Which place is cheaper, Sandakan or Surat Thani?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Surat Thani or Sandakan?
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 Sandakan 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 Sandakan?
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."
Sandakan
Located on the Northeast side of the state of Sabah in Borneo is the city of Sandakan, which is the 2nd largest city in the country. Sandakan was a prosperous port town in the 1800s because of its exports of tobacco, timber, pearls, and ivory. However, this booming town that was formerly the administrative capital in North Borneo was bombed practically out of existence at the end of World War II.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $53Sandakan $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $53, while the average daily cost in Sandakan is $58. 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 Sandakan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $25Sandakan $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $50Sandakan $40
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Sandakan
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Sandakan? 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: Sandakan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $24Sandakan $33
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Sandakan?
Prices for flights to both Sandakan 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 $14Sandakan $19
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 Sandakan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sandakan.
- Mangrove Cruise with Fireflies Tour Including Dinner from Sandakan: $64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $4.97Sandakan $7.19
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 Sandakan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sandakan are as follows:
- 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise: $290
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour: $105
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $78
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 2 Days 1 Night At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $197
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 3 Days 2 Nights At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $241
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $138
- Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour: $125
- Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch: $51
- Sepilok Orang Utan & Bornean Sun Bear Centre with Sandakan City Tour with Lunch: $191
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $4.96Sandakan $6.59
When comparing the travel costs between Surat Thani and Sandakan, we can see that Sandakan is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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 Sandakan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Sandakan?
Sandakan has a larger population, and is about 392290 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Sandakan, 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 Sandakan?
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 Sandakan in the Summer?
Both Sandakan 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round.
Sandakan 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 less rain in July than Sandakan. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Sandakan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Surat Thani in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Sandakan averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Sandakan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Sandakan in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Sandakan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Surat Thani usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sandakan. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 253 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Sandakan. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 27°C (81°F), and Sandakan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Sandakan in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Sandakan. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Sandakan. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in January than Sandakan. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Sandakan in the winter. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Sandakan fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Sandakan 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Sandakan in the Spring?
Both Sandakan 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. Plenty of visitors come to Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. In April, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Sandakan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Surat Thani in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Sandakan averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Sandakan and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Sandakan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 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.