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

Should you visit Pai or Chumphon?

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 Chumphon. 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 Chumphon?

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.

Chumphon

Sometimes tourism has a tendency to spoil the natural beauty of a place. This is not the case in the magical city of Chumphon, Thailand. As the gateway to the Chumphon Archipelago, this city has maintained natural, untouched beauty. Its miles of coastline are full of fine beaches with fishing, swimming and a number of other activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best 3-Day Tours from Bangkok, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Chiang Mai.


Which place is cheaper, Chumphon 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 Chumphon is $36. 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 Chumphon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pai $14
    Chumphon $16
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pai $28
    Chumphon $32
Compare Hotels in Pai and Chumphon

Looking for a hotel in Pai or Chumphon? 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 Chumphon


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 and Chumphon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pai $37
    Chumphon $6.32

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 Pai or Chumphon?

Prices for flights to both Chumphon 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
    Chumphon $13

Typical Food Prices in Chumphon

For Chumphon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Ice Cream
    $0.16
  • Fruit at the Market
    $0.55
  • Breakfast
    $1.09

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pai $40
    Chumphon $10

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
    Chumphon $11

Typical Alcohol Prices in Chumphon

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chumphon are as follows:


  • Beer (2)
    $3.82


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pai and Chumphon, we can see that Pai is more expensive. And not only is Chumphon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chumphon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chumphon 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 Chumphon.

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



When is the best time to visit Pai or Chumphon?

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 Pai or Chumphon in the Summer?

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chumphon. It's quite rainy in Pai. In July, Pai usually receives more rain than Chumphon. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Chumphon receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Pai usually receives less sunshine than Chumphon during summer. Pai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Chumphon receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

Pai is around the same temperature as Chumphon in the summer. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Chumphon fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pai 29°C (85°F) 
    Chumphon 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Pai or Chumphon in the Autumn?

Both Chumphon and Pai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chumphon year-round.

Chumphon 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 October than Chumphon. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Chumphon receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Pai. In the autumn, Pai often gets more sunshine than Chumphon. Pai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chumphon receives 167 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Pai is around the same temperature as Chumphon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Chumphon averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pai 29°C (84°F) 
    Chumphon 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Pai or Chumphon in the Winter?

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

In January, Pai usually receives less rain than Chumphon. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Chumphon receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chumphon this time of the year. In Pai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pai usually receives more sunshine than Chumphon during winter. Pai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Chumphon receives 255 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Pai is generally around the same temperature as Chumphon. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 24°C (74°F), and Chumphon fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pai 24°C (74°F) 
    Chumphon 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Pai or Chumphon in the Spring?

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

Pai usually gets less rain in April than Chumphon. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Chumphon receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chumphon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pai this time of the year. In the spring, Pai often gets more sunshine than Chumphon. Pai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chumphon receives 239 hours of full sun.

It's very hot in Pai this time of the year. Pai is a little warmer than Chumphon in the spring. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Chumphon fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pai 32°C (89°F) 
    Chumphon 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Chumphon and Pai

Pai Chumphon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (74°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 29°C (83°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 32°C (89°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 29°C (84°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 189 mm (7.4 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 256 mm (10.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Sep 29°C (85°F) 207 mm (8.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 158 mm (6.2 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 276 mm (10.9 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 380 mm (15 in)
Dec 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)