Which place is cheaper, Bangkok 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Surat Thani or Bangkok?
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 Bangkok 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 Bangkok?
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."
Bangkok
Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, and The Best Budget Tours to Thailand.
-
Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesBangkok Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $71Bangkok $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, while the average daily cost in Bangkok is $105. 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 Bangkok in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $27Bangkok $50
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $54Bangkok $100
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Bangkok
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Bangkok? 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.
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: Bangkok Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $27Bangkok $6.49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Donsak pier to Krabi,Phuket,Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $127
- From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.10
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $62
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $16
- Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $22
- Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $39
- Samui Airport Transfer: $33
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
- Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $90
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.51
-
Skytrain Ticket$5.02
-
Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$1.00
-
Ferry Ride$0.82
-
Taxi From Airport$7.85
-
Short Taxi Ride$2.83
-
Boat Taxi$1.57
-
Trains to airport$5.02
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- Private Transfer from Bangkok to Lampang with 2h of Sightseeing: $250
- Private Transfer from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Trat: $238
- Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Aranyaprathet: $220
- Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Rayong: $206
- Ayutthaya Tour with Premium Transfer & MICHELIN Lunch: $195
- Limousine one way transfer: BKKAirport to/from ChaAm or Hua Hin: $191
- Limousine one way transfer: BKKAirport to/from U-Tapao Airport: $191
- Private Transfer Bangkok to Koh Chang Pier: $189
- Private Transfer from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Kanchanaburi: $189
- Private Transfer from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Chanthaburi: $189
- Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Kanchanaburi: $180
- Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Chanthaburi: $180
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Bangkok?
Prices for flights to both Bangkok 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 daySurat Thani $28Bangkok $36
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
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
-
Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$28
-
Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$6.28
-
2 Rotis (Bread)$1.41
-
Mango & Sticky Rice$0.94
-
Lunch at KFC (for Two)$6.28
-
Pad Thai$2.20
-
Airport Lunch for 2$17
-
Lunch for 2$23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- Baiyoke Sky Hotel Observation Deck Ticket with Lunch or Dinner : $22
- Meridian Dinner and Sunset Cruise in Bangkok: $23
- Royal Princess Dinner Cruise in Bangkok: $25
- Chao Phraya Princess Sunset and Dinner Cruise: $27
- Twilight Dinner Cruise Along Chao Phraya River in Bangkok: $29
- Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $29
- Baiyoke Sky Dinner Experience with Observation Deck Access: $29
- Baiyoke Sky Observation Deck With Buffet Dinner or Lunch: $29
- Bangkok Amazing Chaophraya River Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $32
- Nopparat’s Traditional Thai Dinner & Dance: $32
- Chao Phraya River Serenade: VIVA Alangka Dinner Cruise, Bangkok: $32
- Riverside Bangkok Dinner Cruise with Buffet and City Views: $32
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.72Bangkok $18
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- Private Taxi Services and Tourism in Koh Samui: $13
- Samui Go-Karting Experience – Sodikart RT10 Outdoor Race: $22
- Koh Tao 5 Best Snorkeling Sunset Tour by Big Boat: $32
- Pig Island Koh Taen Snorkeling Tour by Speedboat from Koh Samui: $47
- Pig Island & Koh Tan Tour by Speed Boat (Snorkeling & Kayaking): $49
- Koh Samui Island Hopping Adventure in Coral and Pig Island: $53
- Khao Sok ATV Jungle Trail Adventure Experience: $57
- Koh Samui: Feed & Shower with Elephants Experience: $65
- Pink Dolphin and Pig Island Snorkeling Tour from Koh Samui: $65
- Dolphin Watching Tan and Pig Island Tour from Koh Samui : $66
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan with Lunch: $69
- Koh Phangan: Quad ATV Jungle Adventure with Scenic Views: $73
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Movie Ticket$5.02
-
Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$11
-
Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.57
-
Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$6.28
-
Club Cover Charge$12
-
Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$75
-
Fish Pedicure$4.71
-
Wat Pho entrance ticket$3.14
-
Siriraj Museum (2)$13
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- A Day in Ayutthaya: Private 5 UNESCO Temples Tour From Bangkok: $126
- Ayutthaya Historic Park Tour Group Tour from Bangkok: $55
- Bangkok Hindu Landmark Tour with Grand Palace, Temples & Lunch: $169
- Full-Day Erawan Waterfall and River Kwai Private Guided Tour: $150
- Private Customized Bangkok Tour With Driver : $58
- Private Half-Day Bangkok City Tour explore The Grand Palace: $144
- UNESCO Temple Group Tour to Ayutthaya From Bangkok: $60
- 1 Hour Axe Throwing Experience : $20
- 10 Hours Private Tour Ayuttaya: $132
- 2 Day Guided Tour from Bangkok to Ayutthaya : $96
- 2 Hour Electric Tuk Tuk Cultural Tour of Bangkok: $31
- 2 Hour Longtail Boat Bangkok Canal Tour: $79
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.71Bangkok $5.65
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
-
Beer$1.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Bangkok Pub Crawl: $17
- The Original Bangkok Pub Crawl: $32
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Bangkok, we can see that Bangkok 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 Bangkok would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangkok 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 Bangkok Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Bangkok?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 5104480 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Bangkok, 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 Bangkok?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Surat Thani or Bangkok in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Bangkok. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Bangkok. Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in July than Bangkok. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Bangkok in the summer. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Bangkok fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Bangkok 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Bangkok in the Autumn?
Both Bangkok and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Bangkok is November to February. The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In October, Surat Thani usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bangkok. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Bangkok. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surat Thani in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Bangkok averages at about 28°C (83°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Bangkok 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Bangkok in the Winter?
Both Bangkok and Surat Thani during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round.
November to February is the dry season in Bangkok. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in January than Bangkok. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Bangkok. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 25°C (77°F), and Bangkok fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Bangkok 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Bangkok in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Bangkok. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok. In April, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Bangkok. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Bangkok in the spring. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Bangkok fluctuates around 31°C (87°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Bangkok 31°C (87°F)
Typical Weather for Bangkok and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Bangkok | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 242 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.