A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Koh Samet vs. Pai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Koh Samet or Pai?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Samet or Pai, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Koh Samet or Pai?

Koh Samet

The country of Thailand is full of some of the world's most stunning beauty and peaceful settings. So it begs the question, where the Thai people go to get away from it all? They go to Ko Samet on the eastern gulf coast. Located just outside of Bangkok, Ko Samet provides visitors an easily accessible and desirable weekend getaway spot. With white beaches and coral of every other color, this island has steadily developed over the last few years without an intense construction increase like many other Thai beaches. Once thought to be the home of pirates, this island provides plenty to wonder about including, are there hidden treasures under that gorgeous white sand?

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Bicycle Tours in Thailand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samet and Pai, we can see that Koh Samet is more expensive. And not only is Pai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pai 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 Koh Samet would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Samet than you might in Pai.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Samet Expensive? and Is Pai Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koh Samet or Pai?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Koh Samet or Pai in the Summer?

Both Pai and Koh Samet during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samet 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samet. Koh Samet usually gets less rain in July than Pai. Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Pai receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Koh Samet often gets more sunshine than Pai. Koh Samet gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pai receives 146 hours of full sun.

In July, Koh Samet is generally around the same temperature as Pai. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 28°C (82°F), and Pai fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

Should I visit Koh Samet or Pai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samet and Pai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samet year-round. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Pai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samet gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Pai. Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Pai receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pai this time of the year. Koh Samet usually receives less sunshine than Pai during autumn. Koh Samet gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Pai receives 226 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Koh Samet is around the same temperature as Pai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Pai fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Should I visit Koh Samet or Pai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koh Samet as well as Pai. Koh Samet attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pai throughout the year.

Koh Samet usually gets more rain in January than Pai. Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Pai receives 12 mm (0.5 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 Koh Samet this time of the year. In the winter, Koh Samet often gets less sunshine than Pai. Koh Samet gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pai receives 283 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Koh Samet is around the same temperature as Pai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Samet in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Pai averages at about 24°C (74°F).

Should I visit Koh Samet or Pai in the Spring?

Both Pai and Koh Samet are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samet throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Pai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Pai. Koh Samet gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Pai receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Pai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Samet. Koh Samet usually receives less sunshine than Pai during spring. Koh Samet gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Pai receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's very hot in Pai this time of the year. In April, Koh Samet is generally cooler than Pai. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 29°C (84°F), and Pai fluctuates around 32°C (89°F).

Typical Weather for Pai and Koh Samet