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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Dunedin?

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 Dunedin. 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 informative, educational, and reflective town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a vibrant, small, and hilly city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Kanchanaburi and Dunedin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Dunedin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dunedin than Kanchanaburi, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Kanchanaburi is more touristy than Dunedin and is popular for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Dunedin is popular for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula. It is also home to .

How is Kanchanaburi different from Dunedin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Dunedin offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has cultural scene that is centered around both Scottish and Maori heritage. Top sights around town include the Larnach Castle, the Dunedin Railway Station, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and the Otago Museum.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Kanchanaburi and Dunedin can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Dunedin area. The culinary scene in town continues to grow and improve. There are local eateries that have charm and character and serve interesting and local dishes.

Is Kanchanaburi or Dunedin Better for Nightlife?

Dunedin 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.

Dunedin has a large number of nightlife venues. The town has eclectic bars and a diverse club scene that is fun to experience. It has a lively nightlife scene that is driven, in part, by the large student population.

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 Dunedin Better for Beaches?

Dunedin is a good destination for the beache. However, Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.

Dunedin offers a nice beach destination. Many of the beaches are just a short drive from the city center. The surf is surprisingly good and the beaches are fun during the warmer summer months.

Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Dunedin Better for Hiking?

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

Dunedin offers some nice hiking trails. There are biking and hiking trails that travel around town and through the surrounding landscapes.

Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Dunedin?

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

Dunedin is well-known for its shopping. The shopping scene is diverse and eclectic with everything from vintage shops to fashion boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Edinburgh Way, Octagon Entertainment Precinct, Moray Place, and the Warehouse Precinct.

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 Dunedin Better for Families?

Dunedin 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, Dunedin is very family-friendly. It's one of the largest cities on the South Island, and there are many educational opportunities and unique experiences available to kids. You can visit the Otago Museum or the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Larnach Castle. You can also take a ride on the Inlander or simply hang out at a playground.

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 Dunedin Better for Couples?

Kanchanaburi and Dunedin both good 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.

Dunedin is a good town for couples to visit. You can wander through the castle or explore one of the city's markets. There are also romantic restaurants and many opportunities to see wildlife.

Is Kanchanaburi or Dunedin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dunedin 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 Dunedin. There are many hostels around town and plenty of activities that keep backpackers entertained.

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 Dunedin Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Dunedin. This is a large student city that is welcoming to international students and a popular place to study.

Kanchanaburi is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Kanchanaburi and Dunedin.

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 Dunedin, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through town.

Is Kanchanaburi or Dunedin a more walkable city?

Dunedin is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Dunedin is a very walkable city. Parts of the town are easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Dunedin or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Dunedin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kanchanaburi and Dunedin. In our opinion, Dunedin has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Dunedin than Kanchanaburi. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kanchanaburi, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dunedin.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dunedin 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 Dunedin.

One day in Kanchanaburi or Dunedin?

In Kanchanaburi, you'll find nightlife and food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Dunedin, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Kanchanaburi or Dunedin?

In Kanchanaburi, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kanchanaburi has to offer.

Dunedin 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 Dunedin?

Kanchanaburi is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the hilly destination of Dunedin. 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 Dunedin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanchanaburi. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kanchanaburi. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Dunedin 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Dunedin?

Dunedin has a larger population, and is about 80% larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Dunedin, 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.