Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Surat Thani?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Surat Thani or Harbin?
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 Harbin 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 Harbin?
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."
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $53Harbin $54
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $53, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $54. 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 Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $25Harbin $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $50Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Harbin? 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 $24Harbin $1.49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $59
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $36
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $36
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $36
- Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
- 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
- Donsak pier to aonang , krabi town , klongmuang any hotel Private transfer: $114
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
- Harbin City Car Transfer Service with Driver: $168
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $168
- Shared Night Transfer Service to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $85
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service , Harbin Airport Transfer,Pick up: $78
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- Harbin Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer: $27
- Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Any Harbin Railway Station : $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin 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 $14Harbin $14
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Food Tour Including Harbin Beer1900: $157
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World with Dinner Options: $261
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $4.97Harbin $52
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
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $130
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
- 4-Hour Private Tour of the Largest Indoor Ice and Snow Paradise: $136
- From Amazing Day Trip Including tickets: $400
- Full Day Private Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow Festival: $250
- Group Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World plus Sun Island Snow Sculpture Festival: $298
- Harbin City Group Tour including Crossing Songhua River by Ropeway and Ice Swimming Show: $290
- Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
- Private City Tour of Harbin: $360
- Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $4.96Harbin $7.83
When comparing the travel costs between Surat Thani and Harbin, we can see that Harbin 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 Harbin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Harbin?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 3229880 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Harbin, 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 Harbin?
Harbin 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 Harbin in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Harbin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round.
In the summer, Surat Thani is a little warmer than Harbin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Surat Thani in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Harbin averages at about 24°C (75°F).
Harbin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Surat Thani usually receives around the same amount of rain as Harbin. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Harbin 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Harbin in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Harbin. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 27°C (81°F), and Harbin fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in October than Harbin. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Harbin 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Harbin in the Winter?
Both Harbin and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Harbin in the winter. Surat Thani is much warmer than Harbin in the winter. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Harbin fluctuates around -18°C (-0°F).
In January, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Harbin. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Harbin -18°C (-0°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Harbin in the Spring?
Both Harbin and Surat Thani during the spring 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 the spring, Surat Thani is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Surat Thani in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Harbin averages at about 8°C (46°F).
Surat Thani usually gets more rain in April than Harbin. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Harbin 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Harbin and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Harbin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 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.