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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Shenzhen?

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 Shenzhen. 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 Shenzhen?

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.

Shenzhen

Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions.  It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen or Kanchanaburi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Kanchanaburi Prices
    Thailand Prices
    Shenzhen Prices
    China Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kanchanaburi $57
    Shenzhen $148

The average daily cost (per person) in Kanchanaburi is $57, while the average daily cost in Shenzhen is $148. 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 Shenzhen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kanchanaburi $22
    Shenzhen $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kanchanaburi $44
    Shenzhen $192
Compare Hotels in Kanchanaburi and Shenzhen

Looking for a hotel in Kanchanaburi or Shenzhen? 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 Shenzhen


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kanchanaburi $14
    Shenzhen $16

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: $98
  • Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $186
  • Private Erawan Falls & River Kwai with Transfer from Kanchanaburi: $222
  • Private Bangkok Airport Transfer to/from Kanchanaburi: $117
  • Kanchanaburi River Kwai SUP Experience with Hotel Transfers: $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen

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

  • shenzhen airport private transfer: $31
  • [Elite Transport] Shenzhen Private Transfer & Executive Support: $89
  • Venetian Macao and Macau Heritage Tour with 2-way ferry transfers from Hong Kong: $115
  • Transfer Hong Kong to Hong Kong Airport by Luxury Van or Sedan: $120
  • Stress-Free Hong Kong hotels to HongKong Airport Private Transfer: $55
  • Private Transfers to/from Bao'an Airport(SZX): $20
  • Shenzhen to Shenzhen Airport (SZX) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Shenzhen Private transfer and Ongoing assistance: $39
  • Shenzhen Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station: $55
  • Shenzhen Int Airport (SZX) to Shenzhen - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
  • Private Transfer: Hong Kong to Macau via Zhuhai Bridge: $265
  • Private Transfer: Hong Kong to Airport HKG by Luxury Van: $143

Is it cheaper to fly into Kanchanaburi or Shenzhen?

Prices for flights to both Shenzhen 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 $24
    Shenzhen $37
Typical Food Prices in Kanchanaburi

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


  • Casual Lunch
    $4.60

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 Shenzhen

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

  • Shenzhen Food Tour with Locals: $38
  • Traditional Outdoor Cooking in a Private Lesson: $45
  • Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Locals - Dim Sum, Wonton & more: $59
  • Best Street Food Tour With a Local Guide in Hong Kong: $96
  • Hong Kong's Tin Hau Hidden Gems Food Tour with 7+ Local Tastings: $107
  • Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $107
  • Hong Kong Market Walking Tour & Chinese Cooking Class: $131
  • Hong Kong Sightseeing Tour With Dinner Cruise From Shenzhen: $136
  • Hong Kong Best Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $147
  • Kowloon Street Food Tour Private & Personalized with a Local: $172
  • Hong Kong Private & Personalized Street Food Tour with a Local: $172
  • Layover Tour from airport - Classic Hong Kong with Tram Ride and Dinner Cruise: $182

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kanchanaburi $10
    Shenzhen $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kanchanaburi

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


  • Entry Park TreeHouse
    $6.14

Tours and Activities in Kanchanaburi

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

  • Best Paddleboarding Experience in Kanchanaburi River: $27
  • Discovery Bike Tour: $18
  • Erawan Waterfall & Train Tour from Kanchanaburi – Full Day: $130
  • Full Day Kanchanaburi Erawan Waterfall and Historical Sites Tour: $78
  • Fun Tree Top Zipline Adventure and Challenge in Kanchanaburi: $37
  • Guided Walking Private Tour in History & Legends: $142
  • Half Day Kanchanaburi Bike Tour with History and Local Life: $52
  • Kanchanaburi Countryside Cycling Adventure: $58
  • Kanchanaburi Erawan Waterfall and Death Railway Full Day Tour: $81
  • Kanchanaburi Erawan Waterfall and Train Along Death Railway Tour: $176
  • Kanchanaburi Morning Countryside Bike Experience: $62
  • Kanchanaburi Tour Erawan Waterfall Temples and Giant Rain Tree: $110

Tours and Activities in Shenzhen

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

  • A Perfect Hong Kong Layover - 5h private tour: $300
  • Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong: $53
  • Audio Tour of Hong Kong: Hollywood Road Loop: $8.99
  • Best Seller: VIP Lantau Tai O Tour Priority Cable Car, Big Buddha: $99
  • Between Capitalism & Communism: Hong Kong History Tip Based Tour: $2.62
  • Big Bus Hong Kong Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour: $56
  • Boat Tour Through Four Sea Arches in Sai Kung, Hong Kong Geopark: $79
  • Cheung Chau Island Tour: $105
  • City Tour and Film Portrait in Hong Kong: $157
  • Comprehensive Shenzhen Tech Tour: A Deeper Look at the Future: $174
  • Custom private tour of Hong Kong Island - Half day: $229
  • Custom private tour of Kowloon Peninsula - Half day: $178

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kanchanaburi $9.03
    Shenzhen $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Shenzhen

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Shenzhen:

  • Hong Kong Pub Crawl at Lan Kwai Fong (LKF): $13


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


Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Shenzhen?

Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Shenzhen, 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 Shenzhen?

Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen in the Summer?

Both Shenzhen 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 the summer, Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kanchanaburi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 30°C (85°F).

It's quite sunny in Shenzhen. Kanchanaburi usually receives less sunshine than Shenzhen during summer. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. In July, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Shenzhen. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 323 mm (12.7 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) 
    Shenzhen 30°C (85°F)

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Shenzhen in the Autumn?

Both Shenzhen 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.

In October, Kanchanaburi is generally around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 28°C (82°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. In the autumn, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Shenzhen. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 190 hours of full sun.

Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 143 mm (5.6 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) 
    Shenzhen 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Shenzhen in the Winter?

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

Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Shenzhen in the winter. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Kanchanaburi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Shenzhen during winter. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Shenzhen. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kanchanaburi 25°C (77°F) 
    Shenzhen 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Shenzhen in the Spring?

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

The heat can be very extreme in Kanchanaburi. In the spring, Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Shenzhen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kanchanaburi in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. In the spring, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Shenzhen. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 95 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in April than Shenzhen. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 154 mm (6.1 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) 
    Shenzhen 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Shenzhen and Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi Shenzhen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 30°C (87°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Apr 32°C (89°F) 77 mm (3 in) 23°C (73°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 152 mm (6 in) 27°C (80°F) 325 mm (12.8 in)
Jun 29°C (85°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 29°C (83°F) 382 mm (15 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 30°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 29°C (85°F) 393 mm (15.5 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 218 mm (8.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 300 mm (11.8 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Dec 25°C (76°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)


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