A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Kanchanaburi vs. Koh Phi Phi for Couples, Backpackers, Nightlife, and Food

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Koh Phi Phi?

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 Phi Phi. 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 educational, reflective, and somber town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a stunning, beautiful, and rustic island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Kanchanaburi and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi than Kanchanaburi, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Phi Phi is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kanchanaburi is more popular for its museums and shopping. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Kanchanaburi and is known for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. Also, Koh Phi Phi is famous for Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. Kanchanaburi is well known for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Koh Phi Phi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kanchanaburi is great for its historical sights. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Kanchanaburi offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Phi Phi offers a few options for museum-goers. It's an island paradise with world class beaches and stunning natural beauty, but if you're looking for museums, temples, and culture, then you'll likely want to head farther north to Northern Thailand.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Kanchanaburi and Koh Phi Phi can be difficult as they are each notable 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 Phi Phi area. Most dishes feature seafood, and you'll find the highest concentration of restaurants around Tonsai Village. There are also restaurants dotting the way to Long Beach. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, or a combination of an indoor/outdoor setting. Tropical fruit is also abundant on the island and adds to that tropical paradise atmosphere.

Is Kanchanaburi or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi 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.

Koh Phi Phi has a large number of nightlife venues. Despite its smaller size, there is still a party vibe and tons of nightlife on the island. Backpackers have long flocked to this island, building on the reputation it earned from movies like "The Beach." Booze cruises and all night beach parties are the norm here, so it won't be hard to find a party that lasts until sunrise.

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 Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Kanchanaburi is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Koh Phi Phi for its luxury resorts. Despite it's popularity with backpackers and small size, this island also has some of Thailand's most luxurious resorts. Head to Long Beach or Laem Tong to appreciate the quieter side of the island.

Kanchanaburi is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kanchanaburi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Koh Phi Phi. The dramatic limestone cliffs and colorful coral make this a top scuba diving and snorkeling destination in Thailand. There are countless vendors who offer scuba diving or snorkeling trips from the island. You might even see sharks, sea turtles, or seahorses during your trip. Head to the reef at dusk for the best chance of seeing black tip reef sharks.

Kanchanaburi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

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

Koh Phi Phi offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. This island has some of the most dramatic beauty in Thailand and the beaches will not disappoint. Although it's usually referred to as an island, Koh Phi Phi is actually a small archipelago with Koh Phi Phi Don being the only inhabited island. Nearby Koh Phi Phi Leh is famous as the filming place of the movie "The Beach" (which you'll hear playing at hotels around the island every night). The beaches are beautiful with white sand and clear water. It truly is a tropical paradise.

Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Phi Phi. With its dramatic cliffs, this area has beautiful, but challenging hikes that take you to stunning viewpoints. The dramatic photos that you see of the islands often require a hike, but the reward at the end is well worth it.

Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Koh Phi Phi?

Kanchanaburi is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

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.

Koh Phi Phi has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. Shopping is limited on the island but you'll find a few souvenir shops with trinkets that you can purchase. Because it's an island, you can expect prices to be high.

Is Kanchanaburi or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Kanchanaburi is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Kanchanaburi offers lots of family activities. 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.

Koh Phi Phi is not the most family-friendly destination. This island is on the smaller side and it has a remote tropical island atmosphere. The best side of the island for families is the north end where you'll find the quietest and most beautiful beaches. It's best to avoid the area around Tonsai which has the highest concentration of backpackers and day trippers.

Is Kanchanaburi or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

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

Koh Phi Phi is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Stunning beaches, dramatic landscapes, excellent snorkeling and scuba diving, and a remote tropical atmosphere make this is a great place for couples and honeymooners. Head to the quieter north side of the island where you'll find the better resorts and less backpackers, as well as the best beaches.

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 Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Phi Phi is an amazing island 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, Koh Phi Phi is extremely popular for backpackers. Most people visit this island as a day trip, but for those who linger, they'll be rewarded with dramatic landscapes and beautiful beaches. Most backpackers hang out around Tonsai where things are the cheapest, but the quality can also be very poor.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Kanchanaburi and Koh Phi Phi.

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 Phi Phi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are water taxis and private boats that you can hire.

Is Kanchanaburi or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Kanchanaburi and Koh Phi Phi are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable town. You can't walk all of the way around the island because of the cliffs, but you can walk from Tonsai to Long Beach.

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Phi Phi or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

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

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

One day in Kanchanaburi or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the reflective town of Kanchanaburi. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Koh Phi Phi, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this beautiful island offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the somber destination of Kanchanaburi. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Koh Phi Phi is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Koh Phi Phi?

The reflective town of Kanchanaburi offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find nightlife and food around the remote destination of Koh Phi Phi. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kanchanaburi. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kanchanaburi and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Koh Phi Phi?

Kanchanaburi has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Koh Phi Phi?

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 Phi Phi in the Summer?

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

Also, July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi. Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. Kanchanaburi usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during summer. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?

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

Also, November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. July to October in Kanchanaburi is the rainy season. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Kanchanaburi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. In the autumn, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kanchanaburi in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

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

The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. In January, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi during winter. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kanchanaburi is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 25°C (77°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Kanchanaburi during the spring 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 Phi Phi year-round.

November to May is the dry season in Kanchanaburi. May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. In the spring, Kanchanaburi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun.

It's very hot in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Kanchanaburi