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

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Nakhon Ratchasima?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Koh Tarutao and Nakhon Ratchasima. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Koh Tarutao or Nakhon Ratchasima?

Koh Tarutao

While much of Thailand has been built up into a tourist destination of hotels and resorts, there are spots that are still untouched and covered in the beauty of this part of the world. The unspoiled regions of the Ko Tarutao Marine National Park is 51 islands of rainforest ready for visitors. Established in 1974, the park is the second oldest in the country, and was the setting for the 2002 season of the reality television show Survivor. The park includes stunning coral reefs, pristine white beaches and wildlife of all shapes and sizes. Trek through and keep your eyes out for mouse deer, wild pigs, sea otters, tree pythons, sea eagles, hornbills, reef egrets and so much more.

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

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

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

Both Nakhon Ratchasima and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao 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 Tarutao. In July, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Nakhon Ratchasima. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In July, Koh Tarutao is generally around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

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

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

November to April is the dry season in Koh Tarutao. May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao. Nakhon Ratchasima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tarutao. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in October than Nakhon Ratchasima. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

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

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

In January, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Nakhon Ratchasima. Koh Tarutao gets 50 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 Tarutao is around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Tarutao in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima averages at about 25°C (77°F).

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

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

Also, November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. May and October in Koh Tarutao is the rainy season. Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in April than Nakhon Ratchasima. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 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 Tarutao is generally around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 29°C (85°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 31°C (89°F).

Typical Weather for Nakhon Ratchasima and Koh Tarutao