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

Should you visit Paphos or Chiang Mai?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Chiang Mai, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Paphos

Paphos is a cultural, coastal, and overlooked town. Paphos is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Paphos travel costs.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a laid-back, friendly, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Chiang Mai is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food. See Chiang Mai travel costs.

Paphos and Chiang Mai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paphos or Chiang Mai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai. Although Paphos and Chiang Mai are both popular with visitors, Chiang Mai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chiang Mai is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Paphos is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Paphos and is popular for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. It is also home to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Paphos is popular for its historical sights, rich culture, and beautiful churches.

How is Paphos different from Chiang Mai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Paphos and Chiang Mai have world-class landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Paphos that are not to be missed. The area is well known for its impressive archeological ruins, many of which are found at Paphos Archaeological Site. Other impressive sights include the Tombs of the Kings, the Chrysopolitissa Basilica & St. Paul's Pillar, Agia Paraskevi, and Paphos Fort.

The museums and tourist attractions in Chiang Mai are world-renowned. 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.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at world-class restaurants in both Paphos and Chiang Mai.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Paphos is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Food is a huge part of the culture and family life in the area. The cuisine is influenced by the surrounding areas and you'll see similarities to Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Popular dishes include koupepia (vine leaves stuffed with a filling called gemista), souvlaki (a meat and salad filled pita), and makaronia tou fournou (a pasta dish made with halloumi and béchamel sauce).

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.

Is Paphos or Chiang Mai Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Chiang Mai know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Paphos has a few options to choose from. Most people think of history, culture, beaches, and wine, but the city also has its share of clubs and bars. It's not the party-hard beach destination that you'll find at some Mediterranean tourist areas, but there are still plenty of bars and clubs with atmosphere and style. Head to Agiou Antoniou Street for the most action.

Is Paphos or Chiang Mai Better for Resorts?

Paphos is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Chiang Mai is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Paphos for its luxury resorts. The area is filled with all types of resorts. There are many all-inclusive resorts that cater to families, honeymooners, or luxury vacationers. If you want to experience more of the local culture, there are also smaller boutique hotels or local apartments available.

Chiang Mai is not a resort destination.

Is Paphos or Chiang Mai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paphos is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Chiang Mai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Paphos. There are many snorkeling and dive spots that aren't far away. You'll also find a number of scuba or snorkeling excursions that you can join. The water conditions for snorkeling and diving are best during the summer months.

Chiang Mai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paphos or Chiang Mai Better for Beaches?

Paphos is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Paphos offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Many people head to the area specifically for the beaches. This region has the longest coastline of any region in Cyprus, but keep in mind that some of the best beaches are found outside of the main tourist areas. However, they most are usually accessible by city bus with many remote stretches found along the Akamas Peninsula. Within town the beaches are often rocky and pebbly.

Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Is Paphos or Chiang Mai Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is a great destination for its historic old town. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

Many visitors go to Chiang Mai to see the historical old town. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Paphos. The old town is a pleasant area to walk around with a number of interesting buildings. The area was revitalized in 2017 and there are many historical sites. It's also fun to go shopping at Kennedy Square and Makariou Avenue.

Is Paphos or Chiang Mai Better for Hiking?

Chiang Mai is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Paphos is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Chiang Mai draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Paphos is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paphos or Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is renowned for shopping. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Chiang Mai is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Paphos is well-known for its shopping. There are outdoor markets, major shopping streets, and international fashion brands. You can pick up local souvenirs or beach gear that you may have forgotten.

Is Paphos or Chiang Mai More Beautiful?

Paphos and Chiang Mai both are comparable with their great scenery and beauty.

Paphos is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The area is known for its world-renowned archeological ruins, stunning beaches, and beautiful outdoor setting.

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.

Is Paphos or Chiang Mai Better for Families?

Paphos and Chiang Mai are both great destinations for the whole family.

Paphos is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Head to the beach or take a walk along the coastline. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to the zoo, bird park, or aquarium and young thrill seekers will enjoy a day at the Aqua-park of Aphrodite. And, of course, there's also the ruins that kids can have fun exploring.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Chiang Mai is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Paphos or Chiang Mai Better for Couples?

Paphos is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Paphos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Honeymooners who enjoy history, nature, beaches, and culture will find it all in the area. There are stunning beaches where you can relax in the sun, world renowned archeological ruins where you can immerse yourself in a historical world, and beautiful views around every corner. There are also excellent restaurants and wine tasting opportunities that will make for a memorable trip.

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.

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

Chiang Mai is renowned for backpackers. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chiang Mai is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Many backpackers visit Paphos. The area is generally accessible with a few good hostels and budget accommodation options sprinkled about. There are great beaches and restaurants as well as plenty of beautiful places to enjoy a walk.

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

Paphos is a great town for times when you don't have a car. Also, Chiang Mai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Paphos is fairly effecient and thorough. It's possible to get around by city bus to most places. Buses connect many touristy areas such as Kato Paphos, Tombs of the Kings, Chloraka, Kissonerga, Coral Bay and Paphos Center.

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

Is Paphos or Chiang Mai a more walkable city?

Paphos and Chiang Mai both are good when exploring on foot.

Paphos is somewhat walkable. The main tourist area is Kato Paphos which is small, compact and easy to walk around, but if you want to head to areas further away then you likely won't be able to travel on foot. It's important to understand where your hotel is located if you're planning to explore on foot.

Chiang Mai is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Paphos Worth Visiting? and Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chiang Mai or Paphos?

How long in Paphos or Chiang Mai?

Both Paphos 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 Paphos. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paphos, and 2-7 days is enough time in Chiang Mai.

Families should spend more time in Paphos than Chiang Mai. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Paphos, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Paphos than Chiang Mai. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Paphos that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the coastal town of Paphos, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Chiang Mai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Paphos or Chiang Mai?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Paphos, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Chiang Mai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Paphos or Chiang Mai?

Paphos, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chiang Mai. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Paphos or Chiang Mai?

Paphos 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.

Chiang Mai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, 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 Paphos and Chiang Mai, we can see that Paphos is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Paphos 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 Paphos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paphos 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 Paphos Expensive? and Is Chiang Mai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Paphos or Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos 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 Paphos or Chiang Mai?

Paphos 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 Paphos or Chiang Mai in the Summer?

Both Chiang Mai and Paphos during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Paphos for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.

Paphos is cooler than Chiang Mai in the summer. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

It's quite sunny in Paphos. In the summer, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Chiang Mai. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 146 hours of full sun.

Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Paphos usually gets less rain in July than Chiang Mai. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 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 Paphos or Chiang Mai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Chiang Mai. Many visitors come to Paphos in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Paphos is cooler than Chiang Mai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Paphos in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Chiang Mai averages at about 29°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In Paphos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Chiang Mai during autumn. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 226 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Paphos usually receives less rain than Chiang Mai. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 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 Paphos or Chiang Mai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Chiang Mai. Most visitors come to Paphos for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.

In January, Paphos is generally much colder than Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 12°C (53°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. In the winter, Paphos often gets less sunshine than Chiang Mai. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 283 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets more rain in January than Chiang Mai. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 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 Paphos or Chiang Mai in the Spring?

Both Chiang Mai and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Paphos because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. Paphos is much colder than Chiang Mai in the spring. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paphos. Paphos usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chiang Mai during spring. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paphos usually receives less rain than Chiang Mai. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 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 Paphos