Both are northern, both have temples and mountains, and they are not the same trip.
At a glance#
| Chiang Mai | Chiang Rai | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Big city, Old City walls | Small town |
| Temples | Hundreds, Doi Suthep | The White, Blue and Black House |
| Food | Northern Thailand's best | Good, smaller |
| Markets | Sunday and Saturday walking streets, Warorot | Night bazaar |
| Nature | Doi Inthanon, Mae Kampong, elephants | Golden Triangle, tea hills, Doi Mae Salong |
| Nightlife | Nimman, Old City bars | A few bars |
| Getting there | International airport | Flights from Bangkok, 3h bus from Chiang Mai |
Chiang Mai#
The north's capital in every sense. Chiang Mai itinerary, 3 days, where to stay, for couples, in November for Yi Peng and in December for the cool season.
Chiang Rai#
Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) is the reason most people come, and it earns it; the Blue Temple and Baan Dam fill a morning with it. Then the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet, Doi Mae Salong's tea hills, and the clock tower show at night. Quiet, cheap, pleasant.
The plan that works#
Chiang Mai for four or five nights, then the Green Bus to Chiang Rai for one or two, then fly out of Chiang Rai or bus back. If you only have a day, a long day tour from Chiang Mai covers the temples.
Ask someone from the north#
A Chiang Mai Local Friend knows whether a Chiang Rai night is worth it for your dates, and which hill village beats both. They set their own rates and message you before you meet.
Plan the north with someone who lives there.
Meet a Local Friend in Chiang MaiFrequently Asked Questions
Is Chiang Rai worth visiting?
Yes, for the White Temple, the Blue Temple and Baan Dam, the night bazaar and the hill country toward the Golden Triangle. One or two nights is right; it's a smaller place than Chiang Mai.How far is Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai?
About 3 to 3.5 hours by Green Bus, with departures all day. Day tours do the White Temple and back in a long day; a night in Chiang Rai is more relaxed.Which is better for first-timers, Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai?
Chiang Mai. More to do, easier to get to (its own international airport), the better food scene and the markets. Chiang Rai is the add-on.Is Chiang Rai cheaper than Chiang Mai?
A little: rooms and food cost less, and there are fewer things pulling at your wallet. Neither is expensive.Can you do the White Temple as a day trip from Chiang Mai?
Yes, as a long day by tour or hired car: the White Temple, the Blue Temple, Baan Dam and lunch. Leave by 7am.