A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Koh Lanta vs. Nakhon Ratchasima for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta 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: Koh Lanta or Nakhon Ratchasima?

Koh Lanta

Located on the southern coast of Thailand is a place populated by long beaches and diving hotspots. Consisting of several islands, Koh Lanta is a large island with nine beaches along the coast. The beautiful scenery makes this a quiet and relaxing spot for tourists. The crowds on this island tend to be older than the party-seekers on Ko Phi Phi so you'll find more activities like serene walks on the beach or travelers catching a sunset.

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 Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Nakhon Ratchasima or Koh Lanta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Lanta is $48, 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 Koh Lanta and Nakhon Ratchasima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Lanta $24
    Nakhon Ratchasima $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Lanta $48
    Nakhon Ratchasima $38
Compare Hotels in Koh Lanta and Nakhon Ratchasima

Looking for a hotel in Koh Lanta 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.

Hotels in Koh Lanta


Hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima


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: Koh Lanta Hotel Prices and Nakhon Ratchasima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Lanta $5.66
    Nakhon Ratchasima $4.50
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Lanta

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Lanta:


  • Ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Lanta

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Koh Lanta:

  • Pravate Transfer Lanta Island to Krabi Airport, Krabi Town, Ao nang: $74
  • One-Way Transfer from Koh Lanta to Krabi Town or Airport by Minivan: $11
  • Koh lanta to phuket any hotel Private transfer: $171
  • Koh Lanta :Krabi Airport Private Transfer:From Airport or Hotel: $111

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nakhon Ratchasima

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Nakhon Ratchasima:


  • Tuk Tuk
    $1.36
  • Bus to Vientiane
    $1.36

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Lanta or Nakhon Ratchasima?

Prices for flights to both Nakhon Ratchasima and Koh Lanta 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 day
    Koh Lanta $11
    Nakhon Ratchasima $15
Typical Food Prices in Koh Lanta

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Lanta:


  • Casual Breakfast
    $4.36
  • Casual Lunch
    $7.36
  • Casual Dinner
    $12
  • Fancy Dinner (for Two)
    $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Lanta

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Koh Lanta.

  • Cooking Experience at Lanta Thai Cookery School From Koh Lanta: $48
  • Sukho Cuisine Thai Cooking School From Koh Lanta: $52
  • Cooking Class and Market Tour at Lanta Thai Cookery School on Koh Lanta: $53
  • Cooking Class & Market Tour with Thai Master Chef at Sukho Cuisine, Lanta: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Lanta $31
    Nakhon Ratchasima $5.81
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Lanta

Here are a few typical costs in Koh Lanta for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Emerald Cave Tour
    $19
  • Yoga Session (1 Hour)
    $9.55

Tours and Activities in Koh Lanta

Here are a few actual costs in Koh Lanta for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 4 Island Tour to Emerald Cave by Longtail Boat from Koh Lanta: $28
  • 4 Islands Day Tour By Opal Travel Speedboat: $42
  • Full Day Sea Cave and Mangrove Kayaking Tour From Koh Lanta: $52
  • Half Day 2 Caves Ko Skull Tour Ko Lanta and Kayaking Ko Talabeng: $25
  • Half Day Mangrove Forest Kayaking Tour From Koh Lanta: $29
  • Koh Ha Koh Rok Day Tour by Opal Travel Speed boat: $47
  • Koh Ngai, Koh Muk + Emerald Cave Snorkeling Tour by Classic Longtail Boat: $32
  • Koh Phi Phi Day Tour by Opal Travel Speedboat: $42
  • Lanta 4 Islands + Emerald Cave Snorkeling Tour: $26
  • Lanta 4 Islands tour (Longtail boat): $26
  • Lanta Mangrove Tour with Sea Cave Kayaking at Koh Talabeng: $30
  • Lanta Old Town and Mangrove Forest Sightseeing Tour: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Lanta $3.79
    Nakhon Ratchasima $10


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Lanta and Nakhon Ratchasima, we can see that Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta Expensive? and Is Nakhon Ratchasima Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Nakhon Ratchasima?

Koh Lanta has a larger population, and is about 6090 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Nakhon Ratchasima. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima throughout the year.

June to September in Koh Lanta is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Nakhon Ratchasima. Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in July than Nakhon Ratchasima. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koh Lanta 27°C (81°F) 
    Nakhon Ratchasima 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Autumn?

Both Nakhon Ratchasima and Koh Lanta are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lanta throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Nakhon Ratchasima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nakhon Ratchasima. It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. In October, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Nakhon Ratchasima. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Lanta in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koh Lanta 27°C (81°F) 
    Nakhon Ratchasima 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Winter?

Both Nakhon Ratchasima and Koh Lanta during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Lanta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima year-round.

January to April is the dry season in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in January than Nakhon Ratchasima. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Koh Lanta is generally around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (80°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koh Lanta 27°C (80°F) 
    Nakhon Ratchasima 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lanta and Nakhon Ratchasima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round. Nakhon Ratchasima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Lanta usually receives more rain than Nakhon Ratchasima. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

The heat can be very extreme in Nakhon Ratchasima. Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 31°C (89°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koh Lanta 29°C (85°F) 
    Nakhon Ratchasima 31°C (89°F)

Typical Weather for Nakhon Ratchasima and Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta Nakhon Ratchasima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 50 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 51 mm (2 in) 30°C (86°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 29°C (85°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 31°C (89°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 31°C (88°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 30°C (87°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 30°C (86°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 30°C (85°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 355 mm (14 in) 29°C (84°F) 244 mm (9.6 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 281 mm (11.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 26°C (79°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 24°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)