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

Should you visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Nara?

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

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

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.

Nara

As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nara or Nakhon Ratchasima?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nakhon Ratchasima is $40, while the average daily cost in Nara is $86. 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 Nara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nakhon Ratchasima $19
    Nara $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nakhon Ratchasima $38
    Nara $104
Compare Hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima and Nara

Looking for a hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima or Nara? 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 Nara


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 Nara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nakhon Ratchasima $4.50
    Nara $5.83
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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nara

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nara:

  • Kansai Airport (KIX):Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Nakhon Ratchasima or Nara?

Prices for flights to both Nara 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 $15
    Nara $28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nara

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nara.

  • Eel Fishing and Cooking Experience in Kyoto: $72
  • Cooking class, learning how to make authentic sushi: $111
  • Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nakhon Ratchasima $5.81
    Nara $7.81

Tours and Activities in Nara

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:

  • 1 Day Walking Tour in Nara Palace Deer and Inkstick: $166
  • 1-Day Walking Tour in Palace, Deer and Inkstick: $147
  • All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $42
  • EBike Eco Chic Tour Explore 1300 Year Old Primeval Forest: $88
  • Eigo Tour - Walk in Nara City: $65
  • Experience Authentic Sushi making in Nara: $115
  • Guided Tour of Todai ji and Nara Park: $83
  • Guided Uji Anime Walking Tour: $31
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour : Nara Imperial Palace: $95
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour to Nara City: $95
  • Immersive Experience Tour in Totsukawa village: $3,202
  • Katsuragi: Unique Sumo Experience: $195

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nakhon Ratchasima $10
    Nara $11


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


Which is Bigger, Nakhon Ratchasima or Nara?

Nara has a larger population, and is about 367350 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Nakhon Ratchasima and Nara, 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 Nara?

Nara 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 Nara in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nakhon Ratchasima as well as Nara. Nakhon Ratchasima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Nara for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Nakhon Ratchasima is a little warmer than Nara in the summer. The daily temperature in Nakhon Ratchasima averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Nara fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It's quite rainy in Nara. Nakhon Ratchasima receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in July than Nara. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nakhon Ratchasima 30°C (86°F) 
    Nara 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Nara in the Autumn?

Both Nara 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nara because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nakhon Ratchasima is much warmer than Nara. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Nara averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. It's quite rainy in Nakhon Ratchasima. In October, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives more rain than Nara. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nakhon Ratchasima 28°C (82°F) 
    Nara 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Nara in the Winter?

Both Nara 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. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nara this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nara in the winter. In January, Nakhon Ratchasima is generally much warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima average around 25°C (77°F), and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in January than Nara. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nakhon Ratchasima 25°C (77°F) 
    Nara 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Nara in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nakhon Ratchasima and Nara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nara for the natural beauty.

It's very hot in Nakhon Ratchasima this time of the year. Nakhon Ratchasima is much warmer than Nara in the spring. The daily temperature in Nakhon Ratchasima averages around 31°C (89°F) in April, and Nara fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Nara receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Nara. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nakhon Ratchasima 31°C (89°F) 
    Nara 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Nara and Nakhon Ratchasima

Nakhon Ratchasima Nara
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 5°C (40°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 30°C (86°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 31°C (89°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 152 mm (6 in) 19°C (65°F) 128 mm (5.1 in)
Jun 30°C (87°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 214 mm (8.4 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Aug 30°C (85°F) 128 mm (5 in) 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 24°C (74°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 152 mm (6 in) 17°C (63°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 24°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)