Comparison · Chiang Mai vs Ubud · Thailand / Indonesia
Chiang Mai vs Ubud
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Nawit science, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Chiang Mai for Doi Suthep, Old city temples, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife; choose Ubud for Rice terraces and Balinese dance. Chiang Mai is generally less expensive, and the two are about 3,521 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 3,521 km
- Less expensive
- Chiang Mai
- Best time for Chiang Mai
- November–February
- Best time for Ubud
- April–June and September
Side by side
| Chiang Mai | Ubud | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Thailand | Indonesia |
| Known for | Doi Suthep, Old city temples and Khao soi | Rice terraces, Balinese dance and Sacred Monkey Forest |
| Best time to visit | November–February | April–June and September |
| Ideal stay | 5 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $60–$140 | $80–$170 |
| Cost level | Very affordable | Affordable |
| Warmest month | April, 36°C (97°F) | April, 31°C (88°F) |
| Coldest month | December, 28°C (82°F) | July, 28°C (82°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 10 | 5 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | CNX | DPS |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Chiang Mai for…
Doi Suthep, Old city temples, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife. Founded in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna kingdom, Chiang Mai keeps a square old city ringed by a moat and fragments of brick wall, with dozens of temples inside. Beyond the moat are the café district of Nimmanhaemin, the Ping River and the forested slopes…
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Choose Ubud for…
Rice terraces and Balinese dance. Ubud is a cluster of villages in the hills of Gianyar regency, about 35 km north of Bali's airport, that grew into the island's centre for painting, dance, yoga and food. The town itself runs along Jalan Raya Ubud, Monkey Forest Road and Jalan Hanoman, with…
Top sights compared
| # | Chiang Mai | Ubud |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wat Phra That Doi Suthep | Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary |
| 2 | Wat Phra Singh | Tegallalang Rice Terraces |
| 3 | Wat Chedi Luang | Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung) |
| 4 | Wat Chiang Man | Pura Taman Saraswati |
| 5 | Tha Phae Gate and the old city walls | Campuhan Ridge Walk |
Food compared
| Chiang Mai | Ubud |
|---|---|
| Khao soi | Babi guling |
| Sai ua | Crispy duck |
| Nam prik noom | Bebek betutu |
| Gaeng hang lay | Nasi campur Bali |
Which is cheaper?
Chiang Mai is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $60–$140 per person there, against $80–$170 in Ubud (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Chiang Mai on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 3,521 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 10 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Chiang Mai or Ubud cheaper?
Chiang Mai is usually less expensive: about $60–$140 a day mid-range against $80–$170 (estimates).
+Is Chiang Mai or Ubud better for a first trip?
Pick Chiang Mai for Doi Suthep, Old city temples, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife, or Ubud for Rice terraces and Balinese dance.
+How far is Chiang Mai from Ubud?
About 3,521 km in a straight line.