Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Nakhon Ratchasima?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Koh Phi Phi?
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 Phi Phi, 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 Phi Phi?
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 Phi Phi
The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNakhon Ratchasima $40Koh Phi Phi $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Nakhon Ratchasima is $40, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $72. 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 Phi Phi in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNakhon Ratchasima $19Koh Phi Phi $40
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNakhon Ratchasima $38Koh Phi Phi $80
Compare Hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima and Koh Phi Phi
Looking for a hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Phi Phi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nakhon Ratchasima $4.50Koh Phi Phi $6.89
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nakhon Ratchasima
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Nakhon Ratchasima:
-
Tuk Tuk$1.36
-
Bus to Vientiane$1.36
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:
-
Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)$15
-
Longboat Taxi$2.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Superfast Transfer from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi by Arisa Speed Boat: $28
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $24
- Phi Phi Islands from Krabi by Speedboat with Land Transfer: $22
- One-Way Departure Transfer from Phi Phi Island (Speedboat) to Phuket Airport : $52
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket VIP Speed Boat Transfer: $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Nakhon Ratchasima or Koh Phi Phi?
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi 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 dayNakhon Ratchasima $15Koh Phi Phi $11
Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:
-
Crepe$1.64
-
Sit Down Lunch$9.27
-
Casual Lunch$5.73
-
Coconut Donut$0.27
-
Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$11
-
Sit Down Dinner$14
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nakhon Ratchasima $5.81Koh Phi Phi $45
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Kayak Rental$8.18
Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.
- Activities In & Around Phuket: Full Day Customizable Tour : $90
- 6 Hours Private Tour Around Phi Phi Islands From Phi Phi: $160
- Deluxe Tour Before Sunset At Phi Phi Islands: $68
- Early Bird Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
- Early Bird Phi Phi and 4 Islands Tour by Speedboat from Krabi: $97
- Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $13
- Half Day & Sunset Phi Phi Island Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
- Half Day Bamboo Island Tour By Private Longtail Boat From Phi Phi: $156
- Half Day Tour Around Phi Phi Islands By Private Longtail Boat From Phi Phi: $107
- Half-Day Morning Bamboo Island Tour from Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $21
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
- Maya Bay Sunset and Plankton Swimming Tour: $69
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNakhon Ratchasima $10Koh Phi Phi $5.66
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:
-
Mojito Bucket$14
-
Banana Daiquiri$5.46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nakhon Ratchasima and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nakhon Ratchasima or Koh Phi Phi?
Koh Phi Phi has a larger population, and is about 1000 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Nakhon Ratchasima and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Phi Phi?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nakhon Ratchasima and Koh Phi Phi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima year-round. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nakhon Ratchasima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Nakhon Ratchasima is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Nakhon Ratchasima averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyNakhon Ratchasima 30°C (86°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Nakhon Ratchasima as well as Koh Phi Phi. Nakhon Ratchasima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.
Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Nakhon Ratchasima receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Nakhon Ratchasima is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNakhon Ratchasima 28°C (82°F)Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Nakhon Ratchasima are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. In January, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Nakhon Ratchasima is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima average around 25°C (77°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNakhon Ratchasima 25°C (77°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Nakhon Ratchasima during the spring 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 Phi Phi year-round.
May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's very hot in Nakhon Ratchasima this time of the year. Nakhon Ratchasima is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Nakhon Ratchasima averages around 31°C (89°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilNakhon Ratchasima 31°C (89°F)Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Nakhon Ratchasima
| Nakhon Ratchasima | Koh Phi Phi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (86°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (89°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (87°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (85°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.