Which place is cheaper, Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City?
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 Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City?
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."
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. It previously served as the capital of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). The metropolitan area, including Ho Chi Minh City, Thu Dau Mot, Di An, Bien Hoa, and other surrounding towns, has a population of more than 9 million people and continues to grow.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Vietnam.
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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesHo Chi Minh City Prices
Vietnam Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $68Ho Chi Minh City $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $68, while the average daily cost in Ho Chi Minh City is $88. 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 Ho Chi Minh City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $26Ho Chi Minh City $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $52Ho Chi Minh City $96
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Ho Chi Minh City
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Ho Chi Minh City? 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: Ho Chi Minh City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $26Ho Chi Minh City $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: $123
- Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $88
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $79
- Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $76
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $60
- Koh Samui: Official Hawk Adventure Zipline Park, No Transfer: $54
- Koh Samui: Full Moon Party Boat Transfer to Koh Phangan: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $38
- Samui Airport Transfer: $33
- From Koh Phangan: Shared Transfer to Khao Sok/Ao Nang/Phuket: $24
- Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $21
- From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.62
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ho Chi Minh City:
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Short Taxi Ride$1.35
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Taxi From Airport$7.70
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Cyclo Ride (One Hour)$1.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ho Chi Minh City
Also for Ho Chi Minh City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City: $358
- Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Phnom Penh: $287
- Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) to Mui Ne - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $273
- Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Nha Trang: $270
- Hanoi Private Transfer from Vinh City to Hanoi (HAN) Airport: $267
- Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Da Lat: $232
- Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) to Mui Ne - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $227
- Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Vinh Tan: $220
- Private Transfer from Vinh Tan to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $220
- Private Transfer from Phong Nha to Da Nang (DAD) Airport: $215
- Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) to Vung Tau Round-Trip Private Transfer: $213
- Private Transfer from Cam Ranh to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $210
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Ho Chi Minh City?
Prices for flights to both Ho Chi Minh City 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 $26Ho Chi Minh City $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$4.48
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: Island Vista Tour with Dinner and Transfers: $36
- Jungle Adventure with Bamboo Cooking Class in Khao Sok: $49
- Bamboo Fire Cooking Survival Experience from Khao Sok: $51
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class with Sea View from Koh Tao: $61
- Koh Phangan: The Best Authentic Thai Cooking Class: $76
- Coastal Village Life Tour w/ Mangrove & Cooking: $91
- Koh Phangan: Jungle Walk and Authentic Thai Cooking Class: $105
- Koh Samui: Evening Thai Cooking Class with Organic Garden: $117
- Koh Samui: Japanese Cooking Class w/ Chef Daniel at W Samui: $124
- Khao Sok Elephant Afternoon: No Riding, Plus Mountain Cooking: $242
- Koh Samui: All-Inclusive Romantic Dinner, Private Beach, and Sunset: $796
Typical Food Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ho Chi Minh City:
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Street Food Dinner (for Two)$4.12
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Pizza$5.00
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Sweet Rice$1.15
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Pork Sandwich$0.58
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.53
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Western Lunch (for Two)$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ho Chi Minh City
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour with Local LGBT Student Guide: $1.90
- Mekong With Cai Be Less Tourist - Cooking Class: $14
- 1 hour Egg Coffee Cooking Class with Snack and Local Instructor: $14
- Saigon Food Tour & Culture Explore Ho Chi Minh City Walking Tour: $15
- Mekong Delta 4 Islands, TukTuk, Boat, Try Khot Cake Local Cooking: $16
- Ho Chi Minh City Michelin & Street Food Tour by Motorbike or Car: $16
- Saigon Sightseeing & Street Food Tour By scooter with Student: $23
- Saigon Walking Food Tour & Hidden Alleys with Locals: $26
- Street Food Tour In Ho Chi Minh City By Motorbike: $26
- Saigon River: Dinner on Cruise - Buffet with Live Music: $27
- Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour and Vietnamese Coffee: $27
- Premium Ho Chi Minh City Motorbike Food Tour (Michelin Optional): $27
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.44Ho Chi Minh City $19
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- Amazing 5 Point Snorkeling Tour in Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $28
- Ang Thong National Marine Park Speedboat Tour from Koh Phangan: $72
- Cheow Lan Lake Full Day Boat Tour Three Brothers, Cave and Lunch: $127
- Cheow Lan Lake Tour from Khao Sok with Raft House Lunch: $90
- Cheow Lan Lake and Diamond Cave Adventure from Khao Sok: $95
- Dolphin Watching, Snorkeling, and Pig Island Tour from Koh Samui: $71
- From Khao Lak/Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake and Emerald Pool Tour: $121
- From Ko Pha Ngan: Angthong Marine Park Speedboat Adventure: $78
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan with Lunch: $69
- Khao Sok ATV Jungle Trail Adventure Experience: $55
- Khao Sok Lake Overnight Superior Group Tour with Meals Included: $178
- Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake Sunset Cruise w/ Drinks: $125
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Massage$5.39
Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ho Chi Minh City.
- 1 Day Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Private Adventure: $156
- 1 Day Mekong Delta to Cai Be from Ho Chi Minh City Tour: $45
- 1 Day Small Group Tour in Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta: $90
- 1 Hour Saigon River Tour in Ho Chi Minh: $13
- 1-Day City Tour: Saigon Chinatown, Must-See Icons & Cyclo Ride: $128
- 1-Day Explore Non-Touristy Side Of Mekong Delta- Group 10 Max: $130
- 1-Day Mekong Delta Tour: Less-Touristy Cai Be & Vinh Long(Max 10): $35
- 1-Day Tour in Vung Tau Beach: $59
- 1-Day Tour of Black Virgin Mountain - Cao Dai Temple - Cu Chi Tunnels from HCMC: $65
- 1-day Mekong Delta Tour: Cai Be Market, Local Island and Cycling: $125
- 1-day My Tho boat trip in Mekong Delta group tour from Ho Chi Minh: $34
- 12 Tasting Street Food & Sightseeing By Scooter with Student: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.43Ho Chi Minh City $7.69
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Ho Chi Minh City:
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Beer$0.38
Sample the Local Flavors in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Make Your Own Gin Experience and Saigon Baigur Distillery Tour: $36
- Bike And Craft Beer Brewery Mekong Delta Cycling Tour: $152
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Ho Chi Minh City, we can see that Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 3467330 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Ho Chi Minh City, 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.
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.