Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou?
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 Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou?
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."
Guangzhou
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.
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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesGuangzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $70Guangzhou $110
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $70, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $110. 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 Guangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $27Guangzhou $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $54Guangzhou $122
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Guangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Guangzhou? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $27Guangzhou $15
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: $125
- From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.10
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $62
- 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: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $39
- Samui Airport Transfer: $33
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
- Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $90
- Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $78
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Guangzhou Layover Visa-Free Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $200
- Guangzhou Indoor Ski Experience with Private Guide & Transfer: $199
- Guangzhou Layover: Private Airport Transfer & City Options: $199
- Hong Kong / Macao Border Express Hub Transfer & Executive Escort: $199
- Private Round-Trip Airport Transfers in English-speaking Services: $197
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN) to Shekou Port: $192
- Pearl River Night Cruise with Private Transfers in Guangzhou: $129
- Private Guided Guangzhou Pearl River Cruise Tour With Hotel Transfer: $109
- Guangzhou Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to Hotel: $103
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Shenzhen private Transfer service.: $100
- Private Departure Transfer in English-speaking: Hotel to Airport: $99
- Private Transfer in Guangzhou with Fluent English Speaking Driver: $90
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Guangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Guangzhou 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 $27Guangzhou $36
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$4.60
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:
- Jungle Adventure with Bamboo Cooking Class in Khao Sok: $50
- Bamboo Fire Cooking Survival Experience from Khao Sok: $52
- Koh Samui: Evening Thai Cooking Class with Organic Garden: $121
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Private Cantonese Cooking Consultation and Custom Menu Planning: $19
- Guangzhou Local Life Street Food Tour Hidden Spots and Markets: $39
- Old Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $79
- Half Day Cantonese Cooking Class for Chinese Culinary Experience: $80
- Guangzhou Night Walking and Food Tour: Led by Local Cantonese: $82
- Yum Cha Dim Sum Dinner and Pearl River Night Cruise Private Tour: $94
- Food Tour - Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop: $96
- Tanxiu Banquet Immersive Drama and Dinner Experience in Foshan: $98
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour Pearl River Cruise & Dim-Sum Dinner: $110
- Private Guangzhou Evening Food Tour with Pearl River Night Cruise: $140
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $160
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.59Guangzhou $19
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- Private Taxi Services and Tourism in Koh Samui: $13
- Samui Go-Karting Experience – Sodikart RT10 Outdoor Race: $22
- Amazing 5 Point Snorkeling Tour in Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $32
- Koh Tao 5 Best Snorkeling Sunset Tour by Big Boat: $40
- Ko Samui: Private Longtail Boat Tour to Koh Madsum & Koh Tan: $48
- Pig Island & Koh Tan Tour by Speed Boat (Snorkeling & Kayaking): $49
- Koh Samui Island Hopping Adventure in Coral and Pig Island: $56
- Half-Day Tour: Koh Rap, Pig Island & Koh Tan By Join Speed Boat: $56
- Pink Dolphin and Pig Island Snorkeling Tour from Koh Samui: $58
- Khao Sok ATV Jungle Trail Adventure Experience: $63
- Koh Samui: Feed & Shower with Elephants Experience: $65
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan with Lunch: $69
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Guangzhou City Highlight Layover Tour from Airport: $276
- 1 Day Historical Guangzhou Layover Tour from Airport: $260
- 1 Day Relaxing Exploring Tour in Guangzhou: $156
- 3-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King Tomb in Guangzhou: $91
- 4-Hour Private Flexible Guangzhou City Tour with Dim-Sum Option: $100
- 5-Hour Private Guangzhou Yumcha Tasting with Local Food Market Experience: $118
- 6-Day Guangzhou to Guilin Scenic Tour: $1,598
- All-inclusive Guangzhou Historic City Private Day Tour: $192
- Ancient Foshan Day Tour from Guangzhou: $201
- Ancient Water Village Folk Houses and Wine Museum Private Tour: $220
- Baiyun Mountain Canton Tower Iconic City Landmarks Private Tour: $180
- Big Buddha Statue Lotus Mountain Seagull Island Private Tour: $220
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.58Guangzhou $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Guangzhou, we can see that Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Guangzhou?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 3152830 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Guangzhou, 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 Guangzhou?
Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Guangzhou. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Guangzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in July than Guangzhou. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Guangzhou 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Guangzhou in the Autumn?
Both Guangzhou and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year.
In the autumn, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Guangzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surat Thani in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 25°C (76°F).
It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In October, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Guangzhou. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Guangzhou 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Guangzhou in the Winter?
Both Guangzhou and Surat Thani during the winter 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 January, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 25°C (77°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Surat Thani usually gets more rain in January than Guangzhou. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Guangzhou 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Guangzhou in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Guangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round.
Surat Thani is a little warmer than Guangzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Guangzhou 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Guangzhou and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Guangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 16°C (61°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.