Which place is cheaper, Zhangjiajie or Kanchanaburi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Zhangjiajie?
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 Zhangjiajie. 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 Zhangjiajie?
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.
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie, China is a picturesque city located in the northwest of the Hunan Province. This ancient city, which dates all the way back to the Stone Age, is famous for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie is also known for being a popular filming location and and overall great place to escape the bustling Chinese cities. Zhangjiajie has its own dialect, which is a branch of the Hunan and Southern dialects, so Mandarin does not always translate when trying to speak to locals here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKanchanaburi $42Zhangjiajie $63
The average daily cost (per person) in Kanchanaburi is $42, while the average daily cost in Zhangjiajie is $63. 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 Zhangjiajie in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKanchanaburi $19Zhangjiajie $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKanchanaburi $38Zhangjiajie $60
Compare Hotels in Kanchanaburi and Zhangjiajie
Looking for a hotel in Kanchanaburi or Zhangjiajie? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kanchanaburi $12Zhangjiajie $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanchanaburi
Also for Kanchanaburi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $171
- Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $163
- Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Kanchanaburi: $116
- Private Airport Transfer : Bangkok to/from Kanchanaburi: $103
- Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $98
- Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie
Also for Zhangjiajie, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Zhangjiajie Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Railway Station: $18
- Private transfer from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) to Changsha area: $213
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Aizhai bridge area: $187
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie Train Station to Fenghuang hotel: $149
- Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
Is it cheaper to fly into Kanchanaburi or Zhangjiajie?
Prices for flights to both Zhangjiajie 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 $12Zhangjiajie $20
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$4.09
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: $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhangjiajie
For Zhangjiajie, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Full-Day Private Discovery Tour to Tianmen Mountain National Park with Dinner: $184
- 1 Day Zhangjiajie Private Tour Visit Avatar Mount and Tianzi Mount with Dinner: $196
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kanchanaburi $9.10Zhangjiajie $23
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$5.46
Tours and Activities in Kanchanaburi
For Kanchanaburi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Amazing Boat Trip River Kwai and Erawan Falls Full Day Tour: $116
- Bangkok Mystical Waterfall & River Kwai Tour: $241
- Bangkok and Beyond - A 6 Day Exciting Group Tour: $1,000
- Bangkok: 2-Day River Kwai & Erawan National Park Tour: $281
- Bangkok: Erawan Waterfall, River Kwai & Death Railway Tour: $95
- Bangkok: Kanchanaburi and Erawan Waterfall Private Tour: $149
- Cycling to visit Local Experience and Learn Culture with Local expert: $28
- Discovery Bike Tour: $16
- E-Scooter Tour in Kanchanaburi: $30
- Erawan Waterfall & Train Tour from Kanchanaburi – Full Day: $110
- Erawan Waterfalls & Phra That Cave Tour : from Bangkok: $111
- Full Day Kanchanaburi River Kwai Experience: $84
Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.
- Half-Day Self-Guided Fenghuang Night Tour from Zhangjiajie: $200
- (Private Day Tour) Zhangjiajie National Park + Tianzi Mountain: $195
- 1 Day Dragon Sitting Gorge & Red Stone Forest Geo-park TOUR！: $272
- 1 Day Private Expedition Tour to Jiutian Cave and Visit Marshal Helong Memorial: $179
- 1 Day Tianmen Mountain Tour: $139
- 1 Day Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain and Glass Skywalk Tour: $154
- 1 Days Zhangjiajie Natural Beauty Tour with Baofeng Lake: $132
- 1-Day Fenghuang Tour from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) by Round-way Bullet Train: $240
- 1-Day Zhangjiajie Avatar World Nature Hiking Private Tour: $179
- 1-Day Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon(Glass Bridge) & Baofeng Lake Tour: $240
- 1-Day Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Tour: $146
- 1-day Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge Tour: $132
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKanchanaburi $8.03Zhangjiajie $16
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kanchanaburi and Zhangjiajie, we can see that Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Zhangjiajie?
Zhangjiajie has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Zhangjiajie, 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 Zhangjiajie?
Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Zhangjiajie. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round.
Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Zhangjiajie in the summer. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
Zhangjiajie receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Zhangjiajie. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKanchanaburi 29°C (84°F)Zhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Zhangjiajie in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Zhangjiajie. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Zhangjiajie. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kanchanaburi in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Zhangjiajie averages at about 19°C (65°F).
Kanchanaburi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kanchanaburi usually gets more rain in October than Zhangjiajie. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. July to October in Kanchanaburi is the rainy season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKanchanaburi 28°C (82°F)Zhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Zhangjiajie in the Winter?
Both Zhangjiajie and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year.
In January, Kanchanaburi is generally much warmer than Zhangjiajie. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 25°C (77°F), and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
In January, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Zhangjiajie. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKanchanaburi 25°C (77°F)Zhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Zhangjiajie in the Spring?
Both Zhangjiajie and Kanchanaburi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kanchanaburi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's very hot in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Zhangjiajie in the spring. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Zhangjiajie gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in April than Zhangjiajie. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year. November to May is the dry season in Kanchanaburi.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKanchanaburi 32°C (89°F)Zhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)
Typical Weather for Zhangjiajie and Kanchanaburi
| Kanchanaburi | Zhangjiajie | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (87°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 218 mm (8.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 90 mm (3.6 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (76°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 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.