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

Should you visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Picton?

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

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

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.

Picton

Picton, New Zealand is located in the picturesque Marlborough Region on the South Island. With beachfront access in a central location and near the Marlborough Sounds, Picton is an ideal place for anyone looking for both adventure and relaxation in one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world.

The weather in Picton is fairly mild, ranging from the low fifties to high sixties, Fahrenheit, throughout the year. Their summer months are December through March, this is when you'll find temperatures in the high sixties. During the winter, June through August, Picton experiences averages of fifty degree Fahrenheit. This means you can visit any time of the year without having to worry about weather inhibiting any of your outdoor activities!

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 from Auckland, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Picton 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 Picton is $87. 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 Picton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nakhon Ratchasima $19
    Picton $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nakhon Ratchasima $38
    Picton $74
Compare Hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima and Picton

Looking for a hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima or Picton? 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 Picton


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 Picton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nakhon Ratchasima $4.50
    Picton -
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 Picton

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Picton:

  • Private Transfer from Picton Port to Blenheim Airport (BHE): $46
  • Private Transfer from Picton Cruise Port to Blenheim City Hotels: $38
  • Private Transfer from Blenheim city hotels to Picton Cruise Port: $38
  • Private Transfer from Blenheim Airport (BHE) to Picton Port: $46

Is it cheaper to fly into Nakhon Ratchasima or Picton?

Prices for flights to both Picton 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
    Picton $20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nakhon Ratchasima $5.81
    Picton $109

Tours and Activities in Picton

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

  • 1-Day Cruise in Queen Charlotte Track & Kupes Trail Walk: $118
  • 2 hour Dolphin Viewing Eco-Tour from Picton: $91
  • 3.5 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise: $67
  • Bays and Bush Scenic Tour: $97
  • Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour from Picton: $91
  • CRUISE SHIP DAY Hop on Hop off Yealands & Marlborough tour: $121
  • Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise: $90
  • Cruise Excursion - Wines of Marlborough Tour: $103
  • Cruise Ship Day - Marlborough: $60
  • Cruise and Lunch at Furneaux Lodge: $82
  • Day Cruise & Lunch at Punga Cove Resort: $81
  • Early Bird Eco Cruise: $73

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nakhon Ratchasima $10
    Picton $35

Sample the Local Flavors in Picton

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Picton:

  • Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region.: $37
  • Self-Guided Wine Tours by Bike with Steve & Jo in Marlborough : $40
  • Marlborough: Hop On Hop Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour: $53
  • Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Marlborough: $54
  • Marlborough Afternoon Wine Tour with Tastings: $70
  • Half-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim: $87
  • Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton: $88
  • Discover Marlborough Wine - Afternoon Marlborough Wine Tour : $90
  • Morning Guided with Afternoon Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour: $91
  • Marlborough Discovery Sampler Wine Tour - 1/2Day Blenheim: $97
  • Taste the Valley Wine Tour in Marlborough with Wine Tasting: $100
  • Half-Day Marlborough Wine Tour & Beer Tour : $109


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nakhon Ratchasima and Picton, we can see that Picton is more expensive. And not only is Nakhon Ratchasima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nakhon Ratchasima is in Asia and Picton is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Picton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Picton 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 Picton Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nakhon Ratchasima or Picton?

Picton has a larger population, and is about 3000 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Nakhon Ratchasima and Picton, 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 Picton?

Picton 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 Picton in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nakhon Ratchasima as well as Picton. Nakhon Ratchasima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Picton in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nakhon Ratchasima is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Picton averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

Nakhon Ratchasima receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets more rain in July than Pictonin January. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Nakhon Ratchasima 30°C (86°F) 
    Picton 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Picton in the Autumn?

Both Picton 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, most visitors come to Picton for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In October, Nakhon Ratchasima is generally much warmer than Pictonin April. Daily temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima average around 28°C (82°F), and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Nakhon Ratchasima. In October, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives more rain than Pictonin April. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Nakhon Ratchasima 28°C (82°F) 
    Picton 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Picton in the Winter?

Both Picton 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Picton because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nakhon Ratchasima is much warmer than Picton in the winter. The daily temperature in Nakhon Ratchasima averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.

Picton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in January than Pictonin July. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Nakhon Ratchasima 25°C (77°F) 
    Picton 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Picton in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nakhon Ratchasima and Picton. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima year-round. Also, the beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Picton this time of year.

The heat can be very extreme in Nakhon Ratchasima. In the spring, Nakhon Ratchasima is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in April average around 31°C (89°F), and Picton averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.

In April, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Pictonin October. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Nakhon Ratchasima 31°C (89°F) 
    Picton 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Picton and Nakhon Ratchasima

Nakhon Ratchasima Picton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 30°C (86°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 31°C (89°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 152 mm (6 in) 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 30°C (87°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 10°C (49°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Aug 30°C (85°F) 128 mm (5 in) 10°C (50°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 152 mm (6 in) 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 24°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)