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

Should you visit Pai or Yamaguchi?

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 Yamaguchi. 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 Yamaguchi?

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.

Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi, Japan is the capital city of the Yamaguchi Prefecture, located on the Western tip of Honshu, Japan. During medieval times, Yamaguchi City flourished and was essentially the capital of Japan when Kyoto was demolished by the Onin war. After 1551, the city lost this standing, although evidence of its precious prosperity can be found in the architecture and even in the planning of the city.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pai and Yamaguchi, we can see that Yamaguchi 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 Yamaguchi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yamaguchi 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 Yamaguchi Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Pai or Yamaguchi?

Yamaguchi 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 Yamaguchi in the Summer?

Both Yamaguchi and Pai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pai throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Yamaguchi for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Pai is generally a little warmer than Yamaguchi. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 29°C (85°F), and Yamaguchi fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yamaguchi. It's quite rainy in Pai. In July, Pai usually receives less rain than Yamaguchi. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pai or Yamaguchi in the Autumn?

Both Yamaguchi 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Yamaguchi because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Pai is much warmer than Yamaguchi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Yamaguchi fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pai. Pai usually gets more rain in October than Yamaguchi. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pai or Yamaguchi in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pai and Yamaguchi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Yamaguchi this time of year.

In the winter, Pai is much warmer than Yamaguchi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pai in January average around 24°C (74°F), and Yamaguchi averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In January, Pai usually receives less rain than Yamaguchi. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pai or Yamaguchi in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pai as well as Yamaguchi. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Yamaguchi for the natural beauty.

Pai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Pai is generally much warmer than Yamaguchi. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 32°C (89°F), and Yamaguchi fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite rainy in Yamaguchi. Pai usually gets less rain in April than Yamaguchi. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Yamaguchi receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Yamaguchi and Pai