Q: How much does a week in Chiang Mai cost on average compared to Pattaya?

In Chiang Mai , a week for two with a 3* hotel (€35/night), local meals (€25/day), activities (€15/day) and transport (€5/day) costs about €560–620 . In Pattaya , with a 3–4* beachfront (€70/night), meals (€30/day), activities/island (€20/day) and transport (€6/day) it goes up to €820–900 . By choosing guesthouses (€20–25/night) and street food (€12–18/day) you can reduce Chiang Mai to €380–450 and Pattaya to €560–650 for 7 days.

Q: What is the fastest and cheapest way to go from Bangkok to Chiang Mai or Pattaya?

For Pattaya : airport bus from Suvarnabhumi 2 h at €3.5 or Bell Travel 2 h at €7.7; taxi 1h30–2 h at €31–46. For Chiang Mai : flight 1h15 at €20–60 (from BKK/DMK with checked bag often +€8–15). Budget alternative: night train 11–13 h at €20–51 (berth), VIP bus 9–10 h at €15–23. Book flights 2–4 weeks in advance for fares under €40 .

Q: When to avoid Chiang Mai and when to avoid Pattaya?

Avoid Chiang Mai between February–April due to smog (PM2.5 often 100–200 µg/m³). If you go, plan indoor activities and use an N95 . Avoid Pattaya in late September–October if you want calm seas: rainfall 200–250 mm/month and waves. For beaches and islands, aim for November–February ; for Chiang Mai trekking and temples, choose November–January (15–28°C).

Q: Is it better to stay in the Old City or Nimmanhaemin in Chiang Mai?

For first-time visits, the Old City is ideal: temples like Wat Phra Singh are 5–10 min on foot and songthaew are €0.5. In Nimmanhaemin you’re close to cafes, One Nimman and Maya Mall ; perfect if you work remotely. Grab Old City↔Nimman costs €2–3 (2–3 km, 8–12 min). 3* hotels in the Old City €30–50; in Nimman 3–4* €45–80 with more modern rooms.

Q: Which Pattaya beaches are best for families and how far are they?

Jomtien Beach (6 km from the center; 15–20 min) is the most family-friendly: wide promenade, sunbeds €2–3 and soft water sports. Wong Amat (3–4 km; 10–15 min) is quieter and cleaner. For clearer water, take the ferry to Koh Larn (€0.8; 35–45 min) and head to Samae Beach (sunbeds €2.5). Avoid central Pattaya Beach on weekend evenings due to traffic and crowds.

Q: Is it safe to rent a scooter in Thailand? Prices and tips.

Yes, but use caution. In Chiang Mai a scooter costs €6–8/day (deposit/passport) and in Pattaya €7–10/day. Always wear a helmet (fine ~€13) and bring an international motorcycle license. Avoid highways like the Superhighway and ride within 40–50 km/h in town. Document every scratch with photos/video. Fuel €1.1–1.3/l ; 2–3 l are enough for 60–80 km.

Q: What are the best day trips from Chiang Mai and from Pattaya with costs?

From Chiang Mai : Doi Inthanon (90 km; tour 8–10 h; €35–55), Bua Tong (60 km; €0 entrance; car/Grab €25–35/day), Elephant Nature Park (€65–77). From Pattaya : Koh Larn (ferry €0.8; 35–45 min), Nong Nooch (€13; 3–4 h), Rayong /Ban Phe for quieter beaches (85 km; 1h45; minivan €4–6). Plan departures 08:00–09:00 to avoid traffic.

Q: Can I pay for everything by card or do I need cash?

In Pattaya’s malls (e.g., Central Festival , Terminal 21 ) cards are accepted almost everywhere; at markets and street food stalls you need cash. In Chiang Mai , temples and small restaurants often require cash. Withdraw 3,000–5,000 THB ( €77–128 ) at a time to reduce fees (ATM ~€2–6). Use no-fee cards and enable contactless where available.

Question 1

How much does a week in Chiang Mai cost on average compared to Pattaya?

Accepted Answer

In Chiang Mai, a week for two with a 3* hotel (€35/night), local meals (€25/day), activities (€15/day) and transport (€5/day) costs about €560–620. In Pattaya, with a 3–4* beachfront (€70/night), meals (€30/day), activities/island (€20/day) and transport (€6/day) it goes up to €820–900. By choosing guesthouses (€20–25/night) and street food (€12–18/day) you can reduce Chiang Mai to €380–450 and Pattaya to €560–650 for 7 days.

Question 2

How to get from Chiang Mai to Pattaya?

Accepted Answer

There is no practical direct connection between Chiang Mai and Pattaya (roughly 850 km by road): you go through Bangkok. The best option is the CNX–BKK flight (1h10–1h20, €25–60), then a bus to Pattaya (2 hours, €3.5–8) or a taxi (1h30–2 hours, €31–46). Door to door it takes 4–5 hours and the total spend is about €30–70. A slower, cheaper alternative is the night train to Bangkok (11–13 hours, €20–51) plus the bus (€3–7). Tip: pick a morning flight and leave a buffer for the transfer between the airport and the bus station.

