A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kanchanaburi vs. Mount Bromo for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Mount Bromo?

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 Mount Bromo. 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 educational, reflective, and somber town. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Kanchanaburi travel costs.

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is a spectacular, breathtaking, and scenic volcano. Mount Bromo is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking. See Mount Bromo travel costs.

Kanchanaburi and Mount Bromo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Mount Bromo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kanchanaburi. Although Kanchanaburi and Mount Bromo are popular destinations, Kanchanaburi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kanchanaburi is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Mount Bromo attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Kanchanaburi is famous for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. It is also well known for The Death Railway Bridge ("the Bridge on the River Kwai"). Mount Bromo is famous for its sunrise views and scenic setting.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Mount Bromo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kanchanaburi is a great town for its historical sights. However, Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kanchanaburi is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Kanchanaburi. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Mount Bromo. You'll find cheap noodle and rice dishes at the warungs in Cemoro Lawang. Some hotels have breakfast and you should pick up some food and water for the hike at a grocery store in town. There are also some stalls along the route, some that are open even at 3am to accommodate early hikers.

Is Kanchanaburi or Mount Bromo Better for Nightlife?

Kanchanaburi is a popular place for nightlife. However, Mount Bromo is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Kanchanaburi has a few options to choose from. 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.

People don't go to Mount Bromo for the nightlife. The stars and the early morning hike are the only nightlife you'll find here.

Is Kanchanaburi or Mount Bromo Better for Hiking?

Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo. The setting is beautiful, and best experienced at sunrise, which means most people hike through the night. Some people take horses and most people organized guided tours.

Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Mount Bromo?

Kanchanaburi is a popular place for shopping. However, Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kanchanaburi. There are lively night markets, active walking streets, and independent vendors where you can pick up souvenirs or anything that you might need.

Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Mount Bromo More Beautiful?

Mount Bromo is an amazing volcano to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Kanchanaburi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Mount Bromo is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The setting and landscapes are spectacular, particularly at sunrise when most visitors make the trip.

Kanchanaburi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kanchanaburi or Mount Bromo Better for Families?

Both Kanchanaburi and Mount Bromo are nice 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 Mount Bromo. It really depends on the age of your kids and their personality and adaptability as to whether this is a good trip for them. Many of the tours start in the middle of the night so you can see the spectacular sunrise. The trip can be a bit uncomfortable, but everyone is guaranteed an adventure!

Is Kanchanaburi or Mount Bromo Better for Couples?

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

Mount Bromo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic sunrises and stunning views make this a wonderful destination for couples. The surroundings are surreal and you will long remember the experience.

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 Mount Bromo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kanchanaburi and Mount Bromo are both nice 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 Mount Bromo. Some backpackers choose to go without a guided tour, and this will let you save money. Cemoro Lawang is the closest town to the volcano.

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

Kanchanaburi is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its public transit.

While Kanchanaburi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The easiest way to get around town is by tuk tuk or songthaew (pick up truck).

Public transit is generally limited in Mount Bromo. Most people visit with a guided tour because this saves a lot of time and allows you to see the sunrise.

Is Kanchanaburi or Mount Bromo a more walkable city?

Kanchanaburi and Mount Bromo are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Mount Bromo is a somewhat walkable town. The walk takes you across the sand and up some stairs. It's usually less than an hour.

For even more information, also check out Is Kanchanaburi Worth Visiting? and Is Mount Bromo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mount Bromo or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Mount Bromo?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kanchanaburi than Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the reflective 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 Mount Bromo, many people enjoy the that this scenic volcano 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 volcano.

A weekend in Kanchanaburi or Mount Bromo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the informative 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.

Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo?

The informative 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 scenic destination of Mount Bromo. 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 Mount Bromo?

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.

Mount Bromo 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 Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kanchanaburi and Mount Bromo, we can see that Kanchanaburi is more expensive. And not only is Mount Bromo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mount Bromo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mount Bromo 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 Kanchanaburi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kanchanaburi than you might in Mount Bromo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kanchanaburi Expensive? and Is Mount Bromo Expensive?.