A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kanchanaburi vs. Cheju (Jeju) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Cheju (Jeju)?

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 Cheju (Jeju). 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.

Where Should I go: Kanchanaburi or Cheju (Jeju)?

Kanchanaburi

If the hustle and bustle of the big city of Bangkok is just getting to you, there's an easy escape. Kanchanaburi, Thailand is a city located at the meeting of Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai, and is ideal for backpackers looking to reflect and relax. With easily accessible waterfalls and national parks, you'll wonder why anyone ever leaves.

Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.


Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) or Kanchanaburi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kanchanaburi is $58, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) is $84. 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 Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kanchanaburi $22
    Cheju (Jeju) $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kanchanaburi $44
    Cheju (Jeju) $90
Compare Hotels in Kanchanaburi and Cheju (Jeju)

Looking for a hotel in Kanchanaburi or Cheju (Jeju)? 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.

Hotels in Kanchanaburi


Hotels in Cheju (Jeju)


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kanchanaburi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kanchanaburi $14
    Cheju (Jeju) $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanchanaburi

Also for Kanchanaburi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Airport Transfer : Bangkok to/from Kanchanaburi: $119
  • Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $187
  • Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):

  • jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $70
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $75
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport To Seogwipo City: $150
  • Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju city (One way ) : $45
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City to Jeju Airport(one way ): $90
  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
  • Private Jeju Airport Transfer : Jeju Airport to/from Jeju(~7 pax): $89
  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
  • Jeju Airport (CJU) Private Transfer to Jeju City Centre/Seogwipo: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Kanchanaburi or Cheju (Jeju)?

Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Kanchanaburi $24
    Cheju (Jeju) $29
Typical Food Prices in Kanchanaburi

For Kanchanaburi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Casual Lunch
    $4.71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanchanaburi

For Kanchanaburi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Thai Cooking Class: $39

Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):


  • Burger
    $4.44
  • Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)
    $7.16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).

  • JEJU Cooking Class _Class & Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kanchanaburi $10
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.43
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kanchanaburi

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kanchanaburi's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Entry Park TreeHouse
    $6.28

Tours and Activities in Kanchanaburi

For Kanchanaburi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Discovery Bike Tour: $18
  • Best Paddleboarding Experience in Kanchanaburi River: $27
  • River Kwai Paddleboarding Experience in Kanchanaburi: $30
  • E-Scooter Tour in Kanchanaburi: $35
  • Kanchanaburi Tree Top Adventure Park Tours: $45
  • Half Day Kanchanaburi Bike Tour with History and Local Life: $53
  • WWII History Bike Tour in Kanchanaburi with Local Guide: $59
  • Kanchanaburi Tour Hellfire Pass History tour: $108
  • Erawan Waterfall & Train Tour from Kanchanaburi – Full Day: $110
  • Kanchanaburi Tour: Erawan Waterfall and Death Railway: $112
  • Kanchanaburi Tour Erawan Waterfall Temples and Giant Rain Tree: $112
  • Romantic Getaway in A Walking Tour: $174

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1-Day Jeju Island Tour For Cruise Passenger: $64
  • 2025 JEJU Cherry Blossom West&South Full Day Tour with UNESCO: $80
  • 2Days Private Tour Free schedule with A lot of Experience driver : $300
  • 2Days World Natural Heritage & South & west tour in jeju island : $225
  • All-Inclusive Jeju East Tour with Lunch and Tangerine Picking: $105
  • Customized private tour in Jeju island: $175
  • East of Jeju island Bus Tour from Seogwipo city, Jeju island: $99
  • East of jeju tour for Seogwipo Gangjeong Cruise Customers: $160
  • Eastern Jeju: All Inclusive Private Tour w/ Tangerine picking: $200
  • Experience Haenyeo Diving : female divers in Jeju: $118
  • Full Day 12 hours whole Jeju Island private flexible tour: $200
  • Full Day Tour In Jeju Island - East of Jeju (included admission): $170

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kanchanaburi $9.24
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.04


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


Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Cheju (Jeju)?

Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Cheju (Jeju), 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 Cheju (Jeju)?

Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?

Both Cheju (Jeju) 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.

In July, Kanchanaburi is generally a little warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 29°C (84°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Cheju (Jeju), it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kanchanaburi often gets less sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 209 hours of full sun.

Cheju (Jeju) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in July than Cheju (Jeju). Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain this time of the year. July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kanchanaburi 29°C (84°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Cheju (Jeju) in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Cheju (Jeju). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round.

Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Kanchanaburi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during autumn. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 179 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 Cheju (Jeju). Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kanchanaburi 28°C (82°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Cheju (Jeju) in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Cheju (Jeju). Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the winter temperatures in Kanchanaburi in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 5°C (41°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. In the winter, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 75 hours of full sun.

Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in January than Cheju (Jeju). Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kanchanaburi 25°C (77°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Cheju (Jeju) in the Spring?

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year.

Kanchanaburi can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Kanchanaburi is generally much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 32°C (89°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during spring. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Kanchanaburi is November to May.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kanchanaburi 32°C (89°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi Cheju (Jeju)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 30°C (87°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 32°C (89°F) 77 mm (3 in) 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 152 mm (6 in) 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 29°C (85°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 218 mm (8.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 25°C (76°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)