Asia 8 MINS READ

Pattaya vs Chiang Mai: Where You Should Travel To According to Your Personality

Pattaya vs Chiang Mai: Where You Should Travel To According to Your Personality

Asia 8 MINS READ

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Pattaya and Chiang Mai are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. They both have their advantages, but they also each have some disadvantages that you should consider before making up your mind on where to go. Pattaya is an affordable beach city with plenty of nightlife and shopping opportunities. It’s also home to one of the world’s largest water parks, which has just been expanded! However, Pattaya isn’t for everyone – it can be too seedy for families or couples looking for a quiet getaway.

Chiang Mai, on the other hand, offers much more peace and tranquility than Pattaya does. You won’t find as many attractions here as you would in Pattaya either – at least not as many internationally-known ones. Chiang Mai is well known for its temples and quaint, old city streets.

Many people are wondering whether or not Pattaya can really compare with the tranquil paradise that is Chiang Mai – the answer might surprise you!

Pattaya vs Chiang Mai

Pattaya Travel Ideas

Tourist is traveling inside Sanctuary of truth in Pattaya, Thailand.

An exotic travel destination in Thailand, Pattaya is a bustling seaside town stretching 3 mi along the coast. Located just 30 mi from Bangkok, where people celebrate Thai New Year, Pattaya is one of the most popular destinations for those looking for a refreshing swim in Thailand.

What to do in Pattaya? Depending on whether you like to visit ancient monuments, temples, or rather choose to catch some adrenaline while shopping for groceries at Pattaya floating market, or want to improve your knowledge about the ocean by visiting Dolphin World, there is something to do for anyone.

The main attraction Pattaya has to offer is its bustling and fun nightlife. You’ll find all sorts of different clubs and bars, from the tame ‘in’ spots for young locals who want a drink before heading home, to raucous parties that go on until the early hours of the morning.

7 Experiences You Cannot Miss in Pattaya

The building and skyscrapers at twilight time in Pattaya, Thailand. Pattaya city is famous for sea sports and nightlife entertainment.
  1. Shop traditional crafts and produce at Pattaya Floating Market
  2. Visit Sanctuary of Truth from the Ayutthaya period
  3. Look at the city from above at Pattaya View Point
  4. Look at Thailand’s famous ladyboys at the Alcazar Cabaret
  5. Lose yourself partying at Walking Street
  6. Get your Adrenaline booming at the Coral Island
  7. Immerse yourself in the make-believe world at Tuxedo Illusion Hall

Chiang Mai Travel Ideas

Tea plantations on Angkhang mountain, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai, on the other hand, is one of the most history-packed travel destinations you can possibly imagine when visiting South East Asia cities. Located in mountainous Northern Thailand, the city itself dates back over 800 years. Visiting the New City will expose you to traces left by since its earliest history of the Lan Na Kingdom ages, and later golden ages achieved by the proximity and importance of the Ping River trading route.

Today, Chiang Mai, enclosed by its Old City historical walls and moats, is bustling from both locals and tourists, who mingle to raise the spirits of Thai culture, cuisine and visit some of the most important temples, such as 14th century Wat Phra Singh and the later Wat Chedi Luang. However, temples and city history is just a part of what you can see in the destination.

Visit Chiang Mai for the city’s natural beauty, and it’s filled with beaches and mountains. The city also has its fair share of parks and green spaces, all with their own merits – from the serene Wat Phra That Doi Suthep near to the bustling old town, or its gardens like Royal Flora Ratchaphruek. When you want a break from relaxing, there are still plenty of temples to explore and markets that offer designer knockoffs at half price!

For those seeking adrenaline, there are options for kayaking or visiting caves, but those looking for a relaxing vacation to release stress and become more productive can opt for nuat phaen thai, a Thai massage including acupressure, Indian Ayurvedic principles, and assisted yoga.

