Discover the ultimate guide to choosing between Chiang Mai or Phuket. Find out which destination is perfect for your next adventure in Thailand.
Are you thinking of taking your next holiday to Thailand but not sure where to go? If you’ve heard of how wonderful Chiang Mai and Phuket are but struggling to decide which destination is best for you, you’re going to love this post!
Both destinations are incredible and personal favourites of ours. We spent a lot of time in Phuket, Chiang Mai, and many other places in Thailand while we were travelling around the country.
I have travelled to Thailand twice, and the last time I was there I spent a total of 6 weeks exploring!
To make sure you have the perfect holiday and to make the right choice between Chiang Mai and Phuket, I’m going to cover the differences in climate, cost, culture, activities, food and everything else in between.
When you’re finished, you’re going to know exactly how to choose between Chiang Mai and Phuket and when to go. That said, the most crucial question you need to ask yourself is whether you want a beach holiday or a mountain holiday.
Please Note: All prices are quoted in the local currency – THB (Thai Baht) and GBP (British Pounds). To easily convert prices to your currency, we use xe Currency Converter.
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Chiang Mai or Phuket – How to Choose Between the Two
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway or want to explore some islands, Phuket is for you. If you want wildlife, hiking and epic scenery, Chiang Mai is the one!
However, there are a few more factors to take into consideration before making your final decision.
Chiang Mai vs. Phuket – Season / Climate
When I think of Thailand, I think of blue skies and picture-perfect beaches, you probably do too. But there’s more to Thailand than sunny skies and sipping cocktails while burying your feet into fluffy sand, or is there?
The country is diverse. Its geographical wonders are nothing short of stunning. From lush mountain landscapes to pristine coastal stretches, the country has it all. But, due to this, it does mean that Chiang Mai and Phuket experience slightly different climates.
It’s a classic battle of north versus south, summer versus winter, and lush countryside versus turquoise oceans. But in the end, Chiang Mai is generally around 5°C to 6°C cooler than Phuket in winter and 1°C to 2°C hotter in summer.
Best Time Of The Year To Visit Chiang Mai
The climate in Chiang Mai is subtropical.
Due to its northern location, the region experiences a hot summer, a rainy season and a warm winter. Most people decide to visit during winter, (which can also be referred to as the dry season) which runs from November to February. It brings pleasant and comfortable temperatures in the low to mid-20s.
The air is crisp and if you visit during the start of the season you’ll experience breath-taking lush scenery, rejuvenated by the rains; this is one of the reasons so many people flock to the city during November.
Summer, on the other hand, can bring temperatures in the 30s, which isn’t pleasant especially when there is no beach to cool down at. Further into summer Chiang Mai experiences its rainy season, typically between June and October.
Many people avoid visiting during this time, however, I would argue it’s a good time to visit, especially if you’re a nature enthusiast. The wet season transforms the landscape into a vibrant green paradise; it’s the best time to spot wildlife!
Some things to think about when deciding when to visit Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai experiences a burning season. This is when the farmers burn their fields ready for new crop growth. It happens from March to April and can affect visibility. However, we visited in early March and although the air was slightly hazy it didn’t affect us enough to make a fuss!
- Summer is the monsoon season. It’s worth knowing that July and August are the wettest times of the year to visit Chiang Mai, so if you’re visiting during these months be sure to pack a raincoat. You can also expect higher levels of humidity from May to October.
- In November, the popular Yi Peng Lantern Festival draws in crowds. It’s a mesmerising display of thousands of lanterns illuminating the night sky.
- April marks the start of the Songkran Water Festival, where lively water fights and traditional ceremonies characterise the Thai New Year celebrations.
- February hosts the Chiang Mai Flower Festival, a vibrant spectacle with stunning floral displays and cultural performances that bring the city to life.
Best Time Of The Year To Visit Phuket
The climate in Phuket island is tropical.
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and due to its more southern location experiences a tropical climate. This means you’re going to get a dry season and a wet season.
As with Chiang Mai, most people will visit Phuket during the dry season which is characterised by clear blue skies and hot weather, usually hitting high 20s. For me, this is the perfect temperature for relaxing on beaches which, luckily, are plentiful in Phuket!
You’ll also find that humidity is at its lowest which means no frizzy hair days, yay! Typically the dry season starts in December and runs until April. Most people will agree that late December and January are the best times to visit Phuket.
