Which place is cheaper, Nikko 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.
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Should you visit Surat Thani or Nikko?
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 Nikko 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 Nikko?
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."
Nikko
Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.
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.
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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesNikko Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $71Nikko $108
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $108. 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 Nikko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $27Nikko $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $54Nikko $96
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Nikko
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Nikko? 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: Nikko Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $27Nikko -
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 Nikko?
Prices for flights to both Nikko 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
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Food Meals for one daySurat Thani $28Nikko $55
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.72Nikko $22
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
Tours and Activities in Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- 1 Day Nikko Wonders Tour from Tokyo: $405
- Bask in the beauty of winter Nikko in this unforgettable ice climbing experience: $116
- Bike and Hike on Mt Hangetsu with Outdoor Matcha Experience: $83
- Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Admission Ticket: $50
- Hidden Canyoning Adventure in Nikko : $103
- Nikko – Beautiful Full-Day Personal and Private Tour: $385
- Nikko Cycling Tour with Local Guide: $268
- Nikko Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide: $72
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $151
- Nikko Guided Cycling Tour with a Local Monk: $268
- Nikko Private Custom Tour with Local Guide: $206
- Nikko Private Customizable Full Day Tour: $265
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.71Nikko $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Nikko, we can see that Nikko 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 Nikko would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nikko 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 Nikko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Nikko?
Nikko has a larger population, and is about 16040 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Nikko, 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 Nikko?
Nikko 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 Nikko in the Summer?
Both Nikko 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, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.
Surat Thani is a little warmer than Nikko in the summer. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In July, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Nikko. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Nikko 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Nikko in the Autumn?
Both Nikko 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 Nikko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Surat Thani is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surat Thani in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Nikko averages at about 16°C (61°F).
Nikko 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 Nikko. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Nikko 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Nikko in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Nikko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Also, many visitors come to Nikko in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Nikko can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 25°C (77°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In January, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Nikko. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Nikko 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Nikko in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Nikko. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Nikko for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.
Surat Thani is much warmer than Nikko in the spring. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite rainy in Nikko. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in April than Nikko. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Nikko 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Nikko and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Nikko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.2 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.