Which place is cheaper, Sandakan or Kanchanaburi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Sandakan?
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 Sandakan. 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 Sandakan?
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.
Sandakan
Located on the Northeast side of the state of Sabah in Borneo is the city of Sandakan, which is the 2nd largest city in the country. Sandakan was a prosperous port town in the 1800s because of its exports of tobacco, timber, pearls, and ivory. However, this booming town that was formerly the administrative capital in North Borneo was bombed practically out of existence at the end of World War II.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia.
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Kanchanaburi Prices
Thailand PricesSandakan Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKanchanaburi $58Sandakan $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Kanchanaburi is $58, while the average daily cost in Sandakan is $81. 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 Sandakan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKanchanaburi $22Sandakan $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKanchanaburi $44Sandakan $46
Compare Hotels in Kanchanaburi and Sandakan
Looking for a hotel in Kanchanaburi or Sandakan? 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.
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 Sandakan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kanchanaburi $14Sandakan $37
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: $99
- Private Airport Transfer : Bangkok to/from Kanchanaburi: $119
- Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $187
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sandakan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sandakan:
- Private 1Way Transfer to/from Sandakan Airport, City or Sepilok: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Kanchanaburi or Sandakan?
Prices for flights to both Sandakan 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
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Food Meals for one dayKanchanaburi $24Sandakan $36
Typical Food Prices in Kanchanaburi
For Kanchanaburi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Casual Lunch$4.71
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: $39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sandakan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sandakan.
- Mangrove Cruise with Fireflies Tour Including Dinner from Sandakan: $64
- Sandakan : Fireflies and Mangrove Cruise with Dinner: $193
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kanchanaburi $10Sandakan $8.15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kanchanaburi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kanchanaburi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Entry Park TreeHouse$6.28
Tours and Activities in Kanchanaburi
For Kanchanaburi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Discovery Bike Tour: $18
- Best Paddleboarding Experience in Kanchanaburi River: $27
- River Kwai Paddleboarding Experience in Kanchanaburi: $30
- E-Scooter Tour in Kanchanaburi: $35
- Kanchanaburi Tree Top Adventure Park Tours: $45
- Half Day Kanchanaburi Bike Tour with History and Local Life: $53
- WWII History Bike Tour in Kanchanaburi with Local Guide: $59
- Kanchanaburi Tour Hellfire Pass History tour: $108
- Erawan Waterfall & Train Tour from Kanchanaburi – Full Day: $110
- Kanchanaburi Tour: Erawan Waterfall and Death Railway: $112
- Kanchanaburi Tour Erawan Waterfall Temples and Giant Rain Tree: $112
- Romantic Getaway in A Walking Tour: $174
Tours and Activities in Sandakan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sandakan are as follows:
- 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise: $290
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour: $112
- Borneo : Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey, and Sun Bear Tour: $338
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $88
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 2 Days 1 Night At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $230
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 3 Days 2 Nights At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $260
- Day Trip Sepilok Orang-utan And City Tour (Flight Excluded): $119
- From Sandakan to Kinabatangan River Safari Boat Cruise Day Tour: $163
- From 7 Unmissable Local Stops Private Tour: $82
- Full Day At Sepilok Orangutan, Sun Bear & Sandakan City Tour: $164
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $147
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKanchanaburi $9.24Sandakan $7.47
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kanchanaburi and Sandakan, we can see that Sandakan 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 Sandakan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sandakan 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 Sandakan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Sandakan?
Sandakan has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Sandakan, 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 Sandakan?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Sandakan in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Sandakan. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year.
July to October in Kanchanaburi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Sandakan. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in July than Sandakan. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. In the summer, Kanchanaburi often gets less sunshine than Sandakan. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sandakan receives 221 hours of full sun.
Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Sandakan in the summer. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Sandakan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKanchanaburi 29°C (84°F)Sandakan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Sandakan in the Autumn?
Both Sandakan and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Kanchanaburi is November to May. The rainy season in Kanchanaburi is July to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. It's quite rainy in Kanchanaburi. In October, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 253 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Sandakan during autumn. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Sandakan receives 191 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Sandakan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kanchanaburi in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Sandakan averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKanchanaburi 28°C (82°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Sandakan in the Winter?
Both Sandakan 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round.
Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in January than Sandakan. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. In the winter, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Sandakan. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sandakan receives 156 hours of full sun.
In January, Kanchanaburi is generally around the same temperature as Sandakan. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 25°C (77°F), and Sandakan fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKanchanaburi 25°C (77°F)Sandakan 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Sandakan in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Sandakan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sandakan this time of the year. In Kanchanaburi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kanchanaburi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sandakan during spring. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Sandakan receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's very hot in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Sandakan in the spring. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Sandakan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKanchanaburi 32°C (89°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Sandakan and Kanchanaburi
| Kanchanaburi | Sandakan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (87°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 218 mm (8.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (76°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.