Which place is cheaper, Zhengzhou or Pai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pai or Zhengzhou?
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 Zhengzhou. 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 Zhengzhou?
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.
Zhengzhou
Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPai $64Zhengzhou $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Pai is $64, while the average daily cost in Zhengzhou is $98. 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 Zhengzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPai $14Zhengzhou $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPai $28Zhengzhou $72
Compare Hotels in Pai and Zhengzhou
Looking for a hotel in Pai or Zhengzhou? 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 $37Zhengzhou $63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pai
Also for Pai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chiang Mai City to/from Pai Hotel: Private Transfer: $132
- Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: to/from Pai Hotel: $132
- Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: to/from Pai Hotel: $149
- Chiang Mai Private Car transfer to or from Pai(Mae Hong Son): $107
- Pa Pae Meditation: Private Car transfer to/from Chiang Mai: $70
- Transfer and Tour to Pai / Chiang Mai: $149
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:
- [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27
- Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $31
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $53
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $65
- Zhengzhou Special Car Service, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
- Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
- Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
- Private Transfer to Guoliang Village and Tunnel from Zhengzhou: $160
- Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
Is it cheaper to fly into Pai or Zhengzhou?
Prices for flights to both Zhengzhou 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 $21Zhengzhou $28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhengzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zhengzhou.
- Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pai $40Zhengzhou $8.18
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
Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $265
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $275
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $265
- All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $209
- Full-Day Private Kaifeng Highlight Tour from Zhengzhou: $248
- Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
- Kaifeng City Highlights Independant Tour from Zhengzhou: $80
- Private Day Tour to Guoliang from Zhengzhou: $268
- Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Songyang Academy from Zhengzhou: $233
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple with Kungfu Class from Zhengzhou: $287
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPai $13Zhengzhou $6.31
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pai and Zhengzhou, we can see that Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Pai or Zhengzhou?
Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou in the Summer?
Both Zhengzhou 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.
Pai is around the same temperature as Zhengzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
In Zhengzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Pai often gets less sunshine than Zhengzhou. Pai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zhengzhou receives 215 hours of full sun.
Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPai 29°C (85°F)Zhengzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Pai or Zhengzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pai and Zhengzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round.
In the autumn, Pai is much warmer than Zhengzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Zhengzhou averages at about 16°C (61°F).
In Pai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pai usually receives more sunshine than Zhengzhou during autumn. Pai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Zhengzhou receives 188 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Pai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pai usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPai 29°C (84°F)Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Pai or Zhengzhou in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Pai as well as Zhengzhou. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The weather in Zhengzhou can be very cold. In January, Pai is generally much warmer than Zhengzhou. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 24°C (74°F), and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 1°C (34°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 Zhengzhou. Pai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zhengzhou receives 159 hours of full sun.
Pai usually gets less rain in January than Zhengzhou. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPai 24°C (74°F)Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F)
Should I visit Pai or Zhengzhou in the Spring?
Both Zhengzhou and Pai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pai throughout the year.
It's very hot in Pai this time of the year. Pai is much warmer than Zhengzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It's quite sunny in Zhengzhou. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pai. Pai usually receives more sunshine than Zhengzhou during spring. Pai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Zhengzhou receives 201 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Pai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zhengzhou. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPai 32°C (89°F)Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Zhengzhou and Pai
| Pai | Zhengzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.