Which place is cheaper, Pokhara 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.
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Should you visit Surat Thani or Pokhara?
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 Pokhara 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 Pokhara?
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."
Pokhara
Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal and is strategically located near the popular Annapurna Circuit. The Annapurna Circuit, or the "Apple Pie Trail", is a popular trek through the Annapurna Valley that makes a circular route through stunning mountainous landscapes. Several other trekking options can be found in this region, too. Many people use Pohkara as a place to prepare or recover from their recently completed treks because it is less intimidating than the larger city of Kathmandu.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal.
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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesPokhara Prices
Nepal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $68Pokhara $22
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $68, while the average daily cost in Pokhara is $22. 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 Pokhara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $26Pokhara $3.43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $52Pokhara $6.86
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Pokhara
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Pokhara? 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: Pokhara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $26Pokhara $6.69
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Donsak pier to Krabi,Phuket,Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $123
- From Koh Phangan: Shared Transfer to Khao Sok/Ao Nang/Phuket: $24
- From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.10
- Koh Samui: Full Moon Party Boat Transfer to Koh Phangan: $39
- Koh Samui: Official Hawk Adventure Zipline Park, No Transfer: $54
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $60
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $15
- Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $21
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $39
- Samui Airport Transfer: $33
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pokhara
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Pokhara:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pokhara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pokhara:
- Pokhara to Kathmandu: One Way Private Transfer: $295
- From One-Way Private Transfer to Kathmandu: $250
- Transfer to Lower Mustang (Jomsom): $205
- Kusma Swing Jumping Experience with Transfer: $150
- Paragliding Experience with Hotel Transfers: $139
- From 4-Day Poon Hill Trek with Transfers: $130
- Paragliding and Rafting Adventure with Transfers: $129
- Private Transfer from Pokhara to Kathmandu: $120
- Pokhara to Kathmandu Transfer by Private Car: $99
- "Exclusive Private Transfer: Pokhara to Chitwan in a Luxury car": $82
- Pokhara to Kathmandu One Way Transfer by Private AC Car: $80
- One way transfer To or From Chitwan: $73
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Pokhara?
Prices for flights to both Pokhara 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 $26Pokhara $12
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$4.47
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: Island Vista Tour with Dinner and Transfers: $36
- Jungle Adventure with Bamboo Cooking Class in Khao Sok: $44
- Bamboo Fire Cooking Survival Experience from Khao Sok: $51
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class with Sea View from Koh Tao: $61
- Koh Phangan: The Best Authentic Thai Cooking Class: $76
- Koh Phangan: Jungle Walk and Authentic Thai Cooking Class: $105
- Koh Samui: Evening Thai Cooking Class with Organic Garden: $117
- Koh Samui: Japanese Cooking Class w/ Chef Daniel at W Samui: $124
- Koh Samui: All-Inclusive Romantic Dinner, Private Beach, and Sunset: $796
Typical Food Prices in Pokhara
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Pokhara:
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Dinner for Two$3.95
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Dessert (for 2)$2.63
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Pastries$1.32
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Dinner$5.59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pokhara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pokhara.
- Nepali cultural dinner night in Pokhara: $21
- Nepalese Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class (Cook with Delight): $25
- Nepali Nights: Dinner & Cultural Dance Delight in Pokhara: $26
- MoMo or Dal Bhat Cooking Class at Aama Kitchen in Pokhara: $29
- Nepalese Kitchen in Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class: $29
- 3 Hour MoMo cooking class: $31
- Nepali Cooking Class and Momo Making Workshop: $42
- 3 Hour Authentic Nepali Thakali Dish Cooking Class: $45
- Thakali food Cooking Class in Pokhara: $50
- 2 hours Momo cooking class in Pokhara: $60
- 3 Hours Momo Cooking class in Pokhara: $70
- 1 Day Momo making cooking class: $75
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.43Pokhara $6.37
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- Koh Samui: Minigolf International Entry Ticket: $12
- Private Taxi Services and Tourism in Koh Samui: $13
- Samui Go-Karting Experience – Sodikart RT10 Outdoor Race: $21
- Koh Tao: Full-Day Snorkeling Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pick-up: $25
- Koh Tao: Half-Day Sunset Snorkeling Tour with Lunch & Pickup: $26
- Amazing 5 Point Snorkeling Tour in Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $31
- Koh Tao: 5-Bay Guided Snorkeling Tour with Photos: $34
- Koh Tao 5 Best Snorkeling Sunset Tour by Big Boat: $35
- Ko Samui: Private Longtail Boat Tour to Koh Madsum & Koh Tan: $47
- Pig Island & Koh Tan Tour by Speed Boat (Snorkeling & Kayaking): $48
- Koh Pha Ngan: Options Discover of ATV or Zipline Adventures: $48
- Koh Phangan: Thong Nai Pan & Than Sadet 4x4 Jungle Adventure: $54
Tours and Activities in Pokhara
Here are a few actual costs in Pokhara for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- "Pokhara Day Bus Sightseeing 8 points": $20
- "Pokhara Pumdikot Tour: Eagle Eye Views of Stunning Pokhara": $29
- "Sunrise and Scenic Day Hike in A Perfect Adventure: $84
- 1 Night 2 Days Pokhara to Ghandruk Jeep Adventure: $150
- 1-Day Private Dhampus Trekking Tour: $67
- 2 Days Palpa-Tansen Hill station tour from Pokhara: $260
- 2 Iconic Suspension Bridge Tour in Pokhara: $29
- 2 Night 3 Day Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour from Pokhara: $240
- 2-Day Private Trekking Tour to Australian Camp & Dhampus: $99
- 2-Day Scenic Mustang Tour: Pokhara to Jomsom, Kagbeni & Muktinath: $239
- 3 Day Chitwan Jungle exploration Tour from Pokhara: $284
- 3 Days Pokhara Private Comfortable Tour: $154
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.42Pokhara $5.75
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Pokhara, we can see that Surat Thani is more expensive. And not only is Pokhara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pokhara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pokhara 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 Pokhara.
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 Pokhara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Pokhara?
Pokhara has a larger population, and is about 200000 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Pokhara, 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.
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.