Which place is cheaper, Manila or Kanchanaburi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Manila?
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 Manila. 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.
Where Should I go: Kanchanaburi or Manila?
Kanchanaburi
If the hustle and bustle of the big city of Bangkok is just getting to you, there's an easy escape. Kanchanaburi, Thailand is a city located at the meeting of Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai, and is ideal for backpackers looking to reflect and relax. With easily accessible waterfalls and national parks, you'll wonder why anyone ever leaves.
Manila
A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKanchanaburi $42Manila $94
The average daily cost (per person) in Kanchanaburi is $42, while the average daily cost in Manila is $94. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kanchanaburi and Manila in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKanchanaburi $19Manila $55
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKanchanaburi $38Manila $110
Compare Hotels in Kanchanaburi and Manila
Looking for a hotel in Kanchanaburi or Manila? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kanchanaburi Hotel Prices and Manila Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kanchanaburi $12Manila $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanchanaburi
Also for Kanchanaburi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $90
- Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $98
- Private Airport Transfer : Bangkok to/from Kanchanaburi: $103
- Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Kanchanaburi: $116
- Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $163
- Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $171
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- ⭐ Manila International Airport Car Transfer To & From City⭐: $72
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Manila APT-HTL (MNL) : $30
- Transfers from Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel to Airport: $50
- Round-trip Coron Airport Transfer + Town Tour (Shared): $31
- Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido Transfer: $25
- Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $22
- Private Transfer from Clark Airport (CRK) to Subic Bay Port: $46
- Private One-way Airport Transfer(Manila Airport To/From Manila): $22
- Private Departure Airport Transfer in Manila Bay and Makati Area: $23
- Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $68
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Paranaque Private Transfer: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Kanchanaburi or Manila?
Prices for flights to both Manila and Kanchanaburi change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayKanchanaburi $12Manila $18
Typical Food Prices in Kanchanaburi
For Kanchanaburi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Casual Lunch$4.09
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanchanaburi
For Kanchanaburi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Thai Cooking Class: $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Manila Night Market and food tour Experience: $58
- Makati Street Food Tour Experience: $63
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $63
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
- Food Tour at the World's Oldest Chinatown: $75
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience with Mari: $81
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
- Cultural Dinner and Show in Manila: $145
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kanchanaburi $9.10Manila $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kanchanaburi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kanchanaburi's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Entry Park TreeHouse$5.46
Tours and Activities in Kanchanaburi
For Kanchanaburi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Discovery Bike Tour: $16
- Cycling to visit Local Experience and Learn Culture with Local expert: $28
- E-Scooter Tour in Kanchanaburi: $30
- Full Day Kanchanaburi River Kwai Experience: $84
- Bangkok: Erawan Waterfall, River Kwai & Death Railway Tour: $95
- Private Tour: Trekking Kanchanaburi Forest to Tham Than Lod: $108
- Erawan Waterfall & Train Tour from Kanchanaburi – Full Day: $110
- Erawan Waterfalls & Phra That Cave Tour : from Bangkok: $111
- Amazing Boat Trip River Kwai and Erawan Falls Full Day Tour: $116
- Private Tour: Kanchanaburi Local Thai Life and City Discovery: $139
- Kanchanaburi River Kwai & Hellfire Pass Private Tour: $144
- Bangkok: Kanchanaburi and Erawan Waterfall Private Tour: $149
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- Active Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour (2in1): $135
- Bataan Death March Memorial Historical Tour : $188
- Club Crawl and Party Experience at BGC: $72
- Corregidor daytour Via Manila to Bataan: $298
- Discover Tagaytay's Countryside: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour : $80
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
- From 4-Day Sagada and Banaue Rice Terraces Tour: $338
- From Day Tour to Enchanting Hidden Valley: $160
- From Majestic Pagsanjan Falls Adventure: $160
- From Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour: $106
- From Panoramic Tagaytay Ridge Tour: $150
- From Taal Volcano Island & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour: $135
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKanchanaburi $8.03Manila $9.97
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kanchanaburi and Manila, we can see that Manila 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 Manila would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manila 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 Manila Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Manila?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Manila, 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 Manila?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Manila in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Manila. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
July to October in Kanchanaburi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Manila. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in July than Manila. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kanchanaburi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Manila averages at about 27°C (80°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKanchanaburi 29°C (84°F)Manila 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Manila in the Autumn?
Both Manila and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Kanchanaburi is November to May. The rainy season in Kanchanaburi is July to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. It's quite rainy in Kanchanaburi. In October, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Manila. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Kanchanaburi is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 28°C (82°F), and Manila fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKanchanaburi 28°C (82°F)Manila 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Manila in the Winter?
Both Manila and Kanchanaburi during the winter 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 Manila year-round.
Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in January than Manila. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Manila in the winter. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Manila fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKanchanaburi 25°C (77°F)Manila 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Manila in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Manila. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. In April, Kanchanaburi usually receives more rain than Manila. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
The heat can be very extreme in Kanchanaburi. In the spring, Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kanchanaburi in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Manila averages at about 29°C (84°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKanchanaburi 32°C (89°F)Manila 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manila and Kanchanaburi
| Kanchanaburi | Manila | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (87°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 218 mm (8.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (76°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.