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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Kyoto?

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 Kyoto. 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 informative, educational, and reflective town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a cultural, fascinating, and traditional city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Kanchanaburi and Kyoto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Kyoto?

You'll generally find more things to do in Kyoto than Kanchanaburi. Kyoto is bigger than Kanchanaburi, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kanchanaburi is well known for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Kyoto is well known for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. Also, Kyoto is famous for Kinkaku-ji.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Kyoto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kyoto is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Kyoto are world-renowned. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

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.

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

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

Kyoto has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

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 Kyoto Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kanchanaburi and Kyoto.

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.

Kyoto has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Kanchanaburi or Kyoto Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Kanchanaburi does not have a historic old town.

Kyoto offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

Kanchanaburi does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Kyoto?

Kyoto is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Kyoto is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

Many visitors go to Kanchanaburi to go shopping. There are lively night markets, active walking streets, and independent vendors where you can pick up souvenirs or anything that you might need.

Is Kanchanaburi or Kyoto Better for Families?

Kyoto 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, Kyoto is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

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 Kyoto Better for Couples?

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

Kyoto is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

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 Kyoto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

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 Kyoto Better for Students?

Kyoto is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Kanchanaburi is not popular with students.

Many students visit Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Kanchanaburi is not popular with students.

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

Kyoto is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Kyoto can get you around easily. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

You'll find some public transit in Kanchanaburi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The easiest way to get around town is by tuk tuk or songthaew (pick up truck).

Is Kanchanaburi or Kyoto a more walkable city?

Kyoto is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Kyoto. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

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 Kyoto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kyoto or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Kyoto?

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

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

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

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

One day in Kanchanaburi or Kyoto?

In Kanchanaburi, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this somber destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Kyoto, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this traditional city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Kyoto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanchanaburi. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kyoto is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the museums. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kanchanaburi or Kyoto?

Kanchanaburi is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Kanchanaburi. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Kyoto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Kyoto?

You'll find food and shopping around the informative destination of Kanchanaburi. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kyoto is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Kyoto?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Kyoto, 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 Kyoto?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto in the Summer?

Both Kyoto and Kanchanaburi during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kanchanaburi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Kyoto in the summer. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Kyoto fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the summer, Kanchanaburi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kyoto. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in July than Kyoto. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year. July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Kyoto in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Kyoto. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.

In the autumn, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kanchanaburi in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Kyoto averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Kanchanaburi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during autumn. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kanchanaburi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kanchanaburi usually receives more rain than Kyoto. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. Also, July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Kyoto in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Kyoto. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kyoto. In January, Kanchanaburi is generally much warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 25°C (77°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. In the winter, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun.

Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in January than Kyoto. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Kyoto in the Spring?

Both Kyoto and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Kyoto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

It's very hot in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Kyoto in the spring. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during spring. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. In April, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Kanchanaburi is November to May.

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Kanchanaburi