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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Melbourne?

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 Melbourne. 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Kanchanaburi travel costs.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a friendly, cultural, and progressive city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping. See Melbourne travel costs.

Kanchanaburi and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Melbourne?

You'll generally find more things to do in Melbourne than Kanchanaburi. Melbourne is bigger than Kanchanaburi, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kanchanaburi is more touristy than Melbourne and is known for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Melbourne is well known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. Also, Melbourne is famous for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Kanchanaburi and Melbourne.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Melbourne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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

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

Melbourne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

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 Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Melbourne is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Melbourne has a large number of nightlife venues. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

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 Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is a very popular place for the beach. However, Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Melbourne for it's beautiful beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Melbourne?

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

Melbourne is well-known for its shopping. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

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 Melbourne Better for Families?

Melbourne 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, Melbourne is very family-friendly. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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 Melbourne Better for Couples?

Kanchanaburi and Melbourne both notable destinations for a couple.

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.

Melbourne is a good town for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Kanchanaburi or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kanchanaburi and Melbourne are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Melbourne. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Kanchanaburi or Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Kanchanaburi is not popular with students.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Kanchanaburi is not popular with students.

Is Kanchanaburi or Melbourne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Melbourne is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Melbourne can get you around easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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 Kanchanaburi or Melbourne a more walkable city?

Melbourne is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Melbourne?

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

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

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

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

One day in Kanchanaburi or Melbourne?

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.

Each neighborhood in Melbourne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Melbourne?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the educational 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.

Melbourne is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Five days in Kanchanaburi or Melbourne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the reflective 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.

Each neighborhood in Melbourne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Melbourne?

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.

Melbourne is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?

Melbourne 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 Melbourne in the Summer?

Both Melbourne 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 Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Melbourne in the summer. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Melbourne. Kanchanaburi usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during summer. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kanchanaburi usually receives more rain than Melbournein January. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Kanchanaburi is July to October.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Melbourne in the Autumn?

Both Melbourne 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. Also, many visitors come to Melbourne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kanchanaburi in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Melbourne averages at about 15°C (60°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. In the autumn, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Melbournein April. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually gets more rain in October than Melbournein April. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 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.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Melbourne in the Winter?

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

In January, Kanchanaburi is generally much warmer than Melbournein July. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 25°C (77°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In Kanchanaburi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Melbourne during winter. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Melbournein July. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Melbourne in the Spring?

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

It's very hot in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Melbourne in the spring. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. In the spring, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Melbournein October. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun.

Kanchanaburi usually gets more rain in April than Melbournein October. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Kanchanaburi