A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kanchanaburi vs. Lake Tekapo for Families, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Lake Tekapo?

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 Lake Tekapo. 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Kanchanaburi travel costs.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a small, remote, and basic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. The beauty of Lake Tekapo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking. See Lake Tekapo travel costs.

Kanchanaburi and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Lake Tekapo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kanchanaburi. Although Kanchanaburi and Lake Tekapo are both popular with visitors, Kanchanaburi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kanchanaburi is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Lake Tekapo is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Kanchanaburi is more touristy than Lake Tekapo and is popular for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. It is also home to The Death Railway Bridge ("the Bridge on the River Kwai"). Lake Tekapo is popular for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kanchanaburi is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kanchanaburi is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Kanchanaburi or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Kanchanaburi is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Lake Tekapo This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Kanchanaburi or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Lake Tekapo?

Kanchanaburi is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for shopping.

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.

Shopping in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Is Kanchanaburi or Lake Tekapo More Beautiful?

Lake Tekapo is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Kanchanaburi is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Lake Tekapo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. You really want to get out of town and explore the area's stunning natural beauty.

Kanchanaburi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kanchanaburi or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Lake Tekapo 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, Lake Tekapo is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

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 Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Kanchanaburi and Lake Tekapo both good destinations for a couple.

Kanchanaburi makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an educational and informative place to visit, but there are also outdoor activities that couples can enjoy together.

Lake Tekapo is a good town for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Is Kanchanaburi or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kanchanaburi and Lake Tekapo are both good 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 Lake Tekapo. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

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

Kanchanaburi is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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).

Public transit is quite limited in Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Kanchanaburi or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

Kanchanaburi and Lake Tekapo are good when it comes to walkability.

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

Lake Tekapo is a somewhat walkable town. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

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

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Lake Tekapo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kanchanaburi or Lake Tekapo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kanchanaburi than Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kanchanaburi than Lake Tekapo 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 Kanchanaburi.

One day in Kanchanaburi or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the educational 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 Lake Tekapo, many people enjoy the that this basic town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Kanchanaburi or Lake Tekapo?

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.

Lake Tekapo is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Lake Tekapo?

The somber 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 around the basic destination of Lake Tekapo. 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 Lake Tekapo?

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.

Lake Tekapo 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 Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kanchanaburi and Lake Tekapo, we can see that Lake Tekapo is more expensive. And not only is Kanchanaburi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kanchanaburi is in Asia and Lake Tekapo is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Lake Tekapo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Lake Tekapo?

Kanchanaburi has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Lake Tekapo, 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.