Which place is cheaper, Penang or Surat Thani?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Surat Thani or Penang?
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 Penang 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 Penang?
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."
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $53Penang $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $53, while the average daily cost in Penang is $103. 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 Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $25Penang $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $50Penang $98
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Penang? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $24Penang $12
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
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Local Bus$1.26
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Island Ferry$0.50
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.57
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$9.64
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$6.29
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $210
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $138
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Penang to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $120
- Penang Intl Airport (PEN): Transfer to Penang Island hotels: $116
- Penang Airport (PEN): Transfer to Swettenham Cruise Port: $116
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal: Transfer to Penang Island: $116
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang Airport PEN to Penang Island - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $85
- Penang Airport to Swettenham Cruise Port - Round Trip Transfer: $76
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang 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 $14Penang $33
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
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
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Snack$1.68
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$72
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$61
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Lassy Juice$1.47
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Dinner for 2$3.14
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Street Stall Food$0.59
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$3.98
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $87
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Cooking Classes In Penang By Penang Chiak: $93
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
- Chef Samuel's Private Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour: $116
- Food Tour at Penang - Eat Like a Local, Feel Like a Local: $120
- Experience Malaysia: Authentic Malaysia Cooking Tour: $121
- Dinner at Penang Hill Including Train Ride: $141
- Penang's Night Eat-Venture Vespa Food Tour: $160
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $4.97Penang $49
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Butterfly Gardens$6.50
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$6.29
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.42
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.10
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $100
- 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $75
- 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $58
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $151
- Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.38
- Countryside Cycling Tour by Matahari: $82
- Discover Georgetown Heritage Private Tour in Penang: $51
- Discover Penang City Tour: $47
- Discover Penang City in Amazing Tour: $82
- Enjoy Hill & Temple Sightseeing Tour - Penang City: $68
- Entopia Butterfly Farm & Tropical Spice Garden Tour: $81
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $4.96Penang $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
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Beer$1.68
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Penang, we can see that Penang 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 Penang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Penang 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 Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Penang?
Penang has a larger population, and is about 178300 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Penang, 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 Penang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Surat Thani or Penang in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Penang. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Penang. Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in July than Penang. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 28°C (82°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Penang in the Autumn?
Both Penang 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. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In October, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Penang. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Penang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Penang in the Winter?
Both Penang 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
Surat Thani usually gets less rain in January than Penang. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Surat Thani is cooler than Penang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Surat Thani in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Penang in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Penang. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 29°C (83°F), and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 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.