, Thailand's two top tourist destinations. As they usually need to know before they book their trip, it's sometimes hard to give advice as deciding whether to visit Bangkok or Chiang Mai truly depends on what you like, what you hate and what you're looking for on a trip to Thailand. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are totally different cities, with different things to offer and a different pace of life. If you're considering Bangkok instead of Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai instead of Bangkok, read on for the pros and cons of each - then you decide.