A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pai vs. Chichibu-Tama-Kai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Located at the intersection of the Saitama, Yamanashi, Nagano, and Tokyo Prefectures, Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park is a national park in Japan webbed with hiking trails and many ancient shrines. Mount Mitake, Mount Mitsumine, and Mount Mito are just three of the eight peaks that tower above the park at over 2000 meters, while rivers sources flowing below include the Arakawa River, Shinano River, Tama River, and Fuefuki River (Fuji River).

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Pai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Pai is $64, while the average daily cost in Chichibu-Tama-Kai is $69. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pai $14
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pai $28
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $68
Compare Hotels in Pai and Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Looking for a hotel in Pai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai? 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.

Hotels in Pai


Hotels in Chichibu-Tama-Kai


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 $37
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pai

Also for Pai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: to/from Pai Hotel: $149
  • Transfer and Tour to Pai / Chiang Mai: $149
  • Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: to/from Pai Hotel: $132
  • Chiang Mai City to/from Pai Hotel: Private Transfer: $132
  • Chiang Mai Private Car transfer to or from Pai(Mae Hong Son): $107
  • Pa Pae Meditation: Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Mai: $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Pai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Prices for flights to both Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 day
    Pai $21
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $24

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pai $40
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $7.13

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pai $13
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $8.30


When comparing the travel costs between Pai and Chichibu-Tama-Kai, we can see that Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Pai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pai and Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Chichibu-Tama-Kai because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Pai is a little warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the summer. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Pai usually receives more rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pai 29°C (85°F) 
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Pai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pai as well as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Chichibu-Tama-Kai this time of year.

In the autumn, Pai is much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It's quite rainy in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Pai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pai usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pai 29°C (84°F) 
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Pai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Winter?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Pai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pai throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. In January, Pai is generally much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 24°C (74°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In January, Pai usually receives less rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pai 24°C (74°F) 
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Pai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Spring?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Pai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the spring for the natural beauty.

It's very hot in Pai this time of the year. Pai is much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the spring. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Pai usually gets less rain in April than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pai 32°C (89°F) 
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Pai

Pai Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (74°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 29°C (83°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 32°C (89°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 25°C (78°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 256 mm (10.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Sep 29°C (85°F) 207 mm (8.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 177 mm (7 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Dec 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)