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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Nara?

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 Nara. 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 reflective, somber, and informative town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Nara

Nara is a cultural, traditional, and tranquil city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Kanchanaburi and Nara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Nara?

You'll generally find more things to do in Nara than Kanchanaburi. Nara is bigger than Kanchanaburi, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kanchanaburi is more touristy than Nara and is popular for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Nara is well known for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer. Also, Nara is famous for Nara Park.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Nara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Nara offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Kanchanaburi and Nara can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Kanchanaburi has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Nara area. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).

Is Kanchanaburi or Nara Better for Nightlife?

Nara 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.

Nara has a large number of nightlife venues. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.

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 Kanchanaburi or Nara Better for its Old Town?

Nara 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 Nara. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.

Kanchanaburi does not have a historic old town.

Is Kanchanaburi or Nara Better for Hiking?

Nara 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 Nara. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.

Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Nara?

Nara is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Nara is well-known for its shopping. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.

Many visitors go to Kanchanaburi to go shopping. There are lively night markets, active walking streets, and independent vendors where you can pick up souvenirs or anything that you might need.

Is Kanchanaburi or Nara Better for Families?

Nara 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, Nara is very family-friendly. Head to Nara Park for a bit of nature in the city. Deer roam freely in the park, which is filled with pine trees and beautiful lawns. Kids will also appreciate a visit to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park or the NARAMACHI-KARAKURI Toy Museum. You can also take a ride on the Ikoma Cable Line or spend some time at the Tennenyamato Hot Spring Nara Kenko Land.

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 Nara Better for Couples?

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

Nara makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is smaller than you might expect, and it's filled with green space and parks. You can wander through Nara Park, see the deer, and soak up the romantic atmosphere. You can also visit one of the beautiful temples such as Todaiji Temple. Many couples also enjoy exploring Yoshikien Garden.

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 Nara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kanchanaburi and Nara 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 Nara. There are a couple of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers and the budget travel crowd.

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

Nara 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 Nara can get you around easily. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

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 Nara a more walkable city?

Nara 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.

Nara is a very walkable city. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring on foot.

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 Nara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nara or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Nara?

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

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

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

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

One day in Kanchanaburi or Nara?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Kanchanaburi. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Nara, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural city 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 city.

A weekend in Kanchanaburi or Nara?

Kanchanaburi is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Nara 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 Nara?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the informative destination of Kanchanaburi. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the traditional destination of Nara. 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 Nara?

The informative town of Kanchanaburi offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Nara 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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Nara?

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

Nara 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 Nara in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Nara. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Nara for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Nara in the summer. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Nara fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In the summer, Kanchanaburi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nara. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nara. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in July than Nara. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year. July to October in Kanchanaburi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Nara in the Autumn?

Both Nara and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Nara in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Nara. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kanchanaburi in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Nara averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Nara during autumn. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. It's quite rainy in Kanchanaburi. In October, Kanchanaburi usually receives more rain than Nara. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Kanchanaburi is November to May. The rainy season in Kanchanaburi is July to October.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Nara in the Winter?

Both Nara 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nara can be very cold during winter. In January, Kanchanaburi is generally much warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 25°C (77°F), and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. In the winter, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Nara. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun.

Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in January than Nara. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Nara in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Nara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Nara because of the natural beauty.

It's very hot in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Nara in the spring. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Nara fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In Kanchanaburi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Nara during spring. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nara receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Nara. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Nara and Kanchanaburi