A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kanchanaburi vs. Milford Sound for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Milford Sound?

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 Milford Sound. 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 somber, informative, and educational town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a world renowned, remote, and iconic fiord. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the skiing and hiking.

Kanchanaburi and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kanchanaburi. Although Kanchanaburi and Milford Sound are both popular with visitors, Kanchanaburi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kanchanaburi is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Kanchanaburi is more touristy than Milford Sound and is known 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"). Milford Sound is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milford Sound and Kanchanaburi. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Kanchanaburi or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Kanchanaburi is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Milford Sound. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Kanchanaburi is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kanchanaburi or Milford Sound?

Kanchanaburi is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kanchanaburi is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Kanchanaburi is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Kanchanaburi or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Kanchanaburi is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Kanchanaburi or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is an amazing fiord to visit for its hiking trails. However, Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Milford Sound is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Milford Sound?

Kanchanaburi is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Kanchanaburi has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are lively night markets, active walking streets, and independent vendors where you can pick up souvenirs or anything that you might need.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Milford Sound 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, Milford Sound is very family-friendly. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

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 Milford Sound Better for Couples?

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

Milford Sound makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

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 Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kanchanaburi and Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

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

Kanchanaburi is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its public transit.

Kanchanaburi has some public transit options. The easiest way to get around town is by tuk tuk or songthaew (pick up truck).

Public transit is generally limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Kanchanaburi or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Kanchanaburi is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Milford Sound is not a walkable town. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Kanchanaburi Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Milford Sound?

Kanchanaburi and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Kanchanaburi 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 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kanchanaburi than Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the reflective destination of Kanchanaburi. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Milford Sound, many people enjoy the skiing that this remote fiord 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 Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanchanaburi. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Milford Sound 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. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kanchanaburi or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the educational destination of Kanchanaburi. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

In Milford Sound, many people enjoy the skiing that this remote 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. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Kanchanaburi or Milford Sound?

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Kanchanaburi. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Milford Sound 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 10-Day Tours in New Zealand, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Milford Sound?

Kanchanaburi has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Milford Sound, 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.