Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen 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 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.
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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesShenzhen Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $71Shenzhen $140
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, while the average daily cost in Shenzhen is $140. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $27Shenzhen $91
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $54Shenzhen $182
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $27Shenzhen $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: $78
- Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $90
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
- Samui Airport Transfer: $33
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $39
- Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
- Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $22
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $16
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $62
- From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shenzhen Customized Local Tour with Transfer : $299
- Hong Kong Private Transfer to Macau hotel over Bridge: $265
- Private Transfer from Shekou Port to Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN): $175
- Luxury Private Airport Transfer: Hong Kong International Airport: $150
- Hong Kong Private Transfer — Victoria Peak ⇄ Tian Tan Big Buddha: $148
- Private Transfer: Airport HKG to Hong Kong by Luxury Van: $146
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong to Airport HKG by Luxury Van: $146
- HK Airport to Cruise Terminal Rounded-Trip Private Transfer by Lexus Luxury Car: $141
- Hong Kong Hassle free Airport Transfers in Tesla or Benz: $138
- Private Arrival Transfer from Hongkong Airport to Shenzhen City: $128
- Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Hong Kong City - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $124
- Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $119
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
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Food Meals for one daySurat Thani $28Shenzhen $35
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$4.71
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: Evening Thai Cooking Class with Organic Garden: $121
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Locals - Dim Sum, Wonton & more: $53
- Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $98
- Explore Hong Kong: Mid-Autumn Festival Food Tour: $103
- Discover Hong Kong’s Hidden Eats on a Tin Hau Food Tour: $109
- Small-Group Hong Kong Island Food Tour: $116
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $146
- Private Food Tour in Hong Kong: $148
- Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $149
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $176
- Hong Kong Private & Personalized Food Tour with a Local: $177
- Asian Favorites Cooking Class in Hong Kong (4-Course Meal): $184
- Hong Kong Style Noodles Cooking Class (Includes 4-Course Meal): $184
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.72Shenzhen $17
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- A Walking Tour of Surat Thani's Most Beautiful and Historic Sites: $174
- Adventure trip in koh Phangan: $127
- Blue Stars Kayaking Adventure in Angthong Marine Park: $80
- Dolphin Watching Tan and Pig Island Tour from Koh Samui : $66
- From Ko Pha Ngan: Angthong Marine Park Speedboat Adventure: $81
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan with Lunch: $69
- Khao Sok ATV Jungle Trail Adventure Experience: $57
- Ko Pha Ngan: Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan Snorkeling Adventure: $81
- Koh Phangan: Quad ATV Jungle Adventure with Scenic Views: $73
- Koh Samui Island Hopping Adventure in Coral and Pig Island: $53
- Koh Samui: Feed & Shower with Elephants Experience: $65
- Koh Samui: Surron Electric Dirt Bike Jungle Adventure 2H: $93
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Custom private tour of Hong Kong Island - Half day: $228
- Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Ticket in Hong Kong: $24
- Seat-in-Coach: Macau Day Tour with Simple Lunch from Hong Kong: $185
- Shenzhen Self-Guided Flexible Tour with Private Car and Driver : $87
- (Private class) Hong Kong gourmet baking experience class: Hong Kong-style egg tart + custard mooncake: $89
- 4-Hour Private Hong Kong Layover Tour: $280
- 4-Hour Small Group Kowloon Sightseeing Tour: $103
- Aberdeen Fishing Village Private Tour by Minivan: $232
- Aberdeen fisherman cultural tour+dim sum by local: $140
- Afternoon Hiking Tour Sharp Island Geopark: $40
- Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong: $49
- Best Seller: VIP Lantau Tai O Tour Priority Cable Car, Big Buddha: $95
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.71Shenzhen $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Shenzhen
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Shenzhen:
- Hong Kong Pub Crawl at Lan Kwai Fong (LKF): $46
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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat 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) |
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.