Question 3

What is the fastest and cheapest way to go from Bangkok to Chiang Mai or Pattaya?

Accepted Answer

For Pattaya: airport bus from Suvarnabhumi 2 h at €3.5 or Bell Travel 2 h at €7.7; taxi 1h30–2 h at €31–46. For Chiang Mai: flight 1h15 at €20–60 (from BKK/DMK with checked bag often +€8–15). Budget alternative: night train 11–13 h at €20–51 (berth), VIP bus 9–10 h at €15–23. Book flights 2–4 weeks in advance for fares under €40.

Question 4

When to avoid Chiang Mai and when to avoid Pattaya?

Accepted Answer

Avoid Chiang Mai between February–April due to smog (PM2.5 often 100–200 µg/m³). If you go, plan indoor activities and use an N95. Avoid Pattaya in late September–October if you want calm seas: rainfall 200–250 mm/month and waves. For beaches and islands, aim for November–February; for Chiang Mai trekking and temples, choose November–January (15–28°C).

Question 5

Is it better to stay in the Old City or Nimmanhaemin in Chiang Mai?

Accepted Answer

For first-time visits, the Old City is ideal: temples like Wat Phra Singh are 5–10 min on foot and songthaew are €0.5. In Nimmanhaemin you’re close to cafes, One Nimman and Maya Mall; perfect if you work remotely. Grab Old City↔Nimman costs €2–3 (2–3 km, 8–12 min). 3* hotels in the Old City €30–50; in Nimman 3–4* €45–80 with more modern rooms.

Question 6

Which Pattaya beaches are best for families and how far are they?

Accepted Answer

Jomtien Beach (6 km from the center; 15–20 min) is the most family-friendly: wide promenade, sunbeds €2–3 and soft water sports. Wong Amat (3–4 km; 10–15 min) is quieter and cleaner. For clearer water, take the ferry to Koh Larn (€0.8; 35–45 min) and head to Samae Beach (sunbeds €2.5). Avoid central Pattaya Beach on weekend evenings due to traffic and crowds.

Question 7

Is it safe to rent a scooter in Thailand? Prices and tips.

Accepted Answer

Yes, but use caution. In Chiang Mai a scooter costs €6–8/day (deposit/passport) and in Pattaya €7–10/day. Always wear a helmet (fine ~€13) and bring an international motorcycle license. Avoid highways like the Superhighway and ride within 40–50 km/h in town. Document every scratch with photos/video. Fuel €1.1–1.3/l; 2–3 l are enough for 60–80 km.

Question 8

What are the best day trips from Chiang Mai and from Pattaya with costs?

Accepted Answer

From Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon (90 km; tour 8–10 h; €35–55), Bua Tong (60 km; €0 entrance; car/Grab €25–35/day), Elephant Nature Park (€65–77). From Pattaya: Koh Larn (ferry €0.8; 35–45 min), Nong Nooch (€13; 3–4 h), Rayong/Ban Phe for quieter beaches (85 km; 1h45; minivan €4–6). Plan departures 08:00–09:00 to avoid traffic.

Question 9

Can I pay for everything by card or do I need cash?

Accepted Answer

In Pattaya’s malls (e.g., Central Festival, Terminal 21) cards are accepted almost everywhere; at markets and street food stalls you need cash. In Chiang Mai, temples and small restaurants often require cash. Withdraw 3,000–5,000 THB (€77–128) at a time to reduce fees (ATM ~€2–6). Use no-fee cards and enable contactless where available.