7 Experiences You Cannot Miss in Chiang Mai

Young woman relaxing in green rice terraces on holiday at pabongpaing village, Mae-Jam Chiang mai, Thailand
  1. Taking a cooking class in Chiang Mai city center and feast on the delicious Thai food
  2. Eat khan toke dinner watching traditional Thai and Northern dances from a safe place at the dinner table.
  3. Go whitewater rafting at Mafeteng River
  4. Eat the Khao Soi, a coconut and curry soup with yellow egg noodles. Sounds happy? 
  5. Get fancy at the trendiest part in Chiang Mai Nimmanhaemin Road
  6. Take a Green Tour to Sticky Waterfalls and Navigate Circuit like Spiderman
  7. Visit the granite grey Inthanon National Park with Shan Hills

Pattaya vs Chiang Mai: Where To Travel To Based On Your Myers-Briggs Personality Type

Young woman relaxing in green rice terraces on holiday at pabongpaing village, Mae-Jam Chiang mai, Thailand

Precisely because each of us travels so differently, it is important to know exactly what are you expecting from your travel. From mingling with crowds and debate world issues with locals to letting your senses go wild by trying all the exotic fruit cocktails in local markets, to quietly wander the streets and appreciate architectural wonders from past and present, there are millions of ways to discover a new destination every time you go on a vacation. CuddlyNest is all about giving people ideas – and today, we present Thai destinations, according to travel experiences you strive for.

The Inspector – ISTJ Personality

If you travel and seem to absorb each and every piece of information, placing it with your pre-developed logistician framework of world functioning, the history-packed excursion with a close friend will be just right for you.

INTJ in Pattaya: Visit Sanctuary of Truth from the Ayutthaya period, which was made entirely from wood Mai Daeng and teakwood. The unique design goes to Mr. Lek Viriyahphan. However, recent discoveries have shown the architecture being from Myanmar.

INTJ in Chiang Mai: Visit the ruins of Wat Chedi Luang, Temple of the Big Stupa. For those trying to get a glimpse of Thai culture and history, visiting the Emerald Buddha, the holiest religious object in all of Thailand is a must.

The Counselor – INFJ Personality

Certainly, travel is more than seeing the sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living. –Miriam Beard

Can you relate? Taking travel slowly, counselors are inquisitive thinkers and will go long lengths to understand the historical arrangements related to their travel.

Just as logisticians, they seek to educate themselves while taking a vacation and visiting a new country. Far from being all about museums, counselors will find joy visiting conferences or diving into antique book stores.

INFJ in Pattaya: Rubber Land – a museum all about rubber production, from harvesting to your childhood rubber ball machine 

INFJ in Chiang Mai: Visit Tribal Museum. Open on weekdays, the museum hosts a monthly handmade good market

The Mastermind – INTJ Personality

The masterminds or Architects will enjoy solitude. The most satisfied when on solo travel to some historical location, they will surely abide by learning and improving, and finding a  friend – mentor to source a new knowledge from.

INTJ Pattaya: Buddhist art museum  พิพิธภัณฑ์พุทธศิลปะ หนองปรือ

INTJ Chiang Mai: Museum of World Insects and Natural wonders

The Giver – ENFJ Personality

Protagonists or ENFJ givers are all about going offbeat places and taking their travel discovery seriously. People-focused and at the same time seeking new experiences, ideas, and non-traditional approaches, these travelers will strive in hostels and Couchsurfing gatherings when meeting locals on their solo trips and bars. After all, as Tim Cahill put it, ”A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” 

ENFJ Pattaya: Feel yourself a spider and hitchhike to the closest beach!

ENFJ Chiang Mai: Meet locals (and travelling musicians) at The North Gate Jazz Co-Op

The Craftsman – ISTP Personality

Craftsmen all about gaining hands-on cultural experience, these virtuosos will enjoy the experience given by opportunity to do and make, and cheer up others by their good-natured spirits.

ISTP Pattaya: Take a cooking class at Pattaya and learn to make Green Curry and Pad Thai

ISTP Chiang Mai: Visit Baan On-Tai Sustainable Village and Make Something Yourself

The Performer – ESFP Personality

Looking for a luxurious getaway? Make a great trip Thai resorts, and stay in the luxurious resort towns. Visit the best places in Thailand for beach holiday.

