A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pai vs. Koyasan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pai or Koyasan?

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 Koyasan. 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 Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan

Mount Koya, Japan is a mountain city located just south of Osaka in the Wakayama prefecture. The area is known as the headquarters of the Shingnon sect of Japanese Buddhism and was first settled in 816. Over time, it has developed into the small town of Koya that is now home to a religious studies university and over 100 temples, many of which offer accommodation.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pai and Koyasan, we can see that Koyasan is more expensive. And not only is Pai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pai 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 Koyasan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koyasan than you might in Pai.

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

When is the best time to visit Pai or Koyasan?

Koyasan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Pai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Pai or Koyasan in the Summer?

Both Koyasan 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. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.

In the summer, Pai is around the same temperature as Koyasan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pai in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Koyasan averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In the summer, Pai often gets less sunshine than Koyasan. Pai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 183 hours of full sun.

Koyasan 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 Koyasan. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pai or Koyasan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pai and Koyasan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Koyasan for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Pai is generally much warmer than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 29°C (84°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

In Pai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pai usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during autumn. Pai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pai usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pai or Koyasan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pai as well as Koyasan. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Koyasan in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Pai is much warmer than Koyasan in the winter. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 24°C (74°F) in January, and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pai this time of the year. In the winter, Pai often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Pai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 140 hours of full sun.

Pai usually gets less rain in January than Koyasan. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pai or Koyasan in the Spring?

Both Koyasan and Pai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pai throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Koyasan for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

The heat can be very extreme in Pai. In the spring, Pai is much warmer than Koyasan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Koyasan averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pai. Pai usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during spring. Pai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. In April, Pai usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Koyasan and Pai