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

Should you visit Surat Thani or Torquay?

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 Torquay 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 Torquay?

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."

Torquay

Located on the eastern end of the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is a seaside town of Victoria famous for its surfing and beaches. Surf town through and through, it is also the headquarters for the Quiksilver and Rip Curl surf gear companies, and home to the Rip Curl Easter Pro, the world's longest running surf contest held on Bells Beach.

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 Australia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Torquay 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, while the average daily cost in Torquay is $106. 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 Torquay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surat Thani $27
    Torquay $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surat Thani $54
    Torquay $78
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Torquay

Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Torquay? 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 Torquay


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 $27
    Torquay $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani

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

  • Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
  • Donsak pier to Krabi,Phuket,Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $127
  • Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $90
  • Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
  • Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $78
  • Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $62
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $39
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $39
  • Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $39
  • Samui Airport Transfer: $33
  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Torquay?

Prices for flights to both Torquay 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 $28
    Torquay $44
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:


  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Surat Thani $5.72
    Torquay $11

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: $79
  • Dolphin Watching Tan and Pig Island Tour from Koh Samui : $65
  • 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 Torquay

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Torquay.

  • Enjoy a VIP Booth Shared Experience From Gympie: $106
  • Experience History onboard The Mary Valley Rattler: $46
  • Fraser Island & Dolphin Sailing Adventure: $74
  • Freedom 3/4 Day Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching Cruise: $124
  • Hervey Bay Sunset Cruise: $64
  • Hervey Bay Whale Watching Experience: $99
  • K'gari (Fraser Island) West Coast Half Day Cruise from Hervey Bay: $107
  • Milbi Sunset Cruise with Champagne and Prawns: $59
  • Morning Farm Experience near Gympie & Noosa: $59
  • SUMMER K'gari (Fraser Island) Boom-net & Sightseeing Cruise: $40
  • Spirit of Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise: $104
  • Sunset Twilight Cruise in Hervey Bay: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surat Thani $5.71
    Torquay $7.48


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Torquay, we can see that Torquay is more expensive. And not only is Surat Thani much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Surat Thani is in Asia and Torquay is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Torquay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Torquay 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 Torquay Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Torquay?

Torquay has a larger population, and is about 47560 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Torquay, 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 Torquay?

Torquay 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 Torquay in the Summer?

Both Torquay and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Torquay because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Torquay. Typically, the summer temperatures in Surat Thani in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Torquay averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Torquay. It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In July, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Torquayin January. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Surat Thani 28°C (82°F) 
    Torquay 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Torquay in the Autumn?

Both Torquay and Surat Thani during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Torquay this time of year.

In October, Surat Thani is generally a little warmer than Torquayin April. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 27°C (81°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surat Thani. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in October than Torquayin April. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Surat Thani 27°C (81°F) 
    Torquay 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Torquay in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Torquay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Also, many travelers come to Torquay for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Surat Thani is much warmer than Torquay in the winter. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Torquay fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

In January, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Torquayin July. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Surat Thani 25°C (77°F) 
    Torquay 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Surat Thani or Torquay in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Torquay. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Torquay in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Surat Thani is a little warmer than Torquay. Typically, the spring temperatures in Surat Thani in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Torquay averages at about 21°C (71°F)in October.

Surat Thani usually gets less rain in April than Torquayin October. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Surat Thani 29°C (83°F) 
    Torquay 21°C (71°F)

Typical Weather for Torquay and Surat Thani

Surat Thani Torquay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 51 mm (2 in) 26°C (78°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (78°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 24°C (76°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Apr 29°C (83°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 19°C (65°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 240 mm (9.5 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 335 mm (13.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 26°C (78°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)


Related Articles for Surat Thani
Related Articles for Torquay