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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Hangzhou?

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 Hangzhou. 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 Hangzhou?

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.

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.

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 China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou is $65. 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 Hangzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kanchanaburi $19
    Hangzhou $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kanchanaburi $38
    Hangzhou $46
Compare Hotels in Kanchanaburi and Hangzhou

Looking for a hotel in Kanchanaburi or Hangzhou? 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 Hangzhou


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
    Hangzhou $8.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanchanaburi

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

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:


  • Local Bus for Two
    $0.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:

  • [Airport Transfer] Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ⇔ Hangzhou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $29
  • Wuzhen Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou : $87
  • Water Town and West Lake Sightseeing with Hangzhou Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $217
  • VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show with Private Transfer: $83
  • Transfer from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport to City Center: $55
  • Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show VIP Seat Ticket with Pick-up Transfer: $82
  • Private Transfer to Yiwu City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer to Yellow Mountain from Hangzhou: $196
  • Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou: $113
  • Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
  • Private Transfer to Shanghai City from Hangzhou: $119

Is it cheaper to fly into Kanchanaburi or Hangzhou?

Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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
    Hangzhou $18
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

Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:


  • Breakfast Pastries
    $2.35
  • Pizza Hut Lunch
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.

  • All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
  • VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
  • Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
  • Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town with Dinner and Boat Ride: $282

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kanchanaburi $9.10
    Hangzhou $20
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:

  • Discovery Bike Tour: $16
  • Cycling to visit Local Experience and Learn Culture with Local expert: $28
  • E-Scooter Tour in Kanchanaburi: $30
  • Full Day Kanchanaburi River Kwai Experience: $84
  • Bangkok: Erawan Waterfall, River Kwai & Death Railway Tour: $95
  • Private Tour: Trekking Kanchanaburi Forest to Tham Than Lod: $108
  • Erawan Waterfall & Train Tour from Kanchanaburi – Full Day: $110
  • Erawan Waterfalls & Phra That Cave Tour : from Bangkok: $111
  • Amazing Boat Trip River Kwai and Erawan Falls Full Day Tour: $116
  • Private Tour: Kanchanaburi Local Thai Life and City Discovery: $139
  • Kanchanaburi River Kwai & Hellfire Pass Private Tour: $144
  • Bangkok: Kanchanaburi and Erawan Waterfall Private Tour: $149

Tours and Activities in Hangzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Hangzhou Private Day Tour of West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Tea Village: $199
  • West Lake Private Tour with Boat Ride and Enduring Memories Night Show VIP Seat: $242
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $112
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $99
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
  • A Depth-Tour to Explore Xixi Wetland Park in Hangzhou: $246
  • All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Layover Tour: $190
  • Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
  • Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153
  • China Academy of Art Architecture & Longjing Tea Plantation Private Tour: $212
  • Cirque Du Soleil Ticket : $120
  • Classic Hangzhou Two-Day Tour Plus Tea Plantation Exploration: $256

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kanchanaburi $8.03
    Hangzhou $10


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


Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Hangzhou?

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

Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou in the Summer?

Both Hangzhou 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.

Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Hangzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in July than Hangzhou. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 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) 
    Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Hangzhou in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kanchanaburi in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 19°C (66°F).

Kanchanaburi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kanchanaburi usually receives more rain than Hangzhou. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 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) 
    Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Hangzhou in the Winter?

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

Hangzhou can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Kanchanaburi is generally much warmer than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 25°C (77°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in January than Hangzhou. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Hangzhou in the Spring?

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

It's very hot in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Hangzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. In April, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 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) 
    Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi Hangzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 30°C (87°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Apr 32°C (89°F) 77 mm (3 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 152 mm (6 in) 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Jun 29°C (85°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 218 mm (8.6 in) 24°C (76°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 25°C (76°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)