A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chumphon vs. Surfers Paradise for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Chumphon or Surfers Paradise?

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

Should I visit Chumphon or Surfers Paradise? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Chumphon or Surfers Paradise?

Chumphon

Sometimes tourism has a tendency to spoil the natural beauty of a place. This is not the case in the magical city of Chumphon, Thailand. As the gateway to the Chumphon Archipelago, this city has maintained natural, untouched beauty. Its miles of coastline are full of fine beaches with fishing, swimming and a number of other activities.

Surfers Paradise

A tourist mecca, Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular travel destinations along Australia's famed Gold Coast. The beach stretches for miles and there is an endless supply of almost constant parties. You'll find high rise apartments lined up along the shore and plenty of shopping areas, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. Travelers from around the world visit the area, and it's a right of passage for Australia's teens to vacation in or near Surfers Paradise. For many travelers, Surfers Paradise comes across as little more than a mass marketed, over commercialized, party destination, but for others it is a vacation dream. Prices are highly inflated so you have to keep your whits about you to avoid being ripped off. Surfers Paradise is a destination of extremes and it conjures up extreme emotions in many travelers, be it positive or negative.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Chiang Mai, The Best 10-Day Tours from Bangkok, The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Surfers Paradise or Chumphon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Chumphon is $41, while the average daily cost in Surfers Paradise is $109. 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 Chumphon and Surfers Paradise in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chumphon $18
    Surfers Paradise $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chumphon $36
    Surfers Paradise $140
Compare Hotels in Chumphon and Surfers Paradise

Looking for a hotel in Chumphon or Surfers Paradise? 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 Chumphon


Hotels in Surfers Paradise


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: Chumphon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chumphon $7.16
    Surfers Paradise $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surfers Paradise

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

  • Private Transfer from Gold Coast Airport - Surfers Paradise: $52
  • Gold Coast Theme Parks: Shared Hotel Transfers: $15
  • All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise (Gold Coast Transfer): $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Chumphon or Surfers Paradise?

Prices for flights to both Surfers Paradise and Chumphon 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
    Chumphon $15
    Surfers Paradise $28
Typical Food Prices in Chumphon

For Chumphon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Ice Cream
    $0.19
  • Fruit at the Market
    $0.62
  • Breakfast
    $1.24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surfers Paradise

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

  • Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chumphon $12
    Surfers Paradise $25

Typical Entertainment Prices in Surfers Paradise

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Surfers Paradise's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Surf Lesson
    $82

Tours and Activities in Surfers Paradise

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

  • Evening Rainforest & Glow Worm Experience - Small Group Tour: $82
  • 2.5hrs Jetski Tour with island stopover / Self Drive / Surfers Paradise: $268
  • Body Massage Experience in Gold Coast : $170
  • Buffet Lunch Sightseeing Cruise: $61
  • Catch a Crab Tour with Optional Seafood Lunch: $65
  • Glow Worms - Nocturnal Rainforest/Waterfall Adventure: $68
  • Gold Coast - Hopo 2 Hour Sightseeing Cruise: $27
  • Gold Coast 1.5-Hour Sightseeing River Cruise from Surfers Paradise: $31
  • Gold Coast City Lights Cruise: $38
  • Gold Coast Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Cruise 1 Day Pass: $31
  • Gold Coast Quack'rDuck Amphibious Tour from Surfers Paradise: $38
  • Gold Coast: 360-Degree High-Speed Jet Boat Adventure: $53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chumphon $13
    Surfers Paradise $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chumphon

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chumphon are as follows:


  • Beer (2)
    $4.32


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

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


Which is Bigger, Chumphon or Surfers Paradise?

Chumphon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Chumphon and Surfers Paradise, 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 Chumphon or Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Chumphon experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Chumphon or Surfers Paradise in the Summer?

Both Surfers Paradise and Chumphon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chumphon throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Chumphon is generally around the same temperature as Surfers Paradisein January. Daily temperatures in Chumphon average around 28°C (82°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. Chumphon usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during summer. Chumphon gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. It's quite rainy in Chumphon. In July, Chumphon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Surfers Paradisein January. Chumphon gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Chumphon 28°C (82°F) 
    Surfers Paradise 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Chumphon or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?

Both Surfers Paradise and Chumphon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chumphon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Chumphon is a little warmer than Surfers Paradise in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chumphon averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.

In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Chumphon often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein April. Chumphon gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 214 hours of full sun.

Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chumphon. Chumphon usually gets more rain in October than Surfers Paradisein April. Chumphon gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Chumphon 27°C (81°F) 
    Surfers Paradise 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Chumphon or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chumphon and Surfers Paradise. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chumphon year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Chumphon is much warmer than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chumphon in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. In Chumphon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chumphon usually receives more sunshine than Surfers Paradise during winter. Chumphon gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chumphon usually receives more rain than Surfers Paradisein July. Chumphon gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Chumphon 25°C (77°F) 
    Surfers Paradise 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Chumphon or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chumphon as well as Surfers Paradise. Chumphon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year.

In April, Chumphon is generally a little warmer than Surfers Paradisein October. Daily temperatures in Chumphon average around 29°C (84°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chumphon this time of the year. In the spring, Chumphon often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein October. Chumphon gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 259 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Chumphon usually gets less rain in April than Surfers Paradisein October. Chumphon gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Chumphon 29°C (84°F) 
    Surfers Paradise 21°C (69°F)

Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Chumphon

Chumphon Surfers Paradise
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 276 mm (10.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 380 mm (15 in) 23°C (73°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 24°C (76°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)