Thailand’s beautiful tropical landscapes, diverse culture, and array of activities make the country popular with travelers worldwide. However, two main cities stand out in the question of where to visit: Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
From well-known events like the Chiang Mai night bazaar to Bangkok’s bustling, busy streets, choosing between these equally exciting cities can be a challenge. While both of them have their own attractions to explore, the one that tempts you most will depend on what kind of experience you wish to have.
Bangkok’s modern capital is a thriving metropolis, while Chiang Mai is an ancient, enclosed city full of history and quiet living. Still, they’re both worth a visit. What can you expect in the two cities? Here, we’ll discuss the differences between Chiang Mai and Bangkok and answer which option is better for travelers.
Safety First
If you’re not a big globetrotter, you’re probably concerned about leaving the familiar for the unknown, especially in a country like Thailand, where wildlife is abundant. Depending on where you are in the country, you could see anything from flying foxes to Asian elephants! Safety concerns are always good to have — they ensure you research where you’re going and plan your trip wisely!
If this is your number one factor for where you travel, you’ll be pleased to know that Chiang Mai has been ranked the safest city in Southeast Asia. It’s also one of the safest cities in the world for women travelers!
While Bangkok isn’t quite as safe according to the statistics, it still lands high on the list, with a high safety rating for daytime travel and a moderate ranking for nighttime exploration. In either city, you can feel confident that you’ll be safe as a foreign traveler.
One thing to be aware of in both cities is the pollution level. Bangkok and Chiang Mai have high levels of air pollution and many dirty waterways unfit for swimming. The waters of Thailand are also known for hiding predators, like crocodiles. Check the pollution levels before traveling, but expect to deal with some smog anywhere in Southeast Asia.
Attractions In and Around Bangkok and Chiang Mai
Now that the safety discussion is tackled, let’s look at the main reason people visit other places: the attractions.
As the capital of Thailand, Bangkok receives more limelight. This modern city is full of ancient and contemporary things to do. Its proximity to peaceful canalside villages and the historic templates of Wat Pho and the Emerald Buddha Temple in Bangkok’s Rattanakosin town juxtapose with the busy suburbs and metro living of the city’s hub. Attractions like the Chatuchak Weekend Market showcase the culture’s ethnic food and local goods in the vibrant, stereotypical noise that the country is famous for. The district of Bangla Road is where tourists and locals go for nightlife fun, where bars, live music, and neon lights are the backdrop to adult-only recommended entertainment at any time of day or night.
Chiang Mai has much to offer, particularly for those who aren’t interested in nightlife and entertainment and prefer history and serenity. The walled city keeps many tourists out, but you’ll miss some of the best food in the country if you skip this destination. Favorite Thai delicacies like Khai Soi soup (chicken curry) are on the menu in the smaller eateries available here. For those whose goal is to explore the streets of Thailand and maybe run into an elephant or two, Chiang Mai is the right choice. If you want to make the most of your trip with an excursion, you can explore the surrounding waterfalls and temples within a short day trip.
Transportation Around the Cities
Finally, every traveler in a foreign country must know how they’re going to get from one place to another. Transportation in Thailand varies based on where you’re exploring.
Let’s look at Bangkok first. The first thing you’re likely to notice is that the streets are full, with rush hour going throughout the day and into the evening. Taxis are abundant, but if you prefer to avoid the traffic, you can take the Skytrain (BTS) or subway (MRT). For those who want to enjoy the full experience of Thailand, be sure to ride the riverboat taxi. The system is designed to use color flags for fast loading and unloading, and it can seem a bit chaotic. But once you get on the taxi, the ride is peaceful.
Chiang Mai is extremely walkable, and cyclists are common along the streets. But if you prefer to avoid walking, there are various unique ways to travel the city. The open-air buses, called the songthaews, slowly take travelers across the moat. If you’re in a hurry, grab a tuk-tuk, which is an open-air taxi cab with three wheels.
Thailand uses rideshare systems called Grab and Bolt. There is no Uber or Lyft.
Traveling long distance is best done by airplane. You’ll find many airlines nationwide with affordable rates that will quickly get you from one part of Thailand to another or neighboring cities. These flights are cheap and safe, but consider using Thailand’s trains for those who prefer ground travel. The country has a well-connected railway system that lets you enjoy the view while you wait to reach your next stop. You can even travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai via a sleeper train.
Heads or Tails, You Choose
World travelers will want to see Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and if you can squeeze both into your itinerary, that’s the best way to get to know Thailand. However, those who must choose one or the other can’t go wrong either way. Travelers on a budget or seeking a quiet place to explore and get away will prefer Chiang Mai, while those looking to stay entertained and find everything they need, plus the Thai culture, will enjoy Bangkok.
If you still can’t choose which city to visit, flip a coin, then start planning your trip to the beautiful, culturally resplendent country of Thailand.
Image by tawatchai07 on Freepik
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