Which place is cheaper, Xiamen or Pai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Pai or Xiamen?
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 Xiamen. 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 Xiamen?
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.
Xiamen
Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.
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 China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
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Pai Prices
Thailand PricesXiamen Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPai $91Xiamen $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Pai is $91, while the average daily cost in Xiamen is $84. 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 Xiamen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPai $16Xiamen $31
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPai $32Xiamen $62
Compare Hotels in Pai and Xiamen
Looking for a hotel in Pai or Xiamen? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pai $42Xiamen $6.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Xiamen Airport Transfer: $25
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Departure Transfer from City Areas: $33
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng and HekengHakka Tulou fromXiamen: $90
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
- Private Transfer to Hongkeng Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer from Xiamen North Railway Station to City Area: $19
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hui'an county in Quanzhou: $89
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89
Is it cheaper to fly into Pai or Xiamen?
Prices for flights to both Xiamen 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
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Food Meals for one dayPai $42Xiamen $46
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pai $46Xiamen $16
Tours and Activities in Xiamen
For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Fujian Tulou Private Day Tour to World Heritage Site Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: $178
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Local Food Market Experience: $103
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $115
- A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour from Cruise Port or Airport : $155
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour with Meal: $176
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $164
- From 3-Day Tulou and Gulangyu Island Tour: $589
- Fujian Hakka Tulou Private Day Tour of Tianluokeng and Daping Lou: $194
- Hakka Tulou Private Day Tour of Yunshuiyao Ancient Village and Hekeng Tulou : $203
- Half-Day Private Tour to Xiamen Gulangyu Island Highlights: $192
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPai $15Xiamen $17
When comparing the travel costs between Pai and Xiamen, 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 Xiamen Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Pai or Xiamen?
Xiamen 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 Xiamen in the Summer?
Both Xiamen 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 July, Pai is generally around the same temperature as Xiamen. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 29°C (85°F), and Xiamen fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Xiamen. It's quite rainy in Pai. In July, Pai usually receives more rain than Xiamen. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPai 29°C (85°F)Xiamen 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Pai or Xiamen in the Autumn?
Both Xiamen 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.
Pai is a little warmer than Xiamen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Xiamen fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pai. Pai usually gets more rain in October than Xiamen. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPai 29°C (84°F)Xiamen 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Pai or Xiamen in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pai and Xiamen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round.
In the winter, Pai is much warmer than Xiamen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pai in January average around 24°C (74°F), and Xiamen averages at about 14°C (58°F).
In January, Pai usually receives less rain than Xiamen. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPai 24°C (74°F)Xiamen 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Pai or Xiamen in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Pai as well as Xiamen. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Pai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Pai is generally much warmer than Xiamen. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 32°C (89°F), and Xiamen fluctuates around 20°C (69°F).
It's quite rainy in Xiamen. Pai usually gets less rain in April than Xiamen. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPai 32°C (89°F)Xiamen 20°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Xiamen and Pai
| Pai | Xiamen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 25 mm (1 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.