A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kanchanaburi vs. Aoraki Mount Cook for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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 Aoraki Mount Cook. 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 educational, reflective, and somber town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Kanchanaburi travel costs.

Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is a world renowned, scenic, and dramatic mountain. Aoraki Mount Cook is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking. See Aoraki Mount Cook travel costs.

Kanchanaburi and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kanchanaburi. Although Kanchanaburi and Aoraki Mount Cook are both popular with visitors, Kanchanaburi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kanchanaburi is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Aoraki Mount Cook is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Kanchanaburi is popular for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. It is also home to The Death Railway Bridge ("the Bridge on the River Kwai"). Aoraki Mount Cook is popular for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Aoraki Mount Cook?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Aoraki Mount Cook 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 Aoraki Mount Cook?

Kanchanaburi is great for its historical sights. However, Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Kanchanaburi. 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Kanchanaburi or Aoraki Mount Cook? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kanchanaburi is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kanchanaburi is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few cafes and restaurants in the village, but if you're doing any hiking you should pack your own food.

Is Kanchanaburi or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Nightlife?

Kanchanaburi is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Kanchanaburi has a few options to choose from. 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.

People don't go to Aoraki Mount Cook for the nightlife. There's an upscale bar at the Hermitage Hotel, but otherwise very little to do at night.

Is Kanchanaburi or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

Aoraki Mount Cook is an amazing mountain to visit for its hiking trails. However, Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Aoraki Mount Cook is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are beginner trails as well as world class routes that bring out expert climbers. As the highest peak in New Zealand, many people come here for the challenge, but if you're looking for a most simple experience, the hiking opportunities are still abundant.

Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Kanchanaburi is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Kanchanaburi has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are lively night markets, active walking streets, and independent vendors where you can pick up souvenirs or anything that you might need.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Aoraki Mount Cook More Beautiful?

Aoraki Mount Cook is an amazing mountain to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Kanchanaburi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Aoraki Mount Cook is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As the highest peak in New Zealand, this is a stunningly beautiful destination with glaciers, pristine forests, and world class views.

Kanchanaburi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kanchanaburi or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

Both Kanchanaburi and Aoraki Mount Cook 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 Aoraki Mount Cook. There are plenty of short walks that are perfect for little legs. Kids will also enjoy the boat rides on the lakes and the area's superb stargazing.

Is Kanchanaburi or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

Aoraki Mount Cook is an amazing mountain to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Aoraki Mount Cook is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the stunning glaciers, beautiful walks, and iconic views. Many couples take helicopter rides to fully experience the area. Stargazing and hiking is also high on the list of must-do romantic activities.

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

Is Kanchanaburi or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kanchanaburi and Aoraki Mount Cook are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aoraki Mount Cook. While many activities in the area are expensive, the hiking is world class and there are a few hostels and camping opportunities nearby.

Is Kanchanaburi or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kanchanaburi is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Kanchanaburi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The easiest way to get around town is by tuk tuk or songthaew (pick up truck).

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Aoraki Mount Cook. Having a car is essential unless you take a private tour that provides transportation.

Is Kanchanaburi or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

Kanchanaburi is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Aoraki Mount Cook is generally not very walkable. While there are many trails through the region, you really must have a car to access the trail heads and efficiently get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Kanchanaburi Worth Visiting? and Is Aoraki Mount Cook Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aoraki Mount Cook or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Aoraki Mount Cook?

It's fun to spend time in either Kanchanaburi or Aoraki Mount Cook. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Aoraki Mount Cook due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kanchanaburi, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aoraki Mount Cook.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kanchanaburi than Aoraki Mount Cook 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 Kanchanaburi.

One day in Kanchanaburi or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Kanchanaburi, there's plenty to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

In Aoraki Mount Cook, many people enjoy the that this world renowned mountain offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Aoraki Mount Cook?

With museums and nightlife around the somber town of Kanchanaburi, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kanchanaburi or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the informative destination of Kanchanaburi. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

You'll find around the breathtaking destination of Aoraki Mount Cook. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Aoraki Mount Cook?

Kanchanaburi is a popular choice for travelers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

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