Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan)?
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 Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan)?
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."
Busan (Pusan)
An important port city in South Korea, Busan is known for its beaches, mountains, and temples. With a thriving harbor, the city's main revenue comes from international shipping, although the area is quite popular with tourists from all over the globe, too. The place is bustling with sailors from around the world as well as tourists who come to enjoy the culture of this modern and dynamic city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesBusan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $68Busan (Pusan) $100
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $68, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) is $100. 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 Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $26Busan (Pusan) $38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $52Busan (Pusan) $76
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Busan (Pusan)? 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: Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $26Busan (Pusan) $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.10
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $15
- Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $21
- From Koh Phangan: Shared Transfer to Khao Sok/Ao Nang/Phuket: $24
- Samui Airport Transfer: $33
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $39
- 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
- Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $78
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Private Transfer From Busan to Incheon or Seoul or GyeongJu city: $100
- Private Airport, Train Station & Hotel Transfer Service in Busan: $80
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $65
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $65
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $65
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $65
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) 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 $26Busan (Pusan) $42
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$4.47
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
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.29
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Carp Bread$0.69
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).
- Busan Food Tour Jagalchi Market BIFF Square and Gukje Market: $60
- Busan Bites Food Tour with 10+ Tastings: $88
- Busan Seafood Tour : Jagalchi market Seafood Tour & Dinner: $110
- Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $111
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.43Busan (Pusan) $19
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: $31
- Koh Tao: 5-Bay Guided Snorkeling Tour with Photos: $34
- Koh Tao 5 Best Snorkeling Sunset Tour by Big Boat: $35
- Ko Samui: Private Longtail Boat Tour to Koh Madsum & Koh Tan: $47
- Pig Island & Koh Tan Tour by Speed Boat (Snorkeling & Kayaking): $48
- Koh Pha Ngan: Options Discover of ATV or Zipline Adventures: $48
- Koh Phangan: Thong Nai Pan & Than Sadet 4x4 Jungle Adventure: $54
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- "Walking Tour: Busan local Experience + private guide: $57
- (Guaranteed Return) Busan Shore Excursion for Cruise Guests: $70
- (On-Time Return) Busan Cruise Shore Excursion for Small Group: $89
- (Return Assurance) Busan Small Group Cruise Shore Excursion: $82
- 7 Highlights Gyeongju City One Day Group Tour from Busan: $55
- A Comprehensive Small-Group Busan Tour with Hotel Pickup: $58
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $33
- Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket (한국인 구매 불가): $22
- Busan City Top Attractions Tour with Haeundae Blueline Park: $33
- Busan City Tour - Haedong Yonggung Temple And Shopping in Lotte Premium Outlet: $289
- Busan Cruise Port – Premium Small Group Tour (Max 6 Guests): $99
- Busan Dalmaji Culture Festa & Moonlight Walk Day Tour: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.42Busan (Pusan) $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Busan (Pusan)
Also in Busan (Pusan), these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Busan Social Pub Crawl: $22
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 3678560 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Busan (Pusan), 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 Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Surat Thani during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Surat Thani is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the summer temperatures in Surat Thani in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Busan (Pusan) 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 less rain in July than Busan (Pusan). Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round.
In October, Surat Thani is generally a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 27°C (81°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Busan (Pusan). Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Busan (Pusan). Surat Thani is much warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the winter. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Surat Thani usually gets more rain in January than Busan (Pusan). Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year.
In the spring, Surat Thani is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the spring temperatures in Surat Thani in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 14°C (57°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). In April, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.