A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nakhon Ratchasima vs. Harbin for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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.


Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Nakhon Ratchasima?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Nakhon Ratchasima Prices
    Thailand Prices
    Harbin Prices
    China Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nakhon Ratchasima $58
    Harbin $66

The average daily cost (per person) in Nakhon Ratchasima is $58, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $66. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nakhon Ratchasima $22
    Harbin $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nakhon Ratchasima $44
    Harbin $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.

Hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima


Hotels in Harbin


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nakhon Ratchasima $5.19
    Harbin $1.52
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nakhon Ratchasima

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


  • Tuk Tuk
    $1.57
  • Bus to Vientiane
    $1.57

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
  • 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: $198
  • Private Departure Transfer to Harbin North Railway Station from Harbin City: $100
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
  • Harbin Volga Manor Private Transfer Service with Entry Tickets: $300
  • Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer, Pick up.: $59
  • Harbin Ice Festival Tickets and Transfer Service : $148
  • Harbin Catholic Church Car Transfer Service: $80
  • Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
  • 4 Hour Private Transfer to Sun Island Snow Sculptures: $100

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Nakhon Ratchasima $30
    Harbin $24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin

For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Dinner Show with Costumes and Performances: $29
  • Harbin Cultural Tour at Zhongyang Dajie to Baluoke with Dinner: $80
  • Central Street, Baluoke Village, and Dinner Tour: $90
  • Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
  • Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nakhon Ratchasima $6.68
    Harbin $53

Tours and Activities in Harbin

For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Harbin Igloos Hot Pot Private Tour: $300
  • Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice Festival: $261
  • 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $168
  • 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
  • All-Inclusive Harbin City History and Local Culture Private Day Tour: $300
  • 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
  • Half-Day Private Old Harbin Street Walking Tour with Meal: $300
  • Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
  • Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
  • Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
  • Harbin Ice Lantern Show and Center Street Tour: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nakhon Ratchasima $12
    Harbin $7.96

Sample the Local Flavors in Harbin

Also in Harbin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Brewery Tour: $250


When comparing the travel costs between Nakhon Ratchasima and Harbin, we can see that Harbin is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nakhon 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nakhon 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nakhon 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nakhon 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)


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