Which place is cheaper, Nanjing or Kanchanaburi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Nanjing?
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 Nanjing. 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 Nanjing?
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.
Nanjing
Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.
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Kanchanaburi Prices
Thailand PricesNanjing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKanchanaburi $58Nanjing $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Kanchanaburi is $58, while the average daily cost in Nanjing is $118. 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 Nanjing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKanchanaburi $22Nanjing $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKanchanaburi $44Nanjing $94
Compare Hotels in Kanchanaburi and Nanjing
Looking for a hotel in Kanchanaburi or Nanjing? 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 $14Nanjing $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanchanaburi
Also for Kanchanaburi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Airport Transfer : Bangkok to/from Kanchanaburi: $119
- Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $187
- Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- [Airport transfer] Nanjing Lukou International Airport ⇔ Nanjing city transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $27
- Zhenjiang Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $78
- Yangzhou Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $80
- Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing City : $44
- Private Transfer to Zhenjiang from Nanjing City Center: $94
- Private Transfer to Yangzhou from Nanjing City Center: $89
- Private Transfer to Yangzhou City from Nanjing Lukou Airport : $109
- Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport : $45
- Private Transfer between Nanjing Jinniuhu Wild Animal Park and City Hotels: $62
- Private Transfer Between Tangshan Hot Spring Resort and Nanjing Lukou Airport: $49
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Yangzhou Attractions from Nanjing: $89
- Private Nanjing Airport Transfer to Zhenjiang City: $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Kanchanaburi or Nanjing?
Prices for flights to both Nanjing 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 $24Nanjing $49
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$4.71
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: $39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.
- 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kanchanaburi $10Nanjing $9.41
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$6.28
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: $18
- Best Paddleboarding Experience in Kanchanaburi River: $27
- River Kwai Paddleboarding Experience in Kanchanaburi: $30
- E-Scooter Tour in Kanchanaburi: $35
- Kanchanaburi Tree Top Adventure Park Tours: $45
- Half Day Kanchanaburi Bike Tour with History and Local Life: $53
- WWII History Bike Tour in Kanchanaburi with Local Guide: $59
- Kanchanaburi Tour Hellfire Pass History tour: $108
- Erawan Waterfall & Train Tour from Kanchanaburi – Full Day: $110
- Kanchanaburi Tour: Erawan Waterfall and Death Railway: $112
- Kanchanaburi Tour Erawan Waterfall Temples and Giant Rain Tree: $112
- Romantic Getaway in A Walking Tour: $174
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
- 2-Day Unlimited Nanjing Private Flexible Tour with Lunch Option : $295
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour with Xiaoling Tomb and Sun Yatsen Mausoleum : $124
- 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115
- All Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour with Tailor-Made Highlights: $213
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $160
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $168
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
- Flexible Private Nanjing Layover Tour: $171
- Flexible Yangzhou Private Day Tour from Nanjing: $212
- Half Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour with Night River Cruise: $206
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKanchanaburi $9.24Nanjing $9.61
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kanchanaburi and Nanjing, we can see that Nanjing 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 Nanjing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nanjing 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 Nanjing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Nanjing?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Kanchanaburi. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Nanjing, 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 Nanjing?
Nanjing 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 Nanjing in the Summer?
Both Nanjing 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.
Kanchanaburi is around the same temperature as Nanjing in the summer. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Nanjing fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
Nanjing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in July than Nanjing. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 174 mm (6.9 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)Nanjing 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Nanjing in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Nanjing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round.
In the autumn, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Nanjing. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kanchanaburi in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Nanjing averages at about 17°C (63°F).
Kanchanaburi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kanchanaburi usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 44 mm (1.7 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)Nanjing 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Nanjing in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Nanjing. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Nanjing can be very cold during winter. In January, Kanchanaburi is generally much warmer than Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 25°C (77°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in January than Nanjing. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKanchanaburi 25°C (77°F)Nanjing 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Nanjing in the Spring?
Both Nanjing and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year.
It's very hot in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Nanjing in the spring. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Nanjing fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. In April, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Nanjing. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 101 mm (4 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)Nanjing 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Nanjing and Kanchanaburi
| Kanchanaburi | Nanjing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (87°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 218 mm (8.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (76°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 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.