Chiang Mai
Thailand
Shanghai
China
Chiang Mai
Shanghai
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).
Shanghai
Shanghai is one of the safest major cities in the world. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. The main concerns are petty scams, pickpocketing in crowded areas, and traffic.
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).
Shanghai
Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and muggy, winters are damp and chilly, and the transitional seasons are the most pleasant for sightseeing.
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.
Shanghai
Shanghai has one of the world's most extensive metro systems with 20 lines and over 500 stations. Combined with affordable taxis, ride-hailing, and buses, getting around is easy.
Walkability: High in key areas β the Bund, French Concession, Jing'an, and Nanjing Road are very walkable. The city as a whole is too spread out to walk between districts.
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 Shanghai if...
you want China's financial skyline β Bund sunrise, Pudong Pearl Tower, Yu Garden, French Concession plane trees, and Shanghai soup dumplings (xiaolongbao)
Chiang Mai
Shanghai