Which place is cheaper, Sandakan or Nakhon Ratchasima?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Sandakan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nakhon Ratchasima or Sandakan, 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 Sandakan?
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.
Sandakan
Located on the Northeast side of the state of Sabah in Borneo is the city of Sandakan, which is the 2nd largest city in the country. Sandakan was a prosperous port town in the 1800s because of its exports of tobacco, timber, pearls, and ivory. However, this booming town that was formerly the administrative capital in North Borneo was bombed practically out of existence at the end of World War II.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia.
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Nakhon Ratchasima Prices
Thailand PricesSandakan Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNakhon Ratchasima $58Sandakan $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Nakhon Ratchasima is $58, while the average daily cost in Sandakan is $81. 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 Sandakan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNakhon Ratchasima $22Sandakan $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNakhon Ratchasima $44Sandakan $46
Compare Hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima and Sandakan
Looking for a hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima or Sandakan? 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 Sandakan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nakhon Ratchasima $5.19Sandakan $37
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$1.57
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Bus to Vientiane$1.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sandakan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sandakan:
- Private 1Way Transfer to/from Sandakan Airport, City or Sepilok: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Nakhon Ratchasima or Sandakan?
Prices for flights to both Sandakan 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 $30Sandakan $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sandakan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sandakan.
- Mangrove Cruise with Fireflies Tour Including Dinner from Sandakan: $64
- Sandakan : Fireflies and Mangrove Cruise with Dinner: $193
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nakhon Ratchasima $6.68Sandakan $8.15
Tours and Activities in Sandakan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sandakan are as follows:
- 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise: $290
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour: $112
- Borneo : Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey, and Sun Bear Tour: $338
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $88
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 2 Days 1 Night At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $230
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 3 Days 2 Nights At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $260
- Day Trip Sepilok Orang-utan And City Tour (Flight Excluded): $119
- From Sandakan to Kinabatangan River Safari Boat Cruise Day Tour: $163
- From 7 Unmissable Local Stops Private Tour: $82
- Full Day At Sepilok Orangutan, Sun Bear & Sandakan City Tour: $164
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $147
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNakhon Ratchasima $12Sandakan $7.47
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nakhon Ratchasima and Sandakan, we can see that Sandakan 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 Sandakan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sandakan 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 Sandakan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nakhon Ratchasima or Sandakan?
Sandakan has a larger population, and is about 392290 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Nakhon Ratchasima and Sandakan, 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 Sandakan?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Sandakan in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Nakhon Ratchasima as well as Sandakan. Nakhon Ratchasima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Sandakan. Nakhon Ratchasima receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in July than Sandakan. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Nakhon Ratchasima is around the same temperature as Sandakan in the summer. The daily temperature in Nakhon Ratchasima averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Sandakan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNakhon Ratchasima 30°C (86°F)Sandakan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Sandakan in the Autumn?
Both Sandakan 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. Plenty of visitors come to Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. It's quite rainy in Nakhon Ratchasima. In October, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 253 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Nakhon Ratchasima is around the same temperature as Sandakan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Sandakan averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNakhon Ratchasima 28°C (82°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Sandakan in the Winter?
Both Sandakan 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round.
Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in January than Sandakan. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Nakhon Ratchasima is generally around the same temperature as Sandakan. Daily temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima average around 25°C (77°F), and Sandakan fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNakhon Ratchasima 25°C (77°F)Sandakan 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Sandakan in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nakhon Ratchasima and Sandakan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima year-round. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's very hot in Nakhon Ratchasima this time of the year. Nakhon Ratchasima is a little warmer than Sandakan in the spring. The daily temperature in Nakhon Ratchasima averages around 31°C (89°F) in April, and Sandakan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNakhon Ratchasima 31°C (89°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Sandakan and Nakhon Ratchasima
| Nakhon Ratchasima | Sandakan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (86°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (89°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (87°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (85°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 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.