Chiang MaivsUbud
Can't decide between Chiang Mai and Ubud? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is Thailand's cultural capital, a laid-back city surrounded by misty mountains and ancient temples. This spiritual hub offers cooking classes, ethical elephant sanctuaries, vibrant night markets, and a thriving digital nomad community.
Known for
Ubud
Ubud is Bali's spiritual and cultural heart, a town of rice terraces, yoga retreats, art galleries, and ancient temples surrounded by lush jungle. Made famous by "Eat Pray Love," this wellness haven offers traditional dance performances, monkey forests, and some of Indonesia's best cuisine.
Known for
Plan your Chiang Mai or Ubud trip
Create a personalized Chiang Mai or Ubud itinerary with AI. Just describe your travel style and we'll do the rest.
Head-to-Head Comparison
See how these destinations stack up in key categories
Culture & History
Chiang Mai offers Doi Suthep Temple, Old City Temples, Sunday Walking Street
Ubud offers Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Sacred Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul Temple
Food & Dining
Chiang Mai is famous for its local dining scene
Ubud is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Chiang Mai offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Ubud offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
November to February
April to October
Weather
Summer: 35°C, Winter: 28°C
Summer: 28°C, Winter: 26°C
Top Attractions in Chiang Mai
- 1Doi Suthep Temple
- 2Old City Temples
- 3Sunday Walking Street
- 4Thai Cooking Classes
- 5Elephant Sanctuaries
- 6Night Bazaar
Top Attractions in Ubud
- 1Tegallalang Rice Terraces
- 2Sacred Monkey Forest
- 3Tirta Empul Temple
- 4Yoga & Wellness Retreats
- 5Ubud Art Market
- 6Traditional Dance Shows
Chiang Mai is Popular With
Ubud is Popular With
Hidden Gems
Discover lesser-known attractions in each city
Hidden Gems in Chiang Mai
- 1
Wat Umong (The Tunnel Temple)
A unique, forested temple complex on the city's outskirts, featuring ancient brick tunnels built into a hillside, a large stupa, and a serene meditation center.
- 2
Baan Kang Wat Artist Village
A charming, purpose-built community of traditional Thai houses housing local artists, craftspeople, and small cafes, located near Wat Umong.
Hidden Gems in Ubud
- 1
Gunung Kawi Sebatu
A serene and lesser-known water temple north of Ubud, dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu.
- 2
Kemenu Bamboo Forest
A stunning, quiet grove of towering bamboo located near the village of Bangkiang Sidem.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover the best areas to visit in each city
Top Areas in Chiang Mai
Old City (Within the Moat)
The historic and spiritual heart of Chiang Mai, defined by its square layout and crumbling brick walls.
Nimmanhaemin (Nimman)
The trendy, modern university district known for its hipster cafes, boutique shops, stylish co-working spaces, and vibrant nightlife.
Top Areas in Ubud
Central Ubud
The bustling heart of Ubud, centered around the Royal Palace and the main market.
Penestanan & Sayan
A quieter, more residential area perched on the western ridges overlooking the Ayung River gorge.
Budget Comparison
Compare the cost of traveling in each city
Budget in Chiang Mai
Budget in Ubud
Book Activities
Find tours and experiences in both cities
Book Activities in Chiang Mai
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Book Activities in Ubud
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Getting There
Compare transport options to both destinations
Find cheap transport to Chiang Mai
Compare prices for trains, buses, and flights to Chiang Mai
Enter your departure city to see prices
Find cheap transport to Ubud
Compare prices for trains, buses, and flights to Ubud
Enter your departure city to see prices
Our Verdict
Both Chiang Mai and Ubud are incredible destinations. Chiang Mai excels in temples and cooking classes, while Ubud stands out for rice terraces and yoga.
Best destination for:
art lovers
Ubud
Ready to plan your adventure?