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

Should you visit Petra or Nakhon Ratchasima?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Petra and Nakhon Ratchasima can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Petra or Nakhon Ratchasima?

Petra

Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.

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.

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


Which place is cheaper, Nakhon Ratchasima or Petra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $125, while the average daily cost in Nakhon Ratchasima is $40. 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 Petra and Nakhon Ratchasima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Nakhon Ratchasima $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Nakhon Ratchasima $38
Compare Hotels in Petra and Nakhon Ratchasima

Looking for a hotel in Petra or Nakhon Ratchasima? 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 Petra


Hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima


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: Petra Hotel Prices and Nakhon Ratchasima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Petra $23
    Nakhon Ratchasima $4.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:

  • Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $118
  • Private Transfer from Petra City Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $93
  • Private Transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $135
  • Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Ma'in Hotel and vice versa: $73
  • Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
  • Petra to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $80
  • Petra to Sheikh Hussein Crossing Border Private Transfer: $180
  • Petra to Madaba Private Transfer: $140
  • Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels Private Transfer: $110
  • Petra Private Transfer to or from Aqaba: $105

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Nakhon Ratchasima?

Prices for flights to both Nakhon Ratchasima and Petra 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
    Petra $38
    Nakhon Ratchasima $15
Typical Food Prices in Petra

Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:


  • Dinner for Two
    $12
  • Juice
    $1.76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.

  • Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. : $45
  • Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $300

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Petra $47
    Nakhon Ratchasima $5.81
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:


  • Entry to Petra for One
    $71

Tours and Activities in Petra

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

  • 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
  • 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
  • Petra Back Entrance Private Walking Tour: $215
  • Private Back Trail Tour of Petra starting from the Monastery : $276
  • Private Full-Day Tour to Petra and Wadi Rum from Dead Sea: $269
  • Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $120
  • Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $90
  • Private Petra Back Entrance Tour with Guide .: $140
  • Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
  • Wadi Rum Private Tour from Petra with Martian and Star Wars Film Site: $173

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Nakhon Ratchasima $10


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Nakhon Ratchasima, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Nakhon Ratchasima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East and Nakhon Ratchasima is in Asia, 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 Petra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Petra 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 Petra Expensive? and Is Nakhon Ratchasima Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Petra or Nakhon Ratchasima?

Petra has a larger population, and is about 14000 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Petra and Nakhon Ratchasima, 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 Petra or Nakhon Ratchasima?

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 Petra or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Summer?

Both Nakhon Ratchasima and Petra during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima year-round.

Nakhon Ratchasima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Petra usually gets less rain in July than Nakhon Ratchasima. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Petra 33°C (91°F) 
    Nakhon Ratchasima 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Petra or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Autumn?

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

Nakhon Ratchasima receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Petra usually receives less rain than Nakhon Ratchasima. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Petra is around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Nakhon Ratchasima 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Petra or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Winter?

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

Petra usually gets more rain in January than Nakhon Ratchasima. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Petra is much colder than Nakhon Ratchasima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima averages at about 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Nakhon Ratchasima 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Petra or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Spring?

Both Nakhon Ratchasima and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Nakhon Ratchasima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Petra usually receives less rain than Nakhon Ratchasima. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's very hot in Nakhon Ratchasima this time of the year. In April, Petra is generally cooler than Nakhon Ratchasima. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 31°C (89°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Nakhon Ratchasima 31°C (89°F)

Typical Weather for Nakhon Ratchasima and Petra

Petra Nakhon Ratchasima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 30°C (86°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 31°C (89°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 31°C (88°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 30°C (87°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 30°C (86°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 30°C (85°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 29°C (84°F) 244 mm (9.6 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 24°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)


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