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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Rotorua?

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 Rotorua. 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. See Kanchanaburi travel costs.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a cultural, natural, and world-renowned town. The beauty of Rotorua is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping. See Rotorua travel costs.

Kanchanaburi and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Rotorua?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rotorua. Although Kanchanaburi and Rotorua are about the same size, Rotorua has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kanchanaburi is popular for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Rotorua is popular for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies. It is also home to Waimangu Volcanic Valley.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Rotorua offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

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

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

Rotorua has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

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 Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kanchanaburi and Rotorua.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kanchanaburi. 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.

Rotorua has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Kanchanaburi or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Rotorua?

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

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 Rotorua to go shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is Kanchanaburi or Rotorua More Beautiful?

Rotorua is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Kanchanaburi is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Rotorua is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.

Kanchanaburi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kanchanaburi or Rotorua Better for Families?

Rotorua is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Rotorua is very family-friendly. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

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 Rotorua Better for Couples?

Rotorua is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Rotorua is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

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 Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotorua is an amazing town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Rotorua is extremely popular for backpackers. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

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

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

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 Rotorua, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

Is Kanchanaburi or Rotorua a more walkable city?

Kanchanaburi and Rotorua 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.

Rotorua is a somewhat walkable town. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Rotorua?

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

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

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

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

One day in Kanchanaburi or Rotorua?

In Kanchanaburi, you'll find nightlife and food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Rotorua, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this world-renowned town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Rotorua?

In Kanchanaburi, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kanchanaburi has to offer.

Rotorua 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 Rotorua?

Kanchanaburi is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Rotorua. 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 Rotorua?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanchanaburi. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kanchanaburi. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Rotorua 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 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Rotorua?

Rotorua has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua in the Summer?

Both Rotorua 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, the summer months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kanchanaburi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Rotorua averages at about 12°C (54°F)in January.

In July, Kanchanaburi usually receives more rain than Rotoruain January. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Kanchanaburi is July to October.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Rotorua in the Autumn?

Both Rotorua 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. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

In October, Kanchanaburi is generally much warmer than Rotoruain April. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 28°C (82°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually gets more rain in October than Rotoruain April. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 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 Rotorua in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rotorua for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Rotorua in the winter. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.

In January, Kanchanaburi usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Rotorua in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Rotorua. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Rotorua in the spring for the natural beauty.

The heat can be very extreme in Kanchanaburi. In the spring, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kanchanaburi in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Rotorua averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.

Kanchanaburi usually gets more rain in April than Rotoruain October. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Kanchanaburi