A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kanchanaburi vs. Taupo for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Taupo?

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 Taupo. 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Taupo

Taupo is a stunning, otherworldly, and striking town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Kanchanaburi and Taupo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Taupo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Taupo than Kanchanaburi, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Taupo is better known for its skiing, food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Kanchanaburi is more popular for its museums. Kanchanaburi is well known for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Taupo is well known for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes. Also, Taupo is famous for the Craters of the Moon reserve.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Taupo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kanchanaburi or Taupo Better for Skiing?

Taupo is an amazing town to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Kanchanaburi is not a skiing destination.

Taupo is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Kanchanaburi is not a skiing destination.

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

Kanchanaburi is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

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

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

Taupo has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

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 Taupo Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kanchanaburi and Taupo.

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.

Taupo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

Is Kanchanaburi or Taupo Better for Hiking?

Taupo is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Taupo. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Taupo?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Kanchanaburi and Taupo.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kanchanaburi. There are lively night markets, active walking streets, and independent vendors where you can pick up souvenirs or anything that you might need.

Many visitors go to Taupo to go shopping. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Is Kanchanaburi or Taupo Better for Families?

Taupo is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Taupo is very family-friendly. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

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 Taupo Better for Couples?

Taupo is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Taupo is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

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 Taupo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taupo is an amazing town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Taupo is extremely popular for backpackers. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures 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 Taupo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Kanchanaburi and Taupo.

Kanchanaburi has some public transit options. The easiest way to get around town is by tuk tuk or songthaew (pick up truck).

You'll find some public transit in Taupo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

Is Kanchanaburi or Taupo a more walkable city?

Kanchanaburi and Taupo are notable when it comes to walkability.

Kanchanaburi is a somewhat walkable place. There is a Walking Street in the town that has restaurants and nightlife.

Taupo is a somewhat walkable town. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Kanchanaburi Worth Visiting? and Is Taupo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Taupo or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Taupo?

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

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

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

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

One day in Kanchanaburi or Taupo?

In Kanchanaburi, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this educational destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Taupo, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this otherworldly town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Taupo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanchanaburi. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Taupo is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the skiing. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kanchanaburi or Taupo?

Kanchanaburi is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Kanchanaburi. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the otherworldly destination of Taupo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the skiing. 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 Taupo?

You'll find food and shopping around the reflective destination of Kanchanaburi. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Taupo is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kanchanaburi and Taupo, we can see that Taupo is more expensive. And not only is Kanchanaburi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kanchanaburi is in Asia and Taupo is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Taupo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Taupo 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 Taupo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Taupo?

Kanchanaburi has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Taupo. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Taupo, 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.