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

Should you visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Nikko?

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

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

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.

Nikko

Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Nakhon Ratchasima or Nikko?

Nikko has a larger population, and is about 16040 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Nakhon Ratchasima and Nikko, 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 Nikko?

Nikko 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 Nikko in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nakhon Ratchasima and Nikko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima year-round. Also, many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nakhon Ratchasima is generally a little warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima average around 30°C (86°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Nikko 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 Nikko. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Nikko in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nakhon Ratchasima as well as Nikko. Nakhon Ratchasima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Nikko in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Nakhon Ratchasima is much warmer than Nikko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nakhon Ratchasima averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite rainy in Nikko. Nakhon Ratchasima receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets more rain in October than Nikko. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Nikko in the Winter?

Both Nikko 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. Also, most visitors come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nikko can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Nakhon Ratchasima is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Nikko averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In January, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Nikko. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Nikko in the Spring?

Both Nikko 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. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Nikko because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Nakhon Ratchasima can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Nakhon Ratchasima is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima average around 31°C (89°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in April than Nikko. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nikko and Nakhon Ratchasima