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

Should you visit Koh Samet or Nakhon Ratchasima?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Samet or Nakhon Ratchasima, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Koh Samet or Nakhon Ratchasima?

Koh Samet

The country of Thailand is full of some of the world's most stunning beauty and peaceful settings. So it begs the question, where the Thai people go to get away from it all? They go to Ko Samet on the eastern gulf coast. Located just outside of Bangkok, Ko Samet provides visitors an easily accessible and desirable weekend getaway spot. With white beaches and coral of every other color, this island has steadily developed over the last few years without an intense construction increase like many other Thai beaches. Once thought to be the home of pirates, this island provides plenty to wonder about including, are there hidden treasures under that gorgeous white sand?

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Bicycle Tours in Thailand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand.

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Samet 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 Samet or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Summer?

Both Nakhon Ratchasima and Koh Samet during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samet 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 Koh Samet. Koh Samet usually gets more rain in July than Nakhon Ratchasima. Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Koh Samet is around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

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

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

Nakhon Ratchasima receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samet gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Nakhon Ratchasima. Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

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

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

Koh Samet usually gets more rain in January than Nakhon Ratchasima. Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

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

In April, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Nakhon Ratchasima. Koh Samet gets 74 mm (2.9 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 Samet is around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 31°C (89°F).

Typical Weather for Nakhon Ratchasima and Koh Samet