls around town.

Is Vilnius or Chiang Mai Better for Families?

Chiang Mai is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vilnius 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.

Vilnius is a family-friendly city. The city has a number of historic sights, but once your kids have had their fill, you can head to one of the outdoor or indoor play areas in the city center. There's also a toy museum and an Energy and Technology Museum that kids will enjoy. After a busy day, make sure you grab some ice cream to lift everyone's spirits.

Is Vilnius or Chiang Mai Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Vilnius 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.

Vilnius is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with viewpoints, from hill tops to towers, where you can enjoy romantic views over the landscape. You can also dine in a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in one of the outdoor settings.

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

Chiang Mai is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Vilnius. For backpackers who want to escape the crowds, this off-the-beaten path European capital is a great option. It has history, charm, and an authenticity that is hard to find in a more touristy area. It's also an affordable city, with hostels and plenty of cheap places to eat.

Is Vilnius or Chiang Mai Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Vilnius. The city is small but charming with a number of places where international students can study. It's an affordable city with a lively atmosphere and an authenticate and genuine personality.

Chiang Mai is not popular with students.

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

Both Vilnius and Chiang Mai offer nice public transit options.

Vilnius has a few public transit options. Bus and trolleybuses are available.

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

Is Vilnius or Chiang Mai a more walkable city?

Vilnius and Chiang Mai both are nice when exploring on foot.

Vilnius is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is the most walkable part of the city.

Chiang Mai is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Vilnius Worth Visiting? and Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chiang Mai or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Chiang Mai?

Both Vilnius 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 Vilnius. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Vilnius, and 2-7 days is enough time in Chiang Mai.

Families should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Vilnius. 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 Vilnius. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Vilnius 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 Vilnius or Chiang Mai?

With museums and nightlife around the religious city of Vilnius, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vilnius, one day is sufficent for most.

Because Chiang Mai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Vilnius or Chiang Mai?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Vilnius, 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.

Because Chiang Mai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chiang Mai has to offer.

Five days in Vilnius or Chiang Mai?

Vilnius, 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chiang Mai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Vilnius or Chiang Mai?

Vilnius 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Mai. Because Chiang Mai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania, 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 Vilnius and Chiang Mai, we can see that Vilnius is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vilnius 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 Vilnius would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vilnius 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 Vilnius Expensive? and Is Chiang Mai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Vilnius. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius 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 Vilnius or Chiang Mai?

Vilnius 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 Vilnius or Chiang Mai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Chiang Mai. The summer months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.

In July, Vilnius is generally much colder than Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 18°C (65°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vilnius this time of the year. In the summer, Vilnius often gets more sunshine than Chiang Mai. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 146 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. Vilnius usually gets less rain in July than Chiang Mai. Vilnius gets 78 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 Vilnius or Chiang Mai in the Autumn?

Both Chiang Mai and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Vilnius is much colder than Chiang Mai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Chiang Mai during autumn. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 226 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. In October, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Chiang Mai. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 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 Vilnius or Chiang Mai in the Winter?

Both Chiang Mai and Vilnius during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Vilnius. In the winter, Vilnius is much colder than Chiang Mai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vilnius in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Chiang Mai averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Chiang Mai. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 283 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets more rain in January than Chiang Mai. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 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 Vilnius or Chiang Mai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Chiang Mai. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the spring for 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, Vilnius is generally much colder than Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 7°C (45°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Chiang Mai during spring. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Chiang Mai. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 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 Vilnius