- Is Chiang Mai the Same as Chiang Rai?
- What Are the Differences between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai?
- Is Chiang Rai Worth Visiting?
- Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai: Things to Do
- Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai: Length of Stay
- Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai: Weather
- Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai: Travel Costs
- Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai: Accommodation
- Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai: Nightlife
You may be confused by Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, as they are have similar-sounding names. But they are indeed two different cities in Thailand. Our article will tell you more about them.
Is Chiang Mai the Same as Chiang Rai?

No. Although Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have some similarities, such as they are both in northern Thailand, are full of beautiful temples, and have similar-sounding names, however, these two cities are different in several aspects.
Chiang Mai is close to Chiang Rai at 3½ hours' drive away, and Chiang Rai is further north, near the borders of Laos and Myanmar. >>>How to Get to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai
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Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
Three weeks encompassing Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Laos. Albee Ning arranged everything perfectly. Not a flaw in the whole 3 weeks. Guides, flights (7 in total), hotels, private tours…everything was excellent. Travelling on a private tour gave us so much freedom to change our day if we chose to rest or go somewhere else. MoreDeby, Feb 2023
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Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
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Our trip to Thailand comprised three generations of the family , ten people and an age range of 4 to 70 so a potentially difficult brief.Our itinerary over two weeks involved four locations, and a number of different trips and tours.From out arrival at an extremely busy Bangkok airport Asia Highlights were terrific.In each location we were met by a smiling , knowledgeable and professional guide who simply made everything easy and stress free for everyone.Our transportation was clean and comfortable . Transport was always ready for us at the agreed time and the drivers were excellent.There were so many highlights enjoyed by all the age groups. The floating houses , railway market and elephant sanctuary were particular favourites.We had one minor glitch with the accommodation in Phuket which was immediately dealt with by Tip. I think we would have struggled to resolve the problem by ourselves. So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back. MoreRoger Pyle, Feb 2023
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Family Trip to Thailand
So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back. MoreRoger Pyle, Feb 2023
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Trip of a lifetime from Asia Highlights!
I recommend highly Asia Highlights as a travel company. Our travel consultant Albee took the time to connect with us during the planning process to make sure we were comfortable with our itinerary. When we arrived, we were met by our guide and all the details were attended to. They picked great hotels and tours. I often describe our trip as the trip of a lifetime! Would definitely use them again when we come back to Asia MoreNancy Parker, Feb 2023
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Asia Highlights and Albee - highly recommended
Asia Highlights is very reliable agency and Albee is an amazing representative of the company. From the moment when we contacted her until our departure, the whole support we received was 6* level. She prepared our trip offer within few hours and afterwards she was extremely flexible to adjust as per our needs. In the period between the offer and the trip, Albee was always available for all our questions and supported us on the best possible way. During the trip she was again flexible to add new activities/transfers and this went on the smoothest possible way. Thank you, Albee and Asia Highlights. Definitely we will approach you again for our next Asian trip MoreAZ, Feb 2023
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What Are the Differences between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai?
Is Chiang Rai Worth Visiting?

Yes. Chiang Rai is close to Chiang Mai, so a trip to Chiang Mai is usually combined with Chiang Rai.
The landscape, ethnic villages, and interesting temples in Chiang Rai will show you what northern Thailand is really like.
Chiang Rai has three biggest highlights that you cannot experience in other cities in Thailand:
- The Golden Triangle: You will see the border of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, which used to be the chaotic opium trade area, but now is a peaceful place with green mountains and rivers.
- Hill tribe villages: You will discover the lifestyle of northern rural Thai people
- Unique temples: Chiang Rai has many special and interesting temples, like the White Temple, Black Temple, and Blue Temple.
Here is our sample itinerary of a 6-day Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai tour:
- Day 1: Bangkok to Chiang Rai flight. Free time to explore.
- Day 2: The Golden Triangle
- Day 3: Temple visits, private transfer to Chiang Mai
- Day 4: Temple visits
- Day 5: Elephant experience
- Day 6: Departure
If you are interested in the itinerary, you can get more details here. We also have a 8-Day Bangkok, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai tour for your reference. All our tours can be customized based on your needs and preferences.
Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai: Things to Do
Chiang Mai offers a more diverse selection of activities, which makes it perfect both for families, young people, and seniors. Chiang Rai on the other hand, is more suitable for rural traveling in its surrounding areas.
Things to Do in Chiang Mai

