A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surat Thani vs. Nanjing for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Surat Thani or Nanjing?

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 Nanjing 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 Nanjing?

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."

Nanjing

Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Nanjing 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 Nanjing is $96. 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 Nanjing in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surat Thani $25
    Nanjing $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surat Thani $50
    Nanjing $92
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Nanjing

Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Nanjing? 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 Nanjing


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
    Nanjing $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani

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

  • Donsak pier to aonang , krabi town , klongmuang any hotel Private transfer: $114
  • From Koh Samui: One-Way Ferry Transfer to Surat Thani: $7.16
  • Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui Sedan 1-3 PAX: $12
  • Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $14
  • Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
  • 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
  • Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • Nanjing Lukou Int Airport (NKG): Private Transfer to Nanjing: $175
  • Nanjing to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfers: $163
  • Nanjing to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $120
  • Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing central to Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG): $114
  • Private Transfer to Yangzhou City from Nanjing Lukou Airport : $109
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to Zhenjiang from Nanjing: $94
  • Nanjing to Huangshan Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $90
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to Yangzhou Attractions from Nanjing: $89
  • Private Transfer to Gaochun City from Nanjing Lukou Airport: $88
  • Private Transfer to Gaochun City from Nanjing : $88
  • Yangzhou Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $80
  • Zhenjiang Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Nanjing?

Prices for flights to both Nanjing 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
    Nanjing $28
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.

  • 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
  • Nanjing City Private Night Tour with Qinghuai River Cruise and Dinner Option: $114
  • Nanjing Tangshan Mountain Hot Spring Experience and Hot Pot Dinner: $175
  • Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Surat Thani $4.97
    Nanjing $9.27

Tours and Activities in Surat Thani

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.

  • Pick up and drop off tourists around Koh Samui: $14
  • The one and only Zipline Experience of Lamai Viewpoint: $38
  • Koh Samui Day and Night Fishing Experience: $48
  • Koh Samui: 4x4 Sightseeing Safari & Elephant Sanctuary Tour: $58
  • Koh Samui: Unique Iocal Tour & Elephant Sanctuary with lunch: $65
  • Blue Stars Kayaking Adventure in Angthong Marine Park: $69
  • X Quad Novice Waterfall ATV Tour (1 Driver): $76
  • Koh Samui: Elephant Kingdom Sanctuary Half-Day Tour: $81
  • Samui Dolphins Tour by Catamaran Yacht: $87
  • Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake Sunset Cruise w/ Drinks: $91
  • From Khao Lak/Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake and Emerald Pool Tour: $105
  • Samui X Quad ATV Tour (1 Driver) with lunch: $122

Tours and Activities in Nanjing

Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
  • 2-Day Unlimited Nanjing Private Flexible Tour with Lunch Option : $295
  • 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
  • 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour: Xiaoling Tomb, Ming City Wall and Memorial Hall : $115
  • All Inclusive Amazing Nanjing City Highlights Private Day Tour: $193
  • All Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour with Tailor-Made Highlights: $213
  • All-inclusive Customized Nanjing Layover Tour: $201
  • Beijing Great Wall Tour from Nanjing by Bullet Train with Private Car Service: $282
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $164
  • Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
  • Flexible Zhenjiang Private Day Tour from Nanjing: $197
  • Half Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour with Night River Cruise: $165

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surat Thani $4.96
    Nanjing $9.46


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Nanjing, we can see that Nanjing 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 Nanjing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nanjing 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 Nanjing Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Nanjing?

Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 3087010 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Nanjing, 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 Nanjing?

Nanjing 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 Nanjing in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Nanjing. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Nanjing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Surat Thani in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Nanjing averages at about 28°C (83°F).

It's quite rainy in Nanjing. Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in July than Nanjing. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Surat Thani 28°C (82°F) 
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Nanjing in the Autumn?

Both Nanjing 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.

In October, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 27°C (81°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In October, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Surat Thani 27°C (81°F) 
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Nanjing in the Winter?

Both Nanjing 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.

The weather in Nanjing can be very cold. Surat Thani is much warmer than Nanjing in the winter. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Nanjing fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Surat Thani usually gets more rain in January than Nanjing. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Surat Thani 25°C (77°F) 
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Nanjing in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Nanjing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round.

In the spring, Surat Thani is much warmer than Nanjing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Surat Thani in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Nanjing averages at about 15°C (60°F).

Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Nanjing. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Surat Thani 29°C (83°F) 
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Nanjing and Surat Thani

Surat Thani Nanjing
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 51 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 29°C (83°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 240 mm (9.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in)