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

Should you visit Surat Thani or Hangzhou?

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 Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou?

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."

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou is $80. 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 Hangzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surat Thani $27
    Hangzhou $24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surat Thani $54
    Hangzhou $48
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Hangzhou

Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Hangzhou? 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 Hangzhou


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
    Hangzhou $8.24

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:


  • Local Bus for Two
    $0.56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:

  • 2-Day Private Tour with Lunch and Airport Transfer: $459
  • 2-Day Putuo Mountain Self-Guided Tour from Hangzhou by Private Transfer: $282
  • Private Botique Tour: Essential Hangzhou Sightseeing with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $269
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $167
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport TransferTo Shanghai Pudong Airport: $140
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Transfer to QianDao Lake : $131
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
  • Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
  • Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer to Yiwu City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
  • Hangzhou West Lake Impression Ticket with Private Transfer: $122

Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Hangzhou?

Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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
    Hangzhou $31
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

Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:


  • Breakfast Pastries
    $2.38
  • Pizza Hut Lunch
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou

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

  • All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
  • Hangzhou One Day Local Food Tour: $124
  • Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
  • Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Surat Thani $5.72
    Hangzhou $20

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 Hangzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • West Lake Private Tour with Boat Ride and Enduring Memories Night Show VIP Seat: $242
  • 1-day Village Tea Picking, Roasting & Serving Guided Private Tour from Hangzhou : $244
  • 2-Day Huangshan Mountain Sunset Climb & Sunrise Camp Guided Tour from Hangzhou : $162
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $113
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $188
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
  • 7 hours Hangzhou Tour Itinerary: $219
  • All Inclusive Tour of Lingyin Temple and Pagoda of Six Harmonies: $199
  • Amazing Landmarks Hangzhou Private Day Tour: $225
  • Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
  • Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
  • Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surat Thani $5.71
    Hangzhou $10


When comparing the travel costs between Surat Thani and Hangzhou, we can see that Hangzhou is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Hangzhou Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Hangzhou?

Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 1878130 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou?

Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Hangzhou. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

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

It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in July than Hangzhou. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Surat Thani or Hangzhou in the Autumn?

Both Hangzhou 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 October, Surat Thani is generally a little warmer than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 27°C (81°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In October, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Hangzhou. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Surat Thani 27°C (81°F) 
    Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Hangzhou in the Winter?

Both Hangzhou 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.

Hangzhou can be very cold during winter. Surat Thani is much warmer than Hangzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Surat Thani usually gets less rain in January than Hangzhou. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Surat Thani 25°C (77°F) 
    Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Hangzhou in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Hangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round.

In the spring, Surat Thani is much warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Surat Thani in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Surat Thani 29°C (83°F) 
    Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Surat Thani

Surat Thani Hangzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 51 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Apr 29°C (83°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 24°C (76°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 240 mm (9.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)