A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kanchanaburi vs. Alice Springs for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Alice Springs?

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 Alice Springs. 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 educational, reflective, and somber town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Kanchanaburi travel costs.

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a friendly, laid back, and outdoorsy town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of Alice Springs is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping. See Alice Springs travel costs.

Kanchanaburi and Alice Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Alice Springs?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Alice Springs. Although Kanchanaburi and Alice Springs are both popular with visitors, Alice Springs has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Alice Springs is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Kanchanaburi is known for its museums and attractions. Kanchanaburi is popular for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Alice Springs is popular for its desert landscapes, Outback setting, and location between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. It is also home to Alice Springs Desert Park.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Alice Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kanchanaburi or Alice Springs?

Kanchanaburi is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Kanchanaburi. 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.

Alice Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several wildlife centers in town that let you experience the desert animals first hand. Make sure you check out the Alice Springs Reptile Center, the Alice Springs Desert Park, and the Kangaroo Sanctuary. Another highlight of the town is a visit to the Alice Springs School of the Air.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Kanchanaburi and Alice Springs can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Kanchanaburi has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Alice Springs area. There are casual eateries with local food and decent prices. While it's a small town, there are plenty of tourists passing through so you'll find enough places to eat with a decent selection.

Is Kanchanaburi or Alice Springs Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kanchanaburi and Alice Springs.

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.

Alice Springs has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a laid back small town, but there are still places to hang out in evening. Pubs and taverns are popular with locals and tourists alike. You'll also find a couple of casinos and clubs in town.

Is Kanchanaburi or Alice Springs Better for Hiking?

Alice Springs is an amazing town to visit for its hiking trails. However, Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Alice Springs is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Just outside of town there are wonderful walking routes and hiking trails. You can visit gorges, waterholes, and wander through the stunning red desert landscapes. One of the most famous trails in the area is the Larapinta Trail.

Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Alice Springs?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Kanchanaburi and Alice Springs.

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 Alice Springs to go shopping. There are many shopping areas around town, particularly at the Yeperenye Shopping Centre, Alice Plaza, and Todd Mall. Prices can be a bit high, so keep that in mind as you're browsing.

Is Kanchanaburi or Alice Springs More Beautiful?

Alice Springs is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Kanchanaburi is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Alice Springs is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The surrounding area is filled with beautiful landscapes and dramatic views.

Kanchanaburi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kanchanaburi or Alice Springs Better for Families?

Alice Springs is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Alice Springs is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the beautiful setting as much as adults. There are desert animals that you can see at Alice Springs Desert Park or the Kangaroo Sanctuary. The Earth Sanctuary has telescopes and unbeatable views of the night sky. In the area you'll also be able to take a camel ride or visit the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.

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 Alice Springs Better for Couples?

Alice Springs is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Alice Springs makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The red desert and stunning landscapes make for a truly one-of-a-kind romantic getaway. In addition to the area's natural beauty, there are hot air balloon rides and camel treks. Hiking and exploring is also at the top of many visitor's lists.

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 Alice Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alice Springs is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Alice Springs. Many backpackers stop off here during their Australian adventure. There a few hostels in town as well as a laid back and friendly environment that is perfect for backpacking.

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 Alice Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kanchanaburi is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Alice Springs is not known for its public transit.

While Kanchanaburi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The easiest way to get around town is by tuk tuk or songthaew (pick up truck).

Public transit is generally limited in Alice Springs. Public transit options are limited but you will find buses that leave from the Yeperenye Shopping Center on Hartley Street. There are also taxis in town.

Is Kanchanaburi or Alice Springs a more walkable city?

Kanchanaburi and Alice Springs are good when it comes to walkability.

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

Alice Springs is a somewhat walkable town. The downtown area can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Alice Springs or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Alice Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Kanchanaburi or Alice Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alice Springs due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kanchanaburi, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alice Springs.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alice Springs 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 Alice Springs.

One day in Kanchanaburi or Alice Springs?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the somber destination of Kanchanaburi. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Alice Springs is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. 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 Alice Springs?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanchanaburi. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Alice Springs 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 hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kanchanaburi or Alice Springs?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the educational destination of Kanchanaburi. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Alice Springs is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Alice Springs?

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Kanchanaburi. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Alice Springs 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 2-Week Tours in Australia, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Alice Springs?

Kanchanaburi has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Alice Springs. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Alice Springs, 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.