Which place is cheaper, Nakhon Ratchasima or Koh Samui?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Samui or Nakhon Ratchasima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui 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: Koh Samui or Nakhon Ratchasima?
Koh Samui
The largest island on the east coast of southern Thailand, Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) sees a good number of visitors every year who come for its lush rainforest, beautiful shores, and undersea wildlife. The size of the island is still small enough to allow visitors to circumnavigate it with a taxi or motorbike in a day, while hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of inland activities in the hills and jungle.
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 dayKoh Samui $55Nakhon Ratchasima $40
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $55, 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 Samui and Nakhon Ratchasima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $24Nakhon Ratchasima $19
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $48Nakhon Ratchasima $38
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Nakhon Ratchasima
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui 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: Koh Samui Hotel Prices and Nakhon Ratchasima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $17Nakhon Ratchasima $4.50
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
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Scooter Rental$2.05
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Gas for Scooter$1.09
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Airport Taxi$12
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$11
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Chaweng, Koh Samui APT-HTL (USM): $12
- The Red Baron Luxury Yacht Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $147
- Samui: Angthong Marine Park Boat Tour w/ Transfer and Meals: $35
- Samui International Airport: Private Hotel Transfer: $32
- Samui International Airport (USM) Departure Shared Transfer: $11
- Samui International Airport (USM) Arrival Shared Transfer: $11
- Private Transfer from Samui City to Samui (USM) Airport: $46
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Taling Ngam: $63
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Samui City: $46
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Mae Nam: $63
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Lamai : $36
- Private Transfer from Lamai to Samui (USM) Airport: $36
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 Koh Samui or Nakhon Ratchasima?
Prices for flights to both Nakhon Ratchasima and Koh Samui 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 dayKoh Samui $19Nakhon Ratchasima $15
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.86
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Samui
For Koh Samui, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Romantic 4-Course Dinner for Two on the Beach by the Amari Samui: $43
- Thai Cooking Class at Melati Beach Resort & Spa: $59
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise by RED BARON: $60
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $61
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $68
- Thai Cooking Class & Organic Micro Farm Experience - Farm to Table. Since 2015: $69
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $69
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $72
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $72
- Koh Samui Jungle Kitchen - Half Day Cooking Class: $78
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour: $80
- Red Baron Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruise: $88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $10Nakhon Ratchasima $5.81
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- 6 Hrs Off Road 4x4 Adventure of Hidden Gems In Koh Samui Hills 1 - 4 persons: $118
- 6 Hrs Off Road 4x4 Adventure of Hidden Gems In Koh Samui Hills 5 - 8 Persons: $146
- Koh Samui Island ATV Quad Bike Adventure: $50
- Koh Samui Nauti Ark Bar Boat Party Cruise: $97
- Pig Island Experience By Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Kayaking Relaxing on the Beach: $49
- Private Tour in Koh Samui Waterfall And Mummified Monk Temple: $198
- koh samui island and water fall tour: $43
- zip line adventure on mountain (8 Platforms 1200 m.): $50
- 2 Day Halfmoon Festival Experience General Admission Pass: $70
- 2 Islands Sightseeing and Snorkeling Trip From Koh Samui: $46
- 2-Hour Koh Samui ATV Quad Tour: $51
- 2.5-Hours ATV Jungle Adventure Experience from Koh Phangan: $107
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $4.63Nakhon Ratchasima $10
Sample the Local Flavors in Koh Samui
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Koh Samui:
- Private 4x4 Off-Road Island Safari + Rum Distillery Visit & Tasting: $296
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Nakhon Ratchasima, we can see that Koh Samui 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 Samui would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Samui 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 Samui Expensive? and Is Nakhon Ratchasima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Nakhon Ratchasima?
Koh Samui has a larger population, and is about 39680 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui 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 Samui 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 Koh Samui or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Nakhon Ratchasima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round. Nakhon Ratchasima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Nakhon Ratchasima receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Nakhon Ratchasima. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Koh Samui is generally cooler than Nakhon Ratchasima. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Nakhon Ratchasima 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Nakhon Ratchasima. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima throughout the year.
Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. October to December in Koh Samui is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Nakhon Ratchasima. Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in October than Nakhon Ratchasima. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Koh Samui is cooler than Nakhon Ratchasima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Nakhon Ratchasima 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Winter?
Both Nakhon Ratchasima and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui is December to February. In January, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Nakhon Ratchasima. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Koh Samui is cooler than Nakhon Ratchasima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Samui in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Nakhon Ratchasima 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Spring?
Both Nakhon Ratchasima and Koh Samui during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima year-round.
Koh Samui usually gets less rain in April than Nakhon Ratchasima. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 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, Koh Samui is generally cooler than Nakhon Ratchasima. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 31°C (89°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Nakhon Ratchasima 31°C (89°F)
Typical Weather for Nakhon Ratchasima and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Nakhon Ratchasima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 31°C (89°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.