Which place is cheaper, Nakhon Ratchasima or Ao Nang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ao Nang or Nakhon Ratchasima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ao Nang or Nakhon Ratchasima? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Ao Nang or Nakhon Ratchasima?
Ao Nang
If you're looking for a relaxing beach on the coast of Thailand, it might be time to make a trip to Ao Nang. This developed and "westernized" beach was once the place to be for backpackers, but is now quite popular with package tourist crowds, too, as prices have risen in recent decades. Here you'll find nice hotels, restaurants, and plenty of fun activities at the beach and nearby, too.
Nakhon Ratchasima
If you're planning on traveling from Bangkok to Isaan, you'll likely make Nakhon Ratchasima your pit stop or home base. However, there is so much more to this sprawling metropolis than just a layover. Underneath the chaos of it all, is a charming and traditional Thai city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAo Nang $107Nakhon Ratchasima $40
The average daily cost (per person) in Ao Nang is $107, while the average daily cost in Nakhon Ratchasima is $40. 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 Ao Nang and Nakhon Ratchasima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAo Nang $52Nakhon Ratchasima $19
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAo Nang $104Nakhon Ratchasima $38
Compare Hotels in Ao Nang and Nakhon Ratchasima
Looking for a hotel in Ao Nang or Nakhon Ratchasima? 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: Nakhon Ratchasima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ao Nang $56Nakhon Ratchasima $4.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ao Nang
Also for Ao Nang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Krabi to Phuket: $105
- Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Downtown, Krabi: $22
- Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Statation: $22
- Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Downtown, Krabi: $18
- Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Station, Krabi: $18
- Phuket: Speedboat Transfer to Ao Nang or Railay via Ko Yao: $41
- Krabi:Speedboat Transfer to Phi Phi Islands: $41
- Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Phuket: $31
- Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Ko Lanta: $23
- Krabi Airport Private One-Way SUV Transfer: $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nakhon Ratchasima
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Nakhon Ratchasima:
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Tuk Tuk$1.36
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Bus to Vientiane$1.36
Is it cheaper to fly into Ao Nang or Nakhon Ratchasima?
Prices for flights to both Nakhon Ratchasima and Ao Nang 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 dayAo Nang $24Nakhon Ratchasima $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ao Nang
For Ao Nang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Krabi: Ya's Cookery Late Afternoon Thai Cooking Class: $39
- Krabi : Authentic Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour: $40
- Krabi: Morning/Afternoon Thai Cooking Class at Ya's Cookery: $46
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang, Krabi: $50
- Krabi 7 Island Sunset by Luxury Vintage Boat With BBQ Dinner: $127
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ao Nang $11Nakhon Ratchasima $5.81
Tours and Activities in Ao Nang
For Ao Nang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- ATV adventure 1hour drive: $43
- ATV adventure 30 mins drive: $27
- ATV adventure and achery (1้hour ): $35
- ATV adventure and shooting range: $57
- Kayak Tour in Krabi Mangrove Forest with Lunch: $27
- From Hong Islands Day Tour by Boat with Lunch: $32
- From Phi Phi Islands Day Tour by Boat with Lunch: $46
- From Private Gondola Cruise with Lunch and Picnic: $59
- From Krabi: James Bond Island One-Day Tour by Speedboat: $123
- Half-Day Krabi Four Islands Tour with Amazing long-tail Boat: $88
- James Bond Island: Sightseeing Tour by Longtail Boat & Kayak: $42
- Kayaking klongroot and atv adventure: $32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAo Nang $15Nakhon Ratchasima $10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ao Nang and Nakhon Ratchasima, we can see that Ao Nang is more expensive. And not only is Nakhon Ratchasima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nakhon Ratchasima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Ao Nang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ao Nang than you might in Nakhon Ratchasima.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ao Nang Expensive? and Is Nakhon Ratchasima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Nakhon Ratchasima?
Ao Nang has a larger population, and is about 8000 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Nakhon Ratchasima, 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 Ao Nang or Nakhon Ratchasima?
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 Ao Nang or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Summer?
Both Nakhon Ratchasima and Ao Nang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Nakhon Ratchasima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Ao Nang is August to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nakhon Ratchasima. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In July, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Nakhon Ratchasima. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Ao Nang is generally around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAo Nang 28°C (82°F)Nakhon Ratchasima 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Autumn?
Both Nakhon Ratchasima and Ao Nang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ao Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Ao Nang. August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang. Nakhon Ratchasima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Nakhon Ratchasima. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAo Nang 27°C (81°F)Nakhon Ratchasima 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Nakhon Ratchasima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Nakhon Ratchasima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. In January, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Nakhon Ratchasima. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ao Nang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAo Nang 28°C (82°F)Nakhon Ratchasima 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Nakhon Ratchasima. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima throughout the year.
Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in April than Nakhon Ratchasima. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's very hot in Nakhon Ratchasima this time of the year. In April, Ao Nang is generally around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 29°C (84°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 31°C (89°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAo Nang 29°C (84°F)Nakhon Ratchasima 31°C (89°F)
Typical Weather for Nakhon Ratchasima and Ao Nang
| Ao Nang | Nakhon Ratchasima | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 31°C (89°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 4 mm (0.2 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.