Which place is cheaper, Pattaya or Surat Thani?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Surat Thani or Pattaya?
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 Pattaya 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 Pattaya?
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."
Pattaya
Go where the locals go. If that is your vacation motto, you will want to take a look at the popular weekend getaway of Pattaya, Thailand. This seaside resort on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand is just outside of Bangkok, and full of resorts, beer bars and beaches.
Hosting more than five million visitors a year, Pattaya is easily accessed from the capital and the airport. Keep in mind, the sex tourism industry is still a large money earner for this city, but efforts by local authorities have created resorts and attractions for families and vacationers from all around the world.
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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $53Pattaya $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $53, while the average daily cost in Pattaya is $66. 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 Pattaya in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $25Pattaya $24
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $50Pattaya $48
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Pattaya
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Pattaya? 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: Pattaya Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $24Pattaya $12
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pattaya
Also for Pattaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Surat Thani Hotel Transfer: to/from Bangkok Hotel Transfer: $419
- Skydive from 13,000 Feet with Hotel Transfers: $228
- Private Transfer from Pattaya to Ayutthaya: $175
- One-Way Private Transfer to Hua Hin: $168
- Pattaya Hotel Transfer: to/from Hua Hin Hotel Transfer: $159
- Bangkok Private Transfer from Pattaya city to Bangkok (BKK) Airport: $142
- Private Transfer from Pattaya to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $142
- Pattaya Hotel Transfer: to/from Hua Hin Hotel Transfer: $141
- Pattaya Hotel Transfer: to/from Hua Hin Hotel Transfer: $129
- Private Transfer from Rayong to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $120
- Private Transfer from Laem Chabang to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $112
- Private Transfer from Rayong to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $112
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Pattaya?
Prices for flights to both Pattaya 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 $14Pattaya $22
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$4.09
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 Pattaya
For Pattaya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- All Star Dinner Cruise, Cabaret Show & Beer Buffet: $32
- Pattaya Night Guided Tour with Dinner: $47
- Thai Cooking Class in Pattaya: $67
- Islands Hopping Tour by Catamaran with Dinner Buffet in Chon Buri: $97
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $4.97Pattaya $21
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
Tours and Activities in Pattaya
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pattaya.
- Amazing Pattaya Experience Tour to All Famous Points in One Day: $53
- 1 Hour ATV Off Road Adventure In Pattaya: $62
- 2 Islands Full Day Tour Catamaran with Lunch in Pattaya: $103
- 3 Days Thailand Motorcycle Coastal Tour: $1,054
- 5 Days – Motorcycle tour to River Kwai and Khao Yai: $1,757
- A Superstar Model Experience in Pattaya with Photo Expert: $112
- ATV & Buggy Adventures Pattaya - Novice Rider 27km Basic Track: $99
- ATV & Buggy Off-Road Adventures in Pattaya: $97
- Admission Ticket to Ramayana Water Park in Pattaya: $33
- Alcazar Cabaret Show Tickets: $21
- All Star Cabaret Cruise Pattaya with Indian Buffet Lunch: $42
- Amazing Discovery Pattaya Tours with Floating Market & Lunch : $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $4.96Pattaya $8.18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Pattaya, we can see that Pattaya 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 Pattaya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pattaya 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 Pattaya Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Pattaya?
Pattaya has a larger population, and is about 97300 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Pattaya, 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 Pattaya?
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 Pattaya in the Summer?
Both Pattaya 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 Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In July, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Pattaya. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In the summer, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Pattaya. Typically, the summer temperatures in Surat Thani in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Pattaya averages at about 29°C (84°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Pattaya 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Pattaya in the Autumn?
Both Pattaya 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 Pattaya year-round.
December to April is the dry season in Pattaya. June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya. Pattaya 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 Pattaya. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Pattaya. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 27°C (81°F), and Pattaya fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Pattaya 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Pattaya in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Pattaya. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Pattaya. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Pattaya in the winter. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Pattaya fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Pattaya 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Pattaya in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Pattaya. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year.
Also, December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. June to October in Pattaya is the rainy season. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in April than Pattaya. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Pattaya. Typically, the spring temperatures in Surat Thani in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Pattaya averages at about 30°C (86°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Pattaya 30°C (86°F)
Typical Weather for Pattaya and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Pattaya | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 202 mm (7.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 16 mm (0.6 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.