- Attend the grand Yi Peng Festival
- Visit the elephant sanctuary
- Visit temples
- Take a cooking class
- Visit the weekend/night markets
- Trips on the side: Doi Suthep Mountain or Doi Inthanon National Park
>>>Top 20 Attractions in Chiang Mai
Things to Do in Chiang Rai

- Visit temples
- Trips on the side: the Golden Triangle, visit ethnic villages
>>>Top 7 Attractions in Chiang Rai
Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai: Length of Stay

Chiang Mai: 3–5 days is recommended to cover the most famous attractions in Chiang Mai, including the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, Doi Suthep Mountain, Three Kings Monument area (food streets), and Yi Peng Festival celebration (in November). >>>An Ultimate 5-Day Itinerary for Chiang Mai (Cost, Best Times, Tips)
Here is a 5-Day Chiang Mai highlights tour itinerary including Yi Peng Festival for reference. All our tours can be adjusted based on your needs.
Chiang Rai: 2–3 days would be enough to cover the most famous attractions in Chiang Rai, including various temples (the White Temple, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, etc.), the Golden Triangle, and Mekong River.
Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai: Weather

Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are close to each other, so they have similar weather conditions. Chiang Rai is further north, so it's 2-3 degrees colder than Chiang Mai.
March to June is Thailand's "hot season", but they are cooler than Bangkok due their northerly location.
July to early October is the rainy season. Chiang Mai's rains are heaviest in September, while Chiang Rai's are in August.
November to February is the dry and cool-to-warm season, and also the peak season for tourism. The temperature average for the season in Chiang Mai is 23°C (73°F). Chiang Rai is cooler averaging 21°C (70°F). At night time the temperatures can drop to 10–15°C (50–59°F).
Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai: Travel Costs

Chiang Mai will cost more than Chiang Rai.
Chiang Mai has more attractions and more shopping, food, and hotel choices, thus, it costs more compared with Chiang Rai.
Most activities in Chiang Rai are based on landscape and countryside visits, which need a lower budget. Hotels, shopping, and food also have cheaper choices.
Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai: Accommodation
You will find more accommodation options in Chiang Mai, but overall Chiang Rai offers the cheaper rates.
Chiang Mai: As the second-largest city in Thailand, so you can expect plenty of accommodation options for all budgets. >>>How to Choose Hotels in Chiang Mai
Chiang Rai has a good number of hostels and hotels but there are fewer than you will find in the larger city of Chiang Mai. Hotels in Chiang Rai may have a lower standard than Chiang Mai for the same star rating. >>>How to Choose a Hotel in Chiang Rai
Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai: Nightlife

Chiang Mai is by far the best option for nightlife, but Chiang Rai is better for those that prefer to relax.
Chiang Mai: As a large city, you will find a bustling nightlife in Chiang Mai. Pubs, bars, and specialty nights can be found throughout Chiang Mai. >>Nightlife in Chiang Mai
Chiang Rai: Nightlife is not one of the strong points of Chiang Rai, but you will always find something to do. >>Nightlife in Chiang Rai
Easy and Safe Booking with Us
Just use the Contact Us button and tell us your interests, group size, travel ideas, or anything you have a question about, and we will create a trip based on that. Or you can see our popular Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai tours for inspiration:
- 10-Day Best of Thailand during Yi Peng Festival (Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Phuket)
- 8-Day Northern Thailand Discovery (Bangkok – Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai – Sukhothai)
- 2-Week Thailand Getaway Tour for Couples (Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Koh Samui)
All the itineraries can be adjusted. Feel free to contact us.
Why Travel with Asia Highlights During the Pandemic
- Tailor-made experience: All of your ideas/needs will be carefully considered to create your ideal trip.
- Worry-free planning: Your 1:1 travel consultant in Asia will take all the uncertainty out of your planning, helping you navigate any travel restrictions.
- No-risk booking: 100% refund policy! (prior to 3 weeks before departure, more details)
Get Inspired with Our Sample Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.