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

Should you visit Surat Thani or Nha Trang?

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 Nha Trang 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 Nha Trang?

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."

Nha Trang

For the relaxation of a small beach town, plus the energy of a young city, consider Nha Trang, Vietnam. As the most famous seaside town in Vietnam, Nha Trang is certainly livelier than many other beach resort towns. Visiting this part of Vietnam is not for the faint of heart. These people know the meaning of nightlife - and make the night last as long as they can.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi.


Which place is cheaper, Nha Trang 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 Nha Trang is $39. 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 Nha Trang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surat Thani $25
    Nha Trang $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surat Thani $50
    Nha Trang $26
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Nha Trang

Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Nha Trang? 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 Nha Trang


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: Nha Trang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Surat Thani $24
    Nha Trang $13

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: $114
  • 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 Nha Trang

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Nha Trang:


  • Local Bus Ticket
    $0.12
  • Taxi From Airport
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nha Trang

Also for Nha Trang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer: Da Nang Center to Nha Trang Center: $573
  • Private Transfer: Nha Trang City Center - Da Nang City: $573
  • Nha Trang to Hoi An - Private Transfer: $300
  • Nha Trang to Hue - Private Transfer: $285
  • Private Transfer from Nha Trang Cang Pha Vinpearl to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $258
  • Private Transfer from Nha Trang to Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport: $258
  • Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh - Private Transfer: $250
  • Private Transfer: Nha Trang City Center to Tuy Hoa City Center: $228
  • Private Transfer: Nha Trang City Center - Tuy Hoa City: $222
  • Private Transfer from Nha Trang to Phu Cat (UIH) Airport: $169
  • Private Transfer: Nha Trang City Center to Da Lat City Center: $166
  • Private Transfer from Doc Let to Phu Cat (UIH) Airport: $158

Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Nha Trang?

Prices for flights to both Nha Trang 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
    Nha Trang $15
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

Typical Food Prices in Nha Trang

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Nha Trang:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $5.59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nha Trang

For Nha Trang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Street Food Tour & Fresh Beer Tasting by Scooter: $62
  • Nha Trang Cooking Class (visiting local market & countryside): $67
  • Viet Garden Cooking Class (Countryside and Market tour): $68
  • Nha Trang Special Sunset River Cruise for sightseeing and nice dinner: $77
  • NhaTrang Private Sunset River Cruise for a nice dinner at a riverside restaurant: $82
  • Nha Trang Half-Day Cooking Class: $85
  • Countryside Private Cooking Class: $87
  • Nha Trang Sunset Cocktails and Dinner Cruise: $90
  • Romantic Sunset Cocktails and Dinner Cruise: $90
  • Watching Stunning Sunset with Cocktail and Dinner on Luxury Cruise : $92
  • Nha Trang River Cruises and Cooking Class Included Lunch: $95
  • Private Half-Day Cooking Class in Nha Trang with Pick Up: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Surat Thani $4.97
    Nha Trang $9.51

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Nha Trang

For Nha Trang, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Po Ngar Cham Entrance (for Two)
    $1.28
  • Two Rental Lounge Chairs on Beach
    $2.80
  • Vinpearl Land Amusement Park
    $18
  • Fairy Spring Waterfall Entrance
    $0.40
  • Thap Ba Mud Bath
    $3.99
  • Cyclo Tour of City (One Day)
    $9.99

Tours and Activities in Nha Trang

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nha Trang.

  • Day Cruise Exploring Nha Trang Bay|Nha Trang: $98
  • Half Day Car Nha Trang Excursion From Cruise Port (Min 2 pax): $50
  • NHATRANG Adventure & Country Tour by Vintage JEEP/Modern SUV: $80
  • Nha Trang 3 Island Private Tour: $49
  • Nha Trang Full Day Private Tour Snorkeling Included Lunch And Mud Bath: $155
  • 01 Day trip motorcycle Tour Nha trang to Dalat ( one way ): $83
  • 03 Hour Pedicab Explore Nha Trang City (Small Group Tour) : $69
  • 2 Days Daklak Highland Tour From Nha Trang Included Hotel And Meals: $295
  • 2 Days Private Guided Tour to Mui Ne from Nha Trang Included Lunch: $195
  • 2 days private tour from Nha Trang to Lak lake - and back Nha Trang: $200
  • 3 Day VIP Tour at Hon Tam Resort in Nha Trang: $49
  • 3 Hour Pedicab City Tour Nha Trang: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surat Thani $4.96
    Nha Trang $19


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Nha Trang, we can see that Surat Thani is more expensive. And not only is Nha Trang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nha Trang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nha Trang 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 Surat Thani would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Surat Thani than you might in Nha Trang.

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 Nha Trang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Nha Trang?

Nha Trang has a larger population, and is about 283440 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Nha Trang, 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 Nha Trang?

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 Nha Trang in the Summer?

Both Nha Trang 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 Nha Trang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Nha Trang is January to August. The rainy season in Nha Trang is September to December. It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In July, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Nha Trang. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Nha Trang receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Surat Thani 28°C (82°F) 
    Nha Trang 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Nha Trang in the Autumn?

Both Nha Trang 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 Nha Trang year-round.

September to December is the rainy season in Nha Trang. Nha Trang 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 Nha Trang. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Nha Trang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Nha Trang. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 27°C (81°F), and Nha Trang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Surat Thani 27°C (81°F) 
    Nha Trang 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Nha Trang in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Nha Trang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Nha Trang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

January to August in Nha Trang is the dry season. In January, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Nha Trang. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nha Trang receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Nha Trang in the winter. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Nha Trang fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Surat Thani 25°C (77°F) 
    Nha Trang 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Nha Trang in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Nha Trang. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nha Trang throughout the year.

Surat Thani usually gets more rain in April than Nha Trang. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nha Trang receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Nha Trang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Surat Thani in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Nha Trang averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Surat Thani 29°C (83°F) 
    Nha Trang 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Nha Trang and Surat Thani

Surat Thani Nha Trang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 51 mm (2 in) 24°C (75°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 29°C (83°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 240 mm (9.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 240 mm (9.4 in)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)


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