Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Surat Thani?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Surat Thani or Koh Phi Phi?
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 Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi?
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."
Koh Phi Phi
The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $53Koh Phi Phi $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $53, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $72. 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 Koh Phi Phi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $25Koh Phi Phi $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $50Koh Phi Phi $80
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Koh Phi Phi
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Koh Phi Phi? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Koh Phi Phi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $24Koh Phi Phi $6.89
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: $115
- Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $60
- 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: $7.19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:
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Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)$15
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Longboat Taxi$2.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One-Way Departure Transfer from Phi Phi Island (Speedboat) to Phuket Airport : $52
- Superfast Transfer from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi by Arisa Speed Boat: $28
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $24
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket VIP Speed Boat Transfer: $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Koh Phi Phi?
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi 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 $14Koh Phi Phi $11
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$4.09
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: $72
Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:
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Crepe$1.64
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Sit Down Lunch$9.27
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Casual Lunch$5.73
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Coconut Donut$0.27
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Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$11
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Sit Down Dinner$14
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $4.97Koh Phi Phi $45
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- 5 island tour: $461
- 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: $204
- From Phuket: Full-Day Private Tour to Khao Sok Highlights: $170
- Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake Sunset Cruise w/ Drinks: $91
- Khao Sok: Private Longtail Boat Tour at Cheow Lan Lake: $214
- Koh Phangan: Private Land Tour with Snorkeling: $242
- Koh Phangan: Snorkeling and Beach Hopping Boat Tour: $217
- 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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Kayak Rental$8.18
Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.
- 6 Hours Private Tour Around Phi Phi Islands From Phi Phi: $161
- Early Bird Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
- Early Bird Phi Phi and 4 Islands Tour by Speedboat from Krabi: $97
- Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $13
- Half Day & Sunset Phi Phi Island Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
- Half Day Tour Around Phi Phi Islands By Private Longtail Boat From Phi Phi: $107
- Half-Day Morning Bamboo Island Tour from Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $21
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
- Maya Bay Sunset and Plankton Swimming Tour: $70
- PHI PHI ISLAND - Sunrise Trip From Phi Phi Don By Phi Phi Local Tour: $53
- Phi Phi 7 Islands Full-Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $27
- Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $4.96Koh Phi Phi $5.66
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:
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Mojito Bucket$14
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Banana Daiquiri$5.46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Koh Phi Phi?
Koh Phi Phi has a larger population, and is about 1000 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Koh Phi Phi?
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 Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?
Both Koh Phi Phi 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. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In July, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In the summer, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Surat Thani in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?
Both Koh Phi Phi 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi. May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi 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 October than Koh Phi Phi. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Koh Phi Phi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. In January, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Koh Phi Phi. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.
May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Surat Thani in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Koh Phi Phi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.