Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Pai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Pai or Harbin?
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 Harbin. 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 Harbin?
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.
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
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Pai Prices
Thailand PricesHarbin Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPai $91Harbin $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Pai is $91, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $66. 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 Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPai $16Harbin $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPai $32Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Pai and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Pai or Harbin? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pai $42Harbin $1.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $198
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin North Railway Station from Harbin City: $100
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Harbin Volga Manor Private Transfer Service with Entry Tickets: $300
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer, Pick up.: $59
- Harbin Ice Festival Tickets and Transfer Service : $148
- Harbin Catholic Church Car Transfer Service: $80
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- 4 Hour Private Transfer to Sun Island Snow Sculptures: $100
Is it cheaper to fly into Pai or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin 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
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Food Meals for one dayPai $42Harbin $24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner Show with Costumes and Performances: $29
- Harbin Cultural Tour at Zhongyang Dajie to Baluoke with Dinner: $80
- Central Street, Baluoke Village, and Dinner Tour: $90
- Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
- Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pai $46Harbin $53
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Harbin Igloos Hot Pot Private Tour: $300
- Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice Festival: $261
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $168
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
- All-Inclusive Harbin City History and Local Culture Private Day Tour: $300
- Group Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World plus Sun Island Snow Sculpture Festival: $298
- Half Day Tour for Harbin Guandong Ancient Lane and Wood Sculpture Museum: $104
- Half-Day Private Old Harbin Street Walking Tour with Meal: $300
- Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
- Harbin Ice Lantern Show and Center Street Tour: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPai $15Harbin $7.96
Sample the Local Flavors in Harbin
Also in Harbin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Brewery Tour: $250
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pai and Harbin, we can see that Pai is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Harbin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Harbin 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 Harbin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pai Expensive? and Is Harbin Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Pai or Harbin?
Harbin 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 Harbin in the Summer?
Both Harbin and Pai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pai throughout the year.
In the summer, Pai is a little warmer than Harbin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pai in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Harbin averages at about 24°C (75°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Harbin. It's quite rainy in Pai. In July, Pai usually receives more rain than Harbin. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPai 29°C (85°F)Harbin 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Pai or Harbin in the Autumn?
Both Harbin 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.
In October, Pai is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 29°C (84°F), and Harbin fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pai. Pai usually gets more rain in October than Harbin. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPai 29°C (84°F)Harbin 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Pai or Harbin in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pai and Harbin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round.
The weather in Harbin can be very cold. Pai is much warmer than Harbin in the winter. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 24°C (74°F) in January, and Harbin fluctuates around -18°C (-0°F).
In January, Pai usually receives more rain than Harbin. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPai 24°C (74°F)Harbin -18°C (-0°F)
Should I visit Pai or Harbin in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Pai as well as Harbin. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The heat can be very extreme in Pai. In the spring, Pai is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Harbin averages at about 8°C (46°F).
Pai usually gets more rain in April than Harbin. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPai 32°C (89°F)Harbin 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Harbin and Pai
| Pai | Harbin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 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.