Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) 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.
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Should you visit Surat Thani or Cheju (Jeju)?
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 Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju)?
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."
Cheju (Jeju)
Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.
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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesCheju (Jeju) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $71Cheju (Jeju) $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) is $84. 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 Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $27Cheju (Jeju) $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $54Cheju (Jeju) $90
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Cheju (Jeju)
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Cheju (Jeju)? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $27Cheju (Jeju) $10
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport To Seogwipo City: $150
- Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City to Jeju Airport(one way ): $90
- Private Jeju Airport Transfer : Jeju Airport to/from Jeju(~7 pax): $89
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $75
- Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $75
- jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $70
- Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju city (One way ) : $45
- Jeju Airport (CJU) Private Transfer to Jeju City Centre/Seogwipo: $27
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Cheju (Jeju)?
Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) 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
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Food Meals for one daySurat Thani $28Cheju (Jeju) $29
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:
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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 Cheju (Jeju)
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):
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Burger$4.44
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Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)$7.16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).
- JEJU Cooking Class _Class & Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $139
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.72Cheju (Jeju) $5.43
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
Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)
Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Day Tour World Natural Heritage in jeju island : $125
- 1-Day Jeju Island Tour For Cruise Passenger: $64
- 2 Days Private Tour with a Very Experienced Driver in Jeju Island: $290
- 2025 Cherry Blossom East Day Tour in Jeju with UNESCO: $81
- 2025 JEJU Cherry Blossom West&South Full Day Tour with UNESCO: $80
- 2Days Private Tour Free schedule with A lot of Experience driver : $300
- 2Days World Natural Heritage & South & west tour in jeju island : $225
- All-Inclusive Jeju East Tour with Lunch and Tangerine Picking: $105
- Customized private tour in Jeju island: $175
- East of Jeju island Bus Tour from Seogwipo city, Jeju island: $99
- East of jeju tour for Seogwipo Gangjeong Cruise Customers: $160
- Eastern Jeju: All Inclusive Private Tour w/ Tangerine picking: $200
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.71Cheju (Jeju) $7.04
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Cheju (Jeju), we can see that Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Cheju (Jeju)?
Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 408360 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Cheju (Jeju), 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 Cheju (Jeju)?
Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Cheju (Jeju). Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Cheju (Jeju) in the summer. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite rainy in Cheju (Jeju). Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in July than Cheju (Jeju). Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Cheju (Jeju) in the Autumn?
Both Cheju (Jeju) 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.
In the autumn, Surat Thani is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surat Thani in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In October, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Cheju (Jeju). Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Cheju (Jeju) in the Winter?
Both Cheju (Jeju) 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.
In January, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 25°C (77°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
Surat Thani usually gets less rain in January than Cheju (Jeju). Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Cheju (Jeju) in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Cheju (Jeju). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round.
Surat Thani is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the spring. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In April, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Cheju (Jeju) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 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.