Which place is cheaper, Kanchanaburi or Eilat?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Eilat or Kanchanaburi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Eilat or Kanchanaburi? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Eilat or Kanchanaburi?
Eilat
Eilat serves as the gateway to Israel from Egypt. It's located at the southern tip of the country and sits on the Red Sea with views of the Gulf of Aqaba. It's location in the Negev Desert along the beautiful coast make it appealing to both domestic and international vacationers.
Eilat is a resort town with many dive shops and snorkeling opportunities. The population of about 50,000 can easily be overshadowed by vacationers. With no shortage of sun, entertainment, bars, and partying, you will find both Israeli and international tourists looking for an oasis of fun and relaxation.
Although the area's coral reefs were being damaged by overuse, the removal of contraversial fish cages in 2008 has led to a slow recovery and an improvement in the quality of diving and snorkeling in the area. There are also less crowds than you will find in Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab, Egypt.
Eilat has a hot desert climate. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are warm and dry. Temperatures in the winter can range from 52 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures are usually between 79 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
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 10-Day Tours in Israel, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Israel, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEilat $140Kanchanaburi $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Eilat is $140, 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 Eilat and Kanchanaburi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEilat $93Kanchanaburi $19
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEilat $186Kanchanaburi $38
Compare Hotels in Eilat and Kanchanaburi
Looking for a hotel in Eilat 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.
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: Eilat Hotel Prices and Kanchanaburi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Eilat $13Kanchanaburi $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Eilat
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Eilat:
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Local Bus$3.71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Eilat
Also for Eilat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Ramon airport Eilat to Eilat Hotels or Arava Border : $70
- From Jerusalem: One-Way Shuttle Transfer to Eilat: $90
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 Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $163
- Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $171
- Private Airport Transfer : Bangkok to/from Kanchanaburi: $103
- Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Kanchanaburi: $116
Is it cheaper to fly into Eilat or Kanchanaburi?
Prices for flights to both Kanchanaburi and Eilat 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
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Food Meals for one dayEilat $35Kanchanaburi $12
Typical Food Prices in Kanchanaburi
For Kanchanaburi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Eilat $16Kanchanaburi $9.10
Tours and Activities in Eilat
For Eilat, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Day Tour to Petra From Eilat: $217
- 2 day tour to Petra from Eilat: $299
- Day Tour to Petra from Eilat: $219
- From Timna Park Guided Jeep Tour: $63
- Full Day Petra Tour from Eilat: $289
- Full-Day Tour of Petra from Eilat: $199
- Glass Bottom Boat Cruise in Eilat: $30
- Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains: $55
- Park Timna: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
- Petra 1-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Traditional Lunch: $199
- Petra 2-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Authentic Lunch: $290
- Petra and Wadi Rum 2 day tour from Eilat: $299
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kanchanaburi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kanchanaburi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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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:
- Amazing Boat Trip River Kwai and Erawan Falls Full Day Tour: $116
- Bangkok Mystical Waterfall & River Kwai Tour: $241
- Bangkok and Beyond - A 6 Day Exciting Group Tour: $1,000
- Bangkok: 2-Day River Kwai & Erawan National Park Tour: $281
- Bangkok: Erawan Waterfall, River Kwai & Death Railway Tour: $95
- Bangkok: Kanchanaburi and Erawan Waterfall Private Tour: $149
- Cycling to visit Local Experience and Learn Culture with Local expert: $28
- Discovery Bike Tour: $16
- E-Scooter Tour in Kanchanaburi: $30
- Erawan Waterfall & Train Tour from Kanchanaburi – Full Day: $110
- Erawan Waterfalls & Phra That Cave Tour : from Bangkok: $111
- Full Day Kanchanaburi River Kwai Experience: $84
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEilat $27Kanchanaburi $8.03
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Eilat and Kanchanaburi, we can see that Eilat is more expensive. And not only is Kanchanaburi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Eilat 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 Eilat would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Eilat 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 Eilat Expensive? and Is Kanchanaburi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Eilat or Kanchanaburi?
Kanchanaburi has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Eilat. When comparing the sizes of Eilat 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 Eilat or Kanchanaburi?
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 Eilat or Kanchanaburi in the Summer?
Both Kanchanaburi and Eilat are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Eilat throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kanchanaburi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Kanchanaburi is July to October. In July, Eilat usually receives less rain than Kanchanaburi. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Kanchanaburi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Eilat. Eilat usually receives more sunshine than Kanchanaburi during summer. Eilat gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Kanchanaburi receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.
Eilat can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Eilat is generally a little warmer than Kanchanaburi. Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 33°C (91°F), and Kanchanaburi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEilat 33°C (91°F)Kanchanaburi 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Eilat or Kanchanaburi in the Autumn?
Both Kanchanaburi and Eilat during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Eilat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round.
November to May is the dry season in Kanchanaburi. July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Eilat usually gets less rain in October than Kanchanaburi. Eilat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Kanchanaburi receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Kanchanaburi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Eilat. In the autumn, Eilat often gets more sunshine than Kanchanaburi. Eilat gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanchanaburi receives 206 hours of full sun.
Eilat is around the same temperature as Kanchanaburi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Eilat averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Kanchanaburi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEilat 26°C (79°F)Kanchanaburi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Eilat or Kanchanaburi in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Eilat and Kanchanaburi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Eilat year-round. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Eilat usually receives less rain than Kanchanaburi. Eilat gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Kanchanaburi receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. In Eilat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Eilat usually receives less sunshine than Kanchanaburi during winter. Eilat gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Kanchanaburi receives 276 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Eilat is much colder than Kanchanaburi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Eilat in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Kanchanaburi averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEilat 14°C (57°F)Kanchanaburi 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Eilat or Kanchanaburi in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Eilat as well as Kanchanaburi. Eilat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year.
Also, November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. Eilat usually gets less rain in April than Kanchanaburi. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Kanchanaburi receives 77 mm (3 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 Eilat this time of the year. In the spring, Eilat often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kanchanaburi. Eilat gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanchanaburi receives 262 hours of full sun.
It's very hot in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. In April, Eilat is generally cooler than Kanchanaburi. Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 24°C (75°F), and Kanchanaburi fluctuates around 32°C (89°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEilat 24°C (75°F)Kanchanaburi 32°C (89°F)
Typical Weather for Kanchanaburi and Eilat
| Eilat | Kanchanaburi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 32°C (89°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 218 mm (8.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.