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.


Which place is cheaper, Khao Sok National Park 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.

  • Surat Thani Prices
    Thailand Prices
    Khao Sok National Park Prices
    Thailand Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Surat Thani $71
    Khao Sok National Park $126

The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, while the average daily cost in Khao Sok National Park is $126. 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 Khao Sok National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surat Thani $27
    Khao Sok National Park $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surat Thani $54
    Khao Sok National Park $56
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Khao Sok National Park

Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Khao Sok National Park? 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 Khao Sok National Park


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Surat Thani $27
    Khao Sok National Park $74

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: $3.14
  • Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $16
  • Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $23
  • Samui Airport Transfer: $33
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $40
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $40
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $40
  • Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $63
  • Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $79
  • Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $82
  • Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $91
  • Donsak pier to aonang , krabi town , klongmuang any hotel Private transfer: $134

Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Khao Sok National Park?

Prices for flights to both Khao Sok National Park 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 $28
    Khao Sok National Park $52
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani

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


  • 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: $123

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Surat Thani $5.72
    Khao Sok National Park $33

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: $48
  • Pig Island & Koh Tan Tour by Speed Boat (Snorkeling & Kayaking): $50
  • Pink Dolphin and Pig Island Snorkeling Tour from Koh Samui: $53
  • Koh Samui Island Hopping Adventure in Coral and Pig Island: $53
  • Khao Sok ATV Jungle Trail Adventure Experience: $64
  • Koh Samui: Feed & Shower with Elephants Experience: $66
  • Dolphin Watching Tan and Pig Island Tour from Koh Samui : $67
  • Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan with Lunch: $69
  • Koh Phangan: Quad ATV Jungle Adventure with Scenic Views: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surat Thani $5.71
    Khao Sok National Park $6.50


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).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Surat Thani 28°C (82°F) 
    Khao Sok National Park 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).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Surat Thani 27°C (81°F) 
    Khao Sok National Park 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).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Surat Thani 25°C (77°F) 
    Khao Sok National Park 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).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Surat Thani 29°C (83°F) 
    Khao Sok National Park 29°C (83°F)

Typical Weather for Khao Sok National Park and Surat Thani

Surat Thani Khao Sok National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 51 mm (2 in) 27°C (80°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 29°C (83°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 29°C (83°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 345 mm (13.6 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 286 mm (11.3 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 284 mm (11.2 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 272 mm (10.7 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 417 mm (16.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 240 mm (9.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 351 mm (13.8 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)


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