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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Kamakura?

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 Kamakura. 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 reflective, somber, and informative town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Kanchanaburi travel costs.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a quaint, charming, and laid back coastal city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Kamakura travel costs.

Kanchanaburi and Kamakura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Kamakura?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kamakura than Kanchanaburi. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Kanchanaburi is famous for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Kamakura is famous for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. It is also well known for the Great Buddha.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Kamakura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Kamakura offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This ancient city is filled with historic landmarks such as the Great Buddha, Hokokuji Temple, Hasedera Temple, and Hachimangu Shrine, among many others.

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

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

Kamakura has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Dining is part of the fun in this beautiful town. There are many great restaurants where you can sample luxury dishes, but there are also street food stalls with egg pancakes or noodle dishes.

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 Kamakura Better for Nightlife?

Kamakura 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.

Kamakura has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a diverse mix of bars and music venues. The nightlife scene is particularly active during the summer months when visitors head to the beach, but throughout the year you'll find tachinomiya standing bars, international style pubs, and jazz clubs where locals like to hang out.

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 Kamakura Better for Beaches?

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

Kamakura offers a nice beach destination. Many locals from Tokyo or Yokohama head here during July and August to cool off at the beach, relax in the sun, and go surfing. The beaches can get crowded, but they're long and sandy and can make for a nice escape.

Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Kamakura Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura is a good destination for its old town. However, Kanchanaburi does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Kamakura. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Kanchanaburi does not have a historic old town.

Is Kanchanaburi or Kamakura Better for Hiking?

Kamakura is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Kamakura offers some nice hiking trails. Just outside of town there are many hiking trails that crisscross through the wooded hills and connect the many temples. Many of the trails are relatively short and take just an hour or two to complete.

Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Kamakura?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Kanchanaburi and Kamakura.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kanchanaburi. There are lively night markets, active walking streets, and independent vendors where you can pick up souvenirs or anything that you might need.

Many visitors go to Kamakura to go shopping. While the city itself is ancient, you can head to Kamakura Komachi-dori Street to find trendy boutiques and modern shopping. This is a popular place to pick up a souvenir or check out the current fashions.

Is Kanchanaburi or Kamakura Better for Families?

Both Kanchanaburi and Kamakura are nice 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 Kamakura. It's a town that's filled with history and character, which isn't every kids cup of tea. If you're traveling with young kids you might want to head to beach for a bit. There are also ice cream and donut shops that you can use as well to break up the sightseeing.

Is Kanchanaburi or Kamakura Better for Couples?

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

Kamakura makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many couples enjoy visiting this quaint town as a day trip from Tokyo. There are impressive temples as well as restaurants and gardens.

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 Kamakura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kanchanaburi and Kamakura are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kamakura. It's an easy day trip from Tokyo, but there are also some affordable hostels that make it an easy place to spend the night.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Kanchanaburi and Kamakura.

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 Kamakura, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a city bus system, but for the more remote places you'll want to take a taxi.

Is Kanchanaburi or Kamakura a more walkable city?

Kanchanaburi and Kamakura are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Kamakura is a somewhat walkable town. It's a small city, and most of the sights can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kamakura or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Kamakura?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kanchanaburi or Kamakura to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kanchanaburi than Kamakura because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kanchanaburi, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamakura.

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

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

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

One day in Kanchanaburi or Kamakura?

The town of Kanchanaburi offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Kamakura, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this charming coastal city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

A weekend in Kanchanaburi or Kamakura?

Kanchanaburi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kanchanaburi, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Kamakura is a fun place to experience. 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 Kamakura?

Kanchanaburi is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Kamakura. 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 Kamakura?

Kanchanaburi is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Kamakura is a popular place to visit. 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 Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Kamakura?

Kamakura has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Kamakura, 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 Kamakura?

Kamakura 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 Kamakura in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Kamakura. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Kamakura for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kanchanaburi is generally a little warmer than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 29°C (84°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In the summer, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 137 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in July than Kamakura. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year. July to October in Kanchanaburi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Kamakura in the Autumn?

Both Kamakura and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Kamakura in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Kamakura in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Kamakura fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during autumn. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 129 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kamakura. It's quite rainy in Kanchanaburi. In October, Kanchanaburi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kamakura. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Kanchanaburi is November to May. The rainy season in Kanchanaburi is July to October.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Kamakura in the Winter?

Both Kamakura and Kanchanaburi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kanchanaburi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Kamakura for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Kamakura. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kanchanaburi in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Kamakura averages at about 6°C (43°F).

It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. In the winter, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 175 hours of full sun.

Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in January than Kamakura. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Kamakura in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Kamakura. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the beaches.

Kanchanaburi can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Kanchanaburi is generally much warmer than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 32°C (89°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Kanchanaburi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during spring. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Kanchanaburi