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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Hefei?

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 Hefei. 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 Hefei?

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.

Hefei

While most would consider the city of Hefei a pass-through destination, there are plenty of things to see in the capital city of China's Anhui province.

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, Hefei 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 Hefei is $62. 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 Hefei in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kanchanaburi $19
    Hefei $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kanchanaburi $38
    Hefei $56
Compare Hotels in Kanchanaburi and Hefei

Looking for a hotel in Kanchanaburi or Hefei? 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 Hefei


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
    Hefei $17

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Kanchanaburi or Hefei?

Prices for flights to both Hefei 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
    Hefei $21
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
    Hefei $19
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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kanchanaburi $8.03
    Hefei $11


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


Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Hefei?

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

Hefei 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 Hefei in the Summer?

Both Hefei 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 Hefei in the summer. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Hefei fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

Hefei gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in July than Hefei. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 171 mm (6.7 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) 
    Hefei 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Hefei in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Hefei. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kanchanaburi in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Hefei averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Kanchanaburi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kanchanaburi usually receives more rain than Hefei. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 66 mm (2.6 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) 
    Hefei 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Hefei in the Winter?

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

Hefei can be very cold during winter. In January, Kanchanaburi is generally much warmer than Hefei. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 25°C (77°F), and Hefei fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in January than Hefei. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kanchanaburi 25°C (77°F) 
    Hefei 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Hefei in the Spring?

Both Hefei 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 Hefei in the spring. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Hefei fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In April, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Hefei. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 95 mm (3.7 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) 
    Hefei 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Hefei and Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi Hefei
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 30°C (87°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 32°C (89°F) 77 mm (3 in) 16°C (61°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 152 mm (6 in) 22°C (71°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Jun 29°C (85°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 25°C (78°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 29°C (83°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 218 mm (8.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 11°C (53°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 25°C (76°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 25 mm (1 in)


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