Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Pai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Pai or Koh Phi Phi?
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 Phi Phi. 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 Phi Phi?
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 Phi Phi
The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.
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 $72Koh Phi Phi $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Pai is $72, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $81. 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 Phi Phi in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPai $16Koh Phi Phi $46
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPai $32Koh Phi Phi $92
Compare Hotels in Pai and Koh Phi Phi
Looking for a hotel in Pai or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Phi Phi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pai $42Koh Phi Phi $7.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pai
Also for Pai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chiang Rai Private Car transfer to or from Pai(Mae Hong Son): $207
- Transfer and Tour to Pai / Chiang Mai: $165
- Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: to/from Pai Hotel: $165
- Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: to/from Pai Hotel: $147
- Chiang Mai City to/from Pai Hotel: Private Transfer: $147
- Chiang Mai Private Car transfer to or from Pai(Mae Hong Son): $138
- Chiang Mai: One-way Transfer to/from Pai by Private Car: $128
- Pa Pae Meditation: Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Mai: $78
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:
-
Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)$17
-
Longboat Taxi$3.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $28
- Phi Phi to Phuket Comfortable Transfer by Speedboat : $25
- One-Way Departure Transfer from Phi Phi Island (Speedboat) to Phuket Airport : $57
- Koh Phi Phi to Krabi VIP Speed Boat Transfer: $40
- Ferry Transfer from Krabi Klong Jilad Pier to Phi Phi Tonsai: $14
Is it cheaper to fly into Pai or Koh Phi Phi?
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi 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 $24Koh Phi Phi $13
Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:
-
Crepe$1.85
-
Sit Down Lunch$11
-
Casual Lunch$6.49
-
Coconut Donut$0.31
-
Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$12
-
Sit Down Dinner$15
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pai $46Koh Phi Phi $51
Tours and Activities in Pai
For Pai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- From Chiang Mai: Day Tour to Pai Highlights by Private Car: $171
- From Sunrise Private Tour Jabo Viewpoint & Nam Lod Cave: $102
- Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour: $108
- Jungle Ziplining Adventure with 16 Platforms: $36
- Mae Hong Son Highlights - Full Day Private Car Tour: $188
- Ultimate Ziplining Adventure through the Jungle: $50
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Kayak Rental$9.27
Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.
- 6 Hours Private Tour Around Phi Phi Islands From Phi Phi: $177
- Deluxe Tour Before Sunset At Phi Phi Islands: $75
- Early Bird Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $63
- Early Bird Phi Phi and 4 Islands Tour by Speedboat from Krabi: $92
- Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $14
- Half Day & Sunset Phi Phi Island Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $63
- Half Day Tour Around Phi Phi Islands By Private Longtail Boat From Phi Phi: $118
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $18
- Krabi: Amazing Emerald Pool, Hot Springs & Tiger Cave Temple Tour: $115
- PHI PHI ISLAND - Sunrise Trip From Phi Phi Don By Phi Phi Local Tour: $72
- Phi Phi 7 Islands Full-Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $29
- Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $20
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPai $15Koh Phi Phi $6.41
Sample the Local Flavors in Pai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Pai:
- Pai Pub Crawl: The Best Nightlife in Town!: $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:
-
Mojito Bucket$15
-
Banana Daiquiri$6.18
When comparing the travel costs between Pai and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Pai or Koh Phi Phi?
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 Phi Phi in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pai and Koh Phi Phi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Pai usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. Pai usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during summer. Pai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Pai is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pai in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPai 29°C (85°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Pai or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Pai as well as Koh Phi Phi. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.
Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Pai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pai usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pai this time of the year. In the autumn, Pai often gets more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Pai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun.
In October, Pai is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPai 29°C (84°F)Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Pai or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Pai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. In January, Pai usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pai. Pai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi during winter. Pai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.
Pai is cooler than Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 24°C (74°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPai 24°C (74°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Pai or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Pai during the spring 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 Phi Phi year-round.
May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Pai usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pai. In the spring, Pai often gets more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Pai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun.
The heat can be very extreme in Pai. In the spring, Pai is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPai 32°C (89°F)Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Pai
| Pai | Koh Phi Phi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.