A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kanchanaburi vs. Cairns for Nightlife, Families, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Cairns?

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 Cairns. 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 somber, informative, and educational town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Kanchanaburi travel costs.

Cairns

Cairns is a idyllic, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled city. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Cairns travel costs.

Kanchanaburi and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Cairns?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cairns than Kanchanaburi, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Cairns is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Kanchanaburi is known for its museums and attractions. Cairns is more touristy than Kanchanaburi and is known for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. It is also home to the Great Barrier Reef. Kanchanaburi is popular for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cairns 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 Cairns?

Kanchanaburi is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Kanchanaburi offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Cairns offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

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

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

Cairns has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

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 Kanchanaburi or Cairns Better for Nightlife?

Cairns is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Cairns has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

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 Kanchanaburi or Cairns Better for Resorts?

Cairns is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Kanchanaburi is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Cairns to choose from. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

Kanchanaburi is not a resort destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Cairns Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cairns is an amazing city to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kanchanaburi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Cairns. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Kanchanaburi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Cairns Better for Beaches?

Cairns is an amazing city to visit for the beach. However, Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.

Cairns offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Cairns Better for Hiking?

Cairns is an amazing city to visit for its hiking trails. However, Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Cairns is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Cairns?

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

Cairns is well-known for its shopping. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

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 Kanchanaburi or Cairns Better for Families?

Cairns is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cairns is very family-friendly. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

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 Cairns Better for Couples?

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

Cairns makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

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 Cairns Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cairns is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Cairns is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Kanchanaburi and Cairns.

Kanchanaburi has some public transit options. The easiest way to get around town is by tuk tuk or songthaew (pick up truck).

You'll find some public transit in Cairns, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

Is Kanchanaburi or Cairns a more walkable city?

Kanchanaburi is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Cairns?

In either Kanchanaburi or Cairns, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cairns than Kanchanaburi because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kanchanaburi, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairns.

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

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

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

One day in Kanchanaburi or Cairns?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kanchanaburi. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Cairns, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this idyllic city offers. 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 Cairns?

Kanchanaburi is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Cairns is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Kanchanaburi or Cairns?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanchanaburi. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Cairns, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this adventure-filled destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Kanchanaburi or Cairns?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the informative destination of Kanchanaburi. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Cairns 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 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Cairns?

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

Cairns 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 Cairns in the Summer?

Both Cairns and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Cairns for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cairns. In July, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Cairnsin January. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Kanchanaburi is July to October. The rainy season in Cairns is November to March.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Cairns in the Autumn?

Both Cairns 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cairns in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Kanchanaburi is generally around the same temperature as Cairnsin April. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 28°C (82°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Cairns gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in October than Cairnsin April. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 273 mm (10.8 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. April to October is the dry season in Cairns.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Cairns in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Cairns. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cairns for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Cairns in the winter. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Cairns fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in July.

In January, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Cairnsin July. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Cairns in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Cairns. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Cairns because of the beaches.

The heat can be very extreme in Kanchanaburi. In the spring, Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Cairns. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kanchanaburi in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Cairns averages at about 27°C (80°F)in October.

Kanchanaburi usually gets more rain in April than Cairnsin October. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. Also, April to October in Cairns is the dry season. November to March in Cairns is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Cairns and Kanchanaburi