ESFP Pattaya: Relax at Sattahip District, Ravindra Beach 

ESFP Chiang Mai: Enjoy ayurvedic therapies at Dhara Dheva

The Champion – ENFP Personality

Mingle with crowds in the bustling city and joys of discovering other people.

ENFP Pattaya: play some bar games at Hot Tuna Bar

ENFP Chiang Mai: Visit Saturday Night Market Chiangmai

The Doer – ESTP Personality

Adrenaline, mountain climbing, adventure? You will get enough of it when in Thailand.

ESTP Pattaya: Catch some sun while flyboarding in the river

ESTP Chiang Mai: Feel yourself like a Spiderman in red climbing up to the fluffy clouds for a waterfall! You may also stick around for lunch and eat some 

The Provider – ESFJ Personality

The consul – or provider – the ESFJ is all about picture-perfect travel. From the curiosity of living of locals to knocking on doors and getting to know the differences of people, providers will strive for a picture-perfect destination.

ESFJ Pattaya: Get the perfect Instagram shot from the sea while canoeing along with the stalactite caves.

ESFJ Chiang Mai: The topmost photo-worthy, Instagrammable spots in the country- and indeed in Chiang Mai has the most beautiful temples you can imagine. Travel to White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) in Chiang Rai for a one-of-a-lifetime-experience.

The Idealist – INFP Personality

Mediators will look for the idealistic ad value a creative and inspiring getaway with a couple of friends or family.

INFP Pattaya: Volunteer At Pattaya Orphanage

INFP Chiang Mai: Get creative at Bor Sang Village crafting an umbrella by yourself

The Supervisor – ESTJ Personality

A social city trip with a big group of friends, anybody?

ESTJ Pattaya: Club Insomnia must be on your list

ESTJ Chiang Mai: Enjoy one of the Japanese inspired localities of the city, and go for a shopping trip, like Maya Shopping Mall, and One Nimman!

The Commander – ENTJ Personality

Backpacking journeys, crazy places, and late-night conversations to discover the other side of the city? Make sure to enjoy the best of the backpacker life with great sunsets and crazy backpacking trips to traditional neighborhoods.

ENTJ Pattaya: Visit the Hard Rock Cafe – or, do not go that hard and Rock Around the Clock! 

ENTJ Chiang Mai: Cabbages and Condoms restaurant. Crazy name and wonderful sunsets, anyone?

The Thinker – INTP Personality

Logicians will find their best when traveling to a secluded nature retreat.

INTP Pattaya: Go to Jomtien Beach for a long beach and water sports and great food

INTP Chiang Mai: Go to Doi Suthep–Pui National Park and see Bhubing Palace, wildlife, waterfalls, and everything else

The Nurturer – ISFJ Personality

Defender, go on an organized camping trip!

ISFJ Pattaya: Go on an organized  botanical garden visit to Asian Spicy Garden

ISFJ Chiang Mai: Go to Taboo Club on the main Walking Street

The Visionary – ENTP Personality

Debaters there – go on a lively city trip and chat with both locals and other travelers.

ENTP Pattaya: Go to The Marquee – Lambretta cafe (don’t worry, no French or Thai language skills needed) 

ENTP Chiang Mai: Chat with monks at Wat Dok Suthep temple on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 pm-3 pm to exchange views and discuss the religious and cultural practices

The Composer – ISFP Personality

Go on a road trip, and enjoy an adventure with friends!

ISFP Pattaya: Go Ziplining At Flight Of The Gibbon

ISFP Chiang Mai: Visit the Wat Phra Yai Temple features an 18m-tall golden Buddha.

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Destination Deep-Dive 4 MINS READ

Winter Wonderland: Magical European Destinations to Visit in 2023

Winter Wonderland: Magical European Destinations to Visit in 2023

Destination Deep-Dive 4 MINS READ

European destinations during Christmas and New Year’s attract many visitors from all around the world. But where to go to experience the offbeat winter itinerary?

