A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cesis vs. Chiang Mai for Food, Hiking, Backpackers, and Old Town

Should you visit Cesis or Chiang Mai?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cesis and Chiang Mai can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cesis

Cesis is a small, authentic, and natural town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Cesis is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Cesis travel costs.

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 Chiang Mai is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Chiang Mai travel costs.

Cesis and Chiang Mai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cesis or Chiang Mai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chiang Mai. Although Cesis and Chiang Mai are popular destinations, Chiang Mai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chiang Mai is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cesis attracts visitors for its small town charm. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Cesis 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. Cesis is famous for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

How is Cesis different from Chiang Mai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chiang Mai is renowned for its museums and landmarks. However, Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Chiang Mai is renowned for its restaurant scene. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Chiang Mai have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Cesis may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The town is small so there are a limited number of restaurants to choose from. You'll find some nice cafes and bakeries though where you can enjoy local foods and traditional Latvian dishes.

Is Cesis or Chiang Mai Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Chiang Mai is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Cesis The town is small and many travelers visit as a day trip from Riga, so you'll find limited nightlife options around town.

Is Cesis or Chiang Mai Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is well known for its old town. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its historic old town charm.

Chiang Mai is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

The old town area in Cesis is worth visiting. The old town is small but charming and authentic. There are a few unique sites that are worth visiting as well.

Is Cesis or Chiang Mai Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is renowned for its hiking experiences. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Around Chiang Mai visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Cesis offers some nice hiking trails. The town makes the perfect base for exploring the surrounding Gauja National Park, which has many hiking and cycling trails. Two of the most well known hikes are the Baltic Forest Trail and the Camino Latvia, both or which pass through town. There are also shorter day hikes to choose from as well.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is renowned for its shopping opportunities. However, Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Chiang Mai More Beautiful?

Chiang Mai is well known for its scenery and beauty. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Chiang Mai is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It is famous for it's beautiful surrounding countryside where visitors often enjoy trekking and getting out in nature. The city is also filled with historic temples, night markets, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Cesis offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Head outside of town to experience the hiking trails and natural beauty. The park is best explored during the summer months.

Is Cesis or Chiang Mai Better for Families?

Chiang Mai is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Cesis offers lots of family activities. The Cēsis Medieval Castle has a unique interactive set of tasks and games that the whole family can enjoy. Other fun family-friendly activities around town include adventure parks such as Supervāvere, the camel park of Rakši, and a farmhouse bakery where kids can learn about traditional baking and breadmaking.

Is Cesis or Chiang Mai Better for Couples?

Chiang Mai is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Chiang Mai frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Cesis is a good town for couples to visit. There are a number of outdoor activities that adventurous couples can enjoy. The medieval castle is also a unique place to explore.

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

Chiang Mai is renowned for backpackers. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 backpackers visit Cesis. Many people visit town as a day trip from Riga, so there are a limited number of hotels and hostels to choose from. If you want to enjoy hiking and the area's natural beauty, it is recommend that you spend more time here.

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

Chiang Mai is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Cesis is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Chiang Mai, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

Public transit is quite limited in Cesis. There are some bus options, but to thoroughly explore the surrounding area you'll really need access to a car.

Is Cesis or Chiang Mai a more walkable city?

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

Cesis is a somewhat walkable place. It's fun to explore old town on foot but many places in the surrounding countryside require a car to access.

Chiang Mai is a somewhat walkable town. 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 Cesis Worth Visiting? and Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chiang Mai or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Chiang Mai?

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

Families should spend more time in Chiang Mai than Cesis. 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 Cesis. 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 Cesis 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 Cesis or Chiang Mai?

Cesis might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cesis, one day is sufficent for most.

Each neighborhood in Chiang Mai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Cesis or Chiang Mai?

Even though Cesis is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Mai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Cesis or Chiang Mai?

Cesis, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. 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 fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Chiang Mai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Cesis or Chiang Mai?

Cesis 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.

Each neighborhood in Chiang Mai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Cesis and Chiang Mai, we can see that Cesis is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cesis 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 Cesis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cesis 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 Cesis Expensive? and Is Chiang Mai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis 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 Cesis or Chiang Mai?

Cesis 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 Cesis or Chiang Mai in the Summer?

Both Chiang Mai and Cesis during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cesis this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.

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

Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cesis usually gets less rain in July than Chiang Mai. Cesis 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 is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.

Should I visit Cesis or Chiang Mai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Chiang Mai. Many travelers come to Cesis for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

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

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

Should I visit Cesis or Chiang Mai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Chiang Mai. Many visitors come to Cesis in the winter for the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.

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

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

Should I visit Cesis or Chiang Mai in the Spring?

Both Chiang Mai and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cesis for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

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

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

Typical Weather for Chiang Mai and Cesis