Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Nakhon Ratchasima?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Harbin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nakhon Ratchasima or Harbin, 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: Nakhon Ratchasima or Harbin?
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.
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNakhon Ratchasima $40Harbin $54
The average daily cost (per person) in Nakhon Ratchasima is $40, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $54. 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 Nakhon Ratchasima and Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNakhon Ratchasima $19Harbin $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNakhon Ratchasima $38Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima or Harbin? 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: Nakhon Ratchasima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nakhon Ratchasima $4.50Harbin $1.49
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
- Shared Night Transfer Service to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $85
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $168
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin West Railway Station from Harbin City Hotel: $60
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin Railway Station from Harbin City Hotel: $50
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Harbin Railway Station to City Hotel: $29
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service , Harbin Airport Transfer,Pick up: $78
- Harbin City Car Transfer Service with Driver: $168
- Harbin Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Nakhon Ratchasima or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin and Nakhon Ratchasima 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 dayNakhon Ratchasima $15Harbin $14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
- Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Food Tour Including Harbin Beer1900: $157
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World with Dinner Options: $261
- Private Full Day Tour to Harbin Beifang Forest Zoo and Optional Seafood Dinner: $261
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nakhon Ratchasima $5.81Harbin $52
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $130
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
- 4-Hour Private Tour of the Largest Indoor Ice and Snow Paradise: $136
- From Amazing Day Trip Including tickets: $400
- Full Day Private Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow Festival: $250
- Group Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World plus Sun Island Snow Sculpture Festival: $298
- Half Day Tour for Harbin Guandong Ancient Lane and Wood Sculpture Museum: $104
- Harbin City Group Tour including Crossing Songhua River by Ropeway and Ice Swimming Show: $290
- Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Harbin City Walking Sightseeing : $198
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNakhon Ratchasima $10Harbin $7.83
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nakhon Ratchasima and Harbin, we can see that Harbin 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 Harbin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Harbin 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 Nakhon Ratchasima Expensive? and Is Harbin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nakhon Ratchasima or Harbin?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 3229880 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Nakhon Ratchasima and Harbin, 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 Nakhon Ratchasima or Harbin?
Harbin has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Nakhon Ratchasima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Harbin in the Summer?
Both Harbin and Nakhon Ratchasima are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima throughout the year.
Nakhon Ratchasima is a little warmer than Harbin in the summer. The daily temperature in Nakhon Ratchasima averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Harbin fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Harbin. It's quite rainy in Nakhon Ratchasima. In July, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Harbin. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNakhon Ratchasima 30°C (86°F)Harbin 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Harbin in the Autumn?
Both Harbin and Nakhon Ratchasima during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nakhon Ratchasima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Nakhon Ratchasima is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Harbin averages at about 7°C (44°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nakhon Ratchasima. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets more rain in October than Harbin. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNakhon Ratchasima 28°C (82°F)Harbin 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Harbin in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nakhon Ratchasima and Harbin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima year-round.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Harbin. In January, Nakhon Ratchasima is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima average around 25°C (77°F), and Harbin fluctuates around -18°C (-0°F).
In January, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives more rain than Harbin. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNakhon Ratchasima 25°C (77°F)Harbin -18°C (-0°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Harbin in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Nakhon Ratchasima as well as Harbin. Nakhon Ratchasima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
It's very hot in Nakhon Ratchasima this time of the year. Nakhon Ratchasima is much warmer than Harbin in the spring. The daily temperature in Nakhon Ratchasima averages around 31°C (89°F) in April, and Harbin fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets more rain in April than Harbin. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNakhon Ratchasima 31°C (89°F)Harbin 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Harbin and Nakhon Ratchasima
| Nakhon Ratchasima | Harbin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (86°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (89°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (87°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (85°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 5 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.