Feature	Chiang Mai	Pattaya
💰 Daily budget	Accommodation: hostel bed €8–12 (Old City, Stamps Backpackers), guesthouse €15–25, 3* €30–50, 4* €60–110, luxury €130–220 (137 Pillars House).Meals: street food €1–3 (khao soi), local restaurant €3–7, midrange €8–15. Transport: songthaew €0.5–1, in-city Grab €2–5, scooter €6–8/day.Activities: temples €1–2, Elephant Nature Park €65–77. Typical budget: €25–45 (backpacker), €60–100 (midrange), €150–250 (luxury).✓ Better	Accommodation: hostel €10–15, 3* €35–60 (Hotel Amber Pattaya), 4* €70–120, 5* beachfront €170–300 (Hilton Pattaya).Meals: street €1.5–3, Thai restaurant €4–9, seaside seafood €12–25. Transport: songthaew €0.3–0.5, moto-taxi €1–2, Grab €2–6. Activities: Sanctuary of Truth €13, Nong Nooch €13, ferry to Koh Larn €0.8.Typical budget: €35–60 (backpacker), €80–130 (midrange), €180–300 (luxury).
🏛️ Top attractions	Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (15 km, 30–40 min; ticket €1.3; 1.5–2 h) with views over the Old City.Wat Chedi Luang (€1.3; 45–60 min) and Wat Phra Singh (€1.3; 45 min) 1 km apart.Elephant Nature Park (60 km, 8–9 h; €65–77 with lunch/transfers).Doi Inthanon (90 km, 2 h; entrance €7.7; tour 8–10 h).Evening markets: Sunday Walking Street (free; 18:00–22:00).	Sanctuary of Truth (5 km from Central; €13; 2–3 h), a teak temple by the sea.Nong Nooch Tropical Garden (18 km; €13; 3–4 h) with shows.Island Koh Larn: ferry €0.8 (35–45 min), beaches Tawaen and Samae (sunbeds €2.5; 3–6 h).Pattaya Viewpoint on Pratumnak (free; 30 min).Museums: Ripley’s (€18; 1–2 h).All attractions are within 20–45 min of the center.
🍽️ Food and restaurants	Northern specialties: khao soi, sai ua (sausage), nam prik ong.Restaurants: Khao Soi Nimman (€2.5–3.5), SP Chicken (€3–6), Huen Phen (€4–8).Markets: Ploen Ruedee (€1–4) and Night Bazaar.Specialty coffee at Ristr8to (€2–3).Cooking class (Thai Farm Cooking) €26–36 (4–6 h).A full local meal costs €3–7; midrange €8–15.✓ Better	Popular picks: fresh seafood, som tam, moo kata (buffet €4–7).Restaurants: Mum Aroi Naklua (€10–25), Surf & Turf Beach Club (€15–30), Leng Kee on Pattaya Klang (€4–8).Street food at Thepprasit Night Market (€1–2) and food court at Terminal 21 (€2–4).Cocktails on Walking Street €3.8–7.7. A Thai meal costs €4–9; seaside seafood €12–25.
☀️ Climate and best time	Nov–Feb: 15–30°C, minimal rain; ideal months for trekking and temples.Mar–May: 24–37°C, hot; from Feb–Apr smog from burnings (PM2.5 often 100–200 µg/m³).May–Oct: 23–31°C, more rain (Aug–Sep 200–250 mm/month, 15–20 days).Recommended period: November–February.Bring an N95 mask between Feb–Apr and plan indoor activities in hot afternoons.	Nov–Feb: 24–31°C, dry and breezy; beaches at their best.Mar–May: 27–33°C, humid; swim mornings/evenings.Jun–Oct: 24–32°C, heavy showers (Sep–Oct 200–250 mm); swimmable sea but possible waves.Water temperature 28–30°C year-round.Recommended period: November–February; in low season bring a poncho and plan islands (Koh Larn) in the morning.✓ Better
🚌 Transport and how to get there	Airport CNX 5 km from the Old City: taxi €4–6 (15–20 min), Smart Bus €0.5 (06:00–23:30).In town: songthaew €0.5–1, Grab €2–5, scooter €6–8/day.From Bangkok: flight 1h15 (€20–60, AirAsia, VietJet), night train 11–13 h (€20–51, 2nd/1st class), VIP bus 9–10 h (€15–23).Doi Suthep 15 km (30–40 min), Bua Tong 60 km (1h30).	From BKK to Pattaya: airport bus €3.5 (2 h), Bell Travel €7.7 (2 h), taxi €31–46 (1h30–2 h).From DMK: bus €4–5 (2h30).In town: songthaew €0.3–0.5, moto-taxi €1–2, Grab €2–6. Airport U-Tapao (UTP) 45 km away: taxi €18–26 (45–60 min).Bali Hai pier for ferry to Koh Larn (€0.8; 35–45 min).Typical intra-city rides 10–25 min.✓ Better
🌙 Nightlife	Old City: Zoe in Yellow (19:00–24:00; beer €1.5–2.6), live music at North Gate Jazz Co-Op (20:30–23:30).Nimmanhaemin area: Warm Up Cafe (21:00–01:30), Beer Lab (craft €3–6).Cocktails €3–6; many venues close by 00:00–01:30.Night transfers by Grab €2–4 between Old City and Nimman (2–3 km, 8–12 min).	Epicenter on Walking Street (19:00–03:00): clubs Insomnia and 808 (entry €0–10 with drink).Areas: Soi LK Metro and Tree Town (bars until 02:00).Beer €2.3–4.1; cocktails €3.8–7.7; shisha lounge €8–12. Taxi/Grab at night €2–5 within 3–5 km.Some go-go bars have happy hour 19:00–21:00.Casual dress code; carry small bills.✓ Better
