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

Should you visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Vang Vieng?

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

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

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.

Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng is a town in the Vientiane province of Laos that sits along the banks of the Nam Song River. With its beautifully carved karst topography cliffs towering over the winding river, the area has become very tourist-oriented for those seeking to explore the outdoor wonders. People from all over come to engage in the unique landscape-mountain biking, trekking, kayaking, caving, swimming, and rock climbing, amongst others.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nakhon Ratchasima and Vang Vieng, we can see that Nakhon Ratchasima is more expensive. And not only is Vang Vieng much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vang Vieng would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vang Vieng 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 Nakhon Ratchasima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nakhon Ratchasima than you might in Vang Vieng.

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 Vang Vieng Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nakhon Ratchasima or Vang Vieng?

Vang Vieng has a larger population, and is about 25000 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Nakhon Ratchasima and Vang Vieng, 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 Vang Vieng?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Vang Vieng in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nakhon Ratchasima and Vang Vieng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima year-round. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Nakhon Ratchasima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives more rain than Vang Vieng. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In the summer, Nakhon Ratchasima is a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 22°C (72°F).

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Vang Vieng in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nakhon Ratchasima as well as Vang Vieng. Nakhon Ratchasima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year.

Nakhon Ratchasima receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets more rain in October than Vang Vieng. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Nakhon Ratchasima is generally a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Daily temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima average around 28°C (82°F), and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Vang Vieng in the Winter?

Both Vang Vieng 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. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Vang Vieng. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Nakhon Ratchasima is around the same temperature as Vang Vieng in the winter. The daily temperature in Nakhon Ratchasima averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Vang Vieng fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Vang Vieng in the Spring?

Both Vang Vieng 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round.

Vang Vieng gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in April than Vang Vieng. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Vang Vieng receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

The heat can be very extreme in Nakhon Ratchasima. In the spring, Nakhon Ratchasima is a little warmer than Vang Vieng. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in April average around 31°C (89°F), and Vang Vieng averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Typical Weather for Vang Vieng and Nakhon Ratchasima