Which place is cheaper, Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai?
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 Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai?
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."
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
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.
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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesChiang Mai Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $71Chiang Mai $61
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, while the average daily cost in Chiang Mai is $61. 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 Chiang Mai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $27Chiang Mai $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $54Chiang Mai $60
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Chiang Mai
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Chiang Mai? 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: Chiang Mai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $27Chiang Mai $4.18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
- Donsak pier to Krabi,Phuket,Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $127
- Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $90
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
- Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $78
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $62
- 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
- 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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.26
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Moped Rental$5.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chiang Mai Highlights: Top 2 Tours & Airport Transfers Included: $287
- Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Temples Tour with Premium Transfer: $240
- Zipline Adventure at Chiang Mai with Return Transfer: $220
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $190
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: $175
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai (one way only): $175
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Pai Or Pai to Chiang Mai: $175
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Round Trip Private Transfer: $143
- Chiang Dao to Chiang Mai Airport CNX Private Departure Transfer: $71
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Private Arrival Transfer: $71
- Chiang Mai Airport Transfer by Private Van – Arrival or Departure: $54
- Chiang Mai Transfer to Houay Xay, Laos: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Chiang Mai?
Prices for flights to both Chiang Mai 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 $28Chiang Mai $21
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 Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$6.12
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.75
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Casual Breakfast$1.26
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.28
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Mangoes$0.94
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Coffee$1.57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $10
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $10
- Chiang Mai Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show Experience: $22
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $22
- Chiang Mai Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show Experience: $22
- Half-day Thai Cooking Class from scratch by an Expert Chef: $27
- Morning Thai cooking class : $29
- Evening Thai cooking class : $29
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $29
- The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai : $29
- Cooking class in organic garden and local market tour ThaiCottage: $29
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner & Cultural Show Tour in Chiang Mai: $31
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.72Chiang Mai $14
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$41
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.88
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Kratong Lessons$3.14
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Pedicure$4.71
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.65
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Chiang Mai ATV, Hiking and Rafting Adventure: $81
- Chiang Mai Half Day Rice Planting and Cultural Experience: $51
- Chiang Mai Trekking Tour :Full day (no rafting): $57
- Doi suthep temple & Hidden temple half day private tour(5 hrs.) : $48
- Skyline Jungle Luge and Zipline Adventure Chiang Mai: $58
- 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $156
- 1 Day Private Tour Unseen in Lamphun Province : $119
- 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
- 1 Day Sukhothai Historical Park from Chiang Mai Private Tour: $191
- 1 Day Trek and Sticky Waterfall Tour in Chiang Mai: $86
- 1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $172
- 1 day Private Tour to Unseen Temple in Lampang: $138
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.71Chiang Mai $7.78
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$3.14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Chiang Mai, we can see that Surat Thani is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Surat Thani would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Surat Thani than you might in Chiang Mai.
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 Chiang Mai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 1000000 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Chiang Mai, 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 Chiang Mai?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Surat Thani or Chiang Mai in the Summer?
Both Chiang Mai and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In July, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Chiang Mai. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Chiang Mai in the summer. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Chiang Mai 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Chiang Mai in the Autumn?
Both Chiang Mai and Surat Thani during the autumn 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 Chiang Mai year-round.
November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Surat Thani. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in October than Chiang Mai. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Chiang Mai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surat Thani in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Chiang Mai averages at about 29°C (83°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Chiang Mai 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Chiang Mai in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Chiang Mai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. In January, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Chiang Mai. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 25°C (77°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Chiang Mai 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Chiang Mai in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Chiang Mai. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.
June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in April than Chiang Mai. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Chiang Mai in the spring. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Chiang Mai 31°C (88°F)
Typical Weather for Chiang Mai and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Chiang Mai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.