A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Abu Dhabi vs. Kanchanaburi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Kanchanaburi?

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 Abu Dhabi and Kanchanaburi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Kanchanaburi?

Abu Dhabi

It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.

Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.

Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.

Kanchanaburi

If the hustle and bustle of the big city of Bangkok is just getting to you, there's an easy escape. Kanchanaburi, Thailand is a city located at the meeting of Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai, and is ideal for backpackers looking to reflect and relax. With easily accessible waterfalls and national parks, you'll wonder why anyone ever leaves.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Kanchanaburi or Abu Dhabi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Kanchanaburi is $42. 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 Abu Dhabi and Kanchanaburi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Kanchanaburi $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Kanchanaburi $38
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Kanchanaburi

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Kanchanaburi? 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 Abu Dhabi


Hotels in Kanchanaburi


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: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Kanchanaburi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Kanchanaburi $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:


  • Car Rental
    $31
  • Taxi to Airport
    $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:

  • Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
  • Warner Bros General Admission with Transfers: $150
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Abu Dhabi HTL-APT(AUH): $52
  • Transfer in private minivan from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH)- Abu Dhabi City: $67
  • Skydive in Abu Dhabi | Tandem Skydive with transfer: $817
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Abu Dhabi City: $133
  • Private transfer: Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $41
  • Private transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi: $40
  • Private direct transfer from Abu Dhabi to Dubai: $124
  • Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van: $212
  • Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Luxury Van: $202
  • Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Business Car: $190

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanchanaburi

Also for Kanchanaburi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $90
  • Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $98
  • Private Airport Transfer : Bangkok to/from Kanchanaburi: $103
  • Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Kanchanaburi: $116
  • Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $163
  • Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $171

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Kanchanaburi?

Prices for flights to both Kanchanaburi and Abu Dhabi 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
    Abu Dhabi $45
    Kanchanaburi $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

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

  • Dubai: Dhow Cruise Marina Multi Cusine Dinner & Tanura Show: $35
  • Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $42
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $45
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
  • Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $50
  • Desert Tour with BBQ Dinner and Hotel Transfer: $51
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
  • Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81

Typical Food Prices in Kanchanaburi

For Kanchanaburi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Casual Lunch
    $4.09

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanchanaburi

For Kanchanaburi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Thai Cooking Class: $34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Kanchanaburi $9.10

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

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

  • Abu Dhabi Full Day City Tour : $100
  • Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entrance Ticket: $41
  • Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
  • Falcon Hospital Tour with Transportation : $101
  • Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $234
  • Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
  • 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
  • 8 Hour Ticket/Pass For Yas Water World In Dubai.: $103
  • Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $32
  • Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
  • Abu Dhabi : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide: $43
  • Abu Dhabi City Tour: $186

Typical Entertainment Prices in Kanchanaburi

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kanchanaburi's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Entry Park TreeHouse
    $5.46

Tours and Activities in Kanchanaburi

For Kanchanaburi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Discovery Bike Tour: $16
  • Cycling to visit Local Experience and Learn Culture with Local expert: $28
  • E-Scooter Tour in Kanchanaburi: $30
  • Full Day Kanchanaburi River Kwai Experience: $84
  • Bangkok: Erawan Waterfall, River Kwai & Death Railway Tour: $95
  • Private Tour: Trekking Kanchanaburi Forest to Tham Than Lod: $108
  • Erawan Waterfall & Train Tour from Kanchanaburi – Full Day: $110
  • Erawan Waterfalls & Phra That Cave Tour : from Bangkok: $111
  • Amazing Boat Trip River Kwai and Erawan Falls Full Day Tour: $116
  • Private Tour: Kanchanaburi Local Thai Life and City Discovery: $139
  • Kanchanaburi River Kwai & Hellfire Pass Private Tour: $144
  • Bangkok: Kanchanaburi and Erawan Waterfall Private Tour: $149

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Kanchanaburi $8.03


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Kanchanaburi Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Kanchanaburi?

Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Kanchanaburi, 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 Abu Dhabi or Kanchanaburi?

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 Abu Dhabi or Kanchanaburi in the Summer?

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

July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Kanchanaburi. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kanchanaburi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Kanchanaburi. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanchanaburi receives 176 hours of full sun.

The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Kanchanaburi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Kanchanaburi averages at about 29°C (84°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Kanchanaburi 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Kanchanaburi in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Kanchanaburi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. Also, July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Kanchanaburi. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kanchanaburi receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Kanchanaburi during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Kanchanaburi receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Abu Dhabi is generally around the same temperature as Kanchanaburi. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Kanchanaburi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Kanchanaburi 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Kanchanaburi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Kanchanaburi. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year.

Abu Dhabi usually gets more rain in January than Kanchanaburi. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kanchanaburi receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kanchanaburi. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanchanaburi receives 276 hours of full sun.

Abu Dhabi is cooler than Kanchanaburi in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Kanchanaburi fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Kanchanaburi 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Kanchanaburi in the Spring?

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

The dry season in Kanchanaburi is November to May. In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Kanchanaburi. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kanchanaburi receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Kanchanaburi during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Kanchanaburi receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kanchanaburi can become quite hot in the spring. In the spring, Abu Dhabi is cooler than Kanchanaburi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Kanchanaburi averages at about 32°C (89°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Kanchanaburi 32°C (89°F)

Typical Weather for Kanchanaburi and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Kanchanaburi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 30°C (87°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 32°C (89°F) 77 mm (3 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 30°C (87°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (85°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 218 mm (8.6 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)