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

Should you visit Pai or Shenyang?

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 Shenyang. 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 Shenyang?

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.

Shenyang

Shenyang, China is the capital, and largest, city in the Liaoning Province in northwest China which borders North Korea. Shenyang has a long, imperial, history and is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty. The city has a blend of beautifully preserved architecture and modern buildings, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Shenyang or Pai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Pai is $64, while the average daily cost in Shenyang is $70. 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 Shenyang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pai $14
    Shenyang $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pai $28
    Shenyang $82
Compare Hotels in Pai and Shenyang

Looking for a hotel in Pai or Shenyang? 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.

Hotels in Pai


Hotels in Shenyang


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pai $37
    Shenyang $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pai

Also for Pai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer and Tour to Pai / Chiang Mai: $149
  • Pa Pae Meditation: Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Mai: $70
  • Chiang Mai Private Car transfer to or from Pai(Mae Hong Son): $107
  • Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: to/from Pai Hotel: $132
  • Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: to/from Pai Hotel: $149
  • Chiang Mai City to/from Pai Hotel: Private Transfer: $132

Is it cheaper to fly into Pai or Shenyang?

Prices for flights to both Shenyang 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 day
    Pai $21
    Shenyang $18

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pai $40
    Shenyang $7.69

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 day
    Pai $13
    Shenyang $5.82


When comparing the travel costs between Pai and Shenyang, we can see that Shenyang 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 Shenyang Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Pai or Shenyang?

Shenyang 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 Shenyang in the Summer?

Both Shenyang and Pai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pai throughout the year.

In the summer, Pai is a little warmer than Shenyang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pai in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Shenyang averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Shenyang. Pai usually receives less sunshine than Shenyang during summer. Pai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Shenyang receives 214 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenyang. It's quite rainy in Pai. In July, Pai usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pai 29°C (85°F) 
    Shenyang 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Pai or Shenyang in the Autumn?

Both Shenyang 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.

In October, Pai is generally much warmer than Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 29°C (84°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In Shenyang, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pai. In the autumn, Pai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shenyang. Pai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenyang receives 216 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pai. Pai usually gets more rain in October than Shenyang. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pai 29°C (84°F) 
    Shenyang 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Pai or Shenyang in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pai and Shenyang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round.

Shenyang can be very cold during winter. Pai is much warmer than Shenyang in the winter. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 24°C (74°F) in January, and Shenyang fluctuates around -11°C (13°F).

In Pai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pai usually receives more sunshine than Shenyang during winter. Pai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Shenyang receives 167 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Pai usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pai 24°C (74°F) 
    Shenyang -11°C (13°F)

Should I visit Pai or Shenyang in the Spring?

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

The heat can be very extreme in Pai. In the spring, Pai is much warmer than Shenyang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Shenyang averages at about 10°C (50°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shenyang. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pai this time of the year. In the spring, Pai often gets more sunshine than Shenyang. Pai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenyang receives 241 hours of full sun.

Pai usually gets more rain in April than Shenyang. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pai 32°C (89°F) 
    Shenyang 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Shenyang and Pai

Pai Shenyang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (74°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) -11°C (13°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) -7°C (19°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 29°C (83°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Apr 32°C (89°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 256 mm (10.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Sep 29°C (85°F) 207 mm (8.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Dec 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) -7°C (19°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)