Chiang Mai
Thailand
Kaohsiung
Taiwan
Chiang Mai
Kaohsiung
π° Budget
π‘οΈ Safety
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).
Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung is very safe for travelers. Taiwan has one of the lowest crime rates in Asia, and locals are famously helpful and friendly. The main risks are weather-related.
β Ratings
π€οΈ Weather
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).
Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung has a tropical climate β warm year-round with a distinct wet season from May to September. Winters are dry and pleasantly warm, making it one of Taiwan's best cold-season destinations.
π Getting Around
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.
Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung has an MRT (metro), light rail loop, buses, and ferries. The city is also very bikeable with an extensive YouBike network.
Walkability: Moderate to high β the Pier-2 waterfront, Yancheng, and Cijin Island are very walkable. The wider city benefits from MRT and bike combinations.
The Verdict
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
Choose Kaohsiung if...
you want Taiwan's sunny southern port β Lotus Pond pagodas, Liuhe night market, Cijin Island ferry, Pier-2 Art Center, and HSR 90-minute rides to Taipei
Chiang Mai
Kaohsiung