Which place is cheaper, Beijing 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 Beijing?
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 Beijing 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 Beijing?
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."
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
-
Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesBeijing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $71Beijing $91
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $91. 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 Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $27Beijing $40
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $54Beijing $80
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Beijing? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $27Beijing $7.83
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 Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
-
Taxi$4.78
-
Train from Airport for Two$7.01
-
Taxi to Hotel$8.41
-
2 Metro Passes$2.24
-
Metro$0.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Pivate Transfer To Datong Yungang Grottoes From Beijing: $598
- Beijing Layover Private Tour: City Highlights With Airport Transfer: $300
- Beijing Acrobatics Show And Peking Opera Tour With Transfer: $299
- Beijing Great Wall and Imperial Palace Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $299
- Beijing Layover Tour with Hutong, Temple of Heaven and Airport Transfer: $296
- Beijing Layover of Comprehensive City Tour With Airport Transfer: $290
- Private Day Tour of Beijing City Overview with Airport Transfer: $285
- Beijing Private Transfer: Mutianyu Great Wall Slow-Paced Visit: $280
- Beijing Hutong Culture Experience with Airport Transfer: $276
- Private Transfer to Beidaihe Summer Resort from Beijing: $272
- Private Transfer To Guyaju Ancient Cave(With Options): $269
- 1-Day Bejing Layover Tour:Mutianyu Great Wall,Forbidden City & Airport Transfers: $250
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing 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 $28Beijing $34
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 Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
-
Popcorn$0.84
-
Hot Pot Dinner$7.01
-
Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.80
-
Watermelon$1.96
-
Peking Duck Dinner for 2$17
-
Two Popsicles$0.84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $20
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $54
- China's Favourite Street Food Cooking Workshop: $55
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Private Local Food Tour in Beijing with a Local Guide: $59
- Beijing Walking Food Tour with a Local Friend: $60
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Center Beijing: $70
- Beijing Hidden Hutong Bike & Food Tour - Pro Photos Included: $71
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.72Beijing $24
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 Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.41
-
Two Opera Tickets$60
-
Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.81
-
Forbidden City (for 2)$17
-
Forbidden City Tickets$17
-
Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Day Mutianyu Great Wall and Beijing Airport Drop off Tour: $235
- 4-Hour Beijing Layover Tour to Hutong from Daxing Airport: $145
- All Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Private Tour: $188
- All Inclusive Private Tour: Juyongguan Greatwall, Sacred Road, MingTombs : $180
- Beijing 2 Summer Palace Private Garden Tour: $140
- Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with English Driver : $121
- Beijing Private Tour of Ming Tombs, Summer Palace, Bird's Nest and Water Cube: $297
- China Art Museum and 798 Art Zone Private Tour: $137
- China National Museum Ticket Pre-booking and Tiananmen Square : $9.50
- Forbidden City Private Walking Tour with Optional Sights: $81
- Forbidden City Tour : $116
- Forbidden city with Tian'anmen square layover tour of Beijing : $240
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.71Beijing $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Tipsy Travel: Beijing Local Food and Bar Crawl night in Hutong: $158
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $199
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Beijing, we can see that Beijing 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing 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 Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 7480600 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Beijing, 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 Beijing?
Beijing 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 Beijing in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Beijing. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
In July, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Beijing. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 28°C (82°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It's quite rainy in Beijing. Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in July than Beijing. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Beijing in the Autumn?
Both Beijing 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. Also, many travelers come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Surat Thani is much warmer than Beijing in the autumn. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In October, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Beijing. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Beijing in the Winter?
Both Beijing 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Beijing in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Beijing can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Surat Thani is much warmer than Beijing. Typically, the winter temperatures in Surat Thani in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Beijing averages at about -4°C (26°F).
Surat Thani usually gets more rain in January than Beijing. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Beijing in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Beijing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 29°C (83°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In April, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Beijing. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 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.