Which place is cheaper, Zhengzhou or Kanchanaburi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Zhengzhou?
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 Zhengzhou. 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 Zhengzhou?
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.
Zhengzhou
Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKanchanaburi $42Zhengzhou $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Kanchanaburi is $42, while the average daily cost in Zhengzhou is $98. 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 Zhengzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKanchanaburi $19Zhengzhou $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKanchanaburi $38Zhengzhou $72
Compare Hotels in Kanchanaburi and Zhengzhou
Looking for a hotel in Kanchanaburi or Zhengzhou? 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 $12Zhengzhou $63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanchanaburi
Also for Kanchanaburi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Bangkok Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Kanchanaburi: $116
- Private Airport Transfer : Bangkok to/from Kanchanaburi: $103
- Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $171
- Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $163
- Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $98
- Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:
- [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27
- Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $31
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $53
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $65
- Zhengzhou Special Car Service, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
- Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
- Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
- Private Transfer to Guoliang Village and Tunnel from Zhengzhou: $160
- Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
Is it cheaper to fly into Kanchanaburi or Zhengzhou?
Prices for flights to both Zhengzhou 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 $12Zhengzhou $28
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 Zhengzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zhengzhou.
- Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kanchanaburi $9.10Zhengzhou $8.18
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:
- Discovery Bike Tour: $16
- Cycling to visit Local Experience and Learn Culture with Local expert: $28
- E-Scooter Tour in Kanchanaburi: $30
- Full Day Kanchanaburi River Kwai Experience: $84
- Bangkok: Erawan Waterfall, River Kwai & Death Railway Tour: $95
- Private Tour: Trekking Kanchanaburi Forest to Tham Than Lod: $108
- Erawan Waterfall & Train Tour from Kanchanaburi – Full Day: $110
- Erawan Waterfalls & Phra That Cave Tour : from Bangkok: $111
- Amazing Boat Trip River Kwai and Erawan Falls Full Day Tour: $116
- Private Tour: Kanchanaburi Local Thai Life and City Discovery: $139
- Kanchanaburi River Kwai & Hellfire Pass Private Tour: $144
- Bangkok: Kanchanaburi and Erawan Waterfall Private Tour: $149
Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $265
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $275
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $265
- All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $209
- Full-Day Private Kaifeng Highlight Tour from Zhengzhou: $248
- Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
- Kaifeng City Highlights Independant Tour from Zhengzhou: $80
- Private Day Tour to Guoliang from Zhengzhou: $268
- Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Songyang Academy from Zhengzhou: $233
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple with Kungfu Class from Zhengzhou: $287
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKanchanaburi $8.03Zhengzhou $6.31
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kanchanaburi and Zhengzhou, we can see that Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Zhengzhou?
Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Zhengzhou, 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 Zhengzhou?
Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou in the Summer?
Both Zhengzhou 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.
In July, Kanchanaburi is generally around the same temperature as Zhengzhou. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 29°C (84°F), and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
In Zhengzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kanchanaburi often gets less sunshine than Zhengzhou. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zhengzhou receives 215 hours of full sun.
Zhengzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in July than Zhengzhou. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKanchanaburi 29°C (84°F)Zhengzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Zhengzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Zhengzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round.
Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Zhengzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In Kanchanaburi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Zhengzhou during autumn. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Zhengzhou receives 188 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Kanchanaburi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kanchanaburi usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. Also, July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKanchanaburi 28°C (82°F)Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Zhengzhou in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Zhengzhou. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The weather in Zhengzhou can be very cold. In the winter, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Zhengzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kanchanaburi in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Zhengzhou averages at about 1°C (34°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. In the winter, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Zhengzhou. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zhengzhou receives 159 hours of full sun.
Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in January than Zhengzhou. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKanchanaburi 25°C (77°F)Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Zhengzhou in the Spring?
Both Zhengzhou and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year.
Kanchanaburi can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Kanchanaburi is generally much warmer than Zhengzhou. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 32°C (89°F), and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It's quite sunny in Zhengzhou. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Zhengzhou during spring. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Zhengzhou receives 201 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Kanchanaburi usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Kanchanaburi is November to May.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKanchanaburi 32°C (89°F)Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Zhengzhou and Kanchanaburi
| Kanchanaburi | Zhengzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (87°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 218 mm (8.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (76°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.