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Bangkok or Chiang Mai?
Both are culture, food and shopping destinations in Asia. Bangkok adds nightlife and architecture. Chiang Mai adds history and mountains.
| Bangkok | Chiang Mai | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Thailand | Thailand |
| Cost of a week | mid-priced | cheap |
| Crowds at peak | medium | medium |
| Best months | Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec | Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec |
| Warmest month | March, 33°C | March, 34°C |
| Coolest month | January, 31°C | January, 27°C |
| Known for | Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Chatuchak Market, Lumpini Park | Wat Chedi Luang, Doi Suthep, Warorot Market, Tha Phae Gate |
Month by month, side by side
| Month | Bangkok | Chiang Mai |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31°C | 27°C |
| Feb | 32°C | 29°C |
| Mar | 33°C | 34°C |
| Apr | 33°C | 34°C |
| May | 33°C | 33°C |
| Jun | 33°C | 32°C |
| Jul | 32°C | 31°C |
| Aug | 32°C | 30°C |
| Sep | 31°C | 29°C |
| Oct | 31°C | 29°C |
| Nov | 31°C | 29°C |
| Dec | 31°C | 27°C |
So which one?
Pick Bangkok if…
you want nightlife and architecture.
Pick Chiang Mai if…
you want history and mountains.
Both are at their best in January, February, November, December.
Book whichever wins
Common questions
Is Bangkok or Chiang Mai cheaper?
Bangkok is mid-priced for a week, Chiang Mai is cheap.
Which is warmer, Bangkok or Chiang Mai?
Bangkok peaks at 33°C in March; Chiang Mai peaks at 34°C in March.
Can you do both in one trip?
Yes — they are in the same country, so combining them is straightforward.
Temperatures are measured averages (ERA5, Open-Meteo). Hotel links are partner links — your price is unchanged.