Which place is cheaper, Boracay 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 Boracay?
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 Boracay 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 Boracay?
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."
Boracay
A small island in the Philippines known for its resorts and beaches, Boracay is a little escape. Each beach has its own unique character, each with new treasures waiting to be discovered.
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 Philippines, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Philippines.
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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesBoracay Prices
Philippines Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $69Boracay $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $69, while the average daily cost in Boracay is $62. 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 Boracay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $26Boracay $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $52Boracay $42
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Boracay
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Boracay? 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: Boracay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $26Boracay $26
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: $124
- From Koh Phangan: Shared Transfer to Khao Sok/Ao Nang/Phuket: $24
- From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.10
- Koh Samui: Full Moon Party Boat Transfer to Koh Phangan: $39
- Koh Samui: Official Hawk Adventure Zipline Park, No Transfer: $54
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $60
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $15
- 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: $38
- Samui Airport Transfer: $33
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boracay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boracay:
- Private Executive Speedboat Transfer Service: $361
- Poseidon Spa Experience with Round-Trip Transfers: $119
- Roundtrip Transfer and Island Hopping Tour: $85
- Speedboat Caticlan to Boracay Transfer (Oneway): $76
- Private Transfer from Boracay Port to Boracay Island Hotel: $57
- Private Transfer from Boracay Island Hotels Boracay Cruise Port: $57
- PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSFER TO BORACAY: $55
- Caticlan Airport (MPH) to Boracay - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $51
- Caticlan Airport (MPH) to Boracay - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $51
- Private Transfer from Caticlan Airport to Boracay: $49
- Boracay Adventures Transfer Services Via Caticlan: $45
- Airport Transfer to Boracay Semi Private: $39
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Boracay?
Prices for flights to both Boracay 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 $27Boracay $23
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$4.56
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: $49
- Bamboo Fire Cooking Survival Experience from Khao Sok: $52
- 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boracay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Boracay.
- Native Delicacies Cooking Class: $19
- Filipino Cooking Class with Local Instructor: $41
- Boracay Private Island-Hopping Tour and Buffet Dinner: $78
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.54Boracay $14
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- Koh Samui: Minigolf International Entry Ticket: $12
- Private Taxi Services and Tourism in Koh Samui: $13
- Samui Go-Karting Experience – Sodikart RT10 Outdoor Race: $21
- Koh Tao: Full-Day Snorkeling Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pick-up: $25
- Koh Tao: Half-Day Sunset Snorkeling Tour with Lunch & Pickup: $26
- Amazing 5 Point Snorkeling Tour in Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $32
- Koh Tao: 5-Bay Guided Snorkeling Tour with Photos: $34
- Koh Tao 5 Best Snorkeling Sunset Tour by Big Boat: $35
- Koh Pha Ngan: Options Discover of ATV or Zipline Adventures: $48
- Ko Samui: Private Longtail Boat Tour to Koh Madsum & Koh Tan: $48
- Pig Island & Koh Tan Tour by Speed Boat (Snorkeling & Kayaking): $48
- Koh Phangan: Thong Nai Pan & Than Sadet 4x4 Jungle Adventure: $54
Tours and Activities in Boracay
Here are a few actual costs in Boracay for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Hour Boracay Land Tour via Etrike: $31
- Beneath the Waves of A Scuba Adventure: $74
- Boracay - Crystal Kayak phot-op Experience: $8.48
- Boracay ATV Tour and Kawa Hot Bath: $85
- Boracay ATV, Zipline,or Skybike 3 Option w/ River Fun Tour: $25
- Boracay Aqua Wake Adventure: Glide Over Paradise Waters: $148
- Boracay Atv Mainland Adventure with lunch: $81
- Boracay Budget Shared Boat Island Tour with Lunch: $20
- Boracay Cave, ATV, and Zipline Adventure: $85
- Boracay Crystal Kayak Experience: $20
- Boracay Discovery Free Diving Experience: $61
- Boracay E-Foil Surfing Experience: $119
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.53Boracay $15
When comparing the travel costs between Surat Thani and Boracay, we can see that Surat Thani is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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 Boracay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Boracay?
Boracay has a larger population, and is about 2300 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Boracay, 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.
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.