A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Sukhothai vs. Kanchanaburi for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Sukhothai or Kanchanaburi?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Sukhothai and Kanchanaburi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a cultural, under-rated, and world class city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is a somber, informative, and educational town. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Sukhothai and Kanchanaburi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Kanchanaburi?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sukhothai. Although Sukhothai and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations, Sukhothai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kanchanaburi is more touristy than Sukhothai and is known for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Sukhothai is famous for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam. It is also well known for Wat Si Chom in the Sukhothai Historical Park.

How is Sukhothai different from Kanchanaburi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Sukhothai or Kanchanaburi.

Many visitors head to Sukhothai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Although many visitors overlook Sukhothai, the Sukhothai Historical Park is one of the area's most impressive historical and cultural sights. There are countless historical landmarks both within the old walled city and in the surrounding area.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Kanchanaburi can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

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

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

Sukhothai has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Tourists visit specifically to try the area's famed spicy noodle dish - kuaytiaw Sukhothai. The city is filled with a range of dining options, from noodle joints to Thai eateries, as well as tourist-friendly restaurants.

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 Sukhothai or Kanchanaburi Better for Nightlife?

Both Sukhothai and Kanchanaburi have nice vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Sukhothai. This is more of a historical area than a nightlife destination, but you'll find tourist-oriented bars where you can grab a cold beer, or local cafes with live music.

Kanchanaburi has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Is Sukhothai or Kanchanaburi Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is a very popular place for its old town. However, Kanchanaburi does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Sukhothai. The Sukhothai Historical Park is an impressive World Heritage Site. There are 21 historical sites and four large ponds within the old walls. Outside of the walls there are another 70 sites within a 5 kilometer radius.

Kanchanaburi does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Kanchanaburi?

Sukhothai is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Sukhothai is well-known for its shopping. There are a number of markets and handicraft studios nearby. Check out Tra Phang Thong Market for local foods and products or Suntree Thai Weaving for handwoven items. There's also Suthep Sangkalok where you'll find traditional ceramics.

Many visitors go to Kanchanaburi to go shopping. There are lively night markets, active walking streets, and independent vendors where you can pick up souvenirs or anything that you might need.

Is Sukhothai or Kanchanaburi Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Sukhothai or Kanchanaburi.

Sukhothai is a family-friendly city. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring Sukhothai Historical Park and other nearby temples. The less touristy side of this area makes it great for families who need a break from Thailand's tourist crowds. It's also a fun place to explore by bike.

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 Sukhothai or Kanchanaburi Better for Couples?

Both Sukhothai and Kanchanaburi are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Sukhothai is a nice destination for couples. For couples who want to get away from the tourist crowds, this cultural and historical area is filled with temples and interesting sights.

Kanchanaburi makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an educational and informative place to visit, but there are also outdoor activities that couples can enjoy together.

Is Sukhothai or Kanchanaburi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sukhothai and Kanchanaburi are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Sukhothai is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. For many backpackers, its not part of the typical Southeast Asian tourist trail, but for some, that is the appeal.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Sukhothai or Kanchanaburi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Sukhothai and Kanchanaburi.

Sukhothai has some public transit options. There are tuk tuks and local shuttle buses around the town.

You'll find some public transit in Kanchanaburi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The easiest way to get around town is by tuk tuk or songthaew (pick up truck).

Is Sukhothai or Kanchanaburi a more walkable city?

Kanchanaburi is very good for its walkability. However, Sukhothai is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

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

Sukhothai is generally not very walkable. This isn't the most walkable area, and the historical sites are spread out so you'll really need a bike, motorbike, or some other form of transportation to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Kanchanaburi or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Kanchanaburi?

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

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

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

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

One day in Sukhothai or Kanchanaburi?

In Sukhothai, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historical city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Kanchanaburi. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Sukhothai or Kanchanaburi?

Sukhothai is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the informative destination of Kanchanaburi. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sukhothai or Kanchanaburi?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Sukhothai. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the informative town of Kanchanaburi. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Sukhothai or Kanchanaburi?

Sukhothai is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Kanchanaburi is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Thailand.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Kanchanaburi?

Kanchanaburi has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Kanchanaburi, 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 Sukhothai or Kanchanaburi?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Kanchanaburi in the Summer?

Both Kanchanaburi and Sukhothai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sukhothai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kanchanaburi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Kanchanaburi is July to October. It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In July, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Kanchanaburi. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Kanchanaburi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Sukhothai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kanchanaburi during summer. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Kanchanaburi receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Kanchanaburi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sukhothai in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Kanchanaburi averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Kanchanaburi in the Autumn?

Both Kanchanaburi and Sukhothai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Sukhothai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round.

October to April is the dry season in Sukhothai. May to October is the rainy season in Sukhothai. November to May is the dry season in Kanchanaburi. July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in October than Kanchanaburi. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Kanchanaburi receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Kanchanaburi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the autumn, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Kanchanaburi. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanchanaburi receives 206 hours of full sun.

In October, Sukhothai is generally around the same temperature as Kanchanaburi. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 28°C (83°F), and Kanchanaburi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Kanchanaburi in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Kanchanaburi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Kanchanaburi. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Kanchanaburi receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. In Sukhothai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kanchanaburi during winter. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Kanchanaburi receives 276 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Kanchanaburi in the winter. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Kanchanaburi fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Kanchanaburi in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Kanchanaburi. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year.

Also, October to April in Sukhothai is the dry season. May to October in Sukhothai is the rainy season. Also, November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in April than Kanchanaburi. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kanchanaburi receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sukhothai this time of the year. In the spring, Sukhothai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kanchanaburi. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanchanaburi receives 262 hours of full sun.

Kanchanaburi can become quite hot in the spring. The heat can be very extreme in Sukhothai. In the spring, Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Kanchanaburi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sukhothai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Kanchanaburi averages at about 32°C (89°F).

Typical Weather for Kanchanaburi and Sukhothai