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

Should you visit Pai or Sendai?

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 Sendai. 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 Sendai?

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.

Sendai

Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

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

When is the best time to visit Pai or Sendai?

Sendai 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 Sendai in the Summer?

Both Sendai and Pai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pai throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Sendai for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Pai is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pai in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Sendai averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Pai usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during summer. Pai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. It's quite rainy in Pai. In July, Pai usually receives more rain than Sendai. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pai or Sendai in the Autumn?

Both Sendai and Pai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Sendai because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Pai is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 29°C (84°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Pai. In the autumn, Pai often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Pai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.

Sendai 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 October than Sendai. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pai or Sendai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pai and Sendai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.

It's quite cold in Sendai in the winter. Pai is much warmer than Sendai in the winter. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 24°C (74°F) in January, and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In Pai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pai usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during winter. Pai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Pai usually receives less rain than Sendai. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pai or Sendai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pai as well as Sendai. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Sendai for the beaches and the activities around the city.

The heat can be very extreme in Pai. In the spring, Pai is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Sendai averages at about 10°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pai this time of the year. In the spring, Pai often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Pai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Sendai and Pai