Which place is cheaper, Picton or Surat Thani?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Surat Thani or Picton?
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 Picton 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 Picton?
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."
Picton
Picton, New Zealand is located in the picturesque Marlborough Region on the South Island. With beachfront access in a central location and near the Marlborough Sounds, Picton is an ideal place for anyone looking for both adventure and relaxation in one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world.
The weather in Picton is fairly mild, ranging from the low fifties to high sixties, Fahrenheit, throughout the year. Their summer months are December through March, this is when you'll find temperatures in the high sixties. During the winter, June through August, Picton experiences averages of fifty degree Fahrenheit. This means you can visit any time of the year without having to worry about weather inhibiting any of your outdoor activities!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $53Picton $87
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $53, while the average daily cost in Picton is $87. 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 Picton in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $25Picton $37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $50Picton $74
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Picton
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Picton? 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: Picton Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $24Picton -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 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 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
- Donsak pier to aonang , krabi town , klongmuang any hotel Private transfer: $114
- Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Picton
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Picton:
- Private Transfer from Blenheim Airport (BHE) to Picton Port: $46
- Private Transfer from Picton Port to Blenheim Airport (BHE): $46
- Private Transfer from Picton Cruise Port to Blenheim City Hotels: $38
- Private Transfer from Blenheim city hotels to Picton Cruise Port: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Picton?
Prices for flights to both Picton 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 $14Picton $20
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $4.97Picton $109
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 Picton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Picton are as follows:
- 1-Day Cruise in Queen Charlotte Track & Kupes Trail Walk: $118
- 2 hour Dolphin Viewing Eco-Tour from Picton: $91
- 3.5 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise: $67
- Bays and Bush Scenic Tour: $97
- Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour from Picton: $91
- CRUISE SHIP DAY Hop on Hop off Yealands & Marlborough tour: $121
- Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise: $90
- Cruise Excursion - Wines of Marlborough Tour: $103
- Cruise Ship Day - Marlborough: $60
- Cruise and Lunch at Furneaux Lodge: $82
- Day Cruise & Lunch at Punga Cove Resort: $81
- Early Bird Eco Cruise: $73
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $4.96Picton $35
Sample the Local Flavors in Picton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Picton:
- Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region.: $37
- Self-Guided Wine Tours by Bike with Steve & Jo in Marlborough : $40
- Marlborough: Hop On Hop Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour: $53
- Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Marlborough: $54
- Marlborough Afternoon Wine Tour with Tastings: $70
- Half-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim: $87
- Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton: $88
- Discover Marlborough Wine - Afternoon Marlborough Wine Tour : $90
- Morning Guided with Afternoon Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour: $91
- Marlborough Discovery Sampler Wine Tour - 1/2Day Blenheim: $97
- Taste the Valley Wine Tour in Marlborough with Wine Tasting: $100
- Half-Day Marlborough Wine Tour & Beer Tour : $109
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Picton, we can see that Picton 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 Picton 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 Picton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Picton 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 Picton Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Picton?
Picton has a larger population, and is about 3000 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Picton, 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 Picton?
Picton 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 Picton in the Summer?
Both Picton 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 travelers come to Picton for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Pictonin January. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 28°C (82°F), and Picton fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Surat Thani. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in July than Pictonin January. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuarySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Picton 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Picton in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Picton. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Picton in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.
Surat Thani is much warmer than Picton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F)in April.
Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Pictonin April. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Picton 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Picton in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Picton. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Picton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Surat Thani is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Surat Thani in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Picton averages at about 10°C (49°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Picton. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in January than Pictonin July. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Picton 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Picton in the Spring?
Both Picton 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 spring months attract visitors to Picton because of the beaches and the small town charm.
In April, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Pictonin October. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 29°C (83°F), and Picton fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In April, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Pictonin October. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Picton 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Picton and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Picton | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 69 mm (2.7 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.