Which place is cheaper, Khao Lak 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Surat Thani or Khao Lak?
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 Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak?
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."
Khao Lak
Resiliency and relaxation. Those are the two words used to describe one of Thailand's most breathtaking cities. Khao Lak is located in southern Thailand, and when the tsunami of 2004 hit, this area saw the most damage. With more than 4,000 fatalities, 3,000 still unaccounted for and enormous structural damages, many thought Khao Lak would not be able to bounce back. They have proved everyone wrong with a strong and impressive recovery. Now it has returned to its status of vacation hotspot. Unlike neighboring Phuket, though, the resorts in Khao Lak are designed for families and some peace and quiet.
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.
-
Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesKhao Lak Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $71Khao Lak $155
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, while the average daily cost in Khao Lak is $155. 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 Khao Lak in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $27Khao Lak $59
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $54Khao Lak $118
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Khao Lak
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Khao Lak? 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: Khao Lak Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $27Khao Lak $60
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- Private Transfer Between Ko Lanta and Khao Lak: $242
- Khao Lak any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $198
- Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $137
- Transfer Service from Khao Lak Hotel to Krabi / Aonang: $119
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $110
- Carnival Magic Phuket Show Ticket with Transfer from Khao Lak: $97
- Khao Lak River Tubing with Music, Drink, and Transfer: $95
- Transfer from Khao Lak Hotel to Phuket Airport: $75
- 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $73
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $51
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $48
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Khao Lak?
Prices for flights to both Khao Lak 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 daySurat Thani $28Khao Lak $61
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 Khao Lak
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Khao Lak.
- Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak by Amazon Prime Series Chef: $59
- Riverside Thai Cooking Half Day Class: $65
- Khao Lak Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour & Your Own Menu: $89
- Authentic Thai Cooking in Khao Lak – Market Tour & Flexible Menu: $89
- Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class: $102
- ATV Quad Bike Excursion to Stunning Waterfalls with Dinner: $111
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.72Khao Lak $22
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 Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour Guided Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary Observation Tour: $57
- 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $80
- ATV Adventure: Khao Lak’s Best Off-Road Experience: $127
- Adventure Off Road Safari to Khao Lak National Park: $110
- Bamboo & Phi Phi Islands, Maya & Pileh Bay Day Tour From Khao Lak: $118
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $43
- Cheow Lan Lake with Nam Rad Emerald Pool Tour from Khao Lak: $138
- From Khao Lak : Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Lunch: $118
- Full Day 3 Spiritual Temple Tour with Lunch from Khao Lak: $83
- Full Day Phang Nga Bay Highlights Tour: $93
- Full-Day Rescued Elephant Walk with Guide Tour in Khaolak: $156
- Full-Day Similan island Snorking Tour By Speed Boat from Khao Lak: $112
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.71Khao Lak $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Khao Lak, we can see that Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Khao Lak?
Khao Lak has a larger population, and is about 1700 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Khao Lak, 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 Khao Lak?
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 Khao Lak in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Khao Lak. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in July than Khao Lak. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Khao Lak in the summer. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Khao Lak fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Khao Lak 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Khao Lak in the Autumn?
Both Khao Lak 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. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Khao Lak is November to April. The rainy season in Khao Lak is May to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In October, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Khao Lak. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Khao Lak. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surat Thani in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Khao Lak averages at about 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Khao Lak 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Khao Lak in the Winter?
Both Khao Lak 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.
Surat Thani usually gets more rain in January than Khao Lak. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Khao Lak. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 25°C (77°F), and Khao Lak fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Khao Lak 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Khao Lak in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Khao Lak. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Khao Lak. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Khao Lak in the spring. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Khao Lak fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Khao Lak 29°C (83°F)
Typical Weather for Khao Lak and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Khao Lak | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.