A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surat Thani vs. Atami for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Surat Thani or Atami?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Surat Thani and Atami can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Surat Thani or Atami?

Surat Thani

The best way to see the real culture of a country is to go where the tourists are not. If you are itching to experience real Thai culture, you may want to visit the city of Surat Thani. Located on the central gulf coast of southern Thailand, this city is usually the gateway to other Thai islands – meaning visitors run through it without stopping. Stay a while and get to know Surat Thani – known to the locals as the "City of Good People."

Atami

Sharing a home with the famous Mount Fuji inside the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Atami is a Japanese city set on the seaside of the Izu Peninsula. With volcanic hills and natural hot springs, visitors are very much drawn to the unique landscape of the place. There are many hot springs resorts that take advantage of the area's natural features, which have been attracting visitors since the 8th century.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Atami or Surat Thani?

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 Surat Thani is $71, while the average daily cost in Atami is $108. 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 Surat Thani and Atami in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surat Thani $27
    Atami $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surat Thani $54
    Atami $88
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Atami

Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Atami? 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 Surat Thani


Hotels in Atami


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: Atami Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Surat Thani $27
    Atami $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani

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

  • Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $78
  • Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $90
  • Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
  • Samui Airport Transfer: $33
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $39
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $39
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $39
  • Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
  • Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $22
  • Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $16
  • Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $62
  • From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.10

Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Atami?

Prices for flights to both Atami and Surat Thani 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
    Surat Thani $28
    Atami $43
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:


  • Dinner
    $4.71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surat Thani

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

  • Koh Samui: Evening Thai Cooking Class with Organic Garden: $121

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Surat Thani $5.72
    Atami $7.96

Tours and Activities in Surat Thani

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

  • A Walking Tour of Surat Thani's Most Beautiful and Historic Sites: $174
  • Adventure trip in koh Phangan: $127
  • Blue Stars Kayaking Adventure in Angthong Marine Park: $80
  • Dolphin Watching Tan and Pig Island Tour from Koh Samui : $66
  • From Ko Pha Ngan: Angthong Marine Park Speedboat Adventure: $81
  • Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan with Lunch: $69
  • Khao Sok ATV Jungle Trail Adventure Experience: $57
  • Ko Pha Ngan: Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan Snorkeling Adventure: $81
  • Koh Phangan: Quad ATV Jungle Adventure with Scenic Views: $73
  • Koh Samui Island Hopping Adventure in Coral and Pig Island: $53
  • Koh Samui: Feed & Shower with Elephants Experience: $65
  • Koh Samui: Surron Electric Dirt Bike Jungle Adventure 2H: $93

Tours and Activities in Atami

For Atami, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2025 1 Day Winter Sumo Official Provincial Tour at Odawara: $104
  • Experience Tea Ceremony at a Traditional Japanese Inn : $46
  • Hakone customized private one day tour: $173
  • Japanese Traditional Music Experience: $48
  • Ninja, Samurai, Odawara Castle Experience: $138
  • Odawara Castle and Town Guided Discovery Tour: $138
  • Odawara Ramen Crawl Experience: Visit 2 Iconic Shops: $52
  • Odawara to Hakone Scenic Adventure: $172

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surat Thani $5.71
    Atami $5.65


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Atami, we can see that Atami is more expensive. And not only is Surat Thani much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Surat Thani would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Surat Thani 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 Atami would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atami than you might in Surat Thani.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Surat Thani Expensive? and Is Atami Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Atami?

Atami has a larger population, and is about 40690 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Atami, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Surat Thani or Atami?

Atami has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Surat Thani experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Surat Thani or Atami in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Atami. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atami this time of year.

In the summer, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Atami. Typically, the summer temperatures in Surat Thani in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Atami averages at about 26°C (78°F).

Atami receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Atami. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Surat Thani 28°C (82°F) 
    Atami 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Atami in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Atami. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Atami for the shopping scene.

In October, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Atami. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 27°C (81°F), and Atami fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Atami. Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in October than Atami. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Surat Thani 27°C (81°F) 
    Atami 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Atami in the Winter?

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

Surat Thani is much warmer than Atami in the winter. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Atami fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In January, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Atami. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Surat Thani 25°C (77°F) 
    Atami 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Atami in the Spring?

Both Atami and Surat Thani during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Atami for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Surat Thani is much warmer than Atami. Typically, the spring temperatures in Surat Thani in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Atami averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Atami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in April than Atami. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Surat Thani 29°C (83°F) 
    Atami 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Atami and Surat Thani

Surat Thani Atami
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 51 mm (2 in) 5°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Apr 29°C (83°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 164 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 222 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 209 mm (8.2 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 240 mm (9.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)


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