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

Should you visit Pai or Nagano?

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 Nagano. 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 Nagano?

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.

Nagano

Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.

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 in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Pai or Nagano?

Nagano 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 Nagano in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Pai is a little warmer than Nagano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pai in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Nagano averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Pai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano during summer. Pai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the summer. Pai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Pai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nagano. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pai or Nagano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pai as well as Nagano. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

In October, Pai is generally much warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 29°C (84°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 16°C (60°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 Nagano. Pai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Pai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pai usually gets less rain in October than Nagano. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pai or Nagano in the Winter?

Both Nagano 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 Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nagano. Pai is much warmer than Nagano in the winter. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 24°C (74°F) in January, and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

It's quite sunny in Nagano. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pai. Pai usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during winter. Pai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. In January, Pai usually receives less rain than Nagano. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pai or Nagano in the Spring?

Both Nagano 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. Also, many visitors come to Nagano in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

The heat can be very extreme in Pai. In the spring, Pai is much warmer than Nagano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Nagano averages at about 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Pai. In the spring, Pai often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Pai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun.

Pai usually gets less rain in April than Nagano. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nagano and Pai