Which place is cheaper, Ayutthaya or Kanchanaburi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya. 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 is a reflective, somber, and informative town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.
Ayutthaya is a historical, cultural, and famous city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Ayutthaya than Kanchanaburi. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Kanchanaburi and is popular for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. It is also well known for Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya Historical Park. Kanchanaburi is famous for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya.
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.
Ayutthaya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. These large and impressive ruins are among the most visited in Thailand. This is in large part because of their easy access from Bangkok. Highlights of the historical park include Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the Royal Chapel, Wat Ratchaburana, and Vihara Phra Mongkol Bophi.
Ayutthaya is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Ayutthaya has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The local cuisine makes use of the area's freshwater fish, green vegetables, and river prawns. Dishes often include rice noodles and a spicy sauce. There are many restaurants that cater to the tourist crowds but still serve high quality dishes.
There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kanchanaburi area. 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.
The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya.
With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kanchanaburi. 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.
Ayutthaya has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a number of bars and nightclubs that keep things lively well into the evening.
Ayutthaya is a very popular place for its old town. However, Kanchanaburi does not have a historic old town.
There are many historical things to see in the old town of Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.
Kanchanaburi does not have a historic old town.
Ayutthaya is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.
Ayutthaya is well-known for its shopping. There are some great shopping areas around the town that specialize in local handicrafts such as pottery, wicker weaving, and stone masonry. Some of the most interesting places include the Ayutthaya Floating Market and the Ayutthaya Night Market.
Many visitors go to Kanchanaburi to go shopping. There are lively night markets, active walking streets, and independent vendors where you can pick up souvenirs or anything that you might need.
Both Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya are nice 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 Ayutthaya. Families will appreciate how easy it is to reach Ayutthaya from Bangkok. The historical ruins are fun for both kids and adults, but the sites are very spread out and you'll need to hire a tuk tuk to see everything. The roads can be crowded and distances far, so biking isn't recommended with kids.
Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya both nice 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.
Ayutthaya is a good town for couples to visit. The historical ruins make an easy day trip from Bangkok, so couples who appreciate history and iconic temples will appreciate a visit here.
Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya. The historic temples are popular with all tourists, including backpackers who often visit as a day trip from Bangkok.
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.
Kanchanaburi is a popular place for its public transit. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.
Kanchanaburi has a few public transit options. The easiest way to get around town is by tuk tuk or songthaew (pick up truck).
Public transit is mostly limited in Ayutthaya. There are organized tours and private tuk tuks for hire that will take you to the various temples. There are also bicycles available for rent, but roads can be crowded.
Kanchanaburi is a popular place for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.
Kanchanaburi is somewhat walkable. There is a Walking Street in the town that has restaurants and nightlife.
Ayutthaya is not a very walkable town. The historic sites are spread out over a vast area and you must have some form of transportation to reach everything. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Phutthai Sawan are the furthest apart. Everywhere else can be accessed on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Kanchanaburi Worth Visiting? and Is Ayutthaya Worth Visiting?.
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kanchanaburi or Ayutthaya to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kanchanaburi than Ayutthaya because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kanchanaburi, and 1-2 days is enough time in Ayutthaya.
Families should spend more time in Ayutthaya than Kanchanaburi. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Ayutthaya, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Ayutthaya than Kanchanaburi. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ayutthaya that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya.
You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Kanchanaburi. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
In Ayutthaya, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.
You'll find museums and nightlife around the somber destination of Kanchanaburi. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Ayutthaya is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the somber town of Kanchanaburi. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
You'll find museums and nightlife around the famous destination of Ayutthaya. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.
Kanchanaburi is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Ayutthaya is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Kanchanaburi is $42, while the average daily cost in Ayutthaya is $63. 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 Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Kanchanaburi or Ayutthaya? 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.
Also for Kanchanaburi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ayutthaya:
Prices for flights to both Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi 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.
For Kanchanaburi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Kanchanaburi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ayutthaya.
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kanchanaburi's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Kanchanaburi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ayutthaya are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ayutthaya are as follows:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya, we can see that Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya Expensive?.
Ayutthaya has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya, 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.
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.
The summer brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Ayutthaya. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year.
July to October in Kanchanaburi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in July than Ayutthaya. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Kanchanaburi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ayutthaya. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ayutthaya receives 176 hours of full sun.
In July, Kanchanaburi is generally around the same temperature as Ayutthaya. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 29°C (84°F), and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
Both Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Kanchanaburi is November to May. The rainy season in Kanchanaburi is July to October. The dry season in Ayutthaya is October to April. The rainy season in Ayutthaya is May to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. It's quite rainy in Kanchanaburi. In October, Kanchanaburi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ayutthaya. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ayutthaya during autumn. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Ayutthaya receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Ayutthaya in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Both Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi during the winter 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 Ayutthaya year-round.
Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in January than Ayutthaya. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. In the winter, Kanchanaburi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ayutthaya. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ayutthaya receives 276 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Ayutthaya. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kanchanaburi in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Ayutthaya averages at about 25°C (78°F).
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya. In April, Kanchanaburi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ayutthaya. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya during spring. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Ayutthaya receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's very hot in Ayutthaya this time of the year. Kanchanaburi can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Kanchanaburi is generally around the same temperature as Ayutthaya. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 32°C (89°F), and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).
Kanchanaburi | Ayutthaya | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
Mar | 30°C (87°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
May | 30°C (87°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 218 mm (8.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 292 mm (11.5 in) |
Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
Dec | 25°C (76°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |