A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kanchanaburi vs. Pyeongchang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Pyeongchang?

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 Pyeongchang. 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.

Where Should I go: Kanchanaburi or Pyeongchang?

Kanchanaburi

If the hustle and bustle of the big city of Bangkok is just getting to you, there's an easy escape. Kanchanaburi, Thailand is a city located at the meeting of Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai, and is ideal for backpackers looking to reflect and relax. With easily accessible waterfalls and national parks, you'll wonder why anyone ever leaves.

Pyeongchang

Pyeongchang is a county of South Korea situated in the Taebaek Mountains in Gangwon Province. A popular location for winter sports, it was chosen as the host city for the 2018 Winter Olympics. Other attractions include Buddhist temples, parks, villages, and natural scenery.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Seoul.


Which place is cheaper, Pyeongchang or Kanchanaburi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kanchanaburi is $42, while the average daily cost in Pyeongchang is $114. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kanchanaburi and Pyeongchang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kanchanaburi $19
    Pyeongchang $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kanchanaburi $38
    Pyeongchang $124
Compare Hotels in Kanchanaburi and Pyeongchang

Looking for a hotel in Kanchanaburi or Pyeongchang? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Kanchanaburi


Hotels in Pyeongchang


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kanchanaburi Hotel Prices and Pyeongchang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kanchanaburi $12
    Pyeongchang $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanchanaburi

Also for Kanchanaburi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $90
  • Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $98
  • Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $163
  • Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $171
  • Private Airport Transfer : Bangkok to/from Kanchanaburi: $103
  • Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Kanchanaburi: $116

Is it cheaper to fly into Kanchanaburi or Pyeongchang?

Prices for flights to both Pyeongchang and Kanchanaburi change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Kanchanaburi $12
    Pyeongchang $27
Typical Food Prices in Kanchanaburi

For Kanchanaburi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Casual Lunch
    $4.09

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanchanaburi

For Kanchanaburi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Thai Cooking Class: $34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kanchanaburi $9.10
    Pyeongchang $51
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kanchanaburi

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kanchanaburi's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Entry Park TreeHouse
    $5.46

Tours and Activities in Kanchanaburi

For Kanchanaburi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Amazing Boat Trip River Kwai and Erawan Falls Full Day Tour: $116
  • Bangkok Mystical Waterfall & River Kwai Tour: $241
  • Bangkok and Beyond - A 6 Day Exciting Group Tour: $1,000
  • Bangkok: 2-Day River Kwai & Erawan National Park Tour: $281
  • Bangkok: Erawan Waterfall, River Kwai & Death Railway Tour: $95
  • Bangkok: Kanchanaburi and Erawan Waterfall Private Tour: $149
  • Cycling to visit Local Experience and Learn Culture with Local expert: $28
  • Discovery Bike Tour: $16
  • E-Scooter Tour in Kanchanaburi: $30
  • Erawan Waterfall & Train Tour from Kanchanaburi – Full Day: $110
  • Erawan Waterfalls & Phra That Cave Tour : from Bangkok: $111
  • Full Day Kanchanaburi River Kwai Experience: $84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kanchanaburi $8.03
    Pyeongchang $8.79


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



When is the best time to visit Kanchanaburi or Pyeongchang?

Pyeongchang 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 Pyeongchang in the Summer?

Both Pyeongchang and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year.

In July, Kanchanaburi is generally a little warmer than Pyeongchang. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 29°C (84°F), and Pyeongchang fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Pyeongchang during summer. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Pyeongchang receives 144 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pyeongchang. In July, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Pyeongchang. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 217 mm (8.5 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Kanchanaburi is July to October.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kanchanaburi 29°C (84°F) 
    Pyeongchang 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Pyeongchang in the Autumn?

Both Pyeongchang 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.

Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Pyeongchang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Pyeongchang fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. In the autumn, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Pyeongchang. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pyeongchang receives 185 hours of full sun.

Pyeongchang 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 Pyeongchang. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 112 mm (4.4 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kanchanaburi 28°C (82°F) 
    Pyeongchang 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Pyeongchang in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Pyeongchang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round.

It's quite cold in Pyeongchang in the winter. In the winter, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Pyeongchang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kanchanaburi in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Pyeongchang averages at about 0°C (33°F).

In Kanchanaburi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Pyeongchang during winter. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Pyeongchang receives 190 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Pyeongchang. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kanchanaburi 25°C (77°F) 
    Pyeongchang 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Pyeongchang in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Pyeongchang. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Kanchanaburi can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Kanchanaburi is generally much warmer than Pyeongchang. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 32°C (89°F), and Pyeongchang fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pyeongchang. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. In the spring, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Pyeongchang. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pyeongchang receives 204 hours of full sun.

Kanchanaburi usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Pyeongchang. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kanchanaburi 32°C (89°F) 
    Pyeongchang 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Pyeongchang and Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi Pyeongchang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 0°C (33°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 1°C (35°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 30°C (87°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 32°C (89°F) 77 mm (3 in) 12°C (54°F) 77 mm (3 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 152 mm (6 in) 18°C (64°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jun 29°C (85°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 24°C (76°F) 217 mm (8.5 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 218 mm (8.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 216 mm (8.5 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 25°C (76°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)