chiang mai or chiang rai?
Northern Thailand's two cities, about 3 hours apart by road, and both built around temples, khao soi and cooler air in the hills. Chiang Mai is bigger and easier, with a direct flight from KL and more to do, while Chiang Rai is smaller and slower, known for the White Temple and the hills towards the Golden Triangle.
chiang mai
Dear group chat,Old-city temples, khao soi at every meal and cooler air up in the hills.Read the guide →To: whoever’s drivingChiang MaiTH, Chiang Mai
chiang rai
Dear group chat,Laid-back north with the White Temple, Blue Temple and tea hills nearby.Read the guide →To: whoever’s drivingChiang RaiTH, Chiang Rai
- From KL
- chiang maiAbout 1,760 km
- chiang raiAbout 1,880 km
- Best months
- chiang maiNov–Feb
- chiang raiNov–Feb
- Vibe
- chiang maiLaid-back city around a moated old town
- chiang raiSmaller, slower town with striking new temples
- Temples
- chiang maiDoi Suthep and dozens of old-city wats
- chiang raiThe White Temple, Blue Temple and Black House
- Day trips
- chiang maiDoi Inthanon and elephant sanctuaries
- chiang raiThe Golden Triangle and the tea hills of Mae Salong
- Getting there
- chiang maiAbout 2.5 hours' direct flight from KL
- chiang raiVia Bangkok, or via Chiang Mai and 3 hours by road
- Halal food
- chiang maiEasier; halal khao soi near the night bazaar
- chiang raiFewer options, so plan ahead
- How long
- chiang mai3–4 days
- chiang rai2–3 days
Go chiang mai if…
- you want the direct flight
- café hopping in Nimman and the Sunday Walking Street are on the list
- you'd like to visit an elephant sanctuary that doesn't offer rides
- you have three or four days and want more to do
Go chiang rai if…
- the White Temple is the photo you've been saving
- you'd like to stand where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet
- you want a quieter town with fewer crowds
- tea plantations in the hills sound better than city cafés
The verdict
Chiang Mai has more to do and a direct flight, so it's the easier pick for most groups; Chiang Rai is quieter, with temples you won't see anywhere else. Can't decide? Base yourself in Chiang Mai and do Chiang Rai as a long day trip or an overnight. Both are best from November to February and hazy in March and April.