Which place is cheaper, Nakhon Ratchasima or Khao Lak?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Khao Lak or Nakhon Ratchasima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Khao Lak and Nakhon Ratchasima 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: Khao Lak or Nakhon Ratchasima?
Khao Lak
Resiliency and relaxation. Those are the two words used to describe one of Thailand's most breathtaking cities. Khao Lak is located in southern Thailand, and when the tsunami of 2004 hit, this area saw the most damage. With more than 4,000 fatalities, 3,000 still unaccounted for and enormous structural damages, many thought Khao Lak would not be able to bounce back. They have proved everyone wrong with a strong and impressive recovery. Now it has returned to its status of vacation hotspot. Unlike neighboring Phuket, though, the resorts in Khao Lak are designed for families and some peace and quiet.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $112Nakhon Ratchasima $40
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $112, 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 Khao Lak and Nakhon Ratchasima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $51Nakhon Ratchasima $19
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $102Nakhon Ratchasima $38
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Nakhon Ratchasima
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak 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: Khao Lak Hotel Prices and Nakhon Ratchasima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Khao Lak $52Nakhon Ratchasima $4.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $119
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $44
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $100
- Phuket: Private One-Way Transfer to/from Khao Lak by Car: $30
- Krabi Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khaolak: $111
- Khao Lak/Bang Sak: 1-Way Private Transfer to Phuket Airport: $41
- Khao Lak To Khao Sok Private Minivan & Car Transfer: $56
- From Carnival Magic Phuket Ticket with Transfer: $106
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $42
- 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $55
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 Khao Lak or Nakhon Ratchasima?
Prices for flights to both Nakhon Ratchasima and Khao Lak 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 dayKhao Lak $31Nakhon Ratchasima $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Khao Lak
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Khao Lak.
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak with Market Tour by Pakinnaka School: $56
- Riverside Thai Cooking Half Day Class: $57
- Authentic Thai cooking class with market tour.: $59
- Thai Cooking Class in a Garden with Transfer: $59
- Thai Cooking Class in Khaolak: $61
- 3 hours Khao Lak Cooking Class and Market Visit: $68
- Half-Day Cooking Class and Ingredient Hunt: $68
- 3-Hour Khaolak Cooking Class with Food Market Visit: $69
- Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class: $89
- Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary, Cooking Class and Waterfall Tour: $97
- ATV Quad Bike Excursion to Stunning Waterfalls with Dinner: $97
- Thai Food Cooking Class & ATV Adventure Tour: $97
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $19Nakhon Ratchasima $5.81
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Hours-Early Bird Guide Tour in Khao Lak Elephant Sanctuary: $68
- 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $53
- 30-Minutes ATV Quads and Waterfall Experience in Khaolak : $55
- 4 hours Tour with Khaolak ATV Quad Bike and Rescued Elephant: $97
- Adventure Off Road Safari to Khao Lak National Park: $140
- Adventure Off Road Safari to Khao Lak National Park: $140
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $37
- Cheow Lan Lake: 2-Day Guided Tour with Meals and Activities: $176
- Day Tour with Sea Canoeing at Hong Island from Khao Lak: $81
- Early Bird Phi Phi Islands Adventure From Khao Lak: $112
- Eco Grand Canyon with Hot Springs and Elephant Retreat Tour: $97
- From Khao Lak Or Khok Kloi : Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Lunch: $103
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $13Nakhon Ratchasima $10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Nakhon Ratchasima, we can see that Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak Expensive? and Is Nakhon Ratchasima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Nakhon Ratchasima?
Khao Lak has a larger population, and is about 1700 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Nakhon Ratchasima. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Nakhon Ratchasima. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the summer. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in July than Nakhon Ratchasima. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Khao Lak in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima averages at about 30°C (86°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Nakhon Ratchasima 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Autumn?
Both Nakhon Ratchasima and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak is November to April. The rainy season in Khao Lak is May to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nakhon Ratchasima. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In October, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Nakhon Ratchasima. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Khao Lak is generally around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (81°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKhao Lak 27°C (81°F)Nakhon Ratchasima 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Winter?
Both Nakhon Ratchasima and Khao Lak during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima year-round.
Khao Lak usually gets more rain in January than Nakhon Ratchasima. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima in the winter. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Nakhon Ratchasima 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Nakhon Ratchasima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round. Nakhon Ratchasima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak. Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Nakhon Ratchasima. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 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. In the spring, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Khao Lak in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima averages at about 31°C (89°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKhao Lak 29°C (83°F)Nakhon Ratchasima 31°C (89°F)
Typical Weather for Nakhon Ratchasima and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Nakhon Ratchasima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 31°C (89°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.