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

Should you visit Surat Thani or Can Tho?

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 Can Tho 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 Can Tho?

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."

Can Tho

Can Tho is the largest city of Vietnam's Mekong Delta, and is best known for its canal network of floating markets, restaurants, bars, and hotels, Buddhist pagodas, and the beauty of the delta, which is illuminated in the evenings.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Bicycle Tours in Vietnam, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Vietnam.


Which place is cheaper, Can Tho or Surat Thani?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $53, while the average daily cost in Can Tho is $57. 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 Can Tho in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surat Thani $25
    Can Tho $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surat Thani $50
    Can Tho $54
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Can Tho

Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Can Tho? 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 Surat Thani


Hotels in Can Tho


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: Can Tho Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Surat Thani $24
    Can Tho $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani

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

  • Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
  • Donsak pier to aonang , krabi town , klongmuang any hotel Private transfer: $114
  • Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $59
  • 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
  • Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $14
  • Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui Sedan 1-3 PAX: $12
  • From Koh Samui: One-Way Ferry Transfer to Surat Thani: $7.16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Can Tho

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

  • Private Transfer from Can Tho (VCA) Airport to Ho Chi Minh: $112
  • Private Transfer from Can Tho City to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $112
  • Private Transfer from Thanh Thoi to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $106
  • Private Transfer from Vinh Long to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $105
  • Private Transfer: Can Tho Airport to/from Can Tho City Center: $43
  • Private Transfer: Can Tho Airport - Can Tho City Center: $40
  • PRIVATE CAR: Can Tho AIRPORT <=> CanTho Hotels (one way transfer): $30
  • Private Transfer from Can Tho City to Can Tho (VCA) Airport: $25
  • Private Transfer from Can Tho (VCA) Airport to Can Tho City: $25

Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Can Tho?

Prices for flights to both Can Tho 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Surat Thani $14
    Can Tho $17
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani

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


  • 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

Typical Food Prices in Can Tho

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Can Tho:


  • Restaurant Dinner (for Two)
    $5.19
  • Coconut
    $0.28
  • Mango
    $1.08
  • Hot Pot Dinner (for Two)
    $6.95
  • Two Vietnamese Iced Coffees
    $0.64
  • Casual Lunch (for One)
    $2.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Can Tho

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

  • Boat tour on Mekong river see the sunset, small canal, Vegan dinner, street food: $29
  • Explore Can Tho City tour combine Local Food tour - in afternoon: $35
  • Can Tho food tour designed by local chef: $38
  • Street food tour back of the bike in Can Tho: $39
  • Eco Cooking Class and Market Tour: $47
  • Walking street food tour designed by local chef: $47
  • Full-Day Experience in Mekong Cycling and Authentic Home Cooking: $60
  • Can Tho Cooking Class - Motorbike trip in the countryside: $69
  • 2 Days Tour in Can Tho with Boat Trip and Cooking Class : $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Surat Thani $4.97
    Can Tho $17

Tours and Activities in Surat Thani

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

  • 5 island tour: $459
  • Blue Stars Kayaking Adventure in Angthong Marine Park: $69
  • From Khao Lak/Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake and Emerald Pool Tour: $105
  • From Phuket: Cheow Lan Lake 2Day Guided Tour with Activities: $203
  • From Phuket: Full-Day Private Tour to Khao Sok Highlights: $170
  • Khao Sok Lake: Private Day Tour with Boat and Jungle Trek: $179
  • Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake Sunset Cruise w/ Drinks: $91
  • Khao Sok: Private Longtail Boat Tour at Cheow Lan Lake: $227
  • Koh Phangan: Private Land Tour with Snorkeling: $241
  • Koh Samui Day and Night Fishing Experience: $48
  • Koh Samui Waterfall And Mummified Monk Temple Tour: $241
  • Koh Samui: 4x4 Sightseeing Safari & Elephant Sanctuary Tour: $58

Typical Entertainment Prices in Can Tho

For Can Tho, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Sunset Boat Ride
    $2.00
  • Half Day Floating Market Tour
    $8.39

Tours and Activities in Can Tho

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Can Tho.

  • 'Cai Rang' Floating Market 2-Day Tour With Biking & Boating: $140
  • 3-DAY CA MAU CAPE TOUR IN MEKONG DELTA FROM SAI GON: $166
  • A unique tour of the floating market includes a cacao plantation.: $48
  • An Giang Full Day tour visit Tra Su bird sanctuary From Can Tho: $155
  • Bicycle Tour Through Peaceful Villages: $40
  • Boat tour visit 3 pagodas, Ancient house, see sunset on mekong river: $59
  • CASA Authentic Bicycle Tour: $89
  • CASA Authentic Mekong Motorbike Tour: $89
  • Cai Rang Floating Market One Day Private Tour from Ho Chi Minh City: $145
  • Cai Rang Floating Market Tour -Amazing Can Tho : $45
  • Can Tho Sunset Tour : $35
  • Cycling in the village in Can Tho - countryside bike tour: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surat Thani $4.96
    Can Tho $6.59

Typical Alcohol Prices in Can Tho

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Can Tho from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $3.20


When comparing the travel costs between Surat Thani and Can Tho, we can see that Can Tho 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 Can Tho Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Can Tho?

Can Tho has a larger population, and is about 259600 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Can Tho, 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 Can Tho?

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 Surat Thani or Can Tho in the Summer?

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Can Tho. It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In July, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Can Tho. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 313 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In the summer, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Can Tho. Typically, the summer temperatures in Surat Thani in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Can Tho averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Surat Thani 28°C (82°F) 
    Can Tho 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Can Tho in the Autumn?

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

December to April is the dry season in Can Tho. May to November is the rainy season in Can Tho. Can Tho 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 October than Can Tho. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 343 mm (13.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Surat Thani 27°C (81°F) 
    Can Tho 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Can Tho in the Winter?

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

In January, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Can Tho. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Can Tho in the winter. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Can Tho fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Surat Thani 25°C (77°F) 
    Can Tho 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Can Tho in the Spring?

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

Also, December to April in Can Tho is the dry season. May to November in Can Tho is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Can Tho. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in April than Can Tho. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Can Tho. Typically, the spring temperatures in Surat Thani in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Can Tho averages at about 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Surat Thani 29°C (83°F) 
    Can Tho 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Can Tho and Surat Thani

Surat Thani Can Tho
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 51 mm (2 in) 26°C (78°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 29°C (83°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 268 mm (10.6 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 332 mm (13.1 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 313 mm (12.3 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 365 mm (14.4 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 360 mm (14.2 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 240 mm (9.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 343 mm (13.5 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)


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