Which place is cheaper, Railay Beach or Suzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Suzhou or Railay Beach?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Suzhou and Railay Beach 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: Suzhou or Railay Beach?
Suzhou
Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.
Railay Beach
If you're looking to scale great heights and add more achievements to your list during your vacation, consider a trip to the peninsula of Rai Leh, or more commonly Railay Bay or Railay Beach, in the Krabi region of Thailand. This swimming and rock climbing hotspot is known for its towering limestone peaks and gorgeous surrounding scenery.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.
-
Suzhou Prices
China PricesRailay Beach Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySuzhou $127Railay Beach $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Suzhou is $127, while the average daily cost in Railay Beach is $139. 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 Suzhou and Railay Beach in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSuzhou $39Railay Beach $73
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSuzhou $78Railay Beach $146
Compare Hotels in Suzhou and Railay Beach
Looking for a hotel in Suzhou or Railay Beach? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Suzhou $58Railay Beach $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:
- Suzhou Gardens Entry Ticket with Optional Guide&Transfer Services: $8.00
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Tianping Mountain from Suzhou: $51
- Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $80
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Zhouzhuang Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Tongli Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
- Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $144
- Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178
Is it cheaper to fly into Suzhou or Railay Beach?
Prices for flights to both Railay Beach and Suzhou 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 daySuzhou $57Railay Beach $43
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Suzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.
- Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour: $55
- Suzhou Alleyway Food Tour: $63
- Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
- Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145
Typical Food Prices in Railay Beach
Some typical examples of dining costs in Railay Beach are as follows:
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.28
-
Pizza$5.34
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Suzhou $9.47Railay Beach $26
Tours and Activities in Suzhou
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:
- Tiger Hill Ticket Booking: $14
- Lingering Garden Ticket Booking: $15
- Humble Administrator's Garden Ticket Booking: $18
- Huqiu Adult Tickets without Time Slots: $20
- Suzhou:Humble Administrator's Garden Ticket for Adult: $22
- Suzhou Brunch Guided Walking Tour: $55
- Suzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service : $65
- Zen Culture and Garden Tour: $68
- Zhouzhuang and Tongli Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options : $72
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $80
- Shantang Street Shared Suzhou Walking Tour: $80
- Suzhou Private English Tour Guide Service: $91
Typical Entertainment Prices in Railay Beach
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Railay Beach are as follows:
-
Rock Climbing (for Two)$22
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySuzhou $6.50Railay Beach $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Railay Beach
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Railay Beach are as follows:
-
Beer$1.88
When comparing the travel costs between Suzhou and Railay Beach, we can see that Railay Beach 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 Suzhou Expensive? and Is Railay Beach Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Suzhou or Railay Beach?
Suzhou has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Railay Beach experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Suzhou or Railay Beach in the Summer?
Both Railay Beach and Suzhou are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Railay Beach because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Suzhou is around the same temperature as Railay Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Suzhou averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Railay Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. Suzhou usually receives more sunshine than Railay Beach during summer. Suzhou gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Railay Beach receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Railay Beach. It's quite rainy in Suzhou. In July, Suzhou usually receives less rain than Railay Beach. Suzhou gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Railay Beach is August to October.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySuzhou 28°C (83°F)Railay Beach 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Suzhou or Railay Beach in the Autumn?
Both Railay Beach and Suzhou during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Railay Beach year-round.
In the autumn, Suzhou is cooler than Railay Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Suzhou in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Railay Beach averages at about 27°C (81°F).
In the autumn, Suzhou often gets less sunshine than Railay Beach. Suzhou gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Railay Beach receives 181 hours of full sun.
Railay Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Suzhou usually gets less rain in October than Railay Beach. Suzhou gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Railay Beach. August to October is the rainy season in Railay Beach.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSuzhou 19°C (65°F)Railay Beach 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Suzhou or Railay Beach in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Suzhou and Railay Beach. Railay Beach attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The weather in Suzhou can be very cold. In January, Suzhou is generally much colder than Railay Beach. Daily temperatures in Suzhou average around 4°C (39°F), and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Railay Beach this time of the year. Suzhou usually receives less sunshine than Railay Beach during winter. Suzhou gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Railay Beach receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Suzhou usually receives more rain than Railay Beach. Suzhou gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Railay Beach is the dry season.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySuzhou 4°C (39°F)Railay Beach 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Suzhou or Railay Beach in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Suzhou as well as Railay Beach. The warm climate attracts visitors to Railay Beach throughout the year.
Suzhou is much colder than Railay Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Suzhou averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Railay Beach. In the spring, Suzhou often gets less sunshine than Railay Beach. Suzhou gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Railay Beach receives 249 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Railay Beach. Suzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Suzhou usually gets less rain in April than Railay Beach. Suzhou gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSuzhou 15°C (58°F)Railay Beach 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Railay Beach and Suzhou
| Suzhou | Railay Beach | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.