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

Should you visit Surat Thani or Khao Yai 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 Yai 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 Yai 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 Yai National Park

Adventurous travelers are always in search of new terrain to conquer. At over 2,000 square kilometers, Khao Yai National Park is Thailand's second largest national park, and just full of jungles to trek through. In the southwest of Thailand is a sanctuary of mountains and waterfalls.

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 Yai National Park 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 Khao Yai National Park is $62. 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 Yai National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surat Thani $25
    Khao Yai National Park $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surat Thani $50
    Khao Yai National Park $72
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Khao Yai National Park

Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Khao Yai 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 Yai 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 $24
    Khao Yai National Park $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani

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

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

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

Prices for flights to both Khao Yai 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 $14
    Khao Yai National Park $17
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Surat Thani $4.97
    Khao Yai National Park $8.77

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surat Thani $4.96
    Khao Yai National Park $11


When comparing the travel costs between Surat Thani and Khao Yai National Park, we can see that Khao Yai National Park 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 Khao Yai National Park Expensive?.



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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

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

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

Khao Yai National Park receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Khao Yai National Park. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 315 mm (12.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Khao Yai National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Surat Thani 28°C (82°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 28°C (83°F)

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

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

It's quite rainy in Khao Yai National Park. Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in October than Khao Yai National Park. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Khao Yai National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surat Thani in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Khao Yai National Park averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Surat Thani 27°C (81°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 28°C (82°F)

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

Both Khao Yai National Park and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Yai National Park because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Khao Yai National Park. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In January, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Khao Yai National Park. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 25°C (77°F), and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Surat Thani 25°C (77°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 26°C (78°F)

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

Both Khao Yai National Park and Surat Thani during the spring 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 Yai National Park year-round.

Khao Yai National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in April than Khao Yai National Park. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Khao Yai National Park receives 128 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Khao Yai National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Khao Yai National Park fluctuates around 30°C (87°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Surat Thani 29°C (83°F) 
    Khao Yai National Park 30°C (87°F)

Typical Weather for Khao Yai National Park and Surat Thani

Surat Thani Khao Yai National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 51 mm (2 in) 26°C (78°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 30°C (86°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 29°C (83°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 30°C (87°F) 128 mm (5.1 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 30°C (85°F) 225 mm (8.8 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 277 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 315 mm (12.4 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 385 mm (15.1 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 360 mm (14.2 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 240 mm (9.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)


Related Articles for Surat Thani
Related Articles for Khao Yai National Park