A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surat Thani vs. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Surat Thani or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

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."

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Spanning the Japanese prefectures of Yamanashi, Shizuoka, Kanagawa and Tokyo, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a natural area with beautiful scenery as well as a number of popular tourist spots. Some of its highlights include Mount Fuji, Fuji Five Lakes, Hakone, the Izu Peninsula, and the Izu Islands, offering a geographic range of natural hot springs, coastlines, mountainous areas, lakes, and more than 1,000 volcanic islands.

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 Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Surat Thani $71
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $104

The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, while the average daily cost in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is $104. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surat Thani $27
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surat Thani $54
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $106
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park? 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park


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: Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Surat Thani $27
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $27

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Prices for flights to both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $35
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
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $12

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: $79
  • Dolphin Watching Tan and Pig Island Tour from Koh Samui : $65
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

  • 1 Day Private Tokyo to Hakone Gotemba Fuji Tour : $202
  • Custom Private Tour in Hakone with a Certified Local Guide: $300
  • Customizable Private Full Day Hakone Tour by car: $150
  • Easygoing Nature Walk in Hakone Tour: $41
  • Evangelion Hakone Tour Explore The Third New Tokyo City: $220
  • Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $171
  • Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $198
  • Hakone Full-Day Private Tour : $260
  • Hakone Full-Day Private Tour Hotel Pickup and Highlights: $219
  • Hakone Onsen Experience, Lake Ashi, Open-Air Museum Tour: $239
  • Hakone Private Custom Tour: Hot Springs, Nature & Mt. Fuji Views: $115
  • Hakone Scenic Adventure Nature and Tranquil Journey : $207

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surat Thani $5.71
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $8.69


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



When is the best time to visit Surat Thani or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Summer?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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, many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 28°C (82°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In July, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Surat Thani 28°C (82°F) 
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Autumn?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Surat Thani is much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Surat Thani 27°C (81°F) 
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of the museums and the cuisine.

In the winter, Surat Thani is much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Surat Thani in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages at about 5°C (42°F).

In January, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Surat Thani 25°C (77°F) 
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park this time of year.

In April, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 29°C (83°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite rainy in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in April than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Surat Thani 29°C (83°F) 
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Surat Thani

Surat Thani Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 51 mm (2 in) 5°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Apr 29°C (83°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 164 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 222 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 209 mm (8.2 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 240 mm (9.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)


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