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

Should you visit Surat Thani or Pyeongchang?

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 Pyeongchang 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 Pyeongchang?

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."

Pyeongchang

Pyeongchang is a county of South Korea situated in the Taebaek Mountains in Gangwon Province. A popular location for winter sports, it was chosen as the host city for the 2018 Winter Olympics. Other attractions include Buddhist temples, parks, villages, and natural scenery.

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 Seoul, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Seoul.


Which place is cheaper, Pyeongchang 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 Pyeongchang is $114. 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 Pyeongchang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surat Thani $25
    Pyeongchang $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surat Thani $50
    Pyeongchang $124
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Pyeongchang

Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Pyeongchang? 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 Pyeongchang


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: Pyeongchang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Surat Thani $24
    Pyeongchang $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani

Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $59
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $36
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $36
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $36
  • Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
  • 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
  • Donsak pier to aonang , krabi town , klongmuang any hotel Private transfer: $114

Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Pyeongchang?

Prices for flights to both Pyeongchang 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
    Pyeongchang $27
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Surat Thani $4.97
    Pyeongchang $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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surat Thani $4.96
    Pyeongchang $8.79


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Pyeongchang, we can see that Pyeongchang 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 Pyeongchang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pyeongchang 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 Pyeongchang Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Surat Thani or Pyeongchang?

Pyeongchang 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 Pyeongchang in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Pyeongchang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round.

Surat Thani is a little warmer than Pyeongchang in the summer. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Pyeongchang fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Pyeongchang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Pyeongchang. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 217 mm (8.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Surat Thani 28°C (82°F) 
    Pyeongchang 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Pyeongchang in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Pyeongchang. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Surat Thani is much warmer than Pyeongchang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surat Thani in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Pyeongchang averages at about 15°C (60°F).

It's quite rainy in Pyeongchang. Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in October than Pyeongchang. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Surat Thani 27°C (81°F) 
    Pyeongchang 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Pyeongchang in the Winter?

Both Pyeongchang and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Pyeongchang. In January, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Pyeongchang. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 25°C (77°F), and Pyeongchang fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

In January, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Pyeongchang. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Surat Thani 25°C (77°F) 
    Pyeongchang 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Pyeongchang in the Spring?

Both Pyeongchang and Surat Thani during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Surat Thani is much warmer than Pyeongchang in the spring. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Pyeongchang fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Surat Thani usually gets less rain in April than Pyeongchang. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Surat Thani 29°C (83°F) 
    Pyeongchang 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Pyeongchang and Surat Thani

Surat Thani Pyeongchang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 51 mm (2 in) 0°C (33°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 1°C (35°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 29°C (83°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 77 mm (3 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 24°C (76°F) 217 mm (8.5 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 216 mm (8.5 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 240 mm (9.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)