A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Sukhothai vs. Pai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sukhothai or Pai?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Sukhothai and Pai can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Sukhothai or Pai?

Sukhothai

If you are the kind of wandering traveler looking to find calm and inner peace, you will want to add Sukhothai to your list. Also known as "the dawn of happiness," this area is best known for the ruins of the ancient city of Sukhothai – the capital of Thailand during the 13th century. As the first capital of Siam, the area's temples and monuments are restored and ready for visitors from around the world.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Sukhothai and Pai, 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 Sukhothai Expensive? and Is Pai Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Sukhothai or Pai?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Pai in the Summer?

Both Pai and Sukhothai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sukhothai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Pai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pai. It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In July, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Pai. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Pai receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Pai during summer. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Pai receives 146 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Pai in the summer. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Pai fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Pai in the Autumn?

Both Pai and Sukhothai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Sukhothai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round.

October to April is the dry season in Sukhothai. May to October is the rainy season in Sukhothai. Pai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually gets more rain in October than Pai. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Pai receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Pai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the autumn, Sukhothai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pai. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pai receives 226 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Pai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sukhothai in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Pai averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Pai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Pai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Pai. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Pai receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pai this time of the year. In Sukhothai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pai during winter. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Pai receives 283 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sukhothai is generally around the same temperature as Pai. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 25°C (77°F), and Pai fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Pai in the Spring?

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

Also, October to April in Sukhothai is the dry season. May to October in Sukhothai is the rainy season. Sukhothai usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Pai. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pai receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sukhothai this time of the year. In the spring, Sukhothai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pai. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pai receives 275 hours of full sun.

The heat can be very extreme in Pai. It's very hot in Sukhothai this time of the year. Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Pai in the spring. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Pai fluctuates around 32°C (89°F).

Typical Weather for Pai and Sukhothai