The wet season brings the rains although due to its tropical climate you’ll notice the temperatures remain near constant. Instead, the rain builds the humidity which can become unbearable.
The first time I visited Thailand was during the wet season and within minutes of stepping outside it felt like I’d stepped out of the shower!
Some things to think about when deciding when to visit Phuket:
- The months between May to October are typically thought of as the wet season, with September being one of the wettest months; this is also when Phuket experiences the highest humidity.
- In April the annual Songkran Water Festival also takes place in Phuket, it’s a country-wide celebration celebrating the Thai New Year.
- Loy Krathong Lights Festival is held in November where you can witness floating lanterns illuminating the night sky and candlelit floats on water.
Chiang Mai Versus Phuket – Cost
If you’re considering the cost of your holiday and looking to plan your budget, there are some things to think about in regards to the affordability of these two locations.
For instance, overall we found Chiang Mai to be cheaper, however, there are some external factors which need to be considered to provide a realistic comparison.
One thing to remember is that it will always be cheaper to travel during the low season, which is during the rainy season. You will find flights, accommodation and activities are reduced in price.
Is Chiang Mai or Phuket Cheaper?
When considering your daily budget, your savings go slightly further in Chiang Mai however, Chiang Mai is more remote than Phuket and therefore harder to reach. This means you’re going to have to put aside extra in your budget for transport.
For example, a return flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai during peak season can cost anything up to £200, whereas travelling during the low season you’re more likely to pay around £50.
On the other hand, Phuket has an international airport so it’s super easy to fly into. You can be at your hotel (or on the beach) within a couple of hours of arriving.
Since Phuket is easily accessible, it has become a haven for holidaymakers and is usually a starting point for backpackers. This means it gets very busy which in turn has hiked up the overall prices.
Local transport, such as tuk-tuks and taxis, charge more than you would expect and entertainment, tours and accommodation costs are pricier than they are in Chiang Mai. That’s not to say you can’t blow the budget in Chiang Mai, it’s easily done but you’ll also find more budget-friendly alternatives.
However, Phuket also offers budget-friendly accommodation, especially around the Old Town which is a place we love and recommend visiting. The local buses are very affordable and run regular routes to popular spots on the island.
Although Chiang Mai is cheaper overall, it’s no longer a hidden gem and is a hot spot for backpackers, digital nomads and nature enthusiasts so the prices are creeping up.
In my opinion, the price difference is not enough to impact your decision on whether to visit Chiang Mai or Phuket and should not be used as a deciding factor when choosing between the two.
Chiang Mai or Phuket – Culture / People
Did you know that Thailand is referred to as the land of smiles? It’s because the Thai people are thought of as being one of the most friendly and warm-hearted people around. I can vouch for this and from my experience, they are genuinely happy, culturally rich people and always ready to share their heritage.
I love Thai culture? It’s warm and vibrant, and filled with deep-rooted traditions, and depending on where you are in the country it changes. But one thing I will say, if it’s the culture you seek then Chiang Mai is the place to go!
People And Culture In Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai’s cultural heritage has been influenced by many historical interactions, but mainly that of the Lanna Kingdom.
The Lanna Kingdom was centred in Northern Thailand and flourished from the 13th to the 18th Century, encompassing regions of present-day Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and parts of China.
This unique culture has shaped Chiang Mai, influencing its traditions, architecture, and way of life. The city’s distinct identity is rooted in Lanna heritage, evident in the enchanting Buddhist temples like Wat Chedi Luang, Doi Suthep and Wat Phra Singh.
Festivals, art, and daily practices in Chiang Mai also bear the lasting mark of the Lanna culture, which is a branch of Buddhism.
The city’s friendliness is renowned, embracing visitors and I can promise you will feel welcomed in Chiang Mai. You’ll also find diverse cultural groups, including the hill tribes, which you can visit on a day trip from the city.
People And Culture In Phuket
As for Phuket, you will experience a slightly different culture, although due to the higher levels of tourism and development, it is harder to witness it day to day.
The island embraces a diverse blend of Thai, Malay, and Peranakan influences and temples such as Wat Chalong and Jui Tui Shrine stand as spiritual landmarks.
These sacred sites not only reflect the spirituality of the region but also showcase the harmonious integration of various cultural elements. Known as Baba Nyonya culture, it’s a vibrant and unique heritage.
One of the best places to witness Phuket’s culture and heritage is in the old town; it’s filled with colourful Sino-Portuguese buildings, vibrant street art, and charming local shops.
