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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Surabaya?

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 Surabaya. 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 informative, educational, and reflective town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Kanchanaburi travel costs.

Surabaya

Surabaya is a local, undiscovered, and authentic 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 food, beaches, and shopping. See Surabaya travel costs.

Kanchanaburi and Surabaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Surabaya?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Surabaya than Kanchanaburi, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Surabaya is more popular for its beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Kanchanaburi is known for its museums and attractions. Kanchanaburi is more touristy than Surabaya and is popular for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Surabaya is popular for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution. It is also home to the Submarine Monument.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Surabaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kanchanaburi is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

Kanchanaburi offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

While most people don't head to Surabaya specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You'll likely pass through town on your way somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out Suramadu Bridge, the House of Sampoerna, Cheng Hoo Mosque, Sanggar Agung Temple, and Ampel Mosque. It's also worth a visit to the Submarine Museum and the Heroes Monument.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Kanchanaburi and Surabaya can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Kanchanaburi has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Surabaya area. It's a port city, and the cuisine reflexs this. You'll find a mix of different flavors that combine Javanese, Chinese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian cuisines. Dishes include a lot of vegetables as well as tofu and tempeh. Many dishes are also sweet in flavor or incredibly spicy.

Is Kanchanaburi or Surabaya Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Surabaya has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Like the rest of the city, the nightlife scene has a local vibe. There are night markets, fascinating neighborhoods, and some lively clubs and bars.

Is Kanchanaburi or Surabaya Better for Beaches?

Surabaya is a good destination for the beach. However, Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.

Surabaya offers a nice beach destination. You'll find a few beaches within a short drive of the city center. Some of the popular ones include Ria Kenjeran Beach, Bentar Beach, and Delegan Beach.

Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Surabaya?

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

Surabaya is well-known for its shopping. The city has a great mix of air-conditioned mega-malls and colorful street markets. Bratang Market has become a favorite but it's also worth checking out Tugu Pahlawan Market and Ampel Market.

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 Surabaya Better for Families?

Kanchanaburi is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Surabaya is not always the best place to visit. You'll like be passing through this city enroute to somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out the Submarine Museum. You can also wander through the market area of Qubah or explore Chinatown.

Is Kanchanaburi or Surabaya Better for Couples?

Kanchanaburi is a popular place for couples. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for romance.

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.

Surabaya is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are some sights an museums that you can visit while you're in town.

Is Kanchanaburi or Surabaya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kanchanaburi is a popular place for backpackers. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Surabaya is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town but most backpackers don't spend more than a night in town.

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

Kanchanaburi is a popular place for its public transit. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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).

Public transit is mostly limited in Surabaya. There's a bus system, but it's mostly used by locals. There are two types of buses - normal buses and patas buses, which are express.

Is Kanchanaburi or Surabaya a more walkable city?

Surabaya 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.

Surabaya is a very walkable city. It's one of the more walkable cities in Indonesia and it has the feel of a bunch of neighborhoods combined together.

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 Surabaya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Surabaya or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Surabaya?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kanchanaburi or Surabaya to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kanchanaburi than Surabaya because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kanchanaburi, and 1-2 days is enough time in Surabaya.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kanchanaburi than Surabaya 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 Kanchanaburi.

One day in Kanchanaburi or Surabaya?

The town of Kanchanaburi offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Each neighborhood in Surabaya has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Kanchanaburi or Surabaya?

Kanchanaburi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kanchanaburi, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Surabaya 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 Surabaya?

Kanchanaburi is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the undiscovered big city of Surabaya. 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 Surabaya?

Kanchanaburi is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Surabaya 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Indonesia.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Surabaya?

Surabaya has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Surabaya, 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.