A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surat Thani vs. Kanazawa for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Surat Thani or Kanazawa?

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 Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa?

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."

Kanazawa

An important city of the Edo-period, Kanazawa is a well preserved city from a time when samurai, merchants, geisha, and lords made up the core of its culture. Though it is often overlooked by foreigners, the city is a gem of Japanese tourism with a number of preserved historic districts, temples, regional handicrafts, art museums, and some of the best food to be had in Japan.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kanazawa or Surat Thani?

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 Kanazawa is $103. 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 Kanazawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surat Thani $25
    Kanazawa $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surat Thani $50
    Kanazawa $128
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Kanazawa

Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Kanazawa? 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.

Hotels in Surat Thani


Hotels in Kanazawa


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: Kanazawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Surat Thani $24
    Kanazawa $9.32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani

Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
  • Donsak pier to aonang , krabi town , klongmuang any hotel Private transfer: $114
  • Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $59
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $36
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $36
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $36
  • 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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanazawa

Also for Kanazawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Noto Airport to/from Kanazawa City Private Transfer: $308
  • Kanazawa City to/from Wakura City Private transfer: $247

Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Kanazawa?

Prices for flights to both Kanazawa 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Surat Thani $14
    Kanazawa $32
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:


  • 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 Kanazawa

For Kanazawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sneaking into a Cooking Class for Japanese: $57
  • Private Japanese Cooking Classes in Kanazawa: $76
  • Private Japanese Cooking Classes in Kanazawa: $78

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Surat Thani $4.97
    Kanazawa $9.74

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 Kanazawa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kanazawa.

  • “Be a Local” Kanazawa Izakaya Hop Tour: $78
  • 1 Day Tour from Kurobe Gorge and Unazuki Onsen: $223
  • 1-Day Shirakawago & Takayama Tour (Round Trip from Kanazawa): $165
  • 4 Hour Unique Kanazawa Cherry Blossom Sakura Private Experience: $218
  • Afternoon Round Trip Tour from Kanazawa: $87
  • E-Bike Cycling with Guided Tour of KANAZAWA Main & KENROKUEN: $82
  • E-Bike Cycling with Guided Tour of Kanazawa Main and Ninja Temple: $78
  • Full-Day Tour from Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha: $148
  • Guided Night Tour to Feel the Samurai Culture in Kanazawa: $56
  • Hidden Gems Of Private & Personalized Walking Experience: $102
  • Kanazawa ⇒ Takayama (one way) Including Shirakawago (Private Tour): $266
  • Kanazawa Custom Full Day Tour: $207

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surat Thani $4.96
    Kanazawa $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Kanazawa, we can see that Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Kanazawa?

Kanazawa has a larger population, and is about 458940 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa?

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa in the Summer?

Both Kanazawa and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Kanazawa for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Kanazawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In July, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Surat Thani 28°C (82°F) 
    Kanazawa 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

Both Kanazawa and Surat Thani during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Surat Thani is much warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surat Thani in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Kanazawa 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 more rain in October than Kanazawa. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Surat Thani 27°C (81°F) 
    Kanazawa 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Kanazawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Kanazawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kanazawa this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kanazawa in the winter. In January, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 25°C (77°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Surat Thani 25°C (77°F) 
    Kanazawa 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Kanazawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Kanazawa. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Surat Thani is much warmer than Kanazawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in April than Kanazawa. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Surat Thani 29°C (83°F) 
    Kanazawa 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Surat Thani

Surat Thani Kanazawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 51 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 294 mm (11.6 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Apr 29°C (83°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 251 mm (9.9 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 248 mm (9.8 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 240 mm (9.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 306 mm (12 in)


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