Similar to Chiang Mai, Phuket warmly welcomes tourists and is a safe and friendly destination to explore.
Chiang Mai vs. Phuket – Food
If you’re a foodie (like us) or keen on exploring Thai cuisine, both Phuket and Chiang Mai offer distinctive culinary experiences reflecting their cultural differences.
Chiang Mai tends to use Northern Thai influences, incorporating herbs like basil and flavours such as tamarind for a unique taste. On the other hand, Phuket’s cuisine leans towards Southern Thai flavours, featuring a blend of rich and spicy elements, often highlighted by ingredients like coconut milk and chilli.
We enjoyed both cuisines although we tend to lean more towards northern Thai dishes due to them being less spicy. However, each destination’s culinary scene is an enjoyable journey into the delicious world of Thai food – one of my favourites!
Food in Chiang Mai
If you choose to visit Chiang Mai, you’ll notice the city has become a haven for foodies with restaurants, bars, cafes and markets galore.
With so many delicious options, you’ll have a tough time making up your mind where to go but one of the most popular dishes that can’t be missed is Khao Soi; it’s a type of noodle soup with a coconut milk base, topped with crispy fried noodles.
Another must-eat is Sai Oua (Northern Thai Sausage), grilled to perfection and bursting with flavour. Khao Kha Mo is another great dish and is pork leg served with rice.
There are multiple markets worth checking out which offer an insight into daily life and community, but head to Mae Hia Fresh Market and Wararot Market for the best experience. For Northern Thai specialities visit Tom Payom Market!
If you fancy being a little adventurous, Khao Ngiaw is mixed rice made with pig’s blood and spices, garlic, shallots, and chillies, it’s then steamed. It sounds a bit gross but it’s delicious.
Kap Moo or crispy fried pig skin is another Chiang Mai speciality. Traditionally made using pig skins which are cleaned, cut into strips and dried – similar to pork scratchings. Make sure you ask for Nam Prik, a tasty green chilli dip, to go with it.
Here are some popular Chiang Mai restaurants / street stalls to try:
- Khao Soi Mae Manee offers the best khao soi in Chiang Mai and will cost around 45 – 60 Baht. This is a little more than street prices but it’s good.
- Head to Mae Hia Fresh Market for Sai Oua or Tom Payom Market for Kap Moo.
- Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak offers the best Khao Kha Mo for 30 Baht.
- Kiat Ocha offers the best Hainanese chicken rice.
- Huen Phen is a longstanding northern Thai food restaurant.
Food in Phuket
If you choose to visit Phuket, you’ll get slightly spicier dishes and lots of seafood, but the same goes for quality and quantity as it does in Chiang Mai – it’s top dog!
Something worth mentioning is that the last time we were in Patong, all the stalls which used to line the strip are now gone, having been moved to a designated area. I think they have done this to keep the place looking tidy, but I think it takes away from the traditional and lively street atmosphere it once had.
Nevertheless, there are many wonderful dishes to choose from in Phuket, but a favourite among travelers is Pad Thai. This is a stir-fried rice noodle dish perfectly balanced with sweet, sour, and salty flavours. Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup) is also a good choice flavoured with lemongrass, lime leaves, and chilli.
In Phuket, there are multiple markets to visit if you want to experience the local food culture. A few popular locations include the Cham-Cha local food market, the Bangla Night Market in Patong and the Phuket Weekend Market. The latter is a huge market selling everything from clothes to souvenirs to food.
Lock Tien food centre in Phuket’s old town, which is more of a canteen, was a favourite of ours. It’s small but you’ll grab a great Tom Yum.
If you’re a lover of noodles you’ll want to try Phuket-style Hokkien Mee, a noodle dish with a savoury broth, usually made with seafood, pork, and egg noodles. It has a distinct Phuketian twist!
For Southern Thai specialties, head to Mor Mu Dong restaurant.
Massaman Curry is also a loved dish in Southern Thailand which is served in a rich and aromatic sauce with influences from Indian and Persian cuisine, typically made with beef, potatoes, and peanuts.
Another one of my favourite dishes is Som Tum, a refreshing green papaya salad – I can literally eat boatloads of this! It’s shredded green papaya, tomatoes, chilli, lime, and peanuts.
Here are some popular Phuket restaurants / street stalls to try:
- Pad Thai Phanhin served one of the best Pad Thai dishes of my life! It was fresh, bursting with authentic flavours and very affordable.
