A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Kanchanaburi vs. Koh Chang for Couples, Families, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Koh Chang?

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 Koh Chang. 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.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is a serene, tranquil, and scenic island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and nightlife.

Kanchanaburi and Koh Chang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Koh Chang?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Chang. Although Kanchanaburi and Koh Chang are popular destinations, Koh Chang has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Chang is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kanchanaburi attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Kanchanaburi is more touristy than Koh Chang and is known for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Koh Chang is famous for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches. It is also well known for White Sand Beach.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Koh Chang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kanchanaburi is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Kanchanaburi can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Koh Chang offers a few options for museum-goers. This is a beach paradise, but you won't find any temples or museums around the island.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Kanchanaburi and Koh Chang can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Kanchanaburi has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Koh Chang area. There's a good selection of restaurants that serve everything from international dishes to Thai favorites. You'll also find restaurants attached to many of the resorts, many with nice views.

Is Kanchanaburi or Koh Chang Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kanchanaburi and Koh Chang.

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.

Koh Chang has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's Thailand, so there is plenty of partying, but there are quiet parts to the island as well. For the biggest party scenes head to Lonely Beach, White Sand Beach, and Kai Bae Beach. Lonely Beach is where you'll find the highest concentration of backpackers.

Is Kanchanaburi or Koh Chang Better for Resorts?

Koh Chang is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Kanchanaburi is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Koh Chang to choose from. The island has managed to maintain a natural atmosphere without the overdevelopment found at many Thai islands, yet it still has the amenities and comforts that you need like nice resorts.

Kanchanaburi is not a resort destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Koh Chang Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Chang is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kanchanaburi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Koh Chang. You can book a snorkeling or dive trip to the nearby islands for the best experience. The beaches on Koh Chang are sandy with very few rocks and coral, so walk in snorkeling is limited.

Kanchanaburi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Koh Chang Better for Beaches?

Koh Chang is an amazing island to visit for the beache. However, Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.

Koh Chang offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. You'll find the vast majority of the beaches on the west side of the island. The most developed beach is White Sand Beach, and most of the backpackers hang out at Lonely Beach. For a quiet and more upscale atmosphere check out Klong Prao Beach. Also make sure you keep an eye on high and low tides, because the difference is pretty extreme. You'll find large, sandy beaches at low tide, which disappear at high tide.

Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Koh Chang Better for Hiking?

Koh Chang is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Koh Chang. Very few people actually head inland to go hiking, but if you do it can be a rewarding experience. It's a challenge to hike on the island though, as there are no marked trails. You'll need to hire a guide for any trekking that you wish to do.

Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Koh Chang?

Kanchanaburi is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kanchanaburi. There are lively night markets, active walking streets, and independent vendors where you can pick up souvenirs or anything that you might need.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Chang has some nice offerings. While this isn't the place to do any serious shopping, there are a few places where you can pick up essentials and souvenirs from your trip.

Is Kanchanaburi or Koh Chang Better for Families?

Koh Chang 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, Koh Chang is very family-friendly. The laid back vibe is perfect for families who want to get away from the party scene and overdevelopment that's found at many Thai islands. The island has kid-friendly beaches, great hiking, and resorts with pools and a family-friendly atmosphere.

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 Koh Chang Better for Couples?

Koh Chang is an amazing island to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Koh Chang is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful island is a perfect destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are beautiful resorts that have the charm and character that is lost at many of the more developed parts of Thailand. There are also beaches that cater to every travel style, including upscale and idyllic gems.

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 Koh Chang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Chang is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Koh Chang. Most of the backpackers hang out around Lonely Beach, which also has a bit of a party vibe.

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 Koh Chang Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Kanchanaburi and Koh Chang.

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 Koh Chang, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a main road that goes around the outside of the island, with the exception of the southern tip. You can rent a motorbike or catch a ride on a Songthaew (pick-up truck taxi). Do note that the roads can be very steep and windy, which can be difficult to drive independently.

Is Kanchanaburi or Koh Chang a more walkable city?

Kanchanaburi is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

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

Koh Chang is generally not very walkable. Your ability to walk around really depends on where you stay. Many of the resorts are located in quieter areas without easy access to restaurants or shopping.

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Chang or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Koh Chang?

In either Kanchanaburi or Koh Chang, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang.

One day in Kanchanaburi or Koh Chang?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Kanchanaburi. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Koh Chang, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this scenic island offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Koh Chang?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the informative destination of Kanchanaburi. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Koh Chang is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Kanchanaburi or Koh Chang?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the educational town of Kanchanaburi. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Koh Chang, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this serene destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Kanchanaburi or Koh Chang?

Kanchanaburi is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Koh Chang is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 10-Day Tours in Thailand, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Kanchanaburi and Koh Chang, we can see that Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Kanchanaburi or Koh Chang?

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 Koh Chang in the Summer?

Both Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Kanchanaburi is July to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. In July, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Koh Chang. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Koh Chang during summer. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Chang receives 143 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kanchanaburi is generally around the same temperature as Koh Chang. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Chang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Koh Chang in the Autumn?

Both Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang year-round.

November to May is the dry season in Kanchanaburi. July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi. November to February is the dry season in Koh Chang. June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang. Koh Chang 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 Koh Chang. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. In the autumn, Kanchanaburi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Chang. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Chang receives 193 hours of full sun.

Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Koh Chang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Koh Chang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Koh Chang in the Winter?

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

November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season. In January, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Koh Chang. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Chang this time of the year. In Kanchanaburi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kanchanaburi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Chang during winter. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Chang receives 282 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Koh Chang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kanchanaburi in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Koh Chang averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Koh Chang in the Spring?

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

Also, November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. June to October in Koh Chang is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in April than Koh Chang. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. In the spring, Kanchanaburi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Chang. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Chang receives 247 hours of full sun.

Kanchanaburi can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Kanchanaburi is generally around the same temperature as Koh Chang. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 32°C (89°F), and Koh Chang fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Chang and Kanchanaburi