Which place is cheaper, Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata?
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 Tanah Rata. 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 Tanah Rata?
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.
Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Kanchanaburi Prices
Thailand PricesTanah Rata Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKanchanaburi $58Tanah Rata $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Kanchanaburi is $58, while the average daily cost in Tanah Rata is $192. 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 Tanah Rata in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKanchanaburi $22Tanah Rata $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKanchanaburi $44Tanah Rata $152
Compare Hotels in Kanchanaburi and Tanah Rata
Looking for a hotel in Kanchanaburi or Tanah Rata? 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 Tanah Rata Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kanchanaburi $14Tanah Rata $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanchanaburi
Also for Kanchanaburi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Airport Transfer : Bangkok to/from Kanchanaburi: $119
- Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $187
- Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Shared Transfer : Cameron Highland to Taman Negara via Kuala Tembeling Jetty: $154
- Private Transfer Service Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur: $229
- Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $125
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- Cameron Highlands to Ipoh Hotel Transfer: $65
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
Is it cheaper to fly into Kanchanaburi or Tanah Rata?
Prices for flights to both Tanah Rata 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 $24Tanah Rata $87
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
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
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Dinner for Two$6.42
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Dessert$0.71
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Lunch$4.52
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Afternoon tea$4.40
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kanchanaburi $10Tanah Rata $39
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata
Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Tea Factory Visit$6.42
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Tour of Orang Asli Village$24
Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata
Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $35
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Join in Tour: $49
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands Private Sightseeing Tour : $211
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Tour: $61
- Cameron Highlands: Mossy Forest Tour: $30
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKanchanaburi $9.24Tanah Rata $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kanchanaburi and Tanah Rata, we can see that Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Tanah Rata?
Kanchanaburi has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Tanah Rata, 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 Tanah Rata?
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 Tanah Rata in the Summer?
Both Tanah Rata and Kanchanaburi during the summer 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 Tanah Rata year-round.
July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually gets more rain in July than Tanah Rata. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kanchanaburi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Tanah Rata averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKanchanaburi 29°C (84°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Tanah Rata in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Tanah Rata. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. Also, July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi. Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kanchanaburi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Tanah Rata. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Kanchanaburi is generally around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 28°C (82°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKanchanaburi 28°C (82°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Tanah Rata in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Tanah Rata. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in January than Tanah Rata. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata in the winter. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKanchanaburi 25°C (77°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Tanah Rata in the Spring?
Both Tanah Rata and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Kanchanaburi is November to May. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. In April, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Tanah Rata. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
The heat can be very extreme in Kanchanaburi. In the spring, Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Tanah Rata. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kanchanaburi in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Tanah Rata averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKanchanaburi 32°C (89°F)Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Tanah Rata and Kanchanaburi
| Kanchanaburi | Tanah Rata | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (87°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 218 mm (8.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (76°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 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.