Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) or Pai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Pai or Cheju (Jeju)?
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 Pai and Cheju (Jeju). 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: Pai or Cheju (Jeju)?
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.
Cheju (Jeju)
Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.
-
Pai Prices
Thailand PricesCheju (Jeju) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPai $91Cheju (Jeju) $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Pai is $91, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) is $84. 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 Pai and Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPai $16Cheju (Jeju) $45
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPai $32Cheju (Jeju) $90
Compare Hotels in Pai and Cheju (Jeju)
Looking for a hotel in Pai or Cheju (Jeju)? 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: Pai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pai $42Cheju (Jeju) $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $70
- Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $75
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $75
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport To Seogwipo City: $150
- Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju city (One way ) : $45
- Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City to Jeju Airport(one way ): $90
- Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
- Private Jeju Airport Transfer : Jeju Airport to/from Jeju(~7 pax): $89
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
- Jeju Airport (CJU) Private Transfer to Jeju City Centre/Seogwipo: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Pai or Cheju (Jeju)?
Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) and Pai 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
-
Food Meals for one dayPai $42Cheju (Jeju) $29
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):
-
Burger$4.44
-
Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)$7.16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).
- JEJU Cooking Class _Class & Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $139
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pai $46Cheju (Jeju) $5.43
Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)
Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Day Tour World Natural Heritage in jeju island : $125
- 1-Day Jeju Island Tour For Cruise Passenger: $64
- 2 Days Private Tour with a Very Experienced Driver in Jeju Island: $290
- 2025 Cherry Blossom East Day Tour in Jeju with UNESCO: $81
- 2025 JEJU Cherry Blossom West&South Full Day Tour with UNESCO: $80
- 2Days Private Tour Free schedule with A lot of Experience driver : $300
- 2Days World Natural Heritage & South & west tour in jeju island : $225
- All-Inclusive Jeju East Tour with Lunch and Tangerine Picking: $105
- Customized private tour in Jeju island: $175
- East of Jeju island Bus Tour from Seogwipo city, Jeju island: $99
- East of jeju tour for Seogwipo Gangjeong Cruise Customers: $160
- Eastern Jeju: All Inclusive Private Tour w/ Tangerine picking: $200
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPai $15Cheju (Jeju) $7.04
When comparing the travel costs between Pai and Cheju (Jeju), we can see that Pai is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pai Expensive? and Is Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Pai or Cheju (Jeju)?
Cheju (Jeju) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Pai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Pai or Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?
Both Cheju (Jeju) and Pai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Pai is a little warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the summer. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In Cheju (Jeju), it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Pai often gets less sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Pai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 209 hours of full sun.
Cheju (Jeju) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pai. Pai usually gets less rain in July than Cheju (Jeju). Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPai 29°C (85°F)Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Pai or Cheju (Jeju) in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pai and Cheju (Jeju). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round.
In the autumn, Pai is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 18°C (64°F).
In Pai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pai usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during autumn. Pai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 179 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Pai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pai usually receives more rain than Cheju (Jeju). Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPai 29°C (84°F)Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Pai or Cheju (Jeju) in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Pai as well as Cheju (Jeju). Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Pai is generally much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Pai average around 24°C (74°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pai this time of the year. In the winter, Pai often gets more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Pai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 75 hours of full sun.
Pai usually gets less rain in January than Cheju (Jeju). Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPai 24°C (74°F)Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Pai or Cheju (Jeju) in the Spring?
Both Cheju (Jeju) and Pai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pai throughout the year.
It's very hot in Pai this time of the year. Pai is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the spring. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pai. Pai usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during spring. Pai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Pai usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPai 32°C (89°F)Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Pai
| Pai | Cheju (Jeju) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 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.