A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surat Thani vs. Da Nang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Surat Thani or Da Nang?

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 Da Nang 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 Da Nang?

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."

Da Nang

Halfway between Ho Chi Minh City in the south and Hanoi in the North is the easy-going beach city of Da Nang (or Danang, for some). The third most populated city in Vietnam, Da Nang draws in crowds with its beautiful and calm beaches as well as its history as a French colonial port.

With beaches, mountains, and cityscape, there's bound to be a point of interest for all travelers. Da Nang is also a transit hub to get to the four Vietnamese UNESCO World heritage sites: Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Hue, Hoi An, and My Son.

Da Nang experiences wet season from September through March and dry season from April through August with average temperatures of around 80℉.

Da Nang is also known to have some of the friendliest locals, probably due to the peace and quiet and lack of heavy traffic, even in the city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Hanoi, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City.


Which place is cheaper, Da Nang 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, while the average daily cost in Da Nang is $55. 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 Da Nang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surat Thani $27
    Da Nang $18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surat Thani $54
    Da Nang $36
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Da Nang

Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Da Nang? 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 Da Nang


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: Da Nang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Surat Thani $27
    Da Nang $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani

Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.10
  • 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
  • Samui Airport Transfer: $33
  • 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
  • Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $62
  • Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $78
  • Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
  • Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $90
  • Donsak pier to Krabi,Phuket,Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $127

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Da Nang

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Da Nang:

  • Da Nang To Hoi An Transfer By Limousine Dcar Luxury : $100
  • Private Car Transfer to MY LAI MASSACRE & MY SON HOLYAND : $99
  • Private Transfer From Hue to Hoi An by Car: $90
  • Hue: Transfer Hue to Hoi An by Private Car- English Driver: $85
  • Hoi An to Ba Na Hills Private Car Transfer: $82
  • Hoi An to Hue or Hue to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass &Lap An Lagoon(Private Transfer): $75
  • Private Transfer from Hue to Hoi An orHoi An to Hue via Hai Van Pass,Lang Co Bay: $75
  • Transfer from Da Nang to Hue : $70
  • Round trip transfer to My Son sanctuary & Hoi An ancient: $65
  • Hue City Morning Then Transfer to Danang/ Hoi An by Car: $59
  • Hue: Shuttle bus Transfer From Hue to Da Nang: $55
  • Private Transfer Da nang or Hoi An To Hue Via Ba Na Hill Golden Bridge : $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Da Nang?

Prices for flights to both Da Nang 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
    Da Nang $27
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Da Nang

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Da Nang.

  • Tasty Dinner Da Nang on Han River Cruise by Yatch & Champa Show: $17
  • Poseidon Cruise with Dinner and Dragon Bridge Show: $17
  • HộiAnTrà Quế farming &Cooking Class-BasketBoat Ride,Crab fishing: $26
  • Eco Cooking Class and Basket boat tour from Da Nang/ Hoi An: $29
  • Da Nang Food Tour Motorbike & Sightseeing By Ao Dai Lady Rider: $38
  • 5 traditional dishes Da Nang cooking class with market trip: $39
  • Seafood dinner, night market, sightseeing by night: $39
  • Happy Cooking Class in Danang : $39
  • Da Nang Evening Food Tour: $47
  • 6-Hour Cooking Class in Danang (JDN1): $50
  • Discover Da Nang by Night on a Private Food Tour: $53
  • Hue Countryside Bike Tour & Cooking Class: $71

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Surat Thani $5.72
    Da Nang $13

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 Da Nang

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Da Nang are as follows:

  • Golden Bridge- Early Departure & Marble Mountains- Private Tour: $133
  • Hoi An Walking Tour, Sampan Boat Trip , Foodie Tour by Night: $69
  • HoiAn Walking Tour with RiverBoat-Night Market-Colourful Lantern: $39
  • Jeep Tour Danang to Hai Van Pass Lunch Lang Co Beach & Waterfall: $105
  • MY SON HOLYLAND Private Tour-Early Morning at 6A.M or Afternoon : $65
  • Marble Mountains - Hoi An Ancient Town Afternoon Tours FROM DANANG(15H30-21H): $35
  • My Lai Massacre & My Son Holyland Fullday Private Tour : $165
  • My Son Holyland & MARBLE MOUNTAIN Private Tour : $87
  • 1 Day Imperial City Hue Tour from Hoi An and Da Nang City : $70
  • 4-Day Private Central Vietnam Tour from Hue, My Son, Hoi An: $297
  • Ba Na Hill - Golden Bridge Tour: $90
  • Ba Na Hill Golden Bridge Tour with Buffet Lunch: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surat Thani $5.71
    Da Nang $8.91


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Da Nang, we can see that Surat Thani is more expensive. And not only is Da Nang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Da Nang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Da Nang 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 Da Nang.

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 Da Nang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Da Nang?

Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 752490 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Da Nang, 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 Da Nang?

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 Da Nang in the Summer?

Both Da Nang and Surat Thani during the summer 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 Da Nang year-round.

January to July is the dry season in Da Nang. August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang. It rains a lot this time of the year in Surat Thani. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in July than Da Nang. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Da Nang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Surat Thani in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Da Nang averages at about 29°C (85°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Surat Thani 28°C (82°F) 
    Da Nang 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Da Nang in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Da Nang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Also, August to December is the rainy season in Da Nang. Da Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Da Nang. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In October, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Da Nang. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 27°C (81°F), and Da Nang fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Surat Thani 27°C (81°F) 
    Da Nang 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Da Nang in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Da Nang. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Da Nang throughout the year.

Also, January to July in Da Nang is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Da Nang. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in January than Da Nang. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Surat Thani is a little warmer than Da Nang in the winter. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Da Nang fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Surat Thani 25°C (77°F) 
    Da Nang 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Da Nang in the Spring?

Both Da Nang and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Da Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Da Nang. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In the spring, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Da Nang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Surat Thani in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Da Nang averages at about 26°C (80°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Surat Thani 29°C (83°F) 
    Da Nang 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Da Nang and Surat Thani

Surat Thani Da Nang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 51 mm (2 in) 22°C (71°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 29°C (83°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 29°C (83°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 30°C (85°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 29°C (85°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 29°C (85°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 331 mm (13 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 240 mm (9.5 in) 25°C (78°F) 613 mm (24.1 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 24°C (76°F) 376 mm (14.8 in)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 223 mm (8.8 in)