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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Matsue?

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 Matsue. 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.

Matsue

Matsue is a peaceful, pretty, and serene town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Kanchanaburi and Matsue: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Matsue?

You'll generally find more things to do in Matsue than Kanchanaburi. Matsue is bigger than Kanchanaburi, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Matsue is better known for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Kanchanaburi is more popular for its nightlife. Kanchanaburi is well known for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Matsue is well known for its 17th century castle and its quaint atmosphere. Also, Matsue is famous for the Matsue Castle.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Matsue?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Kanchanaburi and Matsue.

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.

Matsue offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most people visit town specifically to see the Matsue Castle, which is one of the last original castles left in Japan. The city also has parks and gardens, as well as the Shimane Art Museum, Yaegaki Shrine, and Miho Shrine.

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

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

Matsue has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are peaceful restaurants and cafes around town where you can sample the local dishes. Many restaurants have beautiful gardens and set lunch menus, which is a great way to sample fine dining cuisine at a reasonable price.

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 Matsue Better for Nightlife?

Kanchanaburi is a town with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Matsue is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

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.

Matsue doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a quiet town and there's not much of a nightlife scene, but if you spend the night you can probably find a quaint local bar where you can hang out.

Is Kanchanaburi or Matsue Better for its Old Town?

Matsue is a good destination for its old town. However, Kanchanaburi does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Matsue. The town has one of the last of the twelve original castles that are still in Japan. There are also many canals that cross the town.

Kanchanaburi does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Matsue?

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

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 Matsue to go shopping. Kyomise Shopping District is a charming street near Ohashi Bridge. It is lined with shops and restaurants and tourists will enjoy visiting the souvenir and specialty stores in the area.

Is Kanchanaburi or Matsue Better for Families?

Both Kanchanaburi and Matsue 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 Matsue. Kids will enjoy the city's history as much as adults. There are several temples and shrines to explore as well as Lake Shinji. The best views of the lake are from the Shimane Art Museum.

Is Kanchanaburi or Matsue Better for Couples?

Kanchanaburi and Matsue both notable 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.

Matsue is a good town for couples to visit. Castles, gardens, and museums all make this a beautiful and romantic destination. Couples will enjoy immersing themselves in the city's history. There's also a beautiful lake and the impressive Matsue Vogel Park.

Is Kanchanaburi or Matsue Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kanchanaburi and Matsue are both notable 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 Matsue. There are a couple of hostels and guesthouses as well as budget hotels around town for backpackers.

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

Matsue 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 Matsue can get you around easily. There are city buses as well as Ichibata Bus. Tourists will mostly use the Lakeline loop, which connects the two railway stations with all of the city's major attractions. Buses run every 20 minutes.

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 Matsue a more walkable city?

Matsue 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.

Matsue is a very walkable town. Most of the town's sights can be reached on foot. You can walk from the JR Matsue Station to the castle in half an hour and it's only 15 minutes from the Shinjiko Onsen Station.

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 Matsue Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Matsue or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Matsue?

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

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

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

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

One day in Kanchanaburi or Matsue?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kanchanaburi. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Matsue, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic town offers. 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 Matsue?

Kanchanaburi is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Matsue is a fun place to experience. 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 Matsue?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanchanaburi. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Matsue. 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 Matsue?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the informative destination of Kanchanaburi. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Matsue is a popular place to visit. 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 Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Matsue?

Matsue has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Matsue, 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 Matsue?

Matsue 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 Matsue in the Summer?

Both Matsue 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 Matsue because of the family-friendly experiences.

Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Matsue in the summer. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Matsue fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

In Matsue, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kanchanaburi often gets less sunshine than Matsue. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 201 hours of full sun.

Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in July than Matsue. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain this time of the year. July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Matsue in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Matsue. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kanchanaburi in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Matsue averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In Kanchanaburi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Matsue during autumn. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 173 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Matsue 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 Matsue. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 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 Matsue in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Matsue. In January, Kanchanaburi is generally much warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 25°C (77°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 4°C (39°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 Matsue. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 84 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Matsue. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in January than Matsue. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Matsue in the Spring?

Both Matsue 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 Matsue in the spring for the natural beauty.

It's very hot in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Matsue in the spring. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Matsue fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Matsue during spring. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. In April, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Matsue. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Kanchanaburi is November to May.

Typical Weather for Matsue and Kanchanaburi