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

Should you visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Matsue?

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

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

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.

Matsue

Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Matsue 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.

  • Nakhon Ratchasima Prices
    Thailand Prices
    Matsue Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nakhon Ratchasima $58
    Matsue $88

The average daily cost (per person) in Nakhon Ratchasima is $58, while the average daily cost in Matsue is $88. 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 Matsue in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nakhon Ratchasima $22
    Matsue $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nakhon Ratchasima $44
    Matsue $54
Compare Hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima and Matsue

Looking for a hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima or Matsue? 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 Matsue


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 Matsue Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nakhon Ratchasima $5.19
    Matsue $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nakhon Ratchasima

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Nakhon Ratchasima:


  • Tuk Tuk
    $1.57
  • Bus to Vientiane
    $1.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:

  • Private Transfer Yonago Airport: $62

Is it cheaper to fly into Nakhon Ratchasima or Matsue?

Prices for flights to both Matsue 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 $30
    Matsue $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nakhon Ratchasima $6.68
    Matsue $9.13

Tours and Activities in Matsue

Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Matsue 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $104
  • Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $38
  • Sakaiminato Private Tour for Shore Excursion: $300
  • Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nakhon Ratchasima $12
    Matsue $7.10


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nakhon Ratchasima and Matsue, we can see that Matsue 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 Matsue would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Matsue 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 Matsue Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nakhon Ratchasima or Matsue?

Matsue has a larger population, and is about 156810 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Nakhon Ratchasima and Matsue, 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 Matsue?

Matsue 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 Matsue in the Summer?

Both Matsue and Nakhon Ratchasima during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nakhon Ratchasima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Matsue for the family-friendly experiences.

Nakhon Ratchasima is a little warmer than Matsue in the summer. The daily temperature in Nakhon Ratchasima averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Matsue fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nakhon Ratchasima. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in July than Matsue. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nakhon Ratchasima 30°C (86°F) 
    Matsue 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Matsue in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nakhon Ratchasima and Matsue. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Matsue in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nakhon Ratchasima is much warmer than Matsue. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Matsue averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Matsue receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nakhon Ratchasima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives more rain than Matsue. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nakhon Ratchasima 28°C (82°F) 
    Matsue 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Matsue in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nakhon Ratchasima as well as Matsue. Nakhon Ratchasima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Matsue for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Matsue can be very cold during winter. In January, Nakhon Ratchasima is generally much warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima average around 25°C (77°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

It's quite rainy in Matsue. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in January than Matsue. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nakhon Ratchasima 25°C (77°F) 
    Matsue 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Matsue in the Spring?

Both Matsue and Nakhon Ratchasima are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Matsue because of the natural beauty.

It's very hot in Nakhon Ratchasima this time of the year. Nakhon Ratchasima is much warmer than Matsue in the spring. The daily temperature in Nakhon Ratchasima averages around 31°C (89°F) in April, and Matsue fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. In April, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Matsue. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Matsue and Nakhon Ratchasima

Nakhon Ratchasima Matsue
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 4°C (40°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Mar 30°C (86°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Apr 31°C (89°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 152 mm (6 in) 18°C (64°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 30°C (87°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 21°C (71°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 25°C (78°F) 268 mm (10.6 in)
Aug 30°C (85°F) 128 mm (5 in) 27°C (81°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 216 mm (8.5 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 152 mm (6 in) 17°C (62°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (53°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Dec 24°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)


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