A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bangkok vs. Kanazawa for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Bangkok or Kanazawa?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Kanazawa can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a high energy, cultural, and alluring capital city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a historic, cultural, and well-preserved city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bangkok and Kanazawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Kanazawa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bangkok than Kanazawa, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bangkok is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Kanazawa is known for its historical sights. Bangkok is popular for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. It is also home to The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw. Kanazawa is popular for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens.

How is Bangkok different from Kanazawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kanazawa and Bangkok. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bangkok or Kanazawa?

Bangkok is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Bangkok from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with golden temples and beautiful statues of Buddha. Famous landmarks include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Temple of the Golden Buddha.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Kanazawa can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.

Is the Food Better in Bangkok or Kanazawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bangkok is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Bangkok has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has many colorful markets, street food vendors, and a range of restaurants from casual to high end. The aroma and beautiful flavors of local dishes are a big part of the experience in this city. Dishes that you must try include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup), and Gaeng Daeng (red curry). Many foods are very spicy so make sure you order with "no spice" if that is your preference.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Kanazawa. There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

Is Bangkok or Kanazawa Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is very popular for nightlife. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Bangkok is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Cheap drinks, late nights, and crazy parties make this city a favorite for backpackers and young party-goers. Head to Khao San Road for the biggest crowds and crazy parties. Nana Plaza is another option with a three story building that is filled with bars and clubs.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kanazawa. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

Is Bangkok or Kanazawa Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Kanazawa to see the historical old town. It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Kanazawa?

Bangkok is very popular for shopping. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Bangkok. Shopping options range from modern malls to more traditional markets. The malls offer bargain prices for technology and gadgets while the markets offer fabric, food, local goods, and a unique experience. The city also has nearby floating markets as well as night markets, which let you experience a different side to the culture.

Kanazawa is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.

Is Bangkok or Kanazawa Better for Families?

Bangkok is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Bangkok is a very family-friendly destination. This city is full of energy and kids will love the vibrant atmosphere. There are colorful temples, spirited markets, and kid-friendly museums. It's good to choose a hotel with a pool, as temperatures can get hot during the day. Kids will also enjoy having new experiences like riding in a tuk tuk or taking a boat ride. There are also a number of amusement parks and entertainment centers around town.

Kanazawa is a family-friendly place to visit. Myouryuji Temple is a fun temple for kids where they can play ninja and discover the hidden spaces. When the kids are burned out of history, head to Tedori Fish Land which is a theme park in the area or check out the slides at Kenmin Seaside Park. There's also the Dolls Museum and the beautiful coastline.

Is Bangkok or Kanazawa Better for Couples?

Bangkok is very popular for romance. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Bangkok has plenty to offer. This is a great city for couples who enjoy culture, food, partying, and soaking up life. Wandering the grounds of the stunning temples, sampling food at the markets, or taking a boat cruise will all make memorable experiences.

Kanazawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has markets, museums, and gardens that are fun to explore as a couple. You can visit the Kanazawa Castle or sample one of the many restaurants around town.

Is Bangkok or Kanazawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Bangkok. This part of the world is a mecca for backpackers, and many arrive or depart from this city. It's filled with hostels and budget accommodation, as well as entertainment, bars, tours (and even scams so stay alert). The most famous backpacker area is around Khao San Road, where you'll find parties, bars, street food, and large crowds. If you're looking for a slightly more mellow vibe, you should consider a different area like Phaya Thai.

It's common for backpackers to visit Kanazawa. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

Is Bangkok or Kanazawa Better for Students?

Kanazawa is a city with good options for students. However, Bangkok is not popular with students.

Kanazawa is popular with students. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Bangkok is not popular with students.

Is Bangkok or Kanazawa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Bangkok and Kanazawa.

You'll find some public transit in Bangkok, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Skytrain and Metro are the most efficient way to get around. The city's crazy traffic can make buses and taxis a bit frustrating, but tuk tuks are also a fun option.

While Kanazawa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two main buses that tourists use in town. The Kenrokuen Shuttle goes between the Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Loop Bus runs from Kanazawa Station via the Teramachi area, the Higashi Chaya District, and Omicho Market.

Is Bangkok or Kanazawa a more walkable city?

Kanazawa is a great destination for its walkability. However, Bangkok is a capital city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Kanazawa is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

Bangkok is generally not a very walkable capital city. The crowds and size make walking a bit challenging, so it's best to plan your day in advance.

For even more information, also check out Is Bangkok Worth Visiting? and Is Kanazawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kanazawa or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Kanazawa?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bangkok or Kanazawa to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bangkok than Kanazawa because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Bangkok, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kanazawa.

Families should spend more time in Bangkok than Kanazawa. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bangkok, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bangkok than Kanazawa. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bangkok that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bangkok than Kanazawa if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Bangkok.

One day in Bangkok or Kanazawa?

Bangkok is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Kanazawa, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Bangkok or Kanazawa?

Bangkok is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this capital city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bangkok, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Kanazawa, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kanazawa has to offer.

Five days in Bangkok or Kanazawa?

Bangkok is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bangkok, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kanazawa is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bangkok or Kanazawa?

Bangkok is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bangkok has to offer. This capital city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanazawa. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kanazawa. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Kanazawa?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kanazawa. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Kanazawa, 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 Bangkok or Kanazawa?

Kanazawa has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bangkok experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bangkok or Kanazawa in the Summer?

Both Kanazawa and Bangkok during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kanazawa for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bangkok is a little warmer than Kanazawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In the summer, Bangkok often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kanazawa. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets less rain in July than Kanazawa. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bangkok or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Kanazawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Bangkok is much warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bangkok in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during autumn. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Kanazawa. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Should I visit Bangkok or Kanazawa in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Kanazawa. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kanazawa this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kanazawa in the winter. In January, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 27°C (80°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In the winter, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 67 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Bangkok usually gets less rain in January than Kanazawa. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season.

Should I visit Bangkok or Kanazawa in the Spring?

Both Kanazawa and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year.

Bangkok is much warmer than Kanazawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 31°C (87°F) in April, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during spring. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. In April, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October.

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Bangkok