Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Pai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Pai or Koh Pha Ngan?
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 Pha Ngan. 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 Pha Ngan?
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 Pha Ngan
Ko Phangan (or Pha Ngan) is best known for its full moon parties, attracting backpackers and budget travelers the world over for all-night parties on the beach. The clear, blue water, beautiful beaches, and tropical atmosphere bring the tourists to the island, and the low prices, diverse activities, and abundant amenities keep them here.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPai $64Koh Pha Ngan $45
The average daily cost (per person) in Pai is $64, while the average daily cost in Koh Pha Ngan is $45. 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 Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPai $14Koh Pha Ngan $23
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPai $28Koh Pha Ngan $46
Compare Hotels in Pai and Koh Pha Ngan
Looking for a hotel in Pai or Koh Pha Ngan? 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 and Koh Pha Ngan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pai $37Koh Pha Ngan $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pai
Also for Pai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chiang Mai City to/from Pai Hotel: Private Transfer: $132
- Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: to/from Pai Hotel: $132
- Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: to/from Pai Hotel: $149
- Chiang Mai Private Car transfer to or from Pai(Mae Hong Son): $107
- Pa Pae Meditation: Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Mai: $70
- Transfer and Tour to Pai / Chiang Mai: $149
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
-
Scooter Rental$8.18
-
Ferry Ride$14
-
Gas for Scooter$3.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Pai or Koh Pha Ngan?
Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan 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 $21Koh Pha Ngan $10
Typical Food Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Pha Ngan:
-
Noodle Lunch (for One)$1.09
-
Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$11
-
Smoothies (for Two)$1.09
-
Ice Cream$0.55
-
Juice$1.64
-
3 Spring Rolls$0.82
-
2 Pancakes$1.64
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pai $40Koh Pha Ngan $17
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 dayPai $13Koh Pha Ngan $9.89
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
-
Drinks at Irish Pub (for Two)$7.09
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pai and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Pai is more expensive. And not only is Koh Pha Ngan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Pha Ngan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Pha Ngan 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 Pha Ngan.
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 Pha Ngan Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Pai or Koh Pha Ngan?
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 Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?
Both Koh Pha Ngan 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 Koh Pha Ngan year-round.
Koh Pha Ngan 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 Koh Pha Ngan. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Pai is a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan in the summer. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPai 29°C (85°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Pai or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pai and Koh Pha Ngan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season. Also, October and November is the rainy season in Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Pha Ngan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pai usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Pai is a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 24°C (75°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPai 29°C (84°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Pai or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Pai as well as Koh Pha Ngan. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.
Also, December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season. Pai usually gets less rain in January than Koh Pha Ngan. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Pai is generally around the same temperature as Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 24°C (74°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPai 24°C (74°F)Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Pai or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?
Both Koh Pha Ngan 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 Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Pai usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's very hot in Pai this time of the year. Pai is a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan in the spring. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPai 32°C (89°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Pai
| Pai | Koh Pha Ngan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.