A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kanchanaburi vs. Dalian for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Dalian?

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 Dalian. 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 Dalian?

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.

Dalian

Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Dalian or Kanchanaburi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kanchanaburi is $42, while the average daily cost in Dalian is $103. 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 Dalian in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kanchanaburi $19
    Dalian $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kanchanaburi $38
    Dalian $108
Compare Hotels in Kanchanaburi and Dalian

Looking for a hotel in Kanchanaburi or Dalian? 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 Dalian


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 $12
    Dalian $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanchanaburi

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

  • Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $171
  • Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $163
  • Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Kanchanaburi: $116
  • Private Airport Transfer : Bangkok to/from Kanchanaburi: $103
  • Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $98
  • Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $90

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian

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

  • Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Any Guiyang Railway Station: $38
  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40
  • Dalian Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Railway Station: $32
  • Dalian Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotel: $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Kanchanaburi or Dalian?

Prices for flights to both Dalian 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 $12
    Dalian $27
Typical Food Prices in Kanchanaburi

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


  • Casual Lunch
    $4.09

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: $34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kanchanaburi $9.10
    Dalian $4.78
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kanchanaburi

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


  • Entry Park TreeHouse
    $5.46

Tours and Activities in Kanchanaburi

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

  • Amazing Boat Trip River Kwai and Erawan Falls Full Day Tour: $116
  • Bangkok Mystical Waterfall & River Kwai Tour: $241
  • Bangkok and Beyond - A 6 Day Exciting Group Tour: $1,000
  • Bangkok: 2-Day River Kwai & Erawan National Park Tour: $281
  • Bangkok: Erawan Waterfall, River Kwai & Death Railway Tour: $95
  • Bangkok: Kanchanaburi and Erawan Waterfall Private Tour: $149
  • Cycling to visit Local Experience and Learn Culture with Local expert: $28
  • Discovery Bike Tour: $16
  • E-Scooter Tour in Kanchanaburi: $30
  • Erawan Waterfall & Train Tour from Kanchanaburi – Full Day: $110
  • Erawan Waterfalls & Phra That Cave Tour : from Bangkok: $111
  • Full Day Kanchanaburi River Kwai Experience: $84

Tours and Activities in Dalian

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.

  • Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kanchanaburi $8.03
    Dalian $6.31


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


Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Dalian?

Dalian has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Dalian, 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 Dalian?

Dalian 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 Dalian in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Dalian. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round.

In the summer, Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Dalian. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kanchanaburi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Dalian averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Dalian receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Dalian. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kanchanaburi 29°C (84°F) 
    Dalian 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Dalian in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Dalian. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Kanchanaburi is generally much warmer than Dalian. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 28°C (82°F), and Dalian fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Kanchanaburi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kanchanaburi usually gets more rain in October than Dalian. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. July to October in Kanchanaburi is the rainy season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kanchanaburi 28°C (82°F) 
    Dalian 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Dalian in the Winter?

Both Dalian and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year.

Dalian can be very cold during winter. Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Dalian in the winter. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Dalian fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In January, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Dalian. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kanchanaburi 25°C (77°F) 
    Dalian -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Dalian in the Spring?

Both Dalian and Kanchanaburi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kanchanaburi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The heat can be very extreme in Kanchanaburi. In the spring, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Dalian. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kanchanaburi in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Dalian averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Kanchanaburi usually gets more rain in April than Dalian. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. November to May is the dry season in Kanchanaburi.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kanchanaburi 32°C (89°F) 
    Dalian 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Dalian and Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi Dalian
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) -4°C (25°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) -2°C (28°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Mar 30°C (87°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 4°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 32°C (89°F) 77 mm (3 in) 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 152 mm (6 in) 17°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 29°C (85°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 218 mm (8.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Dec 25°C (76°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) -0°C (32°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)