Which place is cheaper, Chiang Mai or Surat Thani?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Surat Thani or Chiang Mai?
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 Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai?
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."
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, and The Best Budget Tours to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $53Chiang Mai $45
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $53, while the average daily cost in Chiang Mai is $45. 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 Chiang Mai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $25Chiang Mai $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $50Chiang Mai $52
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Chiang Mai
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Chiang Mai? 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: Chiang Mai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $24Chiang Mai $3.63
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.09
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Moped Rental$4.91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chiang Mai #1 Way Private Car transfer to/from Bangkok City: $270
- Skyline Jungle Luge Ticket + Lunch with Private Transfer: $250
- Private Transfer to/from Mae Sot: $216
- Private Transfer to/from Mae Sot: $203
- Chiang Mai #Private Car transfer to/from Mae Sot: $195
- Zipline Adventure at Chiang Mai with Return Transfer: $191
- Private Transfer: Chiang Mai Airport Arrival or Departure ride: $155
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $153
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: $152
- From One-Way Private Transfer to Chiang Rai: $149
- Chiang Mai Private Transfer to Pai (one way): $143
- Private Airport Transfer to or from Chiang Rai: $127
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Chiang Mai?
Prices for flights to both Chiang Mai 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 $14Chiang Mai $10
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$4.09
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 Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.32
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.65
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Casual Breakfast$1.09
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.46
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Mangoes$0.82
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Coffee$1.36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $11
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $11
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $19
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $22
- Morning Cooking Class in Organic Garden | Chiang Mai: $22
- Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai: $22
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $22
- Evening Cooking Class and Local Market Visit: $24
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $24
- Private Virtual Thai Cooking Class: $25
- Half Day Morning Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Authentic Easy Thai Recipes for Home-Style Cooking Half Day AM: $25
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $4.97Chiang Mai $13
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 Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$35
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.64
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Kratong Lessons$2.73
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Pedicure$4.09
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$4.91
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Chiang Mai Thapae Muay Thai Boxing Stadium Ticket: $27
- One Day Doi Inthanon National Park Small Group Guided Tour: $39
- Private Tour of Sacred Sakyant Tattoo in Lamphun Province.: $79
- 1 Day Doi Inthanon Private tour ( Hiking and Sightseeing ): $96
- 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $128
- 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
- 1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $149
- 1-Day Bike and River Kayak Adventure from Chiang Mai: $64
- 10KM Inflatable Kayaking Adventure: $81
- 10km Rafting with 8Adventures from Chiang Mai Include Pickup & Lunch : $102
- 2 Days 1 Night Non Tourist Trek: $122
- 2 Days Hiking Tour in Chiang Mai: $111
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $4.96Chiang Mai $6.76
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$2.73
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: The Best Bars & Pubs in Chiang Mai!: $9.46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Chiang Mai, we can see that Surat Thani is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai.
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 Chiang Mai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 1000000 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Chiang Mai, 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 Chiang Mai?
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 Chiang Mai in the Summer?
Both Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In July, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Chiang Mai. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Chiang Mai in the summer. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Chiang Mai 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Chiang Mai in the Autumn?
Both Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai year-round.
November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai 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 more rain in October than Chiang Mai. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Chiang Mai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surat Thani in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Chiang Mai averages at about 29°C (83°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Chiang Mai 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Chiang Mai in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Chiang Mai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. In January, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Chiang Mai. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 25°C (77°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Chiang Mai 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Chiang Mai in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Chiang Mai. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.
June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in April than Chiang Mai. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Chiang Mai in the spring. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Chiang Mai 31°C (88°F)
Typical Weather for Chiang Mai and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Chiang Mai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.