Which place is cheaper, Yangon 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 Yangon?
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 Yangon. 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 Yangon?
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.
Yangon
Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is the largest city and economic center for the nation of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. The city is a mix of British, Burmese, Chinese, and Indian influences, and is host to beautiful 19th-century colonial architecture as well as modern skyscrapers. The people of Yangon mainly follow the Buddhist religion and it is common to see monks wandering along the busy streets amidst gilded temples.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket.
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Pai Prices
Thailand PricesYangon Prices
Myanmar Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPai $91Yangon $70
The average daily cost (per person) in Pai is $91, while the average daily cost in Yangon 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 Yangon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPai $16Yangon $31
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPai $32Yangon $62
Compare Hotels in Pai and Yangon
Looking for a hotel in Pai or Yangon? 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 $42Yangon $2.38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangon
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Yangon:
- Yangon Airport Private Transfer : $45
- Yangon Airport Private Arrival Transfer : $60
- Private Yangon Departure Transfer: Hotel to Yangon Airport: $80
- Private Transfer from or to Rangon International Airport (YIA): $32
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Yangon International Airport (RGN): $23
- Private Arrival Transfer: Yangon International Airport (RGN) to Hotel: $23
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bagan Nyaung-U Airport (NYU) to Hotel: $14
- Private Airport Transfer at Yangon Airport to Center of Yangon: $23
- Bagan Airport Transfer with Private Car: $13
- Bagan (Nyaung Oo) Airport Private Transfer : $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Pai or Yangon?
Prices for flights to both Yangon 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 $42Yangon $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangon
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Yangon.
- Morning Yangon Food Tour: $24
- Yangon Street Food Tours: $28
- Yangon morning food tour with train ride : $45
- Cooking Myanmar Food and Explore Dala: $46
- Cooking class in the down town of Yangon, half day tour (07:30 AM - 12:30 PM): $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pai $46Yangon -
Tours and Activities in Yangon
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yangon are as follows:
- 3-day Yangon Sightseeing & Shopping : $296
- 8hrs - Dalla & Twantay Small Town One Day Tour: $142
- : Memorable Moment in The Heart of Yangon (08:00 AM - 06:00 PM)Full Day Tour: $82
- Adventure Day Trip to Bago : $140
- Adventure Full day visit in Yangon : $116
- Adventure Full day visit to Thanlyin (Syriam): $70
- Adventure Half-day visit in Yangon : $72
- An Ancient Wonder of Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda 2D1N Tour (The Golden Rock): $256
- Bagan Cultrue Tour : $50
- Bagan Sightseeing Tour by Private Guide and Car: $42
- Bagan Temples Tour by Private car and Tour guide.: $46
- Bago Full-Day Private Tour from Yangon: $138
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPai $15Yangon -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pai and Yangon, we can see that Pai is more expensive. And not only is Yangon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yangon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yangon 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 Pai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pai than you might in Yangon.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pai Expensive? and Is Yangon Expensive?.
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.