Which place is cheaper, Koh Samui 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 Samui?
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 Samui 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 Samui?
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 Samui
The largest island on the east coast of southern Thailand, Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) sees a good number of visitors every year who come for its lush rainforest, beautiful shores, and undersea wildlife. The size of the island is still small enough to allow visitors to circumnavigate it with a taxi or motorbike in a day, while hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of inland activities in the hills and jungle.
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 Samui $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $53, while the average daily cost in Koh Samui is $55. 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 Samui in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $25Koh Samui $24
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $50Koh Samui $48
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Koh Samui
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Koh Samui? 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 Samui Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $24Koh Samui $17
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: $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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
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Scooter Rental$2.05
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Gas for Scooter$1.09
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Airport Taxi$12
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$11
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- The Red Baron Luxury Yacht Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $147
- ATV And Zipline Experience on Koh Samui with Transfer: $110
- Ethical Elephant Home Guided Tour with Transfers: $81
- Flyboard 15 minutes in Koh Samui beach + Roundtrip Transfer: $80
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui hotels to Ko Samui Cruise Port: $74
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Cruise Port to Ko Samui Hotels: $74
- Guided Zipline Adventure in Ko Samui with Round Trip Transfer: $71
- Private Departure Transfer: From Hotel to Airport Koh Samui by Minivan: $69
- Private Arrival Transfer: Koh Samui Airports to Hotel by Minivan: $69
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Airport (USM) to Ko Samui Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Airport (USM): $66
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Taling Ngam: $63
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Koh Samui?
Prices for flights to both Koh Samui 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 Samui $19
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: $71
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.86
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Samui
For Koh Samui, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Romantic 4-Course Dinner for Two on the Beach by the Amari Samui: $43
- Thai Cooking Class at Melati Beach Resort & Spa: $59
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise by RED BARON: $60
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $61
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $68
- Thai Cooking Class & Organic Micro Farm Experience - Farm to Table. Since 2015: $69
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $69
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $72
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $72
- Koh Samui Jungle Kitchen - Half Day Cooking Class: $78
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour: $80
- Red Baron Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruise: $88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $4.97Koh Samui $10
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 Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- 6 Hrs Off Road 4x4 Adventure of Hidden Gems In Koh Samui Hills 1 - 4 persons: $118
- 6 Hrs Off Road 4x4 Adventure of Hidden Gems In Koh Samui Hills 5 - 8 Persons: $146
- Koh Samui Island ATV Quad Bike Adventure: $50
- Koh Samui Nauti Ark Bar Boat Party Cruise: $97
- Pig Island Experience By Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Kayaking Relaxing on the Beach: $49
- Private Tour in Koh Samui Waterfall And Mummified Monk Temple: $198
- koh samui island and water fall tour: $43
- zip line adventure on mountain (8 Platforms 1200 m.): $50
- 2 Day Halfmoon Festival Experience General Admission Pass: $70
- 2 Islands Sightseeing and Snorkeling Trip From Koh Samui: $46
- 2-Hour Koh Samui ATV Quad Tour: $51
- 2.5-Hours ATV Jungle Adventure Experience from Koh Phangan: $107
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $4.96Koh Samui $4.63
Sample the Local Flavors in Koh Samui
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Koh Samui:
- Private 4x4 Off-Road Island Safari + Rum Distillery Visit & Tasting: $296
When comparing the travel costs between Surat Thani and Koh Samui, we can see that Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Koh Samui?
Koh Samui has a larger population, and is about 39680 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Koh Samui, 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 Samui?
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 Samui in the Summer?
Both Koh Samui 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 Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In July, Surat Thani usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Samui. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Surat Thani is generally a little warmer than Koh Samui. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Koh Samui 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Koh Samui in the Autumn?
Both Koh Samui 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 Samui year-round.
December to February is the dry season in Koh Samui. October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui. Koh Samui 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 around the same amount of rain in October as Koh Samui. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Surat Thani is a little warmer than Koh Samui in the autumn. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Koh Samui 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Koh Samui in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Koh Samui. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. In January, Surat Thani usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Samui. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Surat Thani is a little warmer than Koh Samui. Typically, the winter temperatures in Surat Thani in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Koh Samui averages at about 22°C (72°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Koh Samui 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Koh Samui in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Koh Samui. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.
Surat Thani usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Koh Samui. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Surat Thani is generally a little warmer than Koh Samui. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 29°C (83°F), and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Koh Samui 24°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Samui and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Koh Samui | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.