From a European or American perspective, Surat Thani isn’t particularly expensive. Many hotels, restaurants, and tours are available at a fraction of the cost of those in the West. Still, parts of Surat Thani may be more expensive than others based on the number of tourist attractions and amenities.
Many visitors to Thailand wish to get off the beaten path and experience a lower-cost, less touristy adventure, and for these travellers, a car rental in Surat Thani is the easiest option. In this article, we’ll offer some general guidance on budgeting and which parts of Surat Thani are more or less costly than their counterparts.
Mainland Surat Thani
Prices on the mainland are far lower than on the islands. The smaller the town, the lower the prices will be. Below are some general ranges in prices, but these are subject to change with fluctuations in currency rates and economic conditions:
Budget Hotels and Restaurants
Plenty of travellers want nothing more than a clean bed and a shower. Travellers in this pricing tier can find fan-only jungle bungalows for as little as $10 (£8) per night. Air-conditioned rooms clock in around $15 to $30 (£12 to £24).
Budget food at local restaurants is around $2 to $4 (£2 to £3) per person. Some travellers may worry about food sanitation at these establishments, but a good rule of thumb is that if you see a place where the food is being cooked fresh and it’s packed by locals, it’s perfectly fine.
Mid-Range Hotels and Dining
Those wanting a little more, such as a pool, massage, and other amenities can expect to pay around $50 to $100 (£40 to £80) per night. Many of these hotels also offer free breakfast. Mid-tier restaurants are around $5 to $15 (£4 to £12) per person.
The VIP Experience
The sky is the limit when it comes to high-end resorts. However, VIP luxury can often be had at very reasonable experiences. Rates of $150 to $300 (£120 to £240) per night is more than enough to get a five-star experience with a concierge ready to cater to your every whim.
High-end dining in Thailand rarely exceeds $30 to $50 (£24 to £40) per person, and that is for nearly Michelin-level restaurants. The freshest seafood and luxurious foods from all over the world are on offer, as long as your budget can accommodate it.
The Islands
Surat Thani isn’t simply a mainland province. It also covers the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, located to the north in the Gulf of Thailand. These islands are reachable only by ferry from Surat Thani. The lone exception is an expensive direct flight to Koh Samui from Bangkok via Bangkok Airways.
On the islands, because everything but the coconuts needs to be imported, prices are inflated compared to the mainland. In general, visitors can expect prices at shops, restaurants, and hotels to be 20% to 30% higher than the mainland. The number of tourists also drives prices up.
Still, mid-range hotels and excellent food can be found for the same price or less than even the cheapest options in the West, so everyday Westerners can experience a higher quality vacation for far less money than back home.
The best way to get to the islands is by flying into Surat Thani Airport and taking a bus to the ferry terminals. Drive Car Rental also has a convenient location there for those wanting to pick up a rental. It may be possible to take a car on certain ferries to Koh Samui, but space is often limited, and contacting the ferry companies well in advance is recommended.
Experience the Real Thailand With a Rental Car
There are so many things to see in Surat Thani Surat Thani outside of the tourist areas. The most authentic travel experiences are often had at family-owned roadside restaurants and homestays. Getting to these remote and tranquil locales is difficult and expensive with standard transportation available through tourism agencies.
Thankfully, Drive Car Rental makes booking a rental car as easy as possible. We have locations in Surat Thani, Krabi, Phuket, and other cities throughout Thailand; we even provide electric vehicles for visitors wishing to go green.
Book early to guarantee the best selection of vehicles and early bird discounts. Visit our site today and see how we can help make your Thailand trip as flexible and authentic as possible!