Which place is cheaper, Pai or Beirut?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Beirut or Pai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Beirut and Pai. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Beirut or Pai?
Beirut
Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.
Pai
As the lush green mountains adorn the blue horizon amidst its creamy clouds, Pai, in northern Thailand, works as one of the many hubs for some of the world's most exciting cultural adventures and natural wonders. Within this small town just north of the Mae Hong Son Province, near the Myanmar border, Pai lays on the Pai River and holds a population of no more than 2,500. Despite its geographical insignificance, this town attracts a wide array of tourists. From breathtaking waterfalls to relaxing hot springs, you will find yourself astonished at how much this little city holds within its borders.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeirut $2.26Pai $64
The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.26, while the average daily cost in Pai is $64. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Beirut and Pai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeirut $1.26Pai $14
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeirut $2.52Pai $28
Compare Hotels in Beirut and Pai
Looking for a hotel in Beirut or Pai? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Beirut Hotel Prices and Pai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beirut $0.44Pai $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut
Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport to Beirut: $46
- Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
- Hiking Day Trip to Chouwen Lake with Hotel Transfers: $86
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer: $13
- Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $15
- Beirut Airport Transfer in a Limousine: $201
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
- Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pai
Also for Pai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer and Tour to Pai / Chiang Mai: $149
- Pa Pae Meditation: Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Mai: $70
- Chiang Mai Private Car transfer to or from Pai(Mae Hong Son): $107
- Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: to/from Pai Hotel: $132
- Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: to/from Pai Hotel: $149
- Chiang Mai City to/from Pai Hotel: Private Transfer: $132
Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or Pai?
Prices for flights to both Pai and Beirut change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayBeirut $0.71Pai $21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut
For Beirut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $30
- Traveling Spoon Lebanese Mezze Private Online Cooking Class : $40
- Private, Traditional Lebanese Cooking Class with a Contemporary Twist: $72
- Authentic Lebanese Cooking Lesson and Meal with Tania's Family in Beirut: $100
- Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal + Transfers: $142
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beirut $0.26Pai $40
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Days Lebanon Holiday Tour Package: $250
- 3 Hours ATV Rental Guided Tour in Nature: $130
- 3 days tour package : Jeita grotto-Byblos-Baalbek & Beirut tour: $295
- 3-Day Tour of Beirut with Pick Up: $250
- ATV (2 Seat) Full Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $150
- ATV (2 Seat) Half Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $120
- All in 1 Lebanon Local Multi day Tour, 3 days: $289
- Baalbek Tour: $111
- Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara Group Tour: $95
- Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara Guided Full-Day Tour from Beirut: $90
- Baatara Gorge Waterfall, Jeita Grotto and Byblos Tour: $170
- Beirut 3 museums + mini walking tour: $50
Tours and Activities in Pai
For Pai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Jungle Tipsy Tubing Experience with Shots: $6.76
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeirut $0.23Pai $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut
Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour at Chateau Musar and Ixsir : $50
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour: $56
- Uncorking Splendor: A Journey Through Private Wine Tasting Tours: $60
- Budget Wine Tasting Tour at the Bekaa Valley Wineries: $60
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Bekaa Valley with Tasting : $60
- Wine Tasting and Culture : $69
- Wine Tasting and Hiking in the Cedars forest : $69
- From Full Day Wine Tasting in the Bekaa Valley Tour: $90
- Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour to Chateau Musar and Ixsir Winery: $100
- Full-Day Private Bekaa Valley Wine Tour from Beirut: $103
- Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and Pai, we can see that Pai is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beirut is in Middle East and Pai is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Pai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pai than you might in Beirut.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beirut Expensive? and Is Pai Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Beirut or Pai?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Beirut or Pai in the Summer?
Both Pai and Beirut are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Pai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pai. In July, Beirut usually receives less rain than Pai. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pai receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beirut. Beirut usually receives more sunshine than Pai during summer. Beirut gets 369 hours of sunny skies, while Pai receives 146 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Beirut is generally around the same temperature as Pai. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 27°C (81°F), and Pai fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeirut 27°C (81°F)Pai 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Pai in the Autumn?
Both Pai and Beirut during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Beirut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round.
Pai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Beirut usually gets less rain in October than Pai. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pai receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Pai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beirut. In the autumn, Beirut often gets more sunshine than Pai. Beirut gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pai receives 226 hours of full sun.
Beirut is cooler than Pai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Pai fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeirut 25°C (77°F)Pai 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Pai in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and Pai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut year-round. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Beirut gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Beirut usually receives more rain than Pai. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Pai receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pai this time of the year. Beirut usually receives less sunshine than Pai during winter. Beirut gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Pai receives 283 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Beirut is much colder than Pai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beirut in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Pai averages at about 24°C (74°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeirut 13°C (55°F)Pai 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Pai in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Beirut as well as Pai. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pai throughout the year.
Beirut usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Pai. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pai receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beirut this time of the year. In the spring, Beirut often gets less sunshine than Pai. Beirut gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pai receives 275 hours of full sun.
It's very hot in Pai this time of the year. In April, Beirut is generally much colder than Pai. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 17°C (63°F), and Pai fluctuates around 32°C (89°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeirut 17°C (63°F)Pai 32°C (89°F)
Typical Weather for Pai and Beirut
| Beirut | Pai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 32°C (89°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.