Which place is cheaper, Matsue 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 Matsue?
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 Matsue 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 Matsue?
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."
Matsue
Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.
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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesMatsue Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $71Matsue $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, while the average daily cost in Matsue is $88. 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 Matsue in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $27Matsue $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $54Matsue $54
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Matsue
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Matsue? 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: Matsue Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $27Matsue $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Donsak pier to Krabi,Phuket,Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $127
- From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.10
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $62
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $16
- Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $22
- Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $39
- Samui Airport Transfer: $33
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
- Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:
- Private Transfer Yonago Airport: $62
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Matsue?
Prices for flights to both Matsue 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 $28Matsue $49
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$4.71
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: $121
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.72Matsue $9.13
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: $47
- Pig Island & Koh Tan Tour by Speed Boat (Snorkeling & Kayaking): $49
- Koh Samui Island Hopping Adventure in Coral and Pig Island: $53
- Khao Sok ATV Jungle Trail Adventure Experience: $57
- Koh Samui: Feed & Shower with Elephants Experience: $65
- Pink Dolphin and Pig Island Snorkeling Tour from Koh Samui: $65
- Dolphin Watching Tan and Pig Island Tour from Koh Samui : $66
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan with Lunch: $69
- Koh Phangan: Quad ATV Jungle Adventure with Scenic Views: $73
Tours and Activities in Matsue
Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Matsue 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $103
- Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $38
- Sakaiminato Private Tour for Shore Excursion: $300
- Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.71Matsue $7.10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Matsue, we can see that Matsue 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 Matsue would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Matsue 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 Matsue Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Matsue?
Matsue has a larger population, and is about 156810 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Matsue, 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 Matsue?
Matsue has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Surat Thani experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Surat Thani or Matsue in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Matsue. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Matsue this time of year.
In the summer, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Matsue. Typically, the summer temperatures in Surat Thani in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Matsue averages at about 25°C (78°F).
It's quite rainy in Matsue. Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in July than Matsue. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Matsue 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Matsue in the Autumn?
Both Matsue and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Matsue for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 27°C (81°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In October, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Matsue. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Matsue 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Matsue in the Winter?
Both Matsue and Surat Thani during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Matsue in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Matsue can get quite cold in the winter. Surat Thani is much warmer than Matsue in the winter. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Matsue fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in January than Matsue. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Matsue 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Matsue in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Matsue. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Matsue for the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Surat Thani is much warmer than Matsue. Typically, the spring temperatures in Surat Thani in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Matsue averages at about 13°C (55°F).
Matsue receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Matsue. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Matsue 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Matsue and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Matsue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.