A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kanchanaburi vs. Dewa Sanzan for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Dewa Sanzan?

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 Dewa Sanzan. 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. See Kanchanaburi travel costs.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a sacred, remote, and traditional religious site. Visitors also love the hiking and museums. See Dewa Sanzan travel costs.

Kanchanaburi and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kanchanaburi than Dewa Sanzan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kanchanaburi is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Dewa Sanzan is more popular for its hiking. Kanchanaburi is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is known for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Also, Kanchanaburi is famous for The Death Railway Bridge ("the Bridge on the River Kwai"). Dewa Sanzan is well known for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Kanchanaburi specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dewa Sanzan. This is a sacred religious site that is at the heart of the Shugendo folk religion. The religion combines Buddhist and Shinto traditions and there are several temples in the area including the most sacred sights at Yudono-san, Haguro-san, and Gas-san, as well as the Churenji and Dainichibo Temples.

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

Kanchanaburi is very good for its restaurants. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Kanchanaburi has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Dewa Sanzan may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. In your guesthouse you'll be given "Shojin cuisine", which is the traditional cuisine that has been handed down through the generations. It is strictly vegetarian and is heavily influenced by whatever vegetable is currently in season in the area. Traditionally, the cuisine focused on sustenance and not taste, but for the purposes of hospitality, the dishes are more flavorful than is typical in the traditional cuisine.

Is Kanchanaburi or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

Kanchanaburi is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Dewa Sanzan. This is a religious site that is remote and focused on mountain worship and devotion. Nightlife is non-existent in the area.

Is Kanchanaburi or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan. Experienced hikers can climb Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono in one day and do Mt. Haguro separately. For Mt. Gassan, you'll want to take the bus to the 8th station and climb from there.

Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Dewa Sanzan?

Kanchanaburi is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its shopping areas.

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.

Dewa Sanzan has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. This is a sacred sight that is devoted to worship and a simple life. As such, shopping in not available in the area with the exception of a couple of convenience stores.

Is Kanchanaburi or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

Kanchanaburi is very good for its kid-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly town. The remote location make this a challenging place to access. It's a religious destination and its sacred and historic past is often lost to children. Out of respect for the strict religion, this site is best visited as an adult.

Is Kanchanaburi or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

Kanchanaburi and Dewa Sanzan 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.

Dewa Sanzan is a good town for couples to visit. Couples who want to do something that's a bit different from mainstream Japan will appreciate a visit to this religious site.

Is Kanchanaburi or Dewa Sanzan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kanchanaburi and Dewa Sanzan are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Dewa Sanzan. This is an off-the-beaten-path destination for backpackers, and it can be difficult to reach by public transit. Once you're there, if you want a traditional experience, you can stay at a Shukubo Pilgrim Lodge.

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

Kanchanaburi is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan. There is public transit from Tsuruoka Station to Mt. Haguro and the accommodation in the area. There are also buses to the top of Mt. Haguro, Mt. Yudono, and Mt. Gassan 8th Station.

Is Kanchanaburi or Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

Kanchanaburi is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

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

Dewa Sanzan is generally not very walkable. Everything is very spread out so walking can be challenging. Experienced hikers will enjoy hiking to each of the three shrines.

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

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Dewa Sanzan?

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

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the informative town of Kanchanaburi. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Dewa Sanzan, many people enjoy the museums that this religious religious site 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 Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the informative destination of Kanchanaburi. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Dewa Sanzan is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Dewa Sanzan?

The somber town of Kanchanaburi offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find museums around the religious destination of Dewa Sanzan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Dewa Sanzan?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kanchanaburi. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dewa Sanzan is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Kanchanaburi or Dewa Sanzan?

Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?

Both Dewa Sanzan 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 visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the summer for the hiking.

Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the summer. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during summer. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. In July, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Kanchanaburi is July to October.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

Both Dewa Sanzan 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, most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking trails during these months.

In the autumn, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kanchanaburi in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. In the autumn, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun.

Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 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 Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Dewa Sanzan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Dewa Sanzan can be very cold. In January, Kanchanaburi is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 25°C (77°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around -1°C (30°F).

In Kanchanaburi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during winter. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

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

It's very hot in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the spring. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. In the spring, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 188 hours of full sun.

Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in April than Dewa Sanzan. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Kanchanaburi