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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Jaisalmer?

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 Jaisalmer. 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 Jaisalmer?

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.

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is located in western part of the Rajasthan state of India. The city is known as the "Golden City" for its Sonar Qila, or 'Golden Fort'. This fort is different than other forts in India in that it is a living fort, meaning that it contains many hotels, homes, and shops for locals and visitors. The city is very close to the Thar Desert, to which excursions can be made.

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 India, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in India.


Which place is cheaper, Jaisalmer 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 Jaisalmer is $37. 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 Jaisalmer in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kanchanaburi $19
    Jaisalmer $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kanchanaburi $38
    Jaisalmer $26
Compare Hotels in Kanchanaburi and Jaisalmer

Looking for a hotel in Kanchanaburi or Jaisalmer? 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 Jaisalmer


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 and Jaisalmer Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kanchanaburi $12
    Jaisalmer $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanchanaburi

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer

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

  • Transfer From Jaisalmer To Udaipur Via Ranakpur Jain Temple: $90
  • Private transfer from Jaisalmer to Bikaner: $120
  • Private Transfer from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur: $37
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Sam Sand Dunes: $19
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Pushkar: $85
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Khuri Sand Dunes: $19
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple : $45
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jaipur: $117
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Bikaner: $65
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Ahmedabad: $117
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Agra: $181
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer Hotel To Jaisalmer Airport: $10

Is it cheaper to fly into Kanchanaburi or Jaisalmer?

Prices for flights to both Jaisalmer 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
    Jaisalmer $13
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 Jaisalmer

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:


  • Dinner
    $4.78

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer

For Jaisalmer, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Half Day SunSet Tour with Dinner: $26
  • Jaisalmer Heritage Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $28
  • Half Day Camel Safari Sunset with Dinner Tour (Non Touristic): $30
  • Pleasant Sunset Safari With Dinner On Dunes (From 2:00 PM to Approx. 10:00 PM): $33
  • Peaceful Non -Touristic Sunset Camel Safari With Dinner : $35
  • Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
  • Half Day Desert Safari with Camel ride & dinner: $42
  • Sun Set Safari with Dinner: $45
  • 4×4 Jeep Safari And Camel Safari With Dinner On Sand dunes: $48
  • DiNnER iN HeVeN /aT Golden Desert of Jaisalmer: $55
  • Away from the Crowd Dinner on dunes/ In Non Touristic Desert: $55
  • DiNnER !N G0LdEN DE$ERT 0F jASeLMeR: $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kanchanaburi $9.10
    Jaisalmer $12
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:

  • Amazing Boat Trip River Kwai and Erawan Falls Full Day Tour: $116
  • Bangkok Mystical Waterfall & River Kwai Tour: $241
  • Bangkok and Beyond - A 6 Day Exciting Group Tour: $1,000
  • Bangkok: 2-Day River Kwai & Erawan National Park Tour: $281
  • Bangkok: Erawan Waterfall, River Kwai & Death Railway Tour: $95
  • Bangkok: Kanchanaburi and Erawan Waterfall Private Tour: $149
  • Cycling to visit Local Experience and Learn Culture with Local expert: $28
  • Discovery Bike Tour: $16
  • E-Scooter Tour in Kanchanaburi: $30
  • Erawan Waterfall & Train Tour from Kanchanaburi – Full Day: $110
  • Erawan Waterfalls & Phra That Cave Tour : from Bangkok: $111
  • Full Day Kanchanaburi River Kwai Experience: $84

Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer

For Jaisalmer, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Sam Sand Dunes for Two
    $3.59

Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaisalmer.

  • Private Full-Day Tour of Jaisalmer with Guide: $33
  • 1 Night Desert Experience Sleeping Under Star Near Jodhpur: $56
  • 1 night 2 day thar desert experience & village lifestyle: $38
  • 2 Nights 3 Days Jaisalmer Tour & Non-Touristic Camel Safari: $210
  • 3 Days Jaisalmer Private Tour: $180
  • 3 Days Jaisalmer Tour From Jodhpur: $270
  • 3 days Jaisalmer Private Tour with Desert Safari, Sightseeing and Accommodation: $203
  • 4 - Days Jaisalmer And Jodhpur Combo Tour: $180
  • 4 - Days Jaisalmer Sightseeing Tour: $150
  • 4 - Days Jaisalmer Sightseeing Tour: $168
  • 4-Day Jaisalmer Sightseeing Tour: $270
  • 8 Days Private Tour Colors of Rajasthan from Jaisalmer: $246

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kanchanaburi $8.03
    Jaisalmer $9.23


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


Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Jaisalmer?

Jaisalmer has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Jaisalmer, 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.

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