Which place is cheaper, Hongcun 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 Hongcun?
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 Hongcun 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 Hongcun?
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."
Hongcun
When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.
The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, and The Best Adventure Tours to China.
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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesHongcun Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $71Hongcun $67
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, while the average daily cost in Hongcun is $67. 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 Hongcun in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $27Hongcun $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $54Hongcun $46
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Hongcun
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Hongcun? 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 $27Hongcun $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.10
- 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
- Samui Airport Transfer: $33
- 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
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $62
- Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $78
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
- Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $90
- Donsak pier to Krabi,Phuket,Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $127
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Hongcun?
Prices for flights to both Hongcun 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 $28Hongcun $33
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 Hongcun
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hongcun are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.91
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Breakfast of Dumplings$2.10
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.72Hongcun $17
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 Hongcun
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hongcun are as follows:
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Two Entrance Tickets$29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.71Hongcun $14
When comparing the travel costs between Surat Thani and Hongcun, we can see that Surat Thani 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 Hongcun Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Surat Thani or Hongcun?
Hongcun 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 Hongcun in the Summer?
Both Hongcun and Surat Thani during the summer 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 July, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Hongcun. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 28°C (82°F), and Hongcun fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
Hongcun gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Surat Thani. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in July than Hongcun. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Hongcun 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Hongcun in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Hongcun. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round.
Surat Thani is a little warmer than Hongcun in the autumn. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Hongcun fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Hongcun. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Hongcun 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Hongcun in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Hongcun. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Hongcun can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Surat Thani is much warmer than Hongcun. Typically, the winter temperatures in Surat Thani in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Hongcun averages at about 4°C (40°F).
Surat Thani usually gets more rain in January than Hongcun. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Hongcun 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Hongcun in the Spring?
Both Hongcun and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year.
In April, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Hongcun. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 29°C (83°F), and Hongcun fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hongcun. In April, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Hongcun. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Hongcun 17°C (62°F)
Typical Weather for Hongcun and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Hongcun | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.