Which place is cheaper, Koh Pha Ngan or Nakhon Ratchasima?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Koh Pha Ngan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nakhon Ratchasima or Koh Pha Ngan, 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 Koh Pha Ngan?
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.
Koh Pha Ngan
Ko Phangan (or Pha Ngan) is best known for its full moon parties, attracting backpackers and budget travelers the world over for all-night parties on the beach. The clear, blue water, beautiful beaches, and tropical atmosphere bring the tourists to the island, and the low prices, diverse activities, and abundant amenities keep them here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNakhon Ratchasima $40Koh Pha Ngan $45
The average daily cost (per person) in Nakhon Ratchasima is $40, while the average daily cost in Koh Pha Ngan is $45. 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 Koh Pha Ngan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNakhon Ratchasima $19Koh Pha Ngan $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNakhon Ratchasima $38Koh Pha Ngan $46
Compare Hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima and Koh Pha Ngan
Looking for a hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima or Koh Pha Ngan? 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 and Koh Pha Ngan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nakhon Ratchasima $4.50Koh Pha Ngan $13
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$8.18
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Ferry Ride$14
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Gas for Scooter$3.00
Is it cheaper to fly into Nakhon Ratchasima or Koh Pha Ngan?
Prices for flights to both Koh Pha Ngan 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 $15Koh Pha Ngan $10
Typical Food Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Koh Pha Ngan:
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Noodle Lunch (for One)$1.09
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$11
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Smoothies (for Two)$1.09
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Ice Cream$0.55
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Juice$1.64
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3 Spring Rolls$0.82
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2 Pancakes$1.64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nakhon Ratchasima $5.81Koh Pha Ngan $17
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNakhon Ratchasima $10Koh Pha Ngan $9.89
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Pha Ngan
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
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Drinks at Irish Pub (for Two)$7.09
When comparing the travel costs between Nakhon Ratchasima and Koh Pha Ngan, we can see that Koh Pha Ngan 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 Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nakhon Ratchasima or Koh Pha Ngan?
Koh Pha Ngan has a larger population, and is about 11850 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Nakhon Ratchasima and Koh Pha Ngan, 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 Koh Pha Ngan?
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 Koh Pha Ngan in the Summer?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Nakhon Ratchasima during the summer 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 Koh Pha Ngan year-round.
Koh Pha Ngan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nakhon Ratchasima. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in July than Koh Pha Ngan. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Nakhon Ratchasima is generally a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima average around 30°C (86°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNakhon Ratchasima 30°C (86°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Koh Pha Ngan in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nakhon Ratchasima and Koh Pha Ngan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima year-round. Koh Pha Ngan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season. Also, October and November is the rainy season in Koh Pha Ngan. Koh Pha Ngan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nakhon Ratchasima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Nakhon Ratchasima is a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nakhon Ratchasima averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNakhon Ratchasima 28°C (82°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Koh Pha Ngan in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Nakhon Ratchasima as well as Koh Pha Ngan. Nakhon Ratchasima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Pha Ngan throughout the year.
Also, December to March in Koh Pha Ngan is the dry season. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in January than Koh Pha Ngan. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Nakhon Ratchasima is a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Koh Pha Ngan averages at about 22°C (72°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNakhon Ratchasima 25°C (77°F)Koh Pha Ngan 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Koh Pha Ngan in the Spring?
Both Koh Pha Ngan and Nakhon Ratchasima are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Pha Ngan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives more rain than Koh Pha Ngan. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Koh Pha Ngan receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Nakhon Ratchasima can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Nakhon Ratchasima is generally a little warmer than Koh Pha Ngan. Daily temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima average around 31°C (89°F), and Koh Pha Ngan fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNakhon Ratchasima 31°C (89°F)Koh Pha Ngan 24°C (76°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Pha Ngan and Nakhon Ratchasima
| Nakhon Ratchasima | Koh Pha Ngan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (86°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (89°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (87°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (85°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.