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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Sapporo?

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 Sapporo. 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 educational, reflective, and somber town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a snowy, vibrant, and laid-back city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Kanchanaburi and Sapporo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Sapporo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sapporo than Kanchanaburi, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Kanchanaburi is popular for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Sapporo is popular for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also home to Odori Park.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Sapporo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sapporo and Kanchanaburi. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Kanchanaburi or Sapporo Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Kanchanaburi is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Sapporo. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Kanchanaburi is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kanchanaburi or Sapporo?

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

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.

Sapporo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

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

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

Sapporo has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

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 Sapporo Better for Nightlife?

Sapporo 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.

Sapporo has a large number of nightlife venues. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

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 the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Sapporo?

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

Sapporo is well-known for its shopping. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

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 Sapporo Better for Families?

Sapporo 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, Sapporo is very family-friendly. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

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 Sapporo Better for Couples?

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

Sapporo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

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 Sapporo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sapporo is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Sapporo. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun 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 Sapporo Better for Students?

Sapporo is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Kanchanaburi is not popular with students.

Many students visit Sapporo. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Kanchanaburi is not popular with students.

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

Sapporo 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 Sapporo can get you around easily. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

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 Sapporo a more walkable city?

Sapporo 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.

Sapporo is a very walkable city. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

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 Sapporo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sapporo or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Sapporo?

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

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

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

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

One day in Kanchanaburi or Sapporo?

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.

Each neighborhood in Sapporo has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Sapporo?

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.

Sapporo is a fun place to experience. 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 Sapporo?

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 skiing and nightlife around the snowy big city of Sapporo. 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 Sapporo?

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.

Sapporo is a popular place to visit. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Sapporo?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Sapporo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kanchanaburi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Sapporo averages at about 21°C (69°F).

Kanchanaburi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sapporo during summer. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kanchanaburi usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Sapporo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Sapporo. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.

In October, Kanchanaburi is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 28°C (82°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. In the autumn, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sapporo. Kanchanaburi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kanchanaburi usually gets more rain in October than Sapporo. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. July to October in Kanchanaburi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Sapporo in the Winter?

Both Sapporo and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Sapporo for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Sapporo. Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Sapporo in the winter. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during winter. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sapporo. In January, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Sapporo in the Spring?

Both Sapporo and Kanchanaburi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kanchanaburi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Sapporo in the spring for the activities around the city.

The heat can be very extreme in Kanchanaburi. In the spring, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kanchanaburi in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Sapporo averages at about 7°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. In the spring, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun.

Kanchanaburi usually gets more rain in April than Sapporo. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. November to May is the dry season in Kanchanaburi.

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Kanchanaburi