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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Hanoi?

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 Hanoi. 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Kanchanaburi travel costs.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a historical, fascinating, and high energy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Hanoi travel costs.

Kanchanaburi and Hanoi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Hanoi?

You'll generally find more things to do in Hanoi than Kanchanaburi. Hanoi is bigger than Kanchanaburi, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kanchanaburi is well known for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Hanoi is well known for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. Also, Hanoi is famous for Hoan Kiem Lake.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Hanoi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Hanoi are world-renowned. The city is rich in history and culture, which you can experience through its many museums and temples. Notable sights include the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Imperial Citadel.

Kanchanaburi offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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

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

Hanoi has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and delicious. There are some Chinese influences, but it still has a distinct flavor that's all its own. Most notably, Hanoi is the birthplace of the famous soup, Pho. There are also many dishes that use freshwater fish and seafood. Street food and food stalls are a part of the culture, and you'll find some of the best dishes prepared right on the street.

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 Hanoi Better for Nightlife?

Hanoi 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.

Hanoi has a large number of nightlife venues. There are night markets, nightclubs, and bars that are popular with backpackers and other young travelers. Some of the best streets for nightlife include Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom Street, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street.

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 Hanoi Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Kanchanaburi does not have a historic old town.

Hanoi offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. This compact and energetic area is filled with history, Vietnamese architecture, traditional food stalls, and some of the city's most interesting streets. It's also at the heart of the city's backpacker scene, and you'll find many hostels in the area.

Kanchanaburi does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Hanoi?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Hanoi draws large crowds to its stores. Explore the Old Quarter where you'll find narrow shophouses and traditional markets. It's best to explore on foot and pop in to the places that look interesting. Silk Street and Silver Street are particularly fascinating.

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 Hanoi Better for Families?

Both Kanchanaburi and Hanoi are notable family-friendly destinations.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Hanoi. Some kids love the energy of the city, but others can get a bit intimidated by it. The traffic and chaotic congestion is part of the experience, but for kids it can feel overwhelming. Take a tour to help ease some of the pressure. Kids will also enjoy going to a water puppet show or visiting a museum such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Is Kanchanaburi or Hanoi Better for Couples?

Kanchanaburi and Hanoi 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.

Hanoi is a good town for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy adventure and exploring new cultures will love a trip to this fascinating city. If you want to get out of town, also book a trip through the stunning Halong Bay.

Is Kanchanaburi or Hanoi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Hanoi is extremely popular for backpackers. It's a highlight for many backpackers doing the Southeast Asian circuit. It is filled with hostels and cheap places to eat, and there is no shortage of backpackers around town. Most stay in the Old Quarter, where you'll find the highest concentration of hostels and budget accommodation.

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 Hanoi Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Hanoi. It's affordability, fascinating culture, and accessibility make it a great study abroad destination. The food and plethora of cultural opportunities are a highlight for many international students.

Kanchanaburi is not popular with students.

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

Kanchanaburi is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Hanoi is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Kanchanaburi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The easiest way to get around town is by tuk tuk or songthaew (pick up truck).

Public transit is mostly limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.

Is Kanchanaburi or Hanoi a more walkable city?

Kanchanaburi and Hanoi are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Hanoi is a somewhat walkable town. There are parts of the city that are best explored on foot, but you'll also find crowded areas with motorbikes, food stalls, and cars, so come prepared for a bit of a thrill. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, which is compact and dense.

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

Should I spend more time in Hanoi or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Hanoi?

In either Kanchanaburi or Hanoi, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Hanoi than Kanchanaburi because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kanchanaburi, and 3-5 days is enough time in Hanoi.

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

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

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

One day in Kanchanaburi or Hanoi?

In Kanchanaburi, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this educational destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Each neighborhood in Hanoi has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Hanoi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanchanaburi. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Hanoi is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Kanchanaburi or Hanoi?

Kanchanaburi is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Kanchanaburi. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Each neighborhood in Hanoi has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Kanchanaburi or Hanoi?

You'll find food and shopping around the informative destination of Kanchanaburi. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hanoi is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Tours for Seniors to Vietnam, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Vietnam.

When comparing the travel costs between Kanchanaburi and Hanoi, we can see that Kanchanaburi is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kanchanaburi Expensive? and Is Hanoi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Hanoi?

Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Hanoi, 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 Hanoi?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Hanoi in the Summer?

Both Hanoi 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round.

July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in July than Hanoi. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Hanoi in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Hanoi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. Also, July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kanchanaburi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kanchanaburi usually receives more rain than Hanoi. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Hanoi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kanchanaburi in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Hanoi averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Hanoi in the Winter?

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

Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in January than Hanoi. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Kanchanaburi is generally a little warmer than Hanoi. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 25°C (77°F), and Hanoi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Hanoi in the Spring?

Both Hanoi and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Kanchanaburi is November to May. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. In April, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Hanoi. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's very hot in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Hanoi in the spring. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Hanoi fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Typical Weather for Hanoi and Kanchanaburi