A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Surat Thani vs. Khao Sok National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Surat Thani or Khao Sok National Park?

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 Khao Sok National Park 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 Khao Sok National Park?

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."

Khao Sok National Park

In the south of Thailand, visitors will find a gorgeous getaway of pure nature. The Khao Sok National Park is a jungle reserve that covers over 700 square kilometers, and described as one of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in the country.

Many say this jungle is over 160 million years old making it one of the world's oldest rainforests. The lush environment of limestone, waterfalls and thickets of vegetation will make any wanderer eager to discover more. Keep your eyes peeled for bears, boars, gaurs, tapirs, gibbons, deer, marbled cats, wild elephants and more. Look to the sky for over 300 species of bird and 38 different types of bats.

You'll find the best time to book is from December to April, better known as the dry season. From June to October there is significantly more rain and the threat of monsoons. Not only does it rain on your parade, but also it causes the leeches to emerge.

To enter the park is a 300 baht fee for foreigners, 150 for children, and 40 for Thai citizens. If someone tries to sell you a ticket for more than that, simply buy one at the park entrance. When planning your stay remember that your entrance fee is only valid for 24 hours. If you're staying multiple days, you'll need to pay up front. Often if you're with a tour, the entrance fee is included in the tour price, but you should inquire about this to make sure.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, and The Best Budget Tours to Thailand.

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

When is the best time to visit Surat Thani or Khao Sok National Park?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Surat Thani or Khao Sok National Park in the Summer?

Both Khao Sok National Park 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Sok National Park year-round.

Khao Sok National Park 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 Khao Sok National Park. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In July, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 28°C (82°F), and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Surat Thani or Khao Sok National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Khao Sok National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Khao Sok National Park attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Khao Sok National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Khao Sok National Park. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Surat Thani or Khao Sok National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Khao Sok National Park. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Sok National Park throughout the year.

Surat Thani usually gets more rain in January than Khao Sok National Park. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Surat Thani in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Khao Sok National Park averages at about 27°C (80°F).

Should I visit Surat Thani or Khao Sok National Park in the Spring?

Both Khao Sok National Park 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. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Sok National Park because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Sok National Park. In April, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Khao Sok National Park. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Khao Sok National Park receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In April, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Khao Sok National Park. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 29°C (83°F), and Khao Sok National Park fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

Typical Weather for Khao Sok National Park and Surat Thani