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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Newcastle?

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 Newcastle. 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a coastal, vibrant, and high energy city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Kanchanaburi and Newcastle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Newcastle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Newcastle than Kanchanaburi, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Kanchanaburi is more touristy than Newcastle and is popular for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Newcastle is popular for its bustling harbor, sandy beaches, and coastal walks. It is also home to the Bathers Way.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Newcastle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Newcastle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are some interesting sights around town such as Nobbys Lighthouse. There's also the popular Ocean Baths. These pools offer a nice break from the surf. You can also check out the sights along the Newcastle Memorial Walk. For a history lesson, head to Fort Scratchley.

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

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

Newcastle has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's a moderately sized city, so you'll find a good mix of restaurants. Head to the beachfront if you want fine dining and good seafood. There are also some good breweries and cafes, as well as brunch places and international flavors around town.

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 Newcastle Better for Nightlife?

Newcastle 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.

Newcastle has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a vibrant city, and the best nightlife can be found in the Honeysuckle Precinct. This is where you'll find the largest number of bars and pubs. Hunter Street is also a cool hangout area where you'll find the hidden gems where the locals hang out. Civic Theatre is the place to see a show.

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 Newcastle Better for Beaches?

Newcastle is a very popular place for the beache. However, Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Newcastle for it's beautiful beaches. There are a number of beaches in and near the city. Nobbys Beach is the most popular and you'll find families, surfers, and locals hanging out here. Newcastle Beach is also popular with its many restaurants and cafes.

Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Newcastle Better for Hiking?

Newcastle is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Newcastle offers some nice hiking trails. There are many places to enjoy a stroll or hike near town. The most famous walk is the Bathers Way Walk, which runs along the coastline and offers spectacular views. It's particularly nice during the winter whale watching season.

Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Newcastle?

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

Newcastle is well-known for its shopping. It's gained popularity for its trendy fashions and chic style. You'll find great shopping around town that highlight both local and international brands.

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 Newcastle Better for Families?

Both Kanchanaburi and Newcastle 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 Newcastle. Kids will enjoy the long sandy beaches, but there's also a working harbor that you can explore. You can also visit the Newcastle Museum or try one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Kanchanaburi or Newcastle Better for Couples?

Kanchanaburi and Newcastle 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.

Newcastle is a good town for couples to visit. The city has some great restaurants as well as many coastal walks and a vibrant nightlife scene that couples enjoy.

Is Kanchanaburi or Newcastle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kanchanaburi and Newcastle 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 Newcastle. While it's not Australia's most popular backpacker destination, there are some hostels and a good nightlife scene that are worth checking out.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Kanchanaburi and Newcastle.

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

You'll find some public transit in Newcastle, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's both a light rail system and a bus system.

Is Kanchanaburi or Newcastle a more walkable city?

Kanchanaburi and Newcastle 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.

Newcastle is a somewhat walkable town. There are parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Newcastle or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Newcastle?

It's fun to spend time in either Kanchanaburi or Newcastle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Newcastle due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kanchanaburi, and 2-4 days is enough time in Newcastle.

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

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

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

One day in Kanchanaburi or Newcastle?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Kanchanaburi. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Newcastle, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this coastal city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Newcastle?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the reflective destination of Kanchanaburi. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Newcastle is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Newcastle?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the educational town of Kanchanaburi. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Newcastle. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Newcastle?

Kanchanaburi is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Newcastle is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Newcastle?

Newcastle has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Newcastle, 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 Newcastle?

Newcastle 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 Newcastle in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Newcastle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kanchanaburi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Newcastle averages at about 22°C (72°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. In the summer, Kanchanaburi often gets less sunshine than Newcastlein January. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 232 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Newcastle. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in July than Newcastlein January. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year. July to October in Kanchanaburi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Newcastle in the Autumn?

Both Newcastle 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 Newcastle in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Kanchanaburi is generally a little warmer than Newcastlein April. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 28°C (82°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Newcastle during autumn. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 199 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. It's quite rainy in Kanchanaburi. In October, Kanchanaburi usually receives more rain than Newcastlein April. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 112 mm (4.4 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 Newcastle in the Winter?

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

Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Newcastle in the winter. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Newcastle fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in July.

In Newcastle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. In the winter, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Newcastlein July. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 206 hours of full sun.

Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in January than Newcastlein July. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Newcastle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Newcastle. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Newcastle because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

The heat can be very extreme in Kanchanaburi. In the spring, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Newcastle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kanchanaburi in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Newcastle averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newcastle this time of the year. In Kanchanaburi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Newcastle during spring. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Newcastlein October. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Newcastle and Kanchanaburi