Which place is cheaper, Koh Samui or Pai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Pai or Koh Samui?
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 Samui. 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 Samui?
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 Samui
The largest island on the east coast of southern Thailand, Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) sees a good number of visitors every year who come for its lush rainforest, beautiful shores, and undersea wildlife. The size of the island is still small enough to allow visitors to circumnavigate it with a taxi or motorbike in a day, while hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of inland activities in the hills and jungle.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand, and The Best Nightlife Tours in Thailand.
-
Pai Prices
Thailand PricesKoh Samui Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPai $85Koh Samui $73
The average daily cost (per person) in Pai is $85, while the average daily cost in Koh Samui is $73. 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 Samui in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPai $15Koh Samui $24
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPai $30Koh Samui $48
Compare Hotels in Pai and Koh Samui
Looking for a hotel in Pai or Koh Samui? 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 Samui Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pai $39Koh Samui $18
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): $203
- Chiang Mai Private transfer to Pai - Mae Hong Son One-way: $191
- Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: to/from Pai Hotel: $161
- One-Way Private Transfer to Pai (Mae Hong Son): $147
- Chiang Mai City to/from Pai Hotel: Private Transfer: $144
- Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: to/from Pai Hotel: $144
- Chiang Mai Private Car transfer to or from Pai(Mae Hong Son): $135
- Chiang Mai: One-way Transfer to/from Pai by Private Car: $122
- Pa Pae Meditation: Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Mai: $76
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
-
Scooter Rental$2.19
-
Gas for Scooter$1.17
-
Airport Taxi$13
-
Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$12
-
Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Chaweng, Koh Samui APT-HTL (USM): $12
- The Red Baron Luxury Yacht Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $160
- Samui: Koh Samui Shared Arrival or Departure Transfer : $14
- Samui: Koh Samui Airport Transfers with Private Car : $29
- Samui: Angthong Marine Park Boat Tour w/ Transfer and Meals: $38
- Samui International Airport: Private Hotel Transfer: $35
- Samui International Airport (USM) Departure Shared Transfer: $12
- Roundtrip Transfer from Full Moon Party Koh Samui to Koh Phangan: $56
- Private round trip Transfers from Samui Airport : $36
- Private Transfer from Taling Ngam to Samui (USM) Airport: $62
- Private Transfer from Samui City to Samui (USM) Airport: $45
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Taling Ngam: $62
Is it cheaper to fly into Pai or Koh Samui?
Prices for flights to both Koh Samui 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 $39Koh Samui $36
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Samui
For Koh Samui, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Get Your Groove On Salsa & Bachata Dance, Dinner, Party - Bophut: $30
- Romantic 4-Course Dinner for Two on the Beach by the Amari Samui: $64
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $66
- Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $69
- Thai Cooking Class at Melati Beach Resort & Spa: $70
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $73
- Thai Cooking Masterclass by the Sea: $74
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $75
- Thai Cooking Class experience - Farm to table since 2015: $76
- Thai Cooking Masterclass by the Sea on Koh Samui: $77
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $78
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $79
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pai $43Koh Samui $11
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: Private Day Tour to Pai Highlights by Car: $162
- From Sunrise Private Tour Jabo Viewpoint & Nam Lod Cave: $90
- Full-Day Private Car Tour to Mae Hong Son Highlights: $172
- Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour: $112
- Jungle Ziplining Adventure with 16 Platforms: $40
- Ultimate Ziplining Adventure through the Jungle: $53
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- 6 Hrs Off Road 4x4 Adventure of Hidden Gems In Koh Samui Hills 1 - 4 persons: $128
- 6 Hrs Off Road 4x4 Adventure of Hidden Gems In Koh Samui Hills 5 - 8 Persons: $143
- Koh Samui Island ATV Quad Bike Adventure: $54
- Koh Tan and Pig Island Half-Day Tour by Speed Catamaran : $68
- Pig Island Experience By Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Kayaking Relaxing on the Beach: $54
- Pink Dolphins and 3 Islands Tour by Power Speed Catamaran : $116
- Private Tour in Koh Samui Waterfall And Mummified Monk Temple: $198
- koh samui island and water fall tour: $47
- zip line adventure on mountain (9 Platforms 1500 m.): $59
- 2 Day Halfmoon Festival Experience General Admission Pass: $77
- 2 Hour ATV Jungle Adventure : $102
- 2 Islands Sightseeing and Snorkeling Trip From Koh Samui: $50
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPai $14Koh Samui $4.95
Sample the Local Flavors in Pai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Pai:
- Pai Pub Crawl: The Best Nightlife in Town!: $10
When comparing the travel costs between Pai and Koh Samui, 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 Koh Samui Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Pai or Koh Samui?
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 Samui in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pai and Koh Samui. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Pai usually receives more rain than Koh Samui. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Pai is generally a little warmer than Koh Samui. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 29°C (85°F), and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPai 29°C (85°F)Koh Samui 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Pai or Koh Samui in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Pai as well as Koh Samui. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.
Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. October to December in Koh Samui is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. Pai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pai usually gets less rain in October than Koh Samui. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Pai is a little warmer than Koh Samui in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPai 29°C (84°F)Koh Samui 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Pai or Koh Samui in the Winter?
Both Koh Samui 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 Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Koh Samui is December to February. In January, Pai usually receives less rain than Koh Samui. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Pai is around the same temperature as Koh Samui. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pai in January average around 24°C (74°F), and Koh Samui averages at about 22°C (72°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPai 24°C (74°F)Koh Samui 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Pai or Koh Samui in the Spring?
Both Koh Samui 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 Samui year-round.
Pai usually gets less rain in April than Koh Samui. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Pai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Pai is generally a little warmer than Koh Samui. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 32°C (89°F), and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPai 32°C (89°F)Koh Samui 24°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Samui and Pai
| Pai | Koh Samui | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.