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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Koh Tao?

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 Tao. 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 Tao

Koh Tao is a mellow, beautiful, and tropical 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 Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Koh Tao?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Tao than Kanchanaburi, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Tao is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kanchanaburi is more popular for its museums. Kanchanaburi is well known for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Koh Tao is well known for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes. Also, Koh Tao is famous for Mango Bay Viewpoint.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Tao offers a few options for museum-goers. It's a small island that is all about beachfront beauty. Most visitors enjoy the island's outdoor paradise setting, but on those rainy afternoons, there really are very few indoor activities or temples to visit.

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

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

Koh Tao has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find a huge ex-pat community on the island, and with them they bring a variety of international cuisines. There are also local establishments that sell the typical Thai dishes with lots of seafood, curries, and noodle dishes. It's fun to enjoy a beachside restaurant that lets you sit right by the water looking off into a tropical paradise.

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 Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Koh Tao 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 Tao has a large number of nightlife venues. While most people head for the island for its scuba diving, when the sun goes down everyone heads to the beach to party. The island has a very active nightlife scene with its own Full Moon Parties, dance clubs, beachside bars, and more. Head to Sairee Beach for the most active nightlife and entertainment options.

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 Tao Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Koh Tao to choose from. While it's mostly famous as a diving destination, there are also a diversity of resorts, from luxury to affordable, available on the island. The beaches are beautiful and many resorts offer scuba diving packages as well.

Kanchanaburi is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Tao 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 Tao. The island is Thailand's most famous scuba diving destination for it's affordable certifications and prolific dive shops. There are a variety of dive sites near the island, but with fame and popularity come challenges. The coral and sealife is feeling the pressure of the high number of tourists, and the reefs show their damage. But the training you receive here is affordable and well-established.

Kanchanaburi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

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

Koh Tao offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The white sand beaches have a mellow vibe with beautiful blue waters. This is a true tropical paradise with beachside cafes, easy snorkeling, and warm water. The beaches range from quiet and isolated to high energy and vibrant.

Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Koh Tao 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 Tao. Hiking is the best way to enjoy the inland beauty of the island. There are paths that take you through the jungle covered land to viewpoints and remote areas. Many paths are rustic and not always well maintained so it's helpful to ask a local for directions beforehand.

Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Koh Tao?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Kanchanaburi and Koh Tao.

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 Koh Tao to go shopping. The main beach areas of Mae Haad, Sairee, and Chalok Baan Kao have the highest concentration of clothing and dive equipment shops. Because it's an island with limited access, prices can be a bit high.

Is Kanchanaburi or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Both Kanchanaburi and Koh Tao are notable 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 Koh Tao. The island is popular for its affordable scuba diving certifications, so there are a number of options for families with older kids who'd like to get certified. It's also a more laid back and smaller island than some nearby places, so it's possible to find quiet beaches where your family can relax. Some of the quieter beaches include Sai Nuan and Ao Luek. You'll still find a large number of backpackers on the island, but there's a more chill atmosphere with most visitors focused on scuba diving and exploring.

Is Kanchanaburi or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

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

Koh Tao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This laid back island offers a relaxing honeymoon destination for couples who want to learn to scuba dive and enjoy a bit of tropical paradise. There are beachside restaurants, beautiful blue waters, white sand, and everything you need for your own piece of paradise.

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 Tao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tao 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 Tao is extremely popular for backpackers. The island is an oasis for backpackers who want to enjoy the mellow island life, learn to scuba dive cheaply, and have fun at a beachside party. There are plenty of affordable places to stay and countless opportunities to meet other backpackers. The island is also well connected to other nearby islands.

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

Kanchanaburi is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Kanchanaburi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The easiest way to get around town is by tuk tuk or songthaew (pick up truck).

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Tao. You can rent a motorbike or bicycle to explore the island. There are also taxis and taxi boats available.

Is Kanchanaburi or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Koh Tao is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Koh Tao is a very walkable island. The island is smaller than many islands in Thailand, and the small towns are usually no more than 5 kilometers apart. It's also possible to walk around most of the small towns.

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 Koh Tao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Koh Tao?

Both Kanchanaburi and Koh Tao have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Tao than in Kanchanaburi. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kanchanaburi, and 2-7 days is enough time in Koh Tao.

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

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

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

One day in Kanchanaburi or Koh Tao?

In Kanchanaburi, you'll find nightlife and food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Koh Tao, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this mellow 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 Tao?

In Kanchanaburi, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kanchanaburi has to offer.

Koh Tao 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 Tao?

Kanchanaburi is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

In Koh Tao, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this beautiful destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Kanchanaburi or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanchanaburi. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kanchanaburi. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Koh Tao is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 Tao, 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 Koh Tao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Koh Tao?

Kanchanaburi has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Koh Tao, 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 Tao?

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 Tao in the Summer?

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

Also, July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi. Koh Tao receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Kanchanaburi usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during summer. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Koh Tao in the summer. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

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

Also, November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. July to October in Kanchanaburi is the rainy season. October and November in Koh Tao is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Tao. Kanchanaburi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in October than Koh Tao. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 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 Tao. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Koh Tao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kanchanaburi in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Koh Tao in the Winter?

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

The dry season in Koh Tao is February to June. In January, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Koh Tao. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Koh Tao during winter. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kanchanaburi is generally a little warmer than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 25°C (77°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Koh Tao in the Spring?

Both Koh Tao 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 Tao year-round.

November to May is the dry season in Kanchanaburi. February to June is the dry season in Koh Tao. Kanchanaburi usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Koh Tao. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Koh Tao, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. In the spring, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Koh Tao. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun.

It's very hot in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Koh Tao in the spring. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Kanchanaburi