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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Canberra?

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 Canberra. 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Canberra

Canberra is a cultural, diverse, and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Kanchanaburi and Canberra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Canberra?

You'll generally find more things to do in Canberra than Kanchanaburi. Canberra is bigger than Kanchanaburi, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kanchanaburi is more touristy than Canberra and is known for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Canberra is well known for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves. Also, Canberra is famous for the Australian War Memorial.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Canberra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Kanchanaburi and Canberra.

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.

Canberra offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

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

Canberra is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Canberra has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

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 Canberra Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kanchanaburi and Canberra.

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.

Canberra has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Kanchanaburi or Canberra Better for Hiking?

Canberra is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Canberra offers some nice hiking trails. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Canberra?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Kanchanaburi and Canberra.

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 Canberra to go shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Kanchanaburi or Canberra Better for Families?

Canberra 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, Canberra is very family-friendly. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

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 Canberra Better for Couples?

Kanchanaburi and Canberra both notable 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.

Canberra is a good town for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Kanchanaburi or Canberra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kanchanaburi is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

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.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Kanchanaburi or Canberra Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Canberra. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Kanchanaburi is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Canberra, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

Is Kanchanaburi or Canberra a more walkable city?

Kanchanaburi and Canberra are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Canberra is a somewhat walkable town. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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

Should I spend more time in Canberra or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Canberra?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kanchanaburi than Canberra 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 Canberra?

The town of Kanchanaburi offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Canberra, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this diverse city offers. 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 Canberra?

Kanchanaburi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kanchanaburi, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Canberra is a fun place to experience. 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 Canberra?

Kanchanaburi is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Canberra. 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 Canberra?

Kanchanaburi is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Canberra is a popular place to visit. 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 Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Canberra?

Canberra has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Canberra, 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 Canberra?

Canberra 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 Canberra in the Summer?

Both Canberra and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Canberra in the summer. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Canberra fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

In July, Kanchanaburi usually receives more rain than Canberrain January. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Kanchanaburi is July to October.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Canberra in the Autumn?

Both Canberra 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Canberra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Canberra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kanchanaburi in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Canberra averages at about 17°C (63°F)in April.

Canberra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually gets more rain in October than Canberrain April. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. November to May is the dry season in Kanchanaburi. July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Canberra in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Canberra. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Kanchanaburi is generally much warmer than Canberrain July. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 25°C (77°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In January, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Canberrain July. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Canberra in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Canberra. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Canberra because of the activities around the city.

It's very hot in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Canberra in the spring. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Canberra fluctuates around 15°C (60°F)in October.

Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in April than Canberrain October. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Canberra and Kanchanaburi