Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou?
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 Hangzhou. 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 Hangzhou?
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.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Adventure Tours to China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.
-
Pai Prices
Thailand PricesHangzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPai $89Hangzhou $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Pai is $89, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPai $16Hangzhou $25
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPai $32Hangzhou $50
Compare Hotels in Pai and Hangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Pai or Hangzhou? 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 $41Hangzhou $8.69
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
-
Local Bus for Two$0.59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Wuzhen Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou: $87
- Water Town and West Lake Sightseeing with Hangzhou Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $274
- VIP Seated Impression West Lake Show with Private Hassel-Free Transfer Service: $106
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show with Private Transfer: $83
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket with Pick-up Transfer: $72
- Private Transfer to Yiwu City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Private Transfer to Yellow Mountain from Hangzhou: $196
- Private Transfer to Wuzhen Water Town from Hangzhou: $88
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou: $113
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
- Private Transfer to Shanghai City from Hangzhou: $119
- Private Transfer to Qiandao Lake from Hangzhou: $135
Is it cheaper to fly into Pai or Hangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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 $41Hangzhou $33
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
-
Breakfast Pastries$2.51
-
Pizza Hut Lunch$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- Hangzhou One Day Local Food Tour: $124
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option: $170
- Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203
- Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town with Dinner and Boat Ride: $282
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pai $45Hangzhou $21
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Hour Private Tea plantation tour in Hangzhou China: $125
- 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $131
- 7 hours Hangzhou Tour Itinerary: $219
- A Depth-Tour to Explore Xixi Wetland Park including Fishing experience: $205
- A Relaxing One Day Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $99
- AI Robot Experience Tour in Hangzhou with West Lake Cruise: $221
- All Inclusive Tour of Lingyin Temple and Pagoda of Six Harmonies: $199
- All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Layover Tour: $190
- Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour: $150
- Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour: $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $175
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPai $15Hangzhou $11
When comparing the travel costs between Pai and Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Pai or Hangzhou?
Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou in the Summer?
Both Hangzhou 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.
In the summer, Pai is around the same temperature as Hangzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pai in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 29°C (85°F).
Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPai 29°C (85°F)Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Pai or Hangzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pai and Hangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round.
In October, Pai is generally much warmer than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 29°C (84°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Pai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pai usually receives more rain than Hangzhou. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPai 29°C (84°F)Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Pai or Hangzhou in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Pai as well as Hangzhou. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Hangzhou can get quite cold in the winter. Pai is much warmer than Hangzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 24°C (74°F) in January, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
Pai usually gets less rain in January than Hangzhou. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPai 24°C (74°F)Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Pai or Hangzhou in the Spring?
Both Hangzhou and Pai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pai throughout the year.
The heat can be very extreme in Pai. In the spring, Pai is much warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 16°C (61°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. In April, Pai usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPai 32°C (89°F)Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Pai
| Pai | Hangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.