A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Pai vs. Khao Yai National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pai or Khao Yai National Park?

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 Khao Yai National Park. 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 Khao Yai National Park?

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.

Khao Yai National Park

Adventurous travelers are always in search of new terrain to conquer. At over 2,000 square kilometers, Khao Yai National Park is Thailand's second largest national park, and just full of jungles to trek through. In the southwest of Thailand is a sanctuary of mountains and waterfalls.

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, Khao Yai National Park 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 Khao Yai National Park is $62. 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 Khao Yai National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pai $14
    Khao Yai National Park $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pai $28
    Khao Yai National Park $72
Compare Hotels in Pai and Khao Yai National Park

Looking for a hotel in Pai or Khao Yai National Park? 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 Khao Yai National Park


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
    Khao Yai National Park $14

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 Khao Yai National Park?

Prices for flights to both Khao Yai National Park 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
    Khao Yai National Park $17

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pai $40
    Khao Yai National Park $8.77

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
    Khao Yai National Park $11


When comparing the travel costs between Pai and Khao Yai National Park, 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 Khao Yai National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Pai or Khao Yai National Park?

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 Khao Yai National Park in the Summer?

Both Khao Yai National Park 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 Khao Yai National Park because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Yai National Park. It's quite rainy in Pai. In July, Pai usually receives less rain than Khao Yai National Park. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 315 mm (12.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Pai usually receives less sunshine than Khao Yai National Park during summer. Pai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Yai National Park receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

Pai is around the same temperature as Khao Yai National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pai 29°C (85°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Pai or Khao Yai National Park in the Autumn?

Both Khao Yai National Park 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 Khao Yai National Park year-round.

Khao Yai National Park 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 Khao Yai National Park. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Khao Yai National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pai. In the autumn, Pai often gets more sunshine than Khao Yai National Park. Pai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Yai National Park receives 206 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Pai is around the same temperature as Khao Yai National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Khao Yai National Park averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pai 29°C (84°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Pai or Khao Yai National Park in the Winter?

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

In January, Pai usually receives more rain than Khao Yai National Park. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Khao Yai National Park this time of the year. In Pai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Khao Yai National Park during winter. Pai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Yai National Park receives 276 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Pai is generally around the same temperature as Khao Yai National Park. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 24°C (74°F), and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pai 24°C (74°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Pai or Khao Yai National Park in the Spring?

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

It's quite rainy in Khao Yai National Park. Pai usually gets less rain in April than Khao Yai National Park. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 128 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Yai National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pai this time of the year. In the spring, Pai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Khao Yai National Park. Pai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Yai National Park receives 262 hours of full sun.

It's very hot in Pai this time of the year. Pai is around the same temperature as Khao Yai National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 30°C (87°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pai 32°C (89°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 30°C (87°F)

Typical Weather for Khao Yai National Park and Pai

Pai Khao Yai National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (74°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 29°C (83°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 30°C (86°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 32°C (89°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 30°C (87°F) 128 mm (5.1 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 30°C (85°F) 225 mm (8.8 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 277 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 315 mm (12.4 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 256 mm (10.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 385 mm (15.1 in)
Sep 29°C (85°F) 207 mm (8.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 360 mm (14.2 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Dec 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)