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

Should you visit Pai or Koh Chang?

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 Koh Chang. 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 Koh Chang?

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.

Koh Chang

Most people pick Thailand for their destination because they're anxious to collapse on a breathtaking beach. If that is you, Ko Chang does not disappoint. As one the country's most beautiful islands, Ko Chang is full of white beaches and incredible wildlife. Beware, though, you're not the only one with Ko Chang in mind. During the high season, the island can become quite crowded with tourists.

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.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Pai or Koh Chang?

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 Koh Chang in the Summer?

Both Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. It's quite rainy in Pai. In July, Pai usually receives less rain than Koh Chang. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Pai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Chang during summer. Pai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Chang receives 143 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Pai or Koh Chang in the Autumn?

Both Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang year-round.

November to February is the dry season in Koh Chang. June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang. Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Pai. In the autumn, Pai often gets more sunshine than Koh Chang. Pai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Chang receives 193 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Pai or Koh Chang in the Winter?

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

November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season. In January, Pai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Chang. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang during winter. Pai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Chang receives 282 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Pai is generally cooler than Koh Chang. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 24°C (74°F), and Koh Chang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Pai or Koh Chang in the Spring?

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

June to October in Koh Chang is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. Pai usually gets less rain in April than Koh Chang. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pai this time of the year. In the spring, Pai often gets more sunshine than Koh Chang. Pai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Chang receives 247 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Koh Chang and Pai