A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kanchanaburi vs. Bali for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Bali?

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 Bali. 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 reflective, somber, and informative town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bali

Bali is a cultural, stunning, and tropical island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Kanchanaburi and Bali: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Bali?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bali than Kanchanaburi. Bali is bigger than Kanchanaburi, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bali is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Kanchanaburi is more popular for its museums. Bali is more touristy than Kanchanaburi and is popular for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Also, Bali is famous for Pura Lempuyang. Kanchanaburi is well known for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Bali?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bali 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 Bali?

Kanchanaburi is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Kanchanaburi specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bali is an amazing island to visit for its restaurants. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Bali, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

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.

Is Kanchanaburi or Bali Better for Nightlife?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Bali has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

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 Bali Better for Resorts?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Kanchanaburi is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Bali for its luxury resorts. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Kanchanaburi is not a resort destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Bali Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kanchanaburi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Bali. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Kanchanaburi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Bali Better for Beaches?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for the beache. However, Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.

Bali offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Bali Better for Hiking?

Bali is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Bali. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Bali?

Bali is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Bali is well-known for its shopping. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

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.

Is Kanchanaburi or Bali Better for Families?

Bali is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bali is very family-friendly. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kanchanaburi. 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.

Is Kanchanaburi or Bali Better for Couples?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Bali is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

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 Bali Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Bali is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

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 Bali Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Kanchanaburi and Bali.

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 Bali, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Is Kanchanaburi or Bali a more walkable city?

Kanchanaburi is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

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

Bali is generally not a very walkable town. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bali or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Bali?

Both Kanchanaburi and Bali have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bali than in Kanchanaburi. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kanchanaburi, and 5-7 days is enough time in Bali.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali 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 Bali.

One day in Kanchanaburi or Bali?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Kanchanaburi. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Bali, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this spiritual island 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 Bali?

Kanchanaburi is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bali is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Kanchanaburi or Bali?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the educational destination of Kanchanaburi. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Bali, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this cultural destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Kanchanaburi or Bali?

The informative town of Kanchanaburi offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Bali is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kanchanaburi and Bali, we can see that Bali 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 Bali would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bali 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 Bali Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Bali?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Bali, 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 Bali?

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.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Bali in the Summer?

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

July to October in Kanchanaburi is the rainy season. Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season. Kanchanaburi usually gets more rain in July than Bali. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bali receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. In the summer, Kanchanaburi often gets less sunshine than Bali. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bali receives 253 hours of full sun.

Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Bali in the summer. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Bali fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Bali in the Autumn?

Both Bali 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 Bali 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 rainy season in Bali is October to March. It's quite rainy in Kanchanaburi. In October, Kanchanaburi usually receives more rain than Bali. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Bali receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

It's quite sunny in Bali. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually receives less sunshine than Bali during autumn. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Bali receives 266 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Bali. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kanchanaburi in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Bali averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Bali in the Winter?

Both Bali 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 Bali year-round.

October to March is the rainy season in Bali. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in January than Bali. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bali receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. In the winter, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Bali. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bali receives 170 hours of full sun.

In January, Kanchanaburi is generally around the same temperature as Bali. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 25°C (77°F), and Bali fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Bali in the Spring?

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

November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. April to September in Bali is the dry season. In April, Kanchanaburi usually receives more rain than Bali. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bali receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In Kanchanaburi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Bali during spring. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Bali receives 226 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's very hot in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Bali in the spring. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Bali fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Typical Weather for Bali and Kanchanaburi