Which place is cheaper, Krabi 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.
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Should you visit Surat Thani or Krabi?
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 Krabi 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 Krabi?
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."
Krabi
Krabi is both a large town and region in southern Thailand. While the region is covered in beaches, if you're more interested in immersion in Thai culture than the salty ocean, consider a trip to "Krabi Town". Pronounced "Grabee," this small, but bustling city is just up the river from the coast, and is the gateway to the beaches in the surrounding Province of Krabi (where you'll find famous places such as Railay, Ao Nang, Haad Yao, and plenty of others). Krabi Town is full of hotels, agencies, and western restaurants, but if you look hard enough, you'll easily see the energy and life of Thailand. While there are no beaches in the town itself, there is plenty of Thai culture to experience. There's a good chance you'll be passing through on your way to one of the famous beaches, so take advantage of your brief time here.
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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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesKrabi Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $68Krabi $71
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $68, while the average daily cost in Krabi is $71. 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 Krabi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $26Krabi $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $52Krabi $80
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Krabi
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Krabi? 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: Krabi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $26Krabi $4.18
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: $78
- Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $86
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
- Samui Airport Transfer: $33
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $38
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $38
- Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $21
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $15
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $60
- Koh Samui: Official Hawk Adventure Zipline Park, No Transfer: $54
- Koh Samui: Full Moon Party Boat Transfer to Koh Phangan: $39
- From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Krabi are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$9.01
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Short Tuk-Tuk Ride$3.00
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2 Bottles of Gasoline$2.40
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Longboat Taxi from Town$6.01
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krabi
Also for Krabi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Krabi airport to Pakbara pier Private transfer: $183
- 2-Day Phi Phi Islands Tour with Hotel & Transfer: $156
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to KRABI AIRPORT: $153
- Private Phuket Airport and Krabi Hotel Transfer: $144
- Wareerak Hot Spring & Spa with Transfer from Ao Nang: $138
- Ao Nang Krabi Thai Boxing Stadium Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $135
- Krabi airport to donsak pier Private transfer: $128
- Krabi Mangrove Kayak &Elephant Shelter with Private Transfer: $126
- Private Transfer from Krabi to Phuket with 2h of Sightseeing: $121
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to KURABURI: $116
- Private Transfer from Phuket to Khao Lak, Krabi and More: $116
- Private Transfer Between Koh Lanta and Ao Nang area: $108
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Krabi?
Prices for flights to both Krabi 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 $27Krabi $24
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$4.51
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: Island Vista Tour with Dinner and Transfers: $36
- Jungle Adventure with Bamboo Cooking Class in Khao Sok: $49
- Bamboo Fire Cooking Survival Experience from Khao Sok: $51
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class with Sea View from Koh Tao: $61
- Koh Phangan: The Best Authentic Thai Cooking Class: $76
- Koh Phangan: Jungle Walk and Authentic Thai Cooking Class: $105
- Koh Samui: Evening Thai Cooking Class with Organic Garden: $117
- Koh Samui: Japanese Cooking Class w/ Chef Daniel at W Samui: $124
- Koh Samui: All-Inclusive Romantic Dinner, Private Beach, and Sunset: $796
Typical Food Prices in Krabi
For Krabi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$7.51
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Drinks on the Beach$7.21
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$19
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Nice Dinner (for Two)$33
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Mango Shake$1.50
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Pad Thai$3.00
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Fruit from the Market$1.80
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Pancakes$3.00
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Coffee & Cake$2.25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krabi
For Krabi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang, Krabi: $32
- 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Buffet Dinner & Snorkeling: $32
- 7 Islands Sunset & Plankton Swim with BBQ Dinner: $35
- Krabi 7 Islands Sunset Island Hopping with BBQ Dinner by Big Boat: $35
- Krabi 7 Islands Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $36
- Hands on Half-day Cooking Class by Authentic Thai Cooking: $38
- Krabi 7 Islands Snorkeling, Sunset Dinner & Plankton Night: $39
- Snorkeling and Sunset to Krabi 7 Islands by Longtail Boat + Buffet BBQ Dinner: $39
- Small-Group Smart Thai Cooking Class in Krabi: $39
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang: $39
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang: $40
- Krabi Best of 7 islands Adventure Tour with Beachside BBQ Dinner: $42
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.47Krabi $11
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- Amazing 5 Point Snorkeling Tour in Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $31
- Ang Thong National Marine Park Speedboat Tour from Koh Phangan: $68
- Blue Stars Kayaking Adventure in Angthong Marine Park: $76
- Cheow Lan Lake and Diamond Cave Adventure from Khao Sok: $95
- Cheow Lan Lake and Raft House Day Tour from Khao Sok: $90
- Dolphin Watching Tan and Pig Island Tour from Koh Samui: $63
- From Khao Lak/Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake and Emerald Pool Tour: $121
- From Ko Pha Ngan: Angthong Marine Park Speedboat Adventure: $78
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan with Lunch: $69
- Khao Sok ATV Jungle Trail Adventure Experience: $61
- Khao Sok Lake Overnight Superior Group Tour with Meals Included: $156
- Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake Sunset Cruise w/ Drinks: $125
Typical Entertainment Prices in Krabi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Krabi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Thai-English Book$9.91
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Thai Massages (for Two)$24
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Bikini & Sarong$18
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Yoga Class (1 Hour)$13
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Backgammon Set (travel size)$7.51
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Kayak Trip (for Two)$57
Tours and Activities in Krabi
For Krabi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Hour Horse Riding Tour On The Beach Krabi: $51
- 2 Hour Horse Riding Tour On The Beach Krabi: $74
- 2-Hour Clear Kayak Illuminated Night Tour in Krabi: $70
- 2-Hour The best of Krabi Private Walking Tour: $280
- 2D1N Khao Sok National Park Tour from Krabi: $263
- 4 Island Full Day Krabi Tour: Longtail Boat & Lunch: $39
- 4 Island Group Tour by Traditional Long Tail Boat in Ao Nang: $46
- 4 Island Joint Tour by Speed Boat from Krabi: $50
- 4 Island Snorkeling Tour on a LongTail Boat from Krabi: $37
- 4 Island Speed Boat Adventure from Krabi: $37
- 4 Island Tour by Longtail Boat Krabi + Lunch + Pick Up + Drop Off: $20
- 4 Island Tour by Traditional Big Longtail Boat from Krabi: $31
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.46Krabi $4.79
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Krabi are as follows:
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Beer$2.70
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Cocktails (for Two)$9.01
Sample the Local Flavors in Krabi
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Krabi:
- Krabi Pub Crawl - The Best Nightlife Tour in Ao Nang!: $15
- Krabi Pub Crawl: $15
- Railay Pub Crawl: $16
When comparing the travel costs between Surat Thani and Krabi, we can see that Krabi 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 Krabi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Krabi?
Krabi has a larger population, and is about 31220 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Krabi, 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 Krabi?
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 Krabi in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Krabi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, August to October is the rainy season in Krabi. Krabi 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 Krabi. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Krabi in the summer. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Krabi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Krabi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Krabi in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Krabi. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi throughout the year.
Also, December to March in Krabi is the dry season. August to October in Krabi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Krabi. Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in October than Krabi. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Krabi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surat Thani in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Krabi averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Krabi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Krabi in the Winter?
Both Krabi 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 Krabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Krabi is December to March. In January, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Krabi. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Krabi. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 25°C (77°F), and Krabi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Krabi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Krabi in the Spring?
Both Krabi 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 Krabi year-round.
Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in April than Krabi. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Krabi in the spring. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Krabi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Krabi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Krabi and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Krabi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.