Which place is cheaper, Nakhon Ratchasima or Ayutthaya?
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 Ayutthaya or Nakhon Ratchasima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ayutthaya 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: Ayutthaya or Nakhon Ratchasima?
Ayutthaya
Once the largest city in the world, Ayutthaya, is the example of an ancient capital within a modern city. Located in the central plains of Thailand, this spot is ideally located between China, India and the Malay Archipelago creating the perfect place for trade in Asia. Eighteenth century maps from Holland and France show golden palaces, large ceremony spots and trading vessels from all over the world. Suddenly, in 1767, Ayutthaya experienced a tragic fall from grace with a Burmese invasion burning much of the city to the ground.
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 Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand, The Best Nightlife Tours in Thailand, and The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand.
-
Ayutthaya Prices
Thailand PricesNakhon Ratchasima Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAyutthaya $86Nakhon Ratchasima $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Ayutthaya is $86, while the average daily cost in Nakhon Ratchasima is $58. 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 Ayutthaya and Nakhon Ratchasima in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAyutthaya $24Nakhon Ratchasima $22
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAyutthaya $48Nakhon Ratchasima $44
Compare Hotels in Ayutthaya and Nakhon Ratchasima
Looking for a hotel in Ayutthaya 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: Ayutthaya Hotel Prices and Nakhon Ratchasima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ayutthaya $29Nakhon Ratchasima $5.19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
-
River Ferry Crossing$0.63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ayutthaya
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ayutthaya:
- Transfer from Bangkok: $141
- Private Transfer to Koh Chang with Ferry: $204
- ATV Adventure with Tuk Tuk Transfer and Lunch: $67
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nakhon Ratchasima
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Nakhon Ratchasima:
-
Tuk Tuk$1.57
-
Bus to Vientiane$1.57
Is it cheaper to fly into Ayutthaya or Nakhon Ratchasima?
Prices for flights to both Nakhon Ratchasima and Ayutthaya 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 dayAyutthaya $39Nakhon Ratchasima $30
Typical Food Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
-
Lunch for 2$4.40
-
Ice Cream$0.94
-
Breakfast for 2$4.40
-
Breakfast for 2$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ayutthaya
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ayutthaya.
- Bangkok: VELA Dinner Cruise Ticket: $28
- Iconic dinner & historical bicycle tour (2in1): $60
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ayutthaya $31Nakhon Ratchasima $6.68
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ayutthaya are as follows:
-
Temple Entrances (2)$6.28
-
Wat Entrance$1.57
Tours and Activities in Ayutthaya
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ayutthaya are as follows:
- Ayutthaya City and Historical Park Bike Tour: $47
- Colorful Slow Life Bicycle Tour with local guide.: $24
- Luxury Hacker Craft Boat Cruise Temple sightsee: $72
- Sunset Bike Tour and Scenic Boat Ride: $83
- Colors of UNESCO Heritage 6 hour Bicycle Tour: $62
- In Tour Guide Service with Authentic Local tour: $23
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAyutthaya $21Nakhon Ratchasima $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Nakhon Ratchasima, we can see that Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya Expensive? and Is Nakhon Ratchasima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Nakhon Ratchasima?
Ayutthaya has a larger population, and is about 81960 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya or Nakhon Ratchasima?
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 Ayutthaya or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Summer?
Both Nakhon Ratchasima and Ayutthaya during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima year-round.
Nakhon Ratchasima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Nakhon Ratchasima. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ayutthaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima averages at about 30°C (86°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAyutthaya 29°C (84°F)Nakhon Ratchasima 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Nakhon Ratchasima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Nakhon Ratchasima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya. Nakhon Ratchasima receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Nakhon Ratchasima. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Ayutthaya is generally around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAyutthaya 28°C (82°F)Nakhon Ratchasima 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Nakhon Ratchasima. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima throughout the year.
Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in January than Nakhon Ratchasima. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima in the winter. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 25°C (78°F) in January, and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAyutthaya 25°C (78°F)Nakhon Ratchasima 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Spring?
Both Nakhon Ratchasima and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Nakhon Ratchasima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Ayutthaya is October to April. The rainy season in Ayutthaya is May to October. In April, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Nakhon Ratchasima. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Nakhon Ratchasima can become quite hot in the spring. The heat can be very extreme in Ayutthaya. In the spring, Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ayutthaya in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima averages at about 31°C (89°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAyutthaya 31°C (88°F)Nakhon Ratchasima 31°C (89°F)
Typical Weather for Nakhon Ratchasima and Ayutthaya
| Ayutthaya | Nakhon Ratchasima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (78°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (85°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 31°C (89°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 292 mm (11.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 13 mm (0.5 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.