A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kanchanaburi vs. Hoi An for Food, Backpackers, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Hoi An?

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 Hoi An. 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Kanchanaburi travel costs.

Hoi An

Hoi An is a beautiful, traditional, and quaint town. The beauty of Hoi An is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Hoi An travel costs.

Kanchanaburi and Hoi An: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Hoi An?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hoi An. Although Kanchanaburi and Hoi An are popular destinations, Hoi An has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hoi An is very popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Kanchanaburi attracts visitors for its nightlife. Hoi An is more touristy than Kanchanaburi and is known for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. It is also well known for the Fukian Assembly Hall. Kanchanaburi is famous for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Hoi An?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Hoi An offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town is like a living museum. It's pedestrian-friendly and filled with beautiful yellow buildings. Highlights of the town include the Phung Hung House, Fukian Assembly Hall, and the Hoi An Museum.

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

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its restaurants. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Hoi An, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The local cuisine is truly unique from the rest of Vietnam. It's considered to be a culinary city with interesting recipes that depend on local ingredients that can't be found outside of the region. Specialty dishes of the city include Cao Lầu (pork and rice noodles), Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc (white rose dumplings), and Cơm Gà Hoi An (Hoi An chicken rice).

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 Hoi An Better for Nightlife?

Kanchanaburi is a good destination for nightlife. However, Hoi An is lacking in options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Hoi An is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's definitely not your typical backpacker party town, and the city is quietly beautiful in the evening. Many of the bars in the old town close before midnight, but there are some places outside of the area if you're looking for something more lively.

Is Kanchanaburi or Hoi An Better for Beaches?

Hoi An is a good destination for the beach. However, Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.

Hoi An offers a nice beach destination. There is a long stretch of sandy beach in the area, that can be broken into five different sections. Some areas are privately owned, but there is still plenty of public beach to choose from. An Bang Beach is the most developed and popular beach in the area. Coconut Beach is the most luxurious, and Ha My Beach is similar to An Bang, but smaller.

Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Hoi An Better for its Old Town?

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

Hoi An offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The charming old town is recognizable for its striking yellow color and its many tailor shops. It feels like a living museum, and the evening hours are particularly special with the town's lanterns lighting the way.

Kanchanaburi does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Hoi An?

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

Known for shopping, Hoi An draws large crowds to its stores. It is considered to be one of the best and most affordable cities in the world for tailor made clothing. Pop in a shop and have your measurements made. You can pick out a design and in a day or two return for your custom made outfit. It's a truly unique shopping experience.

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 Hoi An More Beautiful?

Hoi An is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Kanchanaburi is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Hoi An is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city is beautiful during the day with its traditional architecture, as well as at night when it is lit with lanterns.

Kanchanaburi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kanchanaburi or Hoi An Better for Families?

Hoi An 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, Hoi An is very family-friendly. Kids will appreciate the thrill of a visit to Ba Na Hills, which is a theme park with roller coasters, zip lines, and more. Near the city you'll also find ancient ruins, outdoor activities, hands-on classes, and, of course, the impressive old town.

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 Hoi An Better for Couples?

Hoi An is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Hoi An makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This charming city has a lot of character and some of Vietnam's best restaurants. The city is also known for its tailor made clothes, so make sure you do some shopping while you're in town.

Kanchanaburi is a good town for couples to visit. It's an educational and informative place to visit, but there are also outdoor activities that couples can enjoy together.

Is Kanchanaburi or Hoi An Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An is an amazing town 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, Hoi An is extremely popular for backpackers. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

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 Hoi An Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Kanchanaburi and Hoi An.

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 Hoi An, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Biking, taxis, and motorbikes are the most popular ways to explore the area.

Is Kanchanaburi or Hoi An a more walkable city?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Hoi An. There are "walking hours" when motorized vehicles aren't allowed in the old town, and this is a particularly good time 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 Hoi An Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hoi An or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Hoi An?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hoi An 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 Hoi An.

One day in Kanchanaburi or Hoi An?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kanchanaburi. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Hoi An, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this traditional town offers. 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 Hoi An?

Kanchanaburi is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Hoi An is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Hoi An?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanchanaburi. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint destination of Hoi An. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Hoi An?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the informative destination of Kanchanaburi. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Hoi An 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Vietnam, and The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam.

When comparing the travel costs between Kanchanaburi and Hoi An, 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 Hoi An Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Hoi An?

Kanchanaburi has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Hoi An, 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 Hoi An?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Hoi An in the Summer?

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

The rainy season in Kanchanaburi is July to October. The dry season in Hoi An is February to July. The rainy season in Hoi An is September to January. In July, Kanchanaburi usually receives more rain than Hoi An. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Hoi An. Kanchanaburi usually receives less sunshine than Hoi An during summer. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kanchanaburi is generally around the same temperature as Hoi An. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 29°C (84°F), and Hoi An fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Hoi An in the Autumn?

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

November to May is the dry season in Kanchanaburi. July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi. Hoi An gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in October than Hoi An. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. In the autumn, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Hoi An. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 158 hours of full sun.

Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Hoi An in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Hoi An fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Hoi An in the Winter?

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

February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. Also, September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An. Hoi An receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Hoi An. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In Kanchanaburi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Hoi An during winter. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 136 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Hoi An. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kanchanaburi in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Hoi An averages at about 22°C (71°F).

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Hoi An in the Spring?

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

Also, November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. Kanchanaburi usually gets more rain in April than Hoi An. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. In the spring, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Hoi An. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 210 hours of full sun.

Kanchanaburi can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Kanchanaburi is generally a little warmer than Hoi An. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 32°C (89°F), and Hoi An fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

Typical Weather for Hoi An and Kanchanaburi