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

Should you visit Pai or Hiroshima?

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 Hiroshima. 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 Hiroshima?

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.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is positioned on the coast of the Seto Inland Sea and is an industrial city made up of many zigzagging rivers and wide boulevard streets. Today Hiroshima is a modern and vibrant city with great food and an energetic nightlife, but the image that remains in most visitor's minds is the Hiroshima of 1945 when it became the horrific sight of the first atomic bomb attack. Hiroshima shares the colorful neon atmosphere of other major Japanese cities and its hard to recognize the city immortalized all those years ago on that fateful day.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Hiroshima or Pai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Pai is $91, while the average daily cost in Hiroshima is $126. 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 Hiroshima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pai $16
    Hiroshima $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pai $32
    Hiroshima $134
Compare Hotels in Pai and Hiroshima

Looking for a hotel in Pai or Hiroshima? 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.

Hotels in Pai


Hotels in Hiroshima


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 and Hiroshima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pai $42
    Hiroshima $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hiroshima

Also for Hiroshima, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Shared Departure Transfer : Hiroshima City to Hiroshima Airport: $128
  • Shared Arrival Transfer : Hiroshima Airport to Hiroshima City: $128
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Port to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): $164
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to Hiroshima Port: $182
  • Private Transfer Hiroshima Airport: $292
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Hiroshima International Airport to Hiroshima City: $272
  • Iwakuni Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $244
  • Hiroshima City: Private Transfer to/from Hiroshima Airport: $189

Is it cheaper to fly into Pai or Hiroshima?

Prices for flights to both Hiroshima 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Pai $42
    Hiroshima $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hiroshima

For Hiroshima, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hiroshima Night Walk & Traditional Okonomiyaki Dinner Tour: $52
  • Okonomiyaki Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $59
  • Food and Culture Guided Walking Tour with Dinner: $82
  • Dinner Cruise on HANAIKADA (Raft-Type Boat) with Scenic View of Miyajima: $100
  • Bar Hopping Food Tour: $103
  • Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour: $105
  • Private Japanese Cooking Class in Hiroshima with Machiko's Family: $108
  • Hiroshima Peace Bicycle Tour and Okonomiyaki Dinner: $113
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $182
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $221
  • Private Nature, History, and Food Tour: $629

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pai $46
    Hiroshima $5.58

Tours and Activities in Hiroshima

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hiroshima.

  • 1 Day Tour Onomichi Temples Exploration and Saijo Sake Tasting: $175
  • 1-Day Miyajima Sightseeing Tour: $186
  • 1-Day Tour: Hiroshima Hidden Gems & Highlights: $161
  • 2 Hour Private Morning Tour Highlights in Peace Memorial Park: $103
  • 2-Hour Private Hiroshima Morning Tour: $103
  • 3 Hour Nanaura Tour around Miyajima with Lunch Box: $264
  • 30 Minutes One Way Cruise from Miyahama Onsen to Miyajima: $119
  • 4 Hour Private Hiroshima City Walking Tour: $95
  • 7 hours Private Customizable Walking Tour in Hiroshima: $300
  • Abacus & Calligraphy Experience Near Hiroshima Peace Park: $21
  • Abacus & Calligraphy Experience Near Hiroshima Peace Park: $20
  • Amazing Private City Tour with a Local Guide: $135

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pai $15
    Hiroshima $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Hiroshima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Hiroshima:

  • Visit behind the Scenes: Hiroshima Saijo Sake Brewery Tour: $124
  • Half-Day Saijo Tour Sake Tasting and Brewery Tour in Hiroshima: $131
  • Private Goma Fire Ritual, Lunch & Sake Brewery Visits : $200


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



When is the best time to visit Pai or Hiroshima?

Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pai and Hiroshima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Hiroshima because of the family-friendly experiences.

Pai is a little warmer than Hiroshima in the summer. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Pai usually receives less sunshine than Hiroshima during summer. Pai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 194 hours of full sun in the summer.

Hiroshima receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Pai usually receives less rain than Hiroshima. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pai 29°C (85°F) 
    Hiroshima 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Pai or Hiroshima in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pai as well as Hiroshima. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Hiroshima this time of year.

In the autumn, Pai is much warmer than Hiroshima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pai this time of the year. In the autumn, Pai often gets more sunshine than Hiroshima. Pai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 193 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hiroshima. Pai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pai usually gets more rain in October than Hiroshima. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pai 29°C (84°F) 
    Hiroshima 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Pai or Hiroshima in the Winter?

Both Hiroshima and Pai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pai throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Hiroshima for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hiroshima. In January, Pai is generally much warmer than Hiroshima. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 24°C (74°F), and Hiroshima fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pai. Pai usually receives more sunshine than Hiroshima during winter. Pai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Pai usually receives less rain than Hiroshima. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pai 24°C (74°F) 
    Hiroshima 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Pai or Hiroshima in the Spring?

Both Hiroshima and Pai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's very hot in Pai this time of the year. Pai is much warmer than Hiroshima in the spring. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Pai. In the spring, Pai often gets more sunshine than Hiroshima. Pai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 193 hours of full sun.

Hiroshima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Pai usually gets less rain in April than Hiroshima. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pai 32°C (89°F) 
    Hiroshima 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Hiroshima and Pai

Pai Hiroshima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (74°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 29°C (83°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 32°C (89°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (56°F) 168 mm (6.6 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Jun 30°C (86°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 260 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 256 mm (10.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 29°C (85°F) 207 mm (8.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)