A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surat Thani vs. Chichibu-Tama-Kai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Surat Thani or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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."

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Located at the intersection of the Saitama, Yamanashi, Nagano, and Tokyo Prefectures, Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park is a national park in Japan webbed with hiking trails and many ancient shrines. Mount Mitake, Mount Mitsumine, and Mount Mito are just three of the eight peaks that tower above the park at over 2000 meters, while rivers sources flowing below include the Arakawa River, Shinano River, Tama River, and Fuefuki River (Fuji River).

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 in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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.

  • Surat Thani Prices
    Thailand Prices
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Surat Thani $71
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $90

The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, while the average daily cost in Chichibu-Tama-Kai is $90. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surat Thani $27
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surat Thani $54
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $70
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Chichibu-Tama-Kai? 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai


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 $27
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $21

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Prices for flights to both Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $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
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $7.39

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surat Thani $5.71
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai $8.60


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Chichibu-Tama-Kai, we can see that Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Surat Thani or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Summer?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chichibu-Tama-Kai this time of year.

Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the summer. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In July, Surat Thani usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Surat Thani 28°C (82°F) 
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Autumn?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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. Also, many travelers come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Surat Thani is much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surat Thani in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Surat Thani 27°C (81°F) 
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Also, many visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 25°C (77°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In January, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Surat Thani 25°C (77°F) 
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the natural beauty during these months.

Surat Thani is much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the spring. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Surat Thani usually gets less rain in April than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Surat Thani 29°C (83°F) 
    Chichibu-Tama-Kai 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Surat Thani

Surat Thani Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 51 mm (2 in) 4°C (39°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 29°C (83°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 25°C (78°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 177 mm (7 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 240 mm (9.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)


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