Some of the best spots to celebrate the winter solstice are where there is the least light, the lowest temperature, and the most snow. If you are in the US, you may go up to Canada or Maine, Minnesota, or Wyoming, but if you happen to travel around Europe in winter, there are some must-visits for tapping into the winter wonderland. So hold tight, because we are going on a sleigh ride all around Europe.

European Destinations: The French Alps

French are famous for their fashion mecca Paris, their patisserie, and champagne. But did you know that the French Alps is one of the best spots to dive into winter activities?  Val d’Isère near Tignes might be just your next place to go if you have a soft spot for large ski resorts and prefer many ski tracks of different experience levels. From black to red, to a large network of blue tracks, the remote valley captures what’s beautiful about French Alps, namely the diversity and extensive choice for everyone, both snowboarders and skiers. If you are just starting out, yet want some glitz and sparkle, then Courchevel is the place to be. Multi-million properties and high-class are the specials for this luxurious ski resort, and why not? Winter is always fun, and more so if you have a dollar to spare.

Finland

If you seek to catch a glimpse of nature and truly white winter, then Finland is one of the best European destinations to experience just that. They even have Santa Claus living just behind the Polar Circle! And if you go high enough to the very Northern areas of Finland, you will surely see all the colors of Northern Lights.

Being home to various winter sports and crazy activities, Finland will not leave you wondering what is the essence of winter vibes. And if you are crazy enough to go full in, you will see how people master wintertime. From saunas to winter swimming to ski jumping and Nordic combined discipline, there is a wide range of activities you can do. And – did we mention raindeers? If you want to catch a vibe before going, a recommended movie is “Sami Blood” which shows the harsh lives of reindeer-breeding Sámi people. The movie is set in neighboring Sweden in the 1930s, and it may also be wise to visit Sweden if you are traveling from afar. Fun fact? Finland used to be ruled by Swedes for centuries and still has two national languages. If you go more to the west, you will definitely encounter Swedish more, and if you are a  Dane or Estonian, you may very well get by using your mother tongue – Danish and Swedish are very similar, just as Estonian and Finnish.

Norway

If going outside of the European Union is not a dealbreaker, then Norway should also be on your travel list. It is wild (and expensive), yet going to the mountains and seeing the views of mountain lakes and fjords will definitely be worth it. You may also ski downhill or do cross-country skiing. If you are more up for a laid-back atmosphere, you may want to go for dog sledding. Just get ready for a cold breeze and adrenaline! Ice fishing and ice skating are also popular wintertime activities, and you may do them anywhere you wish. For ice fishing, you do not need to obtain a license either, but better go prepared and in a company, especially if you are a first-timer. How often do you get a chance to slide over ice clearly seeing every single water green right under you?

Iceland

Of course, Iceland. No wonder, huh? Not that much of an ice cube anymore, yet full of breathtaking landscapes and views. You can cross-country ski, get into the sauna or even do mountain climbing here. Or, alternatively, you can ‘cuddly’ up with a cup of hot chocolate in an igloo or far-away farmhouses to relax from the busy city streets and finally enjoy freedom from all the responsibilities. If you are a photographer, there is no limit to your wandering photo walks, as the landscape colors change with every hour of the day. From rosy to green to burning yellow, nature presents itself at its best here. Be prepared for extreme weather though, just like in any other Northern country.

If you want to go from fairy tale to reality without losing the adventure and beauty, then you must visit Northern Europe whilst it is winter. From truly laid-back wintertime activities, like shopping in Christmas markets and dog sledding, to sports such as skiing and snowboarding for more active travelers, winter shall not be a threat but an opportunity to see the countries in their real light. Nature is breathtaking, but so are people, welcoming at houses with glogg and egg liqueur, or hot tea after a cold, crisp winter day outdoors.

Now that you know the most interesting things to do in Europe in winter, it is time to plan your getaway. Let us know what bucket list items you can’t wait to tick off, and we will help you find the perfect place to stay.

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