Almaty
Kazakhstan
Chiang Mai
Thailand
Almaty
Chiang Mai
π° Budget
π‘οΈ Safety
Almaty
Almaty is reasonably safe but more cosmopolitan and fast-paced than smaller Central Asian cities. Petty crime like pickpocketing exists in crowded areas. Taxi scams are common.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is one of the safest cities in Southeast Asia for travelers. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare, though petty theft and scams exist. The biggest health concern is air quality during burning season (February-April).
β Ratings
π€οΈ Weather
Almaty
Almaty has a continental climate with four distinct seasons. The mountains create a microclimate with more precipitation than the surrounding steppe.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has a tropical savanna climate with three distinct seasons: hot, rainy, and cool. The city sits in a valley which traps heat and, unfortunately, smoke during the burning season (February-April).
π Getting Around
Almaty
Almaty is a large, spread-out city. The metro has one line that covers the center, and ride-hailing apps are the main way to get around.
Walkability: Moderate β the city center around Panfilov Park and Green Bazaar is walkable, but the city is large and built on a gentle slope. The grid layout makes navigation easy.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai lacks a metro or rail system, so getting around relies on songthaews (red shared trucks), tuk-tuks, Grab ride-hailing, and rented scooters. The Old City is compact enough to walk or cycle. The city is currently building a light rail system planned for future years.
Walkability: The Old City is very walkable β roughly 1.5 km on each side β and most major temples are within easy walking distance of each other. The Nimmanhaemin area is also pedestrian-friendly. Beyond these areas, distances grow and motorized transport is needed.
The Verdict
Choose Almaty if...
you want Kazakhstan's leafy ex-capital with the Tian Shan at your back β Medeu ice rink, Shymbulak ski, Kolsai lakes, and Soviet-era Panfilov Park
Choose Chiang Mai if...
you want northern Thailand's temple city β Doi Suthep sunsets, Sunday Walking Street, ethical elephant sanctuaries, and Songkran soaked to the bone
Chiang Mai