Which place is cheaper, Hanoi 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 Hanoi?
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 Hanoi 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 Hanoi?
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."
Hanoi
Hanoi is the chaotic capital of Vietnam, and it serves as a great introduction to the country for many travelers. It's the second largest city in the country after Saigon and is an interesting combination of East meets West. There's traditional Vietnamese culture with subtle influences brought by the French. The city continues to grow and change rapidly and it's easy to get lost amidst the chaos.
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 Vietnam, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Vietnam.
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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesHanoi Prices
Vietnam Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $71Hanoi $57
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, while the average daily cost in Hanoi 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 Hanoi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $27Hanoi $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $54Hanoi $50
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Hanoi
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Hanoi? 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: Hanoi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $27Hanoi $6.54
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 Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:
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Taxi to Bus Station$1.14
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Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)$3.03
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Local Bus Ride (for Two)$0.38
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Short Taxi Ride$1.29
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Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)$0.76
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
- Hanoi Private Transfer from Hanoi (HAN) Airport to Cao Bang: $290
- Top-Rated Luxury Halong Bay 2-Day Cruise Including Hanoi Transfer: $285
- Hanoi Private Transfer from Hanoi (HAN) Airport to Vinh City: $281
- 25 Minutes Scenic Halong Seaplane from Hanoi Transfer Expressway: $280
- Halong Bay Cruise 3D2N - Kayaking Explorer & Round-trip transfer from Hanoi: $280
- Aspira Luxury Cruise Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay – 2D1N with Transfer: $269
- Private Transfer by Dcar Limousine Ha Noi from to Sapa : $269
- Private Sapa tour 3 days transfer from Hanoi by limousine overnight 3 star hotel: $264
- Luxury 2D1N Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay Cruise with 2-Way Transfer : $259
- Halong Bay Seaplane Tour with Transfer from Hanoi by expressway: $255
- Halong Bay 2 Days - 1 Night with 5 Star Cruise included transfer & pick up: $254
- Halong Bay Sightseeing With Seaplane Tour Transfer From Hanoi: $250
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Hanoi?
Prices for flights to both Hanoi 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 $28Hanoi $23
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 Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:
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High End Dinner (for Two)$11
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.17
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Bowl of Pho$0.76
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Italian Dinner (for Food)$5.88
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.
- (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR : $5.13
- Hanoi Old Quarter Cooking Class Tour With Local Market Shopping : $9.71
- Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour with Train-Street Visit: $18
- Hanoi Cooking Class: Pho/Bun Cha/Banh Xeo...+Free Egg/Salt Coffee: $19
- Hanoi local street food tour: $20
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Train Street Visit: $22
- Hanoi food tour-Local street food tour (food&guide included): $22
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Experience Guide & Real Foodie: $24
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Local Delicacies (3 Hours): $24
- Best Hanoi Day Street Food Tour with Real Foodie Tastings: $24
- Hanoi Food Tours: $24
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.72Hanoi $8.07
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 Hanoi
Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Puppet Theater$1.52
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The Hanoi Hilton Entrance$1.52
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National History Museum$1.52
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Puppet Theater Ticket$2.65
Tours and Activities in Hanoi
Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Day Private Guided Tour in Pu Luong Nature Hanoi: $169
- 2 Days Hanoi City Bus Tour Experience: $239
- 2-Day Ta Chi Nhu Mountain Hiking Experience: $228
- 2-day Explore Halong Bay in Caravella Cruise: $268
- 3D2N Cao Bang Ba Be Lake Experience: $190
- 3D2N Sapa Bac Ha Shared Tour: $245
- 4 Days 3 Nights Ha Giang Loop Tour from Hanoi by Sleeper Bus: $235
- 5 Days Motorbike Tour in Ha Giang Loop From Hanoi: $265
- All-Inclusive 2D/1N 5star Cruises: Meals-Kayak-Cave-Accommodation : $175
- Ambassador Day Cruise: Discover The Beauty of Halong Bay: $101
- Bai Dinh Pagoda Trang An and Eco Hang Mua Cave Heritage Day Tour: $53
- Beautiful Female Riders Vespa Red River Countryside Tour 5 Hours: $59
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.71Hanoi $7.30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Hanoi, we can see that Surat Thani is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi 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 Hanoi.
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 Hanoi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Hanoi?
Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 1431270 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Hanoi, 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 Hanoi?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Surat Thani or Hanoi in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Hanoi. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year.
May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in July than Hanoi. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Hanoi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Surat Thani in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Hanoi averages at about 29°C (84°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Hanoi 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Hanoi in the Autumn?
Both Hanoi 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. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Hanoi is November to April. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In October, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Hanoi. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Hanoi. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 27°C (81°F), and Hanoi fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Hanoi 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Hanoi in the Winter?
Both Hanoi 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round.
Surat Thani usually gets more rain in January than Hanoi. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Surat Thani is a little warmer than Hanoi in the winter. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Hanoi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Hanoi 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Hanoi in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Hanoi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Hanoi. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Surat Thani is a little warmer than Hanoi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Surat Thani in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Hanoi averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Hanoi 24°C (75°F)
Typical Weather for Hanoi and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Hanoi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.