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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Beijing?

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 Beijing. 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 informative, educational, and reflective town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Beijing

Beijing is a massive, jam-packed, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Kanchanaburi and Beijing: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Beijing?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing than Kanchanaburi, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Beijing is more touristy than Kanchanaburi and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also home to The Forbidden City. Kanchanaburi is popular for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Beijing?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Beijing is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Beijing are world-renowned. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

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.

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

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

Eat your way through Beijing, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

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 Beijing Better for Nightlife?

Beijing 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.

Beijing has a large number of nightlife venues. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

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 the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Beijing?

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

Beijing is well-known for its shopping. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

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 Beijing Better for Families?

Both Kanchanaburi and Beijing 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 Beijing. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Is Kanchanaburi or Beijing Better for Couples?

Kanchanaburi and Beijing 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.

Beijing is a good town for couples to visit. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Kanchanaburi or Beijing Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing 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 Beijing. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

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 Beijing Better for Students?

Beijing is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Kanchanaburi is not popular with students.

Many students visit Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Kanchanaburi is not popular with students.

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

Beijing is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Beijing can get you around easily. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

You'll find some public transit in Kanchanaburi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The easiest way to get around town is by tuk tuk or songthaew (pick up truck).

Is Kanchanaburi or Beijing a more walkable city?

Kanchanaburi is a town with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Beijing is generally not a very walkable town. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Beijing or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Beijing?

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

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

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

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

One day in Kanchanaburi or Beijing?

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.

Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Beijing?

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.

Beijing is a fun place to experience. 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 Beijing?

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.

Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Beijing?

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.

Beijing is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. 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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Beijing?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Beijing, 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 Beijing?

Beijing has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kanchanaburi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Beijing in the Summer?

Both Beijing and Kanchanaburi during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kanchanaburi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Beijing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kanchanaburi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Beijing averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kanchanaburi often gets less sunshine than Beijing. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 224 hours of full sun.

Beijing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in July than Beijing. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year. July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Beijing in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Beijing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.

In October, Kanchanaburi is generally much warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 28°C (82°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In Kanchanaburi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kanchanaburi usually receives less sunshine than Beijing during autumn. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 227 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kanchanaburi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kanchanaburi usually receives more rain than Beijing. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. Also, July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Beijing in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Beijing. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Beijing in the winter. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. In the winter, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Beijing. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 201 hours of full sun.

Kanchanaburi usually gets more rain in January than Beijing. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Beijing in the Spring?

Both Beijing and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

The heat can be very extreme in Kanchanaburi. In the spring, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Beijing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kanchanaburi in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Beijing during spring. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kanchanaburi usually receives more rain than Beijing. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Kanchanaburi is November to May.

Typical Weather for Beijing and Kanchanaburi