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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Nagasaki?

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 Nagasaki. 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.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a interesting, authentic, and welcoming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Kanchanaburi and Nagasaki: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Nagasaki?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nagasaki than Kanchanaburi, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Kanchanaburi is popular for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Nagasaki is popular for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine. It is also home to the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Nagasaki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Nagasaki offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Nagasaki Peace Park is a moving tribute to those lost during the atomic bomb attack. Other sights around town include the Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Kofukuji Temple, and Huis Ten Bosch.

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

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

Nagasaki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has a cosmopolitan cuisine which has been influenced by China and several Western cuisines. Popular local dishes include Chanpon (a noodle dish), Sara Udon (meat, vegetables, and noodles), and Kakuni Manju (pork belly on a dough bun).

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 Nagasaki Better for Nightlife?

Nagasaki is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Nagasaki has a large number of nightlife venues. The best areas for nightlife are the Doza-machi and Shianbashi districts. Shinanbashi is filled with narrow alleys and its easy to get lost.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Nagasaki?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Kanchanaburi and Nagasaki.

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 Nagasaki to go shopping. Head to the waterfront for the best shopping opportunities. You'll find everything from malls to souvenir shops around town. You'll also find traditional market streets which are known as shōtengai.

Is Kanchanaburi or Nagasaki Better for Families?

Both Kanchanaburi and Nagasaki are good 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 Nagasaki. Check out Agiruno Oka Park, which has a small farm and other recreational activities. There are also several kid-friendly museums like the Nagasaki City Science Museum and the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium. There are also many parks and playgrounds as well as the Nagasaki Seaside Park.

Is Kanchanaburi or Nagasaki Better for Couples?

Kanchanaburi and Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is a good town for couples to visit. There's a unique cuisine with good restaurants. There are also many parks where couples can take a stroll, as well as relaxing hot springs nearby.

Is Kanchanaburi or Nagasaki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kanchanaburi and Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki. There are a number of hostels in the city, but you really should make reservations in advance as they tend to fill up.

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

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki can get you around easily. The city has four tram lines as well as city buses.

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 Nagasaki a more walkable city?

Kanchanaburi and Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is a somewhat walkable town. Many parts of the city can be explored by foot. The downtown is about a kilometer from Nagasaki Station and the Peace Park is several kilometers in the other direction from the station.

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

Should I spend more time in Nagasaki or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Nagasaki?

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

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

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

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

One day in Kanchanaburi or Nagasaki?

The town of Kanchanaburi offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Nagasaki, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this interesting city 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 Nagasaki?

Kanchanaburi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kanchanaburi, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki?

Kanchanaburi is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the interesting destination of Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki?

Kanchanaburi is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Nagasaki 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Nagasaki?

Nagasaki has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Nagasaki, 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 Nagasaki?

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki in the Summer?

Both Nagasaki and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Nagasaki for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Nagasaki. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kanchanaburi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Kanchanaburi usually receives less sunshine than Nagasaki during summer. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 197 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagasaki. In July, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Kanchanaburi is July to October.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Nagasaki in the Autumn?

Both Nagasaki and Kanchanaburi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kanchanaburi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Nagasaki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Kanchanaburi is generally a little warmer than Nagasaki. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagasaki fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. In the autumn, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Nagasaki. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 189 hours of full sun.

Nagasaki gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually gets more rain in October than Nagasaki. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year. November to May is the dry season in Kanchanaburi. July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Nagasaki in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Nagasaki. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Also, most visitors come to Nagasaki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Nagasaki in the winter. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Nagasaki fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In Kanchanaburi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Nagasaki during winter. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 112 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Nagasaki in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Nagasaki. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nagasaki because of the activities around the city.

The heat can be very extreme in Kanchanaburi. In the spring, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Nagasaki. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kanchanaburi in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. In the spring, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Nagasaki. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 174 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagasaki. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in April than Nagasaki. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Nagasaki and Kanchanaburi