A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Surat Thani vs. Sukhothai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Surat Thani or Sukhothai?

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 Sukhothai 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 Sukhothai?

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."

Sukhothai

If you are the kind of wandering traveler looking to find calm and inner peace, you will want to add Sukhothai to your list. Also known as "the dawn of happiness," this area is best known for the ruins of the ancient city of Sukhothai – the capital of Thailand during the 13th century. As the first capital of Siam, the area's temples and monuments are restored and ready for visitors from around the world.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, and The Best Budget Tours to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Sukhothai 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 Sukhothai is $59. 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 Sukhothai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surat Thani $25
    Sukhothai $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surat Thani $50
    Sukhothai $46
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Sukhothai

Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Sukhothai? 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 Sukhothai


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: Sukhothai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Surat Thani $24
    Sukhothai $17

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 Sukhothai

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

  • Private Transfer to Bangkok City: $322
  • Private Transfer to Bangkok City: $268
  • One -Way Private Transfer to Chiang Mai: $187
  • Sukhothai Hotel Transfer: to/from Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: $159
  • Sukhothai : private car transfer to/from Chiang Mai: $138
  • Sukhothai airport: Transfer to Sukhothai Historical Park: $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Sukhothai?

Prices for flights to both Sukhothai 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
    Sukhothai $19
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
    Sukhothai $33

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 Sukhothai

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

  • Cycling Sukhothai Full Day Countryside Tour: $32
  • 2.5-Hours Guided Countryside Sunset Bike Tour: $18
  • Full-Day Historical Park Cycling Tour with Lunch: $42
  • Half-Day Countryside Bike Tour: $26
  • Historical Park & Countryside Cycling Tour: $42

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surat Thani $4.96
    Sukhothai $12


When comparing the travel costs between Surat Thani and Sukhothai, we can see that Sukhothai 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 Sukhothai Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Sukhothai?

Sukhothai has a larger population, and is about 37000 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Sukhothai, 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 Sukhothai?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Surat Thani or Sukhothai in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Sukhothai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Sukhothai 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 Sukhothai. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Sukhothai receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Sukhothai in the summer. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Sukhothai fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Surat Thani 28°C (82°F) 
    Sukhothai 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Sukhothai in the Autumn?

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

Also, October to April in Sukhothai is the dry season. May to October in Sukhothai is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in October than Sukhothai. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Sukhothai receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Sukhothai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surat Thani in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Sukhothai averages at about 28°C (83°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Surat Thani 27°C (81°F) 
    Sukhothai 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Sukhothai in the Winter?

Both Sukhothai 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. Plenty of visitors come to Sukhothai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Sukhothai. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sukhothai receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In January, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Sukhothai. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 25°C (77°F), and Sukhothai fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Surat Thani 25°C (77°F) 
    Sukhothai 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Sukhothai in the Spring?

Both Sukhothai 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round.

October to April is the dry season in Sukhothai. May to October is the rainy season in Sukhothai. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in April than Sukhothai. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sukhothai receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The heat can be very extreme in Sukhothai. Surat Thani is cooler than Sukhothai in the spring. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Sukhothai fluctuates around 32°C (89°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Surat Thani 29°C (83°F) 
    Sukhothai 32°C (89°F)

Typical Weather for Sukhothai and Surat Thani

Surat Thani Sukhothai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 51 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 30°C (86°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 29°C (83°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 32°C (89°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 31°C (87°F) 189 mm (7.4 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 30°C (85°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 257 mm (10.1 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 240 mm (9.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)