Which place is cheaper, Ho Chi Minh City or Surat Thani?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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.
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, 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.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $53, while the average daily cost in Ho Chi Minh City is $81. 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.
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.
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ho Chi Minh City:
Also for Ho Chi Minh City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:
For Surat Thani, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ho Chi Minh City:
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ho Chi Minh City.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Ho Chi Minh City:
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?.
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.