A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Kanchanaburi vs. Ao Nang for Attractions, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Ao Nang?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kanchanaburi and Ao Nang. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is a somber, informative, and educational town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Ao Nang

Ao Nang is a popular, beachfront, and lively town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Kanchanaburi and Ao Nang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Ao Nang?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ao Nang. Although Kanchanaburi and Ao Nang are both popular with visitors, Ao Nang has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ao Nang is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Kanchanaburi is known for its museums. Kanchanaburi is popular for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Ao Nang is popular for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. It is also home to the Island Boat Tours.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Ao Nang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kanchanaburi or Ao Nang?

Kanchanaburi is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Ao Nang is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Kanchanaburi offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is most recognized for the Bridge on the River Kwai (Death Railway Bridge), which you can walk across or take a train across. The city also has the Thailand Burma Railway Center and Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, the Memorial Museum, Chungkai Cemetery, and the JEATH War Museum.

Ao Nang offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most of the fun of this town is the beach setting and easy access to natural beauty. If you're looking for a temple, you can check out nearby Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cavee Temple).

Is the Food Better in Kanchanaburi or Ao Nang? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Kanchanaburi and Ao Nang can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Kanchanaburi has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. While food isn't the first thing that comes to mind here, you'll find markets with great street food as well as interesting riverside and floating restaurants. A local specialty that you should try is the gaeng paa pla khang (jungle curry). There are also western style restaurants if you need a break from the curry. Many visitors head to Mae Nam Khwae Road for most of their meals.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Ao Nang area. There are plenty of restaurants that are vying for your business. The food is the typical Thai cuisine as well as international options like pizza and burgers.

Is Kanchanaburi or Ao Nang Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Ao Nang has a large number of nightlife venues. It has some of the best nightlife in the province of Krabi. There are many bars and restaurants where you can grab a drink and enjoy a fun night out.

Kanchanaburi has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The backpacker scene keeps the nightlife active. You'll find locals and tourists mingling along Maenam Kwai Road. You'll also find several clubs along Song Kwae Road.

Is Kanchanaburi or Ao Nang Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Kanchanaburi is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Ao Nang to choose from. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

Kanchanaburi is not a resort destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Ao Nang Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ao Nang is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kanchanaburi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Ao Nang. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Kanchanaburi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Ao Nang Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is a good destination for the beache. However, Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.

Ao Nang offers a nice beach destination. Ao Nang Beach is the most popular beach near town. It is lined with longtail boats and there's often a crowd that keeps things busy and chaotic. Noppharat Thara Beach is popular with the locals and sees less tourists than Ao Nang Beach. It has golden sand and a beautiful setting.

Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Ao Nang?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Kanchanaburi and Ao Nang.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kanchanaburi. There are lively night markets, active walking streets, and independent vendors where you can pick up souvenirs or anything that you might need.

Many visitors go to Ao Nang to go shopping. You'll find some of the best shopping in the province of Krabi along Catalunya Walking Street in Ao Nang.

Is Kanchanaburi or Ao Nang Better for Families?

Both Kanchanaburi and Ao Nang are good family-friendly destinations.

Kanchanaburi is a family-friendly town. Although most people think of "The Bridge over the River Kwai" when they think of Kanchanaburi, for families, there are actually a number of outdoor adventures in the area that kids will enjoy. Biking, hiking, and kayaking are all popular. The locals are also very friendly and welcoming to children.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ao Nang. The sandy beaches are great for kids. This is also a nice base if you want to take day trips to Railay Beach and other nearby areas.

Is Kanchanaburi or Ao Nang Better for Couples?

Kanchanaburi and Ao Nang both good destinations for a couple.

Kanchanaburi makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an educational and informative place to visit, but there are also outdoor activities that couples can enjoy together.

Ao Nang is a good town for couples to visit. The area is filled with amazing natural beauty and stunning beaches. You can use Ao Nang as a base for exploring the many impressive areas that aren't far away.

Is Kanchanaburi or Ao Nang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Ao Nang. There are hostels and budget accommodation in abundance in the area. Ao Nang also has some of the best nightlife in Krabi, which attracts a younger crowd.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kanchanaburi. There are plenty of hostels to choose from in the area, and like many places in Thailand, it is an affordable place to visit.

Is Kanchanaburi or Ao Nang Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Kanchanaburi and Ao Nang.

Kanchanaburi has some public transit options. The easiest way to get around town is by tuk tuk or songthaew (pick up truck).

You'll find some public transit in Ao Nang, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Tuk tuks or renting a motorbike are your best bet for reaching places quickly.

Is Kanchanaburi or Ao Nang a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Ao Nang is a very walkable town. It's a small town, so most places can be reached on foot.

Kanchanaburi is a somewhat walkable town. There is a Walking Street in the town that has restaurants and nightlife.

For even more information, also check out Is Kanchanaburi Worth Visiting? and Is Ao Nang Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ao Nang or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Ao Nang?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kanchanaburi and Ao Nang. In our opinion, Ao Nang has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Ao Nang than Kanchanaburi. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ao Nang than Kanchanaburi 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 Ao Nang.

One day in Kanchanaburi or Ao Nang?

In Kanchanaburi, you'll find nightlife and food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Ao Nang, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this lively town offers. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Kanchanaburi or Ao Nang?

In Kanchanaburi, 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 Kanchanaburi has to offer.

Ao Nang is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kanchanaburi or Ao Nang?

Kanchanaburi 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the accessible destination of Ao Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Kanchanaburi or Ao Nang?

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

Ao Nang is a popular place to visit. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Ao Nang?

Kanchanaburi has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Ao Nang, 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 Kanchanaburi or Ao Nang?

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 Kanchanaburi or Ao Nang in the Summer?

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

The rainy season in Kanchanaburi is July to October. The rainy season in Ao Nang is August to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. In July, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Ao Nang. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. Kanchanaburi usually receives less sunshine than Ao Nang during summer. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Ao Nang receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Ao Nang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kanchanaburi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Ao Nang averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Ao Nang in the Autumn?

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

November to May is the dry season in Kanchanaburi. July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi. December to March is the dry season in Ao Nang. August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang. Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in October than Ao Nang. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. In the autumn, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Ao Nang. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ao Nang receives 181 hours of full sun.

In October, Kanchanaburi is generally around the same temperature as Ao Nang. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 28°C (82°F), and Ao Nang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Ao Nang in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Ao Nang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. In January, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Ao Nang. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ao Nang this time of the year. In Kanchanaburi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kanchanaburi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ao Nang during winter. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Ao Nang receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Ao Nang in the winter. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Ao Nang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Ao Nang in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Ao Nang. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year.

Also, November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in April than Ao Nang. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. In the spring, Kanchanaburi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ao Nang. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ao Nang receives 249 hours of full sun.

The heat can be very extreme in Kanchanaburi. In the spring, Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Ao Nang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kanchanaburi in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Ao Nang averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Ao Nang and Kanchanaburi