Chiang Mai vs Playa del Carmen

Chiang Mai ðŸ‡đ🇭
Playa del Carmen ðŸ‡ēðŸ‡―
Population 1,166,978 259,453
Official language(s) Thai Spanish
Level of English Low Moderate
Main airport Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Most common months to visit November - April January - May, October - December
Currency THB - Thai Baht (āļŋ) MXN - Mexican Peso ($)
Credit cards Accepted sometimes. Cash preferred in many places. Accepted almost everywhere
Remote worker visa No Yes
Average monthly costs $974 $2143
Rent $274 $923
Groceries $169 $127
Dining out $108 $207
Cafe $45 $42
Coworking space $95 $160
Mobile internet $11 $21
Public transportation $60 $17
Taxis $20 $9
Shared bicycles and scooters $10 $49
Sport and cultural events $8 $97
Museums and sights $8 $217
Nightlife $62 $77
Gym $41 $42
Yoga $55 $54
Massage $10 $101
SIM card options AIS, DTAC Telcel, Movistar
Tipping 10% at restaurants, not customary or expected elsewhere 10-15% for restaurants
Taxi apps Grab N/A
Tap water 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
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
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
Vegetarian / vegan options 90 options on HappyCow 72 listings on Happy Cow