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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Nikko?

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 Nikko. 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Kanchanaburi travel costs.

Nikko

Nikko is a cultural, tranquil, and relaxing town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Nikko is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Nikko travel costs.

Kanchanaburi and Nikko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Nikko?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nikko. Although Kanchanaburi and Nikko are popular destinations, Nikko has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nikko is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Kanchanaburi attracts visitors for its nightlife. Kanchanaburi is famous for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Nikko is famous for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. It is also well known for the Toshogu Shrine.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Nikko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nikko is an amazing town to visit for its museums and history. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Nikko are world-renowned. The town sits on the edge of Nikko National Park, where you'll find shrines and temples. Toshogu Shrine is lavishly designed. Other notable temples in the area are Taiyuin, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan Temple.

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.

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

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

Nikko has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many traditional dishes in the area, but one of the most famous is yuba. Yuba is made from a part of soy milk, and you'll find it in places all over town. You'll also find sushi, tofu, and tea everywhere.

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 Nikko Better for Nightlife?

Kanchanaburi is a town with good options for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Kanchanaburi has a few options to choose from. 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.

People don't go to Nikko for the nightlife. The town is about relaxing in a tranquil setting and soaking up nature, so you won't find much in the form of nightlife.

Is Kanchanaburi or Nikko Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is an amazing town to visit for its old town. However, Kanchanaburi does not have a historic old town.

Nikko offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The ancient town is filled with giant cedar trees that line walking paths that take you to the many shrines and temples in the area.

Kanchanaburi does not have a historic old town.

Is Kanchanaburi or Nikko Better for Hiking?

Nikko is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Nikko. The town is surrounded by beautiful nature that you can explore on the many walking paths. The forests are well-preserved and they're filled with large cedar trees, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful hikes. The area embraces the Japanese practice of "forest bathing" where you "bath" yourself in a beautiful natural environment.

Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Nikko?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Kanchanaburi and Nikko.

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 Nikko to go shopping. There are places in town where you can pick up local handicrafts and traditional items.

Is Kanchanaburi or Nikko More Beautiful?

Nikko is an amazing town to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Kanchanaburi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Nikko is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. There are striking temples, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful nature that offers the perfect setting for losing yourself.

Kanchanaburi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kanchanaburi or Nikko Better for Families?

Nikko 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, Nikko is very family-friendly. The area offers a unique way for kids to experience Japanese culture. A highlight for the little ones is a ninja show at Grand Ninja Theatre and the Mizugei-za water magic show. Kids will also enjoy staying in a traditional ryokan and floating in the hot spring baths.

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 Nikko Better for Couples?

Nikko is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Nikko is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. While many visitors come to see the shrines and temples, they often end up falling in love with the area's natural beauty, waterfalls, and "forest bathing" (surrounding yourself with nature). Couples will also enjoy dining on the local food and relaxing in a pool fed by a natural hot spring.

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 Nikko Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nikko 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 Nikko. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

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

Nikko 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 Nikko can get you around easily. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

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 Nikko a more walkable city?

Nikko 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.

Nikko is a very walkable town. While the town is relatively walkable and there are walking paths through the forest and to most of the temples and shrines, if you want to get further into the region, it's helpful to have a car.

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 Nikko Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nikko or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Nikko?

It's fun to spend time in either Kanchanaburi or Nikko. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nikko due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kanchanaburi, and 1-4 days is enough time in Nikko.

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

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

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

One day in Kanchanaburi or Nikko?

In Kanchanaburi, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this educational destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Nikko is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Kanchanaburi or Nikko?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kanchanaburi. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Nikko 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. Lots of people come for the museums. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kanchanaburi or Nikko?

Kanchanaburi is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Kanchanaburi. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Nikko 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 museums. 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 Nikko?

You'll find food and shopping around the educational destination of Kanchanaburi. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nikko 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 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Nikko?

Kanchanaburi has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Nikko, 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 Nikko?

Nikko 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 Nikko in