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

Should you visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Hongcun?

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

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

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.

Hongcun

When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.

The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, and The Best Adventure Tours to China.

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

When is the best time to visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Hongcun?

Hongcun 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 Hongcun in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Nakhon Ratchasima is around the same temperature as Hongcun. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Hongcun averages at about 29°C (85°F).

It's quite rainy in Hongcun. Nakhon Ratchasima receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in July than Hongcun. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Hongcun in the Autumn?

Both Hongcun 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.

In October, Nakhon Ratchasima is generally much warmer than Hongcun. Daily temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima average around 28°C (82°F), and Hongcun fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It's quite rainy in Nakhon Ratchasima. In October, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives more rain than Hongcun. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Hongcun in the Winter?

Both Hongcun 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.

Hongcun can be very cold during winter. Nakhon Ratchasima is much warmer than Hongcun in the winter. The daily temperature in Nakhon Ratchasima averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Hongcun fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in January than Hongcun. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Hongcun in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nakhon Ratchasima and Hongcun. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima year-round.

The heat can be very extreme in Nakhon Ratchasima. In the spring, Nakhon Ratchasima is much warmer than Hongcun. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in April average around 31°C (89°F), and Hongcun averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Hongcun receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Hongcun. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hongcun and Nakhon Ratchasima