Which place is cheaper, Tanah Rata or Surat Thani?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Surat Thani or Tanah Rata?
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 Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata?
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."
Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $53Tanah Rata $137
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $53, while the average daily cost in Tanah Rata is $137. 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 Tanah Rata in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $25Tanah Rata $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $50Tanah Rata $134
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Tanah Rata
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Tanah Rata? 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: Tanah Rata Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $24Tanah Rata $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Donsak pier to aonang , krabi town , klongmuang any hotel Private transfer: $114
- 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 Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $118
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Tanah Rata?
Prices for flights to both Tanah Rata 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 $14Tanah Rata $44
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
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
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Dinner for Two$5.66
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Dessert$0.63
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Lunch$3.98
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Afternoon tea$3.88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $4.97Tanah Rata $34
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata
Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Tea Factory Visit$5.66
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Tour of Orang Asli Village$21
Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata
Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $33
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Delight Tour: $61
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $4.96Tanah Rata $19
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Tanah Rata, we can see that Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Tanah Rata?
Tanah Rata has a larger population, and is about 7000 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Tanah Rata, 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 Tanah Rata?
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 Tanah Rata in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Tanah Rata. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year.
Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in July than Tanah Rata. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 28°C (82°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Tanah Rata in the Autumn?
Both Tanah Rata and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In October, Surat Thani usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tanah Rata. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata in the autumn. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Tanah Rata in the Winter?
Both Tanah Rata and Surat Thani during the winter 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 Tanah Rata year-round.
Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in January than Tanah Rata. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Typically, the winter temperatures in Surat Thani in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Tanah Rata averages at about 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Tanah Rata in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Tanah Rata. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Tanah Rata. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 29°C (83°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Tanah Rata and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Tanah Rata | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 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.