Chiang Mai vs Playa del Carmen vs Sofia

Chiang Mai ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ
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Playa del Carmen ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ
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Sofia ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฌ
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Population 1,166,978 259,453 1,270,169
Official language(s) Thai Spanish Bulgarian
Level of English Low Moderate High
Main airport Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Cancun International Airport (CUN) Sofia International Airport (SOF)
Most common months to visit November - April January - May, October - December April-June, September-October
Currency THB - Thai Baht (เธฟ) MXN - Mexican Peso ($) BGN - Bulgarian Lev (ะปะฒ)
Credit cards Accepted sometimes. Cash preferred in many places. Accepted almost everywhere Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa No Yes No
Average monthly costs $974 $2143 $1289
Rent $274 $923 $567
Groceries $169 $127 $10
Dining out $108 $207 $227
Cafe $45 $42 $27
Coworking space $95 $160 $140
Mobile internet $11 $21 $10
Public transportation $60 $17 $30
Taxis $20 $9 $12
Shared bicycles and scooters $10 $49 $40
Sport and cultural events $8 $97 $18
Museums and sights $8 $217 $12
Nightlife $62 $77 $82
Gym $41 $42 $23
Yoga $55 $54 $62
Massage $10 $101 $29
SIM card options AIS, DTAC Telcel, Movistar A1, Telenor, Vivacom
Tipping 10% at restaurants, not customary or expected elsewhere 10-15% for restaurants 10% in restaurants, 1-2 BGN at bars and cafรฉs
Taxi apps Grab N/A TaxiMe, TaxiStars
Tap water Not drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable
Overall cuisine Combines salty, sweet, spicy and sour flavors to create bold and colorful dishes. Meals typically include a mixture of meat and seafood dishes, as well as noodles or soups recipes. Strong emphasis on local spices and vegetables. Staple dishes from maize, beans, sweet potato and avocado along with meat, chili peppers and other spices Vegetables and mild spices are often mixed with dairy products to create rich chicken and pork products. Seafood dishes also popular in some regions of the country, making them popular in the capital.
Local food specialities Khao soi, khan toke, sai oua, miang kham, nam prik, khanom jeen nam ngiaw, larb khua Chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, chile rellenos, cochinita pibil, tostadas, pozole Kebapche, Bulgarian musaka, lyutenitsa, shkember chorba, kyufte, kavarma, banitsa and tarator
Eat like a local Street food stalls, local markets, bakeries and smaller, traditional restaurants that serve fresh food Taco stands, esquite stalls, El Fogon, El Pirata, Dona Mary's Taverns, local BBQ restaurants, local markets and smaller eateries in residential and university areas.
Vegetarian / vegan options 90 options on HappyCow 72 listings on Happy Cow 20 options on HappyCow