A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pai vs. Delhi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pai or Delhi?

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 Delhi. 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 Delhi?

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.

Delhi

Delhi is the largest city in northern India and is officially the country's capital. The city has a population of 11 million with the metropolitan population reaching over 16 million. The city is similar in landscape to the rest of its surrounding area. It is very flat with the river Yamuna flowing on the eastern side of the city. The Aravalii Hills are in the western portion of the city. The city's history dates back to the 6th century BC and it has served as a capital for various kingdoms and empires.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Luxury Tours to India, and The Best Budget Tours to India.


Which place is cheaper, Delhi or Pai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Pai is $88, while the average daily cost in Delhi is $49. 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 Delhi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pai $16
    Delhi $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pai $32
    Delhi $42
Compare Hotels in Pai and Delhi

Looking for a hotel in Pai or Delhi? 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 Delhi


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 Delhi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pai $41
    Delhi $4.34

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Delhi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Delhi:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $0.11
  • Taxi to Airport
    $1.70
  • Subway
    $0.34
  • Uber Cab
    $0.85
  • Delhi Metro Smart Card
    $1.59
  • Auto-rickshaw
    $1.06

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Delhi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Delhi:

  • Sunrise Taj Mahal Day Trip from Delhi with Guide & Transfers: $88
  • Round Trip Delhi Airport Transfers – Arrival & Departure Both: $43
  • Private transfer Delhi to Agra: $30
  • Private Transfers from Delhi to Major Cities – Flexible Options: $50
  • Private Transfers from Delhi Airport to any Residences or Hotels in Agra by cab: $84
  • Private Transfer From New Delhi to Jaipur: $48
  • Private One Way Transfer From Delhi To Agra: $48
  • One Way: Private Transfer between Delhi and Ranthambore: $98
  • New Delhi Airport to Hotel Transfer Private Shuttle Sedan & SUV: $11
  • New Delhi Airport to Delhi Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $16
  • New Delhi Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $11
  • Jaipur Pink City Private Day Trip from Delhi with transfer: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Pai or Delhi?

Prices for flights to both Delhi 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 $41
    Delhi $18

Typical Food Prices in Delhi

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Delhi:


  • McDonalds
    $3.11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Delhi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Delhi.

  • Old Delhi Food Tour: 8 Tastings & Tuk-Tuk Ride with Local Expert: $17
  • Customized Half Day and Full Day Delhi Shopping, Street Food Tour: $20
  • Evening Food Tour: $29
  • Old Delhi Street Food Tour – Explore Spices in Chandni Chowk: $30
  • Chandni Chowk Delhi Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $39
  • 4-Hour Old Delhi Evening Walking Tour with Local Dinner & Guide: $40
  • Old Delhi Night Food Tour - Kitchens & Local Stories: $40
  • The Great Indian Food Tour: Old Delhi Food and Heritage Walk: $43
  • Cooking Demo + Lunch/Dinner and interaction with an Indian family @ Chez Anjali: $45
  • Chandni Chowk Old Delhi Food Tour with Spice Market: $45
  • Old Delhi Chandi Chowk Food Tour with Rickshaw Ride - 4-5 Hours: $50
  • Old Delhi Street Food Tour With Spice Market On Tuk Tuk: $51

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pai $45
    Delhi $18

Typical Entertainment Prices in Delhi

Here are a few typical costs in Delhi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Red Fort
    $9.22

Tours and Activities in Delhi

Here are a few actual costs in Delhi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • "Taj Mahal" Tour from Delhi by India's Fastest Train (Gatiman Express): $58
  • 1-Day Golden Triangle Tour to Agra and Jaipur from Delhi: $192
  • 2 Day Jim corbett national park tour with 2 Safari: $270
  • 2 Day Private Golden Triangle Tour from Delhi - Agra and Jaipur: $85
  • 2 Day Quick Golden Triangle Tour From Delhi: $197
  • 2 Day Taj Mahal Sunset Sunrise Tour From Delhi: $199
  • 2 Days Golden Triangle Tour to Agra and Jaipur From Delhi: $212
  • 2 Days Overnight Taj Mahal & Agra Tour From Delhi: $70
  • 2 Days Private Delhi & Agra Tour with Taj Mahal from Delhi by Car: $91
  • 2 Days Private Golden Triangle Tour to Agra and Jaipur From Delhi: $126
  • 2-Day Golden Triangle Tour to The Taj Mahal, Agra and Jaipur from Delhi by Car: $224
  • 2-Day Private Taj Mahal & Fatehpur Sikri Tour From Delhi: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pai $14
    Delhi $7.68

Sample the Local Flavors in Delhi

Also in Delhi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl (3 Hours Guided Bar Hopping Tour): $29


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

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



When is the best time to visit Pai or Delhi?

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 Pai or Delhi in the Summer?

Both Delhi 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Delhi year-round.

Delhi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pai. Pai usually gets more rain in July than Delhi. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Delhi receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Pai often gets less sunshine than Delhi. Pai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Delhi receives 166 hours of full sun.

Delhi can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Pai is around the same temperature as Delhi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pai in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Delhi averages at about 31°C (88°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pai 29°C (85°F) 
    Delhi 31°C (88°F)

Should I visit Pai or Delhi in the Autumn?

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

Pai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pai usually receives more rain than Delhi. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Delhi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Delhi this time of the year. In Pai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pai usually receives less sunshine than Delhi during autumn. Pai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Delhi receives 269 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Pai is generally a little warmer than Delhi. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 29°C (84°F), and Delhi fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pai 29°C (84°F) 
    Delhi 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Pai or Delhi in the Winter?

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

Pai usually gets less rain in January than Delhi. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Delhi receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Delhi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pai this time of the year. In the winter, Pai often gets more sunshine than Delhi. Pai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Delhi receives 215 hours of full sun.

Pai is much warmer than Delhi in the winter. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 24°C (74°F) in January, and Delhi fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pai 24°C (74°F) 
    Delhi 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Pai or Delhi in the Spring?

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

In April, Pai usually receives more rain than Delhi. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Delhi receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Delhi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pai. Pai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Delhi during spring. Pai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Delhi receives 261 hours of full sun in the spring.

The heat can be very extreme in Pai. In the spring, Pai is around the same temperature as Delhi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Delhi averages at about 29°C (84°F).


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

Typical Weather for Delhi and Pai

Pai Delhi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (74°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 29°C (83°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 32°C (89°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 29°C (84°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 33°C (91°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 34°C (93°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 31°C (88°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 256 mm (10.1 in) 30°C (86°F) 200 mm (7.9 in)
Sep 29°C (85°F) 207 mm (8.1 in) 30°C (86°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)