Which place is cheaper, Guilin 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 Guilin?
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 Guilin 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 Guilin?
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."
Guilin
Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesGuilin Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $71Guilin $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, while the average daily cost in Guilin is $84. 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 Guilin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $27Guilin $35
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $54Guilin $70
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Guilin
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Guilin? 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 $27Guilin $5.85
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: $127
- 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): $16
- 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
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:
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Taxi$2.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:
- Private Transfer from/to Zhangjiajie to Guilin: $387
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $267
- Private Transfer: Guilin to/from Zhangjiajie/Fenghuang: $256
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $197
- Private Transfer from Haikou (HAK) airport to/from Sanya hotel: $120
- Private Transfer: Guilin Airport to Yangshuo Hotel: $115
- Guilin Private Transfer (English-speaking) Between Guilin Hotels & Yangshuo: $93
- Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Longsheng hotel: $80
- Private One Way Transfer Service to Longsheng Hotel from Guilin City or Airport: $78
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dongguan Transfer: $71
- Four Lakes Night Cruise with Round-trip Transfer: $58
- Guilin liangjiang Airport Chauffeur Service,Guilin Airport Transfer: $57
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Guilin?
Prices for flights to both Guilin 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 $28Guilin $39
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$4.71
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: Evening Thai Cooking Class with Organic Garden: $121
Typical Food Prices in Guilin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:
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Fresh Coconut Drink$1.40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guilin.
- Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62
- Wukong Guilin Neighborhood Food Tour: $65
- Countryside Cycling 1-day Tour with Cooking Class: $306
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.72Guilin $28
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
- Koh Tao 5 Best Snorkeling Sunset Tour by Big Boat: $32
- Pig Island Koh Taen Snorkeling Tour by Speedboat from Koh Samui: $47
- Pig Island & Koh Tan Tour by Speed Boat (Snorkeling & Kayaking): $49
- Koh Samui Island Hopping Adventure in Coral and Pig Island: $53
- Khao Sok ATV Jungle Trail Adventure Experience: $57
- Koh Samui: Feed & Shower with Elephants Experience: $65
- Pink Dolphin and Pig Island Snorkeling Tour from Koh Samui: $65
- Dolphin Watching Tan and Pig Island Tour from Koh Samui : $65
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan with Lunch: $69
- Koh Phangan: Quad ATV Jungle Adventure with Scenic Views: $73
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin
Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entrance to the Caves$17
Tours and Activities in Guilin
Here are a few actual costs in Guilin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Full-Day Guilin Li-River Cruise with 4 star boat and Reed Flute Cave Tour: $262
- Full-Day Yangshuo Sunrise and Li-River cruise with the 4 Star Boat Private Tour: $272
- 1 Day Congjiang Ethnic Dong Village Private Tour from Guilin: $219
- 1 Day Guilin Tour: Village Visit, Waterfall Viewing, Hiking: $230
- 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide: $209
- 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide & Driver: $209
- 1 Day Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Village Tour: $202
- 1 Day Private Tour: Li River Cruise from Guilin & Yangshuo Biking: $172
- 1 Day Relaxing Li River Cruise With The 4 Star Luxury Boat lower Deck Seating: $225
- 1 Day Yangshuo Adventure Balloon Helicopter and Cave Experience: $208
- 1 Day Yangshuo Nature Explore Bamboo Rafting and Cave Adventure: $265
- 1 day Guilin Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Countryside with Scooter Private Tour: $204
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.71Guilin $5.81
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Guilin, we can see that Guilin 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 Guilin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guilin 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 Guilin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Guilin?
Guilin has a larger population, and is about 649350 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Guilin, 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 Guilin?
Guilin 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 Guilin in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Guilin. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Guilin in the summer. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Guilin fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
It's quite rainy in Guilin. Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in July than Guilin. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Guilin 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Guilin in the Autumn?
Both Guilin 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 a little warmer than Guilin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surat Thani in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Guilin averages at about 23°C (73°F).
It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In October, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Guilin. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Guilin 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Guilin in the Winter?
Both Guilin 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 Guilin. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 25°C (77°F), and Guilin fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Surat Thani usually gets less rain in January than Guilin. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Guilin 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Guilin in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Guilin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round.
Surat Thani is a little warmer than Guilin in the spring. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Guilin fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
Guilin receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Guilin. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Guilin 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Guilin and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Guilin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.