A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Nakhon Ratchasima vs. Hat Yai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Hat Yai?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nakhon Ratchasima or Hat Yai, 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 Hat Yai?

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.

Hat Yai

The fourth largest city of Thailand, Hat Yai is a popular tourist destination, especially on weekends and holidays for people in neighboring Malaysia and Singapore. It is best known as a commercial hub and shopping destination, and for its floating market and Buddhist temple.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, and The Best Budget Tours to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nakhon Ratchasima and Hat Yai, we can see that Nakhon Ratchasima is more expensive. And not only is Hat Yai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hat Yai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hat Yai 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 Nakhon Ratchasima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nakhon Ratchasima than you might in Hat Yai.

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 Hat Yai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nakhon Ratchasima or Hat Yai?

Hat Yai has a larger population, and is about 191700 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Nakhon Ratchasima and Hat Yai, 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 Hat Yai?

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 Nakhon Ratchasima or Hat Yai in the Summer?

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

It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. Nakhon Ratchasima receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets more rain in July than Hat Yai. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Nakhon Ratchasima is around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 29°C (83°F).

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Hat Yai in the Autumn?

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

The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. It's quite rainy in Nakhon Ratchasima. In October, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Hat Yai. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In October, Nakhon Ratchasima is generally around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Daily temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima average around 28°C (82°F), and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Hat Yai in the Winter?

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

January to April is the dry season in Hat Yai. Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in January than Hat Yai. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Nakhon Ratchasima is cooler than Hat Yai in the winter. The daily temperature in Nakhon Ratchasima averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Hat Yai in the Spring?

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

January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai. In April, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hat Yai. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

The heat can be very extreme in Nakhon Ratchasima. In the spring, Nakhon Ratchasima is around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in April average around 31°C (89°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 30°C (85°F).

Typical Weather for Hat Yai and Nakhon Ratchasima