- Khanom Jeen Dandakob is a great place to try Phuket’s curries with a friendly family atmosphere.
- Mee Ao Gea is a well-known restaurant in Phuket town for a variety of stir-fried noodles, including Hokkien Mee.
- Ko Ang Seafood is a popular Thai-Chinese seafood restaurants in Phuket town
Chiang Mai Versus Phuket – Nightlife
If you’re looking for a party, go to Phuket.
Although Chiang Mai does have an after-hours vibe if you want to dance the night away Phuket is for you.
Chiang Mai Nightlife
In Chiang Mai, you’re going to find a more relaxed down-to-earth atmosphere with bars rather than clubs. I’m not saying there aren’t any but generally, the vibe is more chilled.
That said, we did end up in a seedy basement of a house that had been converted into some sort of tiny rave house / club one night after having too many rum and cokes!
If you want to party in Chiang Mai, the go-to destination is Nimmanhaemin Road (Nimman). Recognised for its chic cafes, bars, and clubs, Nimman is a top choice for both locals and visitors, presenting a blend of live music venues, rooftop bars, and sophisticated clubs.
Phuket Nightlife
In contrast, Phuket is a haven for clubbers and partygoers. You’ll find the best spot to have a dance is Patong. Patong is known around the world for its vibrant nightlife, featuring an array of bars, nightclubs, and beach clubs that come alive after sunset.
The bustling Bangla Road in Patong is particularly famous for its electrifying atmosphere, with neon lights, music pumping from various venues, and a lively crowd.
It’s a hub of entertainment where you can enjoy everything from live music to international DJs spinning the latest tracks. The nightlife in Patong ensures an unforgettable party experience if you’re looking to dance the night away.
Chiang Mai or Phuket – Getting Around
From experience, both Chiang Mai and Phuket are super easy to navigate. But like I mentioned earlier, getting to Chiang Mai can be troublesome especially if you’re not flying.
Getting Around in Chiang Mai
Once in Chiang Mai, it’s easy to get around. Within the old city, the area of Chiang Mai which is encompassed by the old fortifications, you can walk around easily. In truth, you’ll find you spend most of your time walking around the attractions and activities as many of them are huddled in the centre.
If you are going further out of the city you’ll notice tuk-tuks and red songthaews (shared taxis) are popular and offer a unique local experience. One thing to keep in mind is to negotiate on the journey price beforehand but they are easily hailed on the streets and eager for business.
If you prefer, it’s possible to use a ride-hailing app, such as Gojek, which operates in Chiang Mai much like Uber over here. It’s a great way to book transport if you’re covering longer distances as the price is set so you know what to expect.
Another super popular way to get around is on scooters. Everyone in Chiang Mai (and Thailand) rides around on scooters and you’ll find scooter rentals widely available.
The best thing about scooters is they offer flexibility for independent exploration. We did a weekend trip over to Pai along the 1095 road. It was an epic adventure which wouldn’t have been the same in a car or on a tour!
Just be wary of the traffic.
Some tourists prefer to rent bikes and explore the city. I haven’t done this personally in Chiang Mai but we did in Ayutthaya, another superb culturally rich city to visit. If riding bikes is your vibe there are numerous rental shops around the city or you could jump on a bike tour.
Getting Around in Phuket
Phuket on the other hand is a slightly different ball game. When I talk about Chiang Mai, I’m talking about a city, but Phuket is a province and a big one at that. With this in mind, it’s easy to walk around areas within Phuket but you’ll need other forms of transport to get you from area to area.
The last time we were there we stayed in Phuket Town, which is great for a couple of nights, but when we wanted to visit the beach we had to jump on a local bus or get a taxi.
Luckily, Phuket has a good selection of buses running easy routes to and from popular tourist spots. However, if you want to go off the beaten path you’ll have to arrange private transport.
Keep in mind that transport in Phuket is more expensive than in Chiang Mai, and local buses tend to stop operating after 5 pm. So if you like to spend evenings on the beach watching sunsets choosing accommodation close to the beach might be a good idea!
Chiang Mai vs. Phuket – Popular Activities
One of the biggest attractions to Thailand is the amount of famous landmarks and unique things to do. There is so much to see and do that choosing between activities can become challenging.
However, there is a stark difference between Chiang Mai and Phuket that could help you decide where to take your holiday. Chiang Mai is shrouded in misty mountains and has epic hiking opportunities, so if you’re anything like us and love hiking, then this is where you’ll want to go.
It’s also hugely popular for wildlife activities, such as visiting elephant sanctuaries, although this can be done in Phuket, Chiang Mai offers a more rounded experience.
Phuket is perfect for water-based activities such as snorkelling and boat trips, island hopping to nearby islands such as Phi Phi, and diving with marine life, such as reef sharks, turtles (my fav), and mantas among thousands of colourful reef fish.
To make things easy we’ve included the below table to show the most popular holiday activities in each location:
| Activities | Chiang Mai | Phuket |
| Beach bumming | ✅ | |
| Surfing | ||
| Temple hopping | ✅ | |
| Island hopping | ✅ | |
| Cooking class | ✅ | ✅ |
| Rainforest trek | ✅ | |
| Volcano trek | ||
| Rice fields | ✅ | |
| Shopping | ✅ | ✅ |
| Elephant experience | ✅ | ✅ |
| Wildlife encounters | ✅ | |
| Diving/snorkelling | ✅ | |
| Waterfall chasing | ✅ | |
| Boat Trips | ✅ |
Phuket vs Chiang Mai – Day Trips / Tours
There’s no way you’re going all the way to Thailand and not booking some day trips. Although they can get pricey, and with so many fun and adventurous activities to do, you’re going to have to make some hard choices.
Below are some of the most popular day trips you should be booking to make sure you have the best holiday and experience the best of Thailand:
Day Trips / Tours In Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, the ultimate excursions are always going to include hiking, wildlife and cultural immersion.
With this in mind here are our top 3 recommendations to add to your itinerary if you should choose to go to Chiang Mai:
📸 Best Chiang Mai Street Food Tour: Small-Group Chiang Mai Evening Street Food Tour
📸 Best Chiang Mai Trekking Tour: Doi Inthanon Private Tour with Trek & Lunch
📸 Best Chiang Mai City Tour on an E-bike: Half-day Hilly E-bike Adventure
📸 Best Wildlife Experience in Chiang Mai: 3 Experiences – Doi Inthanon Tour, Elephant Sanctuary, Trekking Trail
Check for other Tours in Chiang Mai below:
Viator | GetYourGuide | Klook
Day Trips / Tour Phuket
For Phuket, the ultimate excursions are going to be more water and adventure-based like snorkelling, island hopping and jungle expeditions.
Here are our top 3 recommendations to add to your itinerary if you should choose to go to Phuket:
📸 Best Phuket Snorkelling Tour: Full-Day Racha Noi and Racha Yai Snorkeling from Phuket
📸 Best Phuket ATV Adventure and Jungle Ride: ATV And Zipline Experience in Phuket Paradise
📸 Best Island Hopping Excursion from Phuket: Phi Phi Island Hopping Day Trip by Speed Boat from Phuket
Check for other Tours in Phuket below:
Viator | GetYourGuide | Klook
Chiang Mai Versus Phuket – Accommodation
Once you’ve decided on the type of accommodation you want to stay in, choosing between Chiang Mai and Phuket might become easier. Although they both offer the same accommodations ranging from budget to luxury, Phuket will always outdo Chiang Mai when it comes to luxury.
Accommodation In Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai does have a range of accommodations catering to all tastes and budgets, however there are more budget to mid-level hotels available.
In the old city, you’ll find charming guesthouses, hostels and boutique hotels, offering a more intimate and cultural experience. One thing which we really liked was that the guesthouses often combine traditional Thai architecture and local hospitality.
Nimmanhaemin Road is dotted with trendy hotels and serviced apartments, perfect if you’re looking for a modern and stylish stay.
For luxury, your best bet is to head to the outskirts of Chiang Mai which provides resorts surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil landscapes.
Here are our top Chiang Mai accommodation picks depending on budget:
🏨Ultimate Treat: Cross Chiang Mai Riverside gets amazing reviews and is considered the #1 best hotel to stay at in Chiang Mai.
🏨Luxury (100 USD and Up): Phra Singh Village is centrally located within the Old City as is Chala Number 6.
🏨Mid-Range (30 USD to 100 USD): De Chai the Deco Chiang Mai Hotel woth its beautiful resort facilities and De Charme Hotel.
🏨Budget (Up to 30 USD): Nature Boutique Hotel and Roseate Hotel are centrally located in Chiang Mai Old City.
Check availability on accommodation options in Chiang Mai below:
Agoda | Booking.com | Hostelworld
