Which place is cheaper, Phnom Penh or Nakhon Ratchasima?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Phnom Penh?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nakhon Ratchasima or Phnom Penh, 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 Phnom Penh?
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.
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city in the country of Cambodia. It is located at the edge of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers and is the nation's center of economics and industry. The metropolitan area has a population of about 2.2 million.
Phnom Penh was once called the "Pearl of Asia." In the 1920s it was one of the most impressive French built cities in the region and was an important tourist destination. During the Vietnam War, refugees fled to the city and by 1975 the city's population was between 2 and 3 million, most of them being refugees. The city fell to the Khmer Rouge in 1975 and they cut off supplies to the population for over a year. Journalists reported torture and mutilation of the trapped civilians and the Khmer Rouge forcibly evacuated the city in what is known as the death march. The Khmer Rouge was driven from the city by the Vietnamese in 1979 and reconstruction began.
Today, tourism continues to grow in the city and those who visit are greeted by a welcoming and friendly population, a rich culture, and truly rewarding travel experience.
Phnom Penh has a tropical wet and dry climate. It is hot year around with very little temperature variation. Lows are usually in the low 70s Fahrenheit and highs are in the mid to high 90s Fahrenheit. The southwest monsoon brings rains between May and October and the northeast monsoon brings the dry season from November to March.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Cambodia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Cambodia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNakhon Ratchasima $40Phnom Penh $41
The average daily cost (per person) in Nakhon Ratchasima is $40, while the average daily cost in Phnom Penh is $41. 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 Phnom Penh in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNakhon Ratchasima $19Phnom Penh $12
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNakhon Ratchasima $38Phnom Penh $24
Compare Hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima and Phnom Penh
Looking for a hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima or Phnom Penh? 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 Phnom Penh Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nakhon Ratchasima $4.50Phnom Penh $7.87
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:
- Vip Taxi Transfer from Phnom Penh to Preah Sihanouk: $450
- Vip Taxi Private Transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $450
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Phnom Penh APT-HTL (PNH): $16
- Transfer Stop Sightseeing Phnom Penh - Siem Reap, English Speaking Driver: $107
- Transfer Private Car Siemreap to Phnom Penh/PHN to Province.: $110
- Private taxi transfer from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh city: $145
- Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville city: $145
- Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $145
- Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Kompot or Kep: $145
- Private taxi transfer Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $129
- Private taxi transfer Phnom Penh to Pursat or Battambang: $155
- Private intercity transfer ! From Phnom Penh to any cities in Cambodia (One Way): $55
Is it cheaper to fly into Nakhon Ratchasima or Phnom Penh?
Prices for flights to both Phnom Penh 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 $15Phnom Penh $13
Typical Food Prices in Phnom Penh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phnom Penh:
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Dinner for Two$10
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Breakfast for Two$4.84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phnom Penh
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phnom Penh.
- Sunset Dinner Cruises w/Live Music, 5&7pm; Free Pickup Available: $9.90
- Sunset Dinner Cruises w/Live Music, 5&7pm; Free Pickup Avail: $9.90
- Khmer Cooking Class Half Day (AM or PM): $36
- Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour Drinks & Tuk Tuk included: $36
- Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour - Inclusive over 10 Local Tastings: $44
- Phnom Penh Morning Market & Food Tour by Tuktuk - Includes All Food & Drinks!: $45
- Half Day - Phnom Penh Food Tour: $45
- Phnom Penh Local Market & Morning Food Tour Include Drinks: $49
- Evening Cambodian Food Tour: $60
- Ultimate PP Food Tour by Tuk Tuk - 20 tastings & drinks included: $69
- Phnom Penh Authentic Food Tour 100% By Local: $69
- Phnom Penh's Ultimate Street Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $69
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nakhon Ratchasima $5.81Phnom Penh $7.65
Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh
Here are a few actual costs in Phnom Penh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Half Day tour Genocide Museum and Killing Field : $130
- Killing field and Toul Sleng genocide museum Tour: $20
- Phnom Penh Full Day Private Tours: $155
- 10 Tastings of Phnom Penh Foodie Tour: $39
- 2 Day-Phnom Penh by Private Tours: $155
- 2 Days Phnom Penh Cyclo and Cycling Tour: $128
- 2 Days of Phnom Penh City Tour: $199
- 3 Hours Private Morning Market and Art Tour in Phnom Penh: $45
- 9 Days Cambodia Highlights Guided Motorcycle Tour: $1,952
- A 10-day ethical animals tour of Cambodia: $1,699
- A Day Trip From Phnom Penh - Historical Sites Tours : $35
- A Day Trip Sightseeing of Phnom Penh With Private Tour Guide : $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNakhon Ratchasima $10Phnom Penh $4.33
Sample the Local Flavors in Phnom Penh
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Phnom Penh:
- Mad Monkey Phnom Penh Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $10
- Mad Monkey Phnom Penh Pub Crawl: $10
When comparing the travel costs between Nakhon Ratchasima and Phnom Penh, we can see that Phnom Penh 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 Phnom Penh Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nakhon Ratchasima or Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh has a larger population, and is about 1573540 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Nakhon Ratchasima and Phnom Penh, 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.
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.