👨‍👩‍👧 For families with children	Chiang Mai Night Safari (12 km; 2–3 h; €20 adults) with tram.Art in Paradise (3D; €10.3; 1.5–2 h) indoors.Elephant PooPooPaper Park (20 km; €2.6; 1–2 h) creative workshop.The Old City is flat (radius ~1.5 km) but sidewalks are uneven: compact strollers recommended.Transfers between attractions €2–4 by Grab.Family-friendly restaurants in Nimman and malls like Maya Mall (kids’ areas).	Columbia Pictures Aquaverse (20 km; 30–40 min; €22 kids/€32 adults; 4–6 h).Underwater World Pattaya (5 km; €13; 1.5–2 h) sea tunnel.Mini Siam (3 km; €7.7; 1–1.5 h).Strolls on Jomtien Beach (6 km promenade; sunbeds €2–3).Show at Pattaya Dolphinarium (€15–20; 45–60 min).Taxis between attractions €2–5. Many wide sidewalks; full-size stroller ok on Jomtien.✓ Better
🏖️ Beaches and nature	No beaches, but plenty of nature: Doi Inthanon (90 km; entrance €7.7; 8–10 h), Doi Suthep–Pui (15 km; €5.2; 3–4 h), Bua Tong waterfalls (60 km; free; 2–3 h).Treks in Mae Taeng (1 day €30–50; 1–1h30 transfer).Car rental €25–35/day.Ideal if you prefer mountains and villages.	Urban beaches: Pattaya Beach (central) and Jomtien (6 km; quieter).Island Koh Larn: ferry €0.8 (35–45 min) to Tawaen/Samae; sunbeds €2.5; snorkeling €1.3–2.6. Jet ski rental €18–26 (30 min).Hill park Pratumnak (viewpoint; 30–60 min).More marine than terrestrial nature; everything within 5–60 min of the center.✓ Better
🛍️ Shopping	Markets: Sunday Walking Street (18:00–22:00; handicrafts), Saturday Wualai (silver), Warorot (06:00–18:00).Malls/boutiques: One Nimman, Maya Lifestyle Mall.Prices: cotton scarves €4–8, Wualai silver €15–50, local Arabica coffee €6–8/250 g.Great for handicrafts and northern products.✓ Better	Malls: Central Festival Pattaya Beach, Terminal 21, Royal Garden Plaza.Markets: Thepprasit Night Market (Fri–Sun; 18:00–23:00), Pattaya Floating Market (entrance €5.2).Prices: beachwear €5–15, souvenirs €2–6, Thai silk €13–26. Good value for electronics and shopping in air-conditioned malls along the seafront.
🛡️ Safety and practical tips	Generally safe city; pickpocketing at markets.Scooter: helmet mandatory (fine €13).Smog Feb–Apr: use an N95 mask.Limited scams (agree tuk-tuk price beforehand).Useful numbers: emergency 191, tourist police 1155.Hospitals: Chiang Mai Ram Hospital.Avoid the ring road Superhighway by scooter in the evening; use Grab €2–4.✓ Better	Watch out for the jet ski scam (film the craft beforehand), pickpockets on Walking Street, pushy offers.Avoid dark stretches of Pattaya Beach after 02:00.Numbers: emergency 191, tourist police 1155.Alcohol: sales 11:00–14:00 and 17:00–24:00 (bars excluded).Use songthaew (€0.3–0.5) or Grab €2–5; always agree the price in advance with moto-taxis.
📅 How many days you need	Minimum 2 days: Old City (main temples) + Doi Suthep.Ideal 4–5 days: add Doi Inthanon (1 day), a cooking class (€26–36; 4–6 h) or Bua Tong waterfalls (1.5 h by road).Average travel times between attractions 15–45 min.Typical day: temples in the morning, coffee in Nimman, evening market.	Minimum 2 days: Sanctuary of Truth + a day on Koh Larn.Ideal 3–4 days: add Nong Nooch (3–4 h) and a night on Walking Street.Average times: center–pier 10–20 min, ferry 35–45 min, taxi to parks 30–45 min.Typical day: beach in the morning, mall in the afternoon, nightlife in the evening.
🔗 How to combine the two cities	CNX → BKK by plane 1h10–1h20 (€25–60), then bus to Pattaya 2 h (€3.5–8) or taxi 1h30–2 h (€31–46).Alternative: night train Chiang Mai → Bangkok 11–13 h (€20–51) + bus 2–3 h (€3–7).Best period: Nov–Feb.Start in Chiang Mai for cooler weather, finish at the sea.	Pattaya → Bangkok bus 2 h (€3.5–8) → flight to Chiang Mai 1h15 (€20–60).Total door-to-door travel 4–5 h.If available, flights from UTP are limited.Suggested 6–8 day itinerary: 3–4 in Chiang Mai (temples + Doi Inthanon), 3–4 in Pattaya (Koh Larn + Nong Nooch).

Chiang Mai vs Pattaya