Chiang Mai vs Sofia

Chiang Mai ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ญ
Sofia ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฌ
Population 1,166,978 1,270,169
Official language(s) Thai Bulgarian
Level of English Low High
Main airport Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Sofia International Airport (SOF)
Most common months to visit November - April April-June, September-October
Currency THB - Thai Baht (เธฟ) BGN - Bulgarian Lev (ะปะฒ)
Credit cards Accepted sometimes. Cash preferred in many places. Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa No No
Average monthly costs $974 $1289
Rent $274 $567
Groceries $169 $10
Dining out $108 $227
Cafe $45 $27
Coworking space $95 $140
Mobile internet $11 $10
Public transportation $60 $30
Taxis $20 $12
Shared bicycles and scooters $10 $40
Sport and cultural events $8 $18
Museums and sights $8 $12
Nightlife $62 $82
Gym $41 $23
Yoga $55 $62
Massage $10 $29
SIM card options AIS, DTAC A1, Telenor, Vivacom
Tipping 10% at restaurants, not customary or expected elsewhere 10% in restaurants, 1-2 BGN at bars and cafรฉs
Taxi apps Grab TaxiMe, TaxiStars
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. 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 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 Taverns, local BBQ restaurants, local markets and smaller eateries in residential and university areas.
Vegetarian / vegan options 90 options on HappyCow 20 options on HappyCow