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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Xiamen?

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 Xiamen. 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 Xiamen?

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.

Xiamen

Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.

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 China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Xiamen or Kanchanaburi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kanchanaburi is $58, while the average daily cost in Xiamen is $84. 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 Xiamen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kanchanaburi $22
    Xiamen $31
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kanchanaburi $44
    Xiamen $62
Compare Hotels in Kanchanaburi and Xiamen

Looking for a hotel in Kanchanaburi or Xiamen? 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 Xiamen


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
    Xiamen $6.08

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: $99
  • Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $187
  • Private Airport Transfer : Bangkok to/from Kanchanaburi: $119

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen

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

  • Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Xiamen Airport Transfer: $25
  • Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Departure Transfer from City Areas: $33
  • Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
  • Private Transfer to Tianluokeng and HekengHakka Tulou fromXiamen: $90
  • Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
  • Private Transfer to Hongkeng Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
  • Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
  • Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
  • Private Transfer from Xiamen North Railway Station to City Area: $19
  • Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
  • Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hui'an county in Quanzhou: $89
  • Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89

Is it cheaper to fly into Kanchanaburi or Xiamen?

Prices for flights to both Xiamen 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
    Xiamen $46
Typical Food Prices in Kanchanaburi

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


  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kanchanaburi $10
    Xiamen $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kanchanaburi

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


  • Entry Park TreeHouse
    $6.28

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
  • E-Scooter Tour in Kanchanaburi: $35
  • Erawan Waterfall & Train Tour from Kanchanaburi – Full Day: $110
  • Guided Walking Tour in History & Legends: $174
  • Half Day Kanchanaburi Bike Tour with History and Local Life: $53
  • Kanchanaburi Erawan Waterfall and Train Along Death Railway Tour: $178
  • Kanchanaburi Tour Erawan Waterfall Temples and Giant Rain Tree: $112
  • Kanchanaburi Tour Hellfire Pass History tour: $108
  • Kanchanaburi Tour: Erawan Waterfall and Death Railway: $112
  • Kanchanaburi Tree Top Adventure Park Tours: $45
  • Private Tour: Kanchanaburi Local Thai Life and City Discovery: $191

Tours and Activities in Xiamen

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

  • Fujian Tulou Private Day Tour to World Heritage Site Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: $178
  • 4-Hour Xiamen Private Local Food Market Experience: $103
  • 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
  • 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $115
  • A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
  • Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour from Cruise Port or Airport : $155
  • Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour with Meal: $176
  • Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $164
  • From 3-Day Tulou and Gulangyu Island Tour: $589
  • Fujian Hakka Tulou Private Day Tour of Tianluokeng and Daping Lou: $194
  • Hakka Tulou Private Day Tour of Yunshuiyao Ancient Village and Hekeng Tulou : $203
  • Half-Day Private Tour to Xiamen Gulangyu Island Highlights: $192

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kanchanaburi $9.24
    Xiamen $17


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


Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Xiamen?

Xiamen has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Xiamen, 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 Xiamen?

Xiamen 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 Xiamen in the Summer?

Both Xiamen 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 Xiamen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kanchanaburi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Xiamen averages at about 30°C (86°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Xiamen. In July, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Xiamen. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 140 mm (5.5 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) 
    Xiamen 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Xiamen in the Autumn?

Both Xiamen 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 a little warmer than Xiamen. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 28°C (82°F), and Xiamen fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually gets more rain in October than Xiamen. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 29 mm (1.1 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) 
    Xiamen 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Xiamen in the Winter?

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

Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Xiamen in the winter. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Xiamen fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In January, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Xiamen. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kanchanaburi 25°C (77°F) 
    Xiamen 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Xiamen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Xiamen. 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 much warmer than Xiamen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kanchanaburi in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Xiamen averages at about 20°C (69°F).

It's quite rainy in Xiamen. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in April than Xiamen. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 147 mm (5.8 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) 
    Xiamen 20°C (69°F)

Typical Weather for Xiamen and Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi Xiamen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 30°C (87°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 32°C (89°F) 77 mm (3 in) 20°C (69°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
May 30°C (87°F) 152 mm (6 in) 24°C (76°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jun 29°C (85°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 30°C (86°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 30°C (85°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 218 mm (8.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 188 mm (7.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
Dec 25°C (76°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 25 mm (1 in)