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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Coffs Harbour?

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 Coffs Harbour. 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a nature-filled, lively, and relaxing vacation town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Kanchanaburi and Coffs Harbour: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Coffs Harbour?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Coffs Harbour. Although Kanchanaburi and Coffs Harbour are popular destinations, Coffs Harbour has more sights and attractions for tourists. Coffs Harbour is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Kanchanaburi attracts visitors for its museums. Kanchanaburi is famous for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Coffs Harbour is famous for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana". It is also well known for the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Coffs Harbour?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kanchanaburi is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Coffs Harbour offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town is home to the infamous Big Banana Fun Park. It's a large amusement park that's become recognized for the "Big Banana" at the entrance - which is the first of the "Big Things" found in Australia. The town also has several other landmarks to check out such as the Forest Sky Pier, the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, and the Butterfly House.

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

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

Coffs Harbour has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants that cater to families, couples, and all types of vacations. There are quaint cafes as well as fine dining restaurants and the cuisine ranges from local seafood to modern Australian favorites, or international treats.

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 Coffs Harbour Better for Nightlife?

Coffs Harbour 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.

Coffs Harbour has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a vacation spot that attracts visitors who want to enjoy the evening activities. The Jetty Strip is popular for its nightlife scene, but you'll find no shortage of bars and pubs in other areas as well.

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 Coffs Harbour Better for Resorts?

Coffs Harbour is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Kanchanaburi is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Coffs Harbour to choose from. There's a huge range of accommodation types in the area with everything from camping to luxury resorts. There are also budget-friendly hostels and family-friendly hotels.

Kanchanaburi is not a resort destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Coffs Harbour Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Coffs Harbour is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kanchanaburi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Coffs Harbour. Scuba diving and snorkeling is popular in the area, as this is where the Solitary Islands Marine Park begins. The area sees a mix of the warm water from the Great Barrier Reef and the cooler waters from around Sydney, so the marine life is diverse. There are sheltered areas that offer snorkeling for all ages and you'll see a great mix of tropical and sub-tropical marine life, as well as both soft and hard corals.

Kanchanaburi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Coffs Harbour Better for Beaches?

Coffs Harbour is an amazing vacation town to visit for the beache. However, Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.

Coffs Harbour offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. People come for the beaches, and they won't disappoint. You can enjoy everything from surfing, swimming, fishing, or simply walking and taking in the beauty. Popular beaches in the area include Emerald Beach, Woolgoolga, and the family-friendly Jetty Beach.

Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Coffs Harbour Better for Hiking?

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour. There are many national parks and natural areas nearby with excellent hiking and bush walks. The Coffs Creek Walk is a walking and biking path that's in town and connects the city center to many of the top sights that are nearby. Out of town, there's the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, the Gumgali Track, Sherwood Nature Reserve and Ulidarra National Park.

Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Coffs Harbour?

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

Coffs Harbour is well-known for its shopping. The city has many shopping centers and markets where you can enjoy leisurely shopping or pick up any essentials that you may have forgotten.

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 Coffs Harbour Better for Families?

Coffs Harbour is an amazing vacation town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Coffs Harbour is very family-friendly. There are great beaches where kids can swim or learn to surf. There are also water parks, including the famous Big Banana Fun Park, as well as amusement parks, nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. Kids and adults alike will enjoy going dolphin or whale watching, or putting on a mask and going snorkeling.

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 Coffs Harbour Better for Couples?

Coffs Harbour is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Coffs Harbour makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful city and a popular honeymoon destination. Couples will enjoy the impressive beaches and fun activities. There are places to explore nature as well as restaurants and fun evening activities. There's also great scuba diving and snorkeling at the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

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 Coffs Harbour Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour. There are a number of hostels around town as well as great water activities and a lively atmosphere, making this a nice stop off 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.

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

Kanchanaburi is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its public transit.

Kanchanaburi has some public transit options. The easiest way to get around town is by tuk tuk or songthaew (pick up truck).

Public transit is generally limited in Coffs Harbour. This is a very car dependent area and public transit is very limit. While there are buses, the area is spread out and you need the freedom of having your own vehicle to explore.

Is Kanchanaburi or Coffs Harbour a more walkable city?

Kanchanaburi is a town with good options for its walkability. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

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

Coffs Harbour is not a walkable town. Most visitors arrive with a car and you'll struggle to fully experience the area if you don't have your own form of transportation.

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

Should I spend more time in Coffs Harbour or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Coffs Harbour?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour.

One day in Kanchanaburi or Coffs Harbour?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the reflective destination of Kanchanaburi. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Coffs Harbour, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this nature-filled vacation town 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 Coffs Harbour?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanchanaburi. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Coffs Harbour 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. Lots of people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Kanchanaburi or Coffs Harbour?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the somber destination of Kanchanaburi. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

In Coffs Harbour, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this relaxing 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. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Kanchanaburi or Coffs Harbour?

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Kanchanaburi. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Coffs Harbour 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 Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Coffs Harbour?

Kanchanaburi has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Coffs Harbour. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Coffs Harbour, 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 Coffs Harbour?

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour in the Summer?

Both Coffs Harbour 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, the summer months attract visitors to Coffs Harbour because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kanchanaburi is generally a little warmer than Coffs Harbourin January. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 29°C (84°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Coffs Harbour. Kanchanaburi usually receives less sunshine than Coffs Harbour during summer. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 237 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. In July, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbourin January. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Kanchanaburi is July to October.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Coffs Harbour in the Autumn?

Both Coffs Harbour 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, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Coffs Harbour this time of year.

Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 20°C (67°F)in April.

In Coffs Harbour, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. In the autumn, Kanchanaburi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coffs Harbourin April. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 203 hours of full sun.

Coffs Harbour gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in October than Coffs Harbourin April. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 215 mm (8.5 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 Coffs Harbour in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Coffs Harbour. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Coffs Harbour for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Coffs Harbour. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kanchanaburi in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 13°C (55°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coffs Harbour this time of the year. In Kanchanaburi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Coffs Harbour during winter. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 219 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbourin July. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Coffs Harbour in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Coffs Harbour. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Coffs Harbour in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Kanchanaburi can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Kanchanaburi is generally much warmer than Coffs Harbourin October. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 32°C (89°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. In the spring, Kanchanaburi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coffs Harbourin October. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 257 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Coffs Harbour. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in April than Coffs Harbourin October. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Coffs Harbour and Kanchanaburi