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

Should you visit Surat Thani or Shenzhen?

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 Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen?

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."

Shenzhen

Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions.  It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen is $123. 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 Shenzhen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surat Thani $25
    Shenzhen $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surat Thani $50
    Shenzhen $178
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Shenzhen

Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Shenzhen? 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 Shenzhen


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Surat Thani $24
    Shenzhen $15

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen

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

  • Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $177
  • Hong Kong Disneyland: 1-Day Entry Ticket with Private Transfer: $162
  • Private Transfer: Hong Kong City to Hong Kong Airport HKG in Luxury Van: $133
  • A Premium Airport Transfer Service, Meet us at the Arrival Hall!: $131
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
  • Private Transfer: Hong Kong Airport HKG to Hong Kong City in Business Car: $116
  • Luxury Private Tesla Transfer: Hong Kong International Airport (From/To HKG): $114
  • Transfer Hong Kong to Hong Kong Airport by Luxury Van or Sedan: $112
  • Transfer Hong Kong Airport to Hong Kong by Luxury Van or Sedan: $112
  • Private Airport Transfer Shenzhen Airport - Guangzhou: $106
  • Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Guangzhou - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
  • Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Round Trip Private Transfer: $94

Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Shenzhen?

Prices for flights to both Shenzhen 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
    Shenzhen $20
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Vegetarian Food Tour: $77
  • Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $90
  • Hong Kong Food Tour: Sham Shui Po District: $108
  • Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $108
  • Secret Food Tour With the Locals in Tin Hau Hong Kong w/ Private Tour Option: $109
  • Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $112
  • Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $160
  • Kowloon Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $160
  • The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $161

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Surat Thani $4.97
    Shenzhen $17

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

Tours and Activities in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Shenzhen Self-Guided Flexible Tour with Private Car and Driver : $86
  • (Private class) Hong Kong gourmet baking experience class: Hong Kong-style egg tart + custard mooncake: $88
  • 2.5-Hour Shenzhen City-Village Walking Tour: Back In The 90's & TikTok Influence: $51
  • 4-Hour Private Hong Kong Layover Tour: $263
  • 4-Hour Small Group Kowloon Sightseeing Tour: $103
  • 60 Minutes Virtual Reality Experience in Hong Kong: $37
  • A Private Tour of Hong Kong with Mercedes-Benz: $275
  • Afternoon Hiking Tour Sharp Island Geopark: $38
  • Aqua Luna: Evening Cruise at Victoria Harbour Hong Kong: $40
  • Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong: $49
  • Authentic Hong Kong Private Tour: $275
  • Big Bus Hong Kong Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surat Thani $4.96
    Shenzhen $19


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


Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Shenzhen?

Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 1002590 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Shenzhen, 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 Shenzhen?

Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen in the Summer?

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

In July, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 28°C (82°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).

Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Surat Thani 28°C (82°F) 
    Shenzhen 30°C (85°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Shenzhen in the Autumn?

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

Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Shenzhen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in October than Shenzhen. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Surat Thani 27°C (81°F) 
    Shenzhen 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Shenzhen in the Winter?

Both Shenzhen 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.

In the winter, Surat Thani is much warmer than Shenzhen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Surat Thani in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In January, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Shenzhen. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Surat Thani 25°C (77°F) 
    Shenzhen 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Shenzhen in the Spring?

Both Shenzhen 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.

In April, Surat Thani is generally a little warmer than Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 29°C (83°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in April than Shenzhen. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Surat Thani 29°C (83°F) 
    Shenzhen 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Shenzhen and Surat Thani

Surat Thani Shenzhen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Apr 29°C (83°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 325 mm (12.8 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 29°C (83°F) 382 mm (15 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 30°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 29°C (85°F) 393 mm (15.5 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 300 mm (11.8 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 240 mm (9.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)


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