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

Should you visit Beirut or Surat Thani?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Beirut and Surat Thani. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Beirut or Surat Thani?

Beirut

Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.

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 Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Surat Thani or Beirut?

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 Beirut is $2.78, while the average daily cost in Surat Thani is $68. 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 Beirut and Surat Thani in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beirut $1.26
    Surat Thani $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beirut $2.52
    Surat Thani $52
Compare Hotels in Beirut and Surat Thani

Looking for a hotel in Beirut 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.

Hotels in Beirut


Hotels in Surat Thani


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: Beirut Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beirut $0.44
    Surat Thani $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut

Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Beirut-Rafic Hariri Airport Luxury Car Transfer: $70
  • Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $25
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
  • BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $13
  • Private Departure Transfer | Beirut Hotel to Airport: $10
  • Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
  • Private Arrival Transfer | Beirut Airport to Your Hotel: $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani

Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $78
  • Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $86
  • Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
  • Samui Airport Transfer: $33
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $39
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $39
  • Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $21
  • Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $15
  • Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $60
  • Koh Samui: Official Hawk Adventure Zipline Park, No Transfer: $54
  • Koh Samui: Full Moon Party Boat Transfer to Koh Phangan: $39
  • From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.10

Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or Surat Thani?

Prices for flights to both Surat Thani and Beirut 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
    Beirut $1.23
    Surat Thani $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut

For Beirut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $35
  • Beirut Street Food Tour, Lebanon: $74
  • Authentic Lebanese Cooking Lesson and Meal with Tania's Family in Beirut: $100
  • Beirut Street Food Tour | 4 Neighbourhoods · All Inclusive: $150
  • Private Beirut Street Food Tour with Lunch | Max 6 People: $150

Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:


  • Dinner
    $4.47

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: Island Vista Tour with Dinner and Transfers: $36
  • Jungle Adventure with Bamboo Cooking Class in Khao Sok: $44
  • Bamboo Fire Cooking Survival Experience from Khao Sok: $51
  • Half Day Thai Cooking Class with Sea View from Koh Tao: $61
  • Koh Phangan: The Best Authentic Thai Cooking Class: $76
  • Koh Phangan: Jungle Walk and Authentic Thai Cooking Class: $105
  • Koh Samui: Evening Thai Cooking Class with Organic Garden: $117
  • Koh Samui: Japanese Cooking Class w/ Chef Daniel at W Samui: $124
  • Koh Samui: All-Inclusive Romantic Dinner, Private Beach, and Sunset: $796

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beirut $0.26
    Surat Thani $5.43

Tours and Activities in Beirut

For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 3 Days Lebanon Holiday Tour Package: $264
  • 3-Day Tour of Beirut with Pick Up: $264
  • ATV (2 Seat) Full Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $195
  • ATV Adventure Half Day Guided Tour: $120
  • Afternoon Tour | Beiteddine Palace & Deir el Qamar | Small Group: $75
  • Anjar baalback & Ksara tour: $130
  • Anjar, Baalbek & Ksara Semi-Private Tour | Max 10 · Lunch Incl: $55
  • Anjar, Baalbek & Ksara Winery Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included: $55
  • Anjar, Baalbek & Ksara Winery Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included: $55
  • Anjar, Baalbek & Ksara Winery Small-Group Tour | Lunch included: $55
  • Anjar, Baalbek & Ksara Winery | Budget Small-Group Tour Beirut: $45
  • BEYOND CHOUF mountains - Hidden Gems Mountains Day Tour: $250

Tours and Activities in Surat Thani

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.

  • Amazing 5 Point Snorkeling Tour in Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $31
  • Ang Thong National Marine Park Speedboat Tour from Koh Phangan: $68
  • Cheow Lan Lake and Diamond Cave Adventure from Khao Sok: $95
  • Cheow Lan Lake and Raft House Day Tour from Khao Sok: $91
  • Dolphin Watching Tan and Pig Island Tour from Koh Samui: $71
  • From Khao Lak/Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake and Emerald Pool Tour: $121
  • From Ko Pha Ngan: Angthong Marine Park Speedboat Adventure: $78
  • Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan with Lunch: $69
  • Khao Sok ATV Jungle Trail Adventure Experience: $55
  • Khao Sok Lake Overnight Superior Group Tour with Meals Included: $156
  • Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake Sunset Cruise w/ Drinks: $125
  • Khao Sok: Elephant Day Care, & Bamboo Rafting Day Tour: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beirut $0.23
    Surat Thani $5.42

Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut

Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Wine Tour | Chateau Musar, Ixsir & Batroun Day Trip: $75
  • Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut (Entrance Fee Included): $91
  • Private Wine Tour | Chateau Musar, Ixsir & Batroun from Beirut: $100
  • Private Bekaa Valley Wine Tour | 3 Wineries from Beirut: $100
  • Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110
  • PRIVATE Wine Tour in Central Bekaa Valley: $113
  • Private Cedar Hike & Bekaa Wine Tour | Kefraya & Ksara: $150
  • Discover Wine Tasting Lebanese Tour Experience: $170


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and Surat Thani, we can see that Surat Thani is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beirut 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 Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut 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 Surat Thani would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Surat Thani than you might in Beirut.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beirut Expensive? and Is Surat Thani Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Beirut or Surat Thani?

Beirut has a larger population, and is about 1916100 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Beirut 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 Beirut or Surat Thani?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Beirut or Surat Thani in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and Surat Thani. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut year-round. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Beirut usually receives less rain than Surat Thani. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Surat Thani receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In July, Beirut is generally around the same temperature as Surat Thani. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 27°C (81°F), and Surat Thani fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Beirut 27°C (81°F) 
    Surat Thani 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Beirut or Surat Thani in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Beirut as well as Surat Thani. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. Beirut usually gets less rain in October than Surat Thani. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Surat Thani receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Beirut is around the same temperature as Surat Thani in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Surat Thani fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Beirut 25°C (77°F) 
    Surat Thani 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Beirut or Surat Thani in the Winter?

Both Surat Thani and Beirut are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Beirut. In January, Beirut usually receives more rain than Surat Thani. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Surat Thani receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In the winter, Beirut is much colder than Surat Thani. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beirut in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Surat Thani averages at about 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Beirut 13°C (55°F) 
    Surat Thani 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Beirut or Surat Thani in the Spring?

Both Surat Thani and Beirut during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Beirut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round.

Beirut usually gets less rain in April than Surat Thani. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Surat Thani receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In April, Beirut is generally much colder than Surat Thani. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 17°C (63°F), and Surat Thani fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Beirut 17°C (63°F) 
    Surat Thani 29°C (83°F)

Typical Weather for Surat Thani and Beirut

Beirut Surat Thani
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in) 29°C (83°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 240 mm (9.5 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 335 mm (13.2 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)


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