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

Should you visit Surat Thani or Newcastle?

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 Newcastle 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 Newcastle?

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."

Newcastle

Newcastle is 150 kilometers north of Sydney in New South Wales. It is also the second largest city in the state, and serves as a central point to explore the area's beaches, wineries, and beautiful natural landscape. North of the city is Stockton beach, which has many miles of isolated, beautiful beaches, stretching all the way up to Nelson Bay. The wineries are inland to the west and have some of Australia's finest wine which you can taste. If you want to see rainforests, you can head northwest to Barrington Tops National Park, which has great rainforests and freshwater streams. You may even get to see a platypus. The city also has the country's oldest sea port. In the past the city's economy was centered around the steel industry, but today the University of Newcastle is one of the area's most important employers.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Newcastle 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, while the average daily cost in Newcastle is $117. 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 Newcastle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surat Thani $27
    Newcastle $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surat Thani $54
    Newcastle $90
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Newcastle

Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Newcastle? 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 Newcastle


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: Newcastle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Surat Thani $27
    Newcastle $8.41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani

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

  • From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.10
  • 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
  • Samui Airport Transfer: $33
  • 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
  • Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $62
  • Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $78
  • Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
  • Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $90
  • Donsak pier to Krabi,Phuket,Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $127

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newcastle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Newcastle:

  • Newcastle Airport to Newcastle - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $148
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Port to Newcastle Airport (NTL): $82
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle City Hotels to Newcastle Port: $80
  • Newcastle to Newcastle Airport (NTL) - Departure Private Transfer: $74
  • Newcastle Airport (NTL) to Newcastle - Arrival Private Transfer: $74

Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Newcastle?

Prices for flights to both Newcastle 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 $28
    Newcastle $61
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:


  • 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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Newcastle

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

  • Harbour Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $69
  • Earp Distilling Co: Date Night with Blending Class & Dinner: $73
  • Cooking Classes at the Yellow Door Kitchen: $96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Surat Thani $5.72
    Newcastle $15

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 : $65
  • 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 Newcastle

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Newcastle are as follows:

  • 3- Hour Wine and Harvest the Hunter Horse Tour in Pokolbin: $93
  • Shared Newcastle Harbor Cruise: $43
  • 3-Hour Hunter Valley Scenic Helicopter Tour Including 3-Course Lunch from Cessnock: $270
  • Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard - Sweet Indulgence Experience: $40
  • Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard: Fromage and Fortified Wine Experience: $53
  • Award Winning Full Day Wine and Food Experience: $150
  • Christmas Lunch Cruise on Newcastle Harbour: $57
  • Coastal 2.5-hour Adventure Boat Tour from Newcastle: $83
  • From Hunter Valley Beer & Wine Group Tour: $165
  • From Sydney: Tandem Skydive Experience over Newcastle Beach: $264
  • From Sydney: Tandem Skydive Experience over Newcastle Beach: $266
  • Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle: $83

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surat Thani $5.71
    Newcastle $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Newcastle

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Newcastle:

  • Cael’s Gate Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley: $6.66
  • Ivanhoe Wines: Trip Advisor Seated Wine Tasting : $10
  • Boutique Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $11
  • Newcastle Bar Crawl Experience: $15
  • Tulloch Wines - Wine Tasting paired with Local Handmade Chocolates: $23
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $26
  • Wonnarua Sparkling Wine Tasting: $30
  • Ivanhoe Wines: Trip Advisor Premium Wine Tasting: $30
  • Tintilla Estate: Wine Tasting with a Meat and Cheese Platter: $33
  • Tulloch Wines- Mystery Wine Tasting Experience with Local Cheese and Charcuterie: $35
  • Tulloch Wines Hunter Heroes Wine Tasting with Local Cheese & Charcuterie Board: $35
  • Premium Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $50


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Newcastle, we can see that Newcastle is more expensive. And not only is Surat Thani much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Surat Thani is in Asia and Newcastle is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Newcastle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Newcastle 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 Newcastle Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Newcastle?

Newcastle has a larger population, and is about 497960 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Newcastle, 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 Newcastle?

Newcastle 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 Newcastle in the Summer?

Both Newcastle and Surat Thani during the summer 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 Newcastle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Surat Thani is generally a little warmer than Newcastlein January. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 28°C (82°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Newcastle 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 more rain in July than Newcastlein January. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Surat Thani 28°C (82°F) 
    Newcastle 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Newcastle in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Newcastle. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Newcastle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

Surat Thani is a little warmer than Newcastle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Newcastle fluctuates around 19°C (67°F)in April.

Newcastle receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Newcastlein April. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Surat Thani 27°C (81°F) 
    Newcastle 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Newcastle in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Newcastle. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Newcastle because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Surat Thani is much warmer than Newcastle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Surat Thani in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Newcastle averages at about 13°C (55°F)in July.

Surat Thani usually gets less rain in January than Newcastlein July. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Surat Thani 25°C (77°F) 
    Newcastle 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Newcastle in the Spring?

Both Newcastle and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Newcastle this time of year.

In April, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Newcastlein October. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 29°C (83°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In April, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Newcastlein October. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Surat Thani 29°C (83°F) 
    Newcastle 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Newcastle and Surat Thani

Surat Thani Newcastle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 51 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 21°C (71°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 29°C (83°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 240 mm (9.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)


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