Which place is cheaper, Surat Thani or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Surat Thani?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Surat Thani, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Aqaba or Surat Thani?
Aqaba
Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.
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."
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Surat Thani $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, while the average daily cost in Surat Thani is $53. 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 Aqaba and Surat Thani in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Surat Thani $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Surat Thani $50
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Surat Thani
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Surat Thani? 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: Aqaba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Surat Thani $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Amman: Day Trip Petra & Wadi Rum Guided Tour with Transfer: $490
- Private Transfer: From Amman City To Wadi Rum: $209
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Sheikh Hussein Border or vice versa: $193
- Aqaba Or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea, Jordan: $185
- Aqaba King Hussein Airport (AQJ): Transfer to Aqaba hotels: $163
- Private Transfer from Araba Border to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Amman Hotels: $133
- Private Transfer from Wadi Rum to Amman Airport: $133
- Transfers , Meet & Assistance at Wadi Araba Crossing Border : $133
- Aqaba South Beach to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $130
- Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Ma'in Hotel: $120
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Donsak pier to aonang , krabi town , klongmuang any hotel Private transfer: $114
- From Koh Samui: One-Way Ferry Transfer to Surat Thani: $7.16
- Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui Sedan 1-3 PAX: $12
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $14
- Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $36
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $36
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $36
- Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $59
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Surat Thani?
Prices for flights to both Surat Thani and Aqaba 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 dayAqaba $42Surat Thani $14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Suhaila (connecting through cooking): $50
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $64
- 4 hour desert jeep tour with overnight in beduin camp including dinner&breakfast: $85
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $87
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner : $88
- 2 Day Wadi Rum Tour: Traditional Dinner and Starlit Cave Camp: $115
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner Under the Stars: $135
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- From Aqaba to Wadi Rum ,Jeep Tour with Dinner (Half Day): $185
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$4.09
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:
- Khao Sok: Elephant Day Care, Cooking Class, & Bamboo Raft: $71
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Surat Thani $4.97
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Day Tour in Jeep Tour with Bedouin Guide: $81
- Discover the Depths: Aqaba's Ultimate private Dive Experience: $55
- Full-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum without Overnight Stay: $85
- 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $47
- 06 Hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum : $84
- 1 Day & 1 Night | Stay & Jeep + Camel Tour in Wadi Rum | Magic Bedouin Star: $136
- 2 Days & 1 Night | Jeep & Hike Tour in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $258
- 2 Days Guided Hiking Tour To Wadi Rum Jebal Al Hash: $103
- 2 Days private tour Petra, Wadi Rum (overnight) from Amman: $682
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 2 hours Jeep tour in Wadi Rum with Bedouin guide (incl. bottled water and tea): $100
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- Pick up and drop off tourists around Koh Samui: $14
- The one and only Zipline Experience of Lamai Viewpoint: $38
- Koh Samui Day and Night Fishing Experience: $48
- Koh Samui: 4x4 Sightseeing Safari & Elephant Sanctuary Tour: $58
- Koh Samui: Unique Iocal Tour & Elephant Sanctuary with lunch: $65
- Blue Stars Kayaking Adventure in Angthong Marine Park: $69
- X Quad Novice Waterfall ATV Tour (1 Driver): $76
- Koh Samui: Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary Half-Day Tour: $81
- Samui Dolphins Tour by Catamaran Yacht: $87
- Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake Sunset Cruise w/ Drinks: $91
- From Khao Lak/Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake and Emerald Pool Tour: $105
- Samui X Quad ATV Tour (1 Driver) with lunch: $122
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Surat Thani $4.96
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Surat Thani, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Surat Thani much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Surat Thani is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Aqaba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aqaba 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 Aqaba Expensive? and Is Surat Thani Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Surat Thani?
Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 95050 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Surat Thani, 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 Aqaba or Surat Thani?
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 Aqaba or Surat Thani in the Summer?
Both Surat Thani and Aqaba during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round.
Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Surat Thani. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Surat Thani receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Aqaba can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Aqaba is generally a little warmer than Surat Thani. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 33°C (91°F), and Surat Thani fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Surat Thani 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Surat Thani in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Surat Thani. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Surat Thani. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Surat Thani receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Aqaba is around the same temperature as Surat Thani in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Surat Thani fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Surat Thani 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Surat Thani in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Surat Thani. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Surat Thani. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Surat Thani receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Aqaba is much colder than Surat Thani. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aqaba in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Surat Thani averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Surat Thani 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Surat Thani in the Spring?
Both Surat Thani and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Surat Thani. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Surat Thani receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Aqaba is generally cooler than Surat Thani. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 24°C (75°F), and Surat Thani fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Surat Thani 29°C (83°F)
Typical Weather for Surat Thani and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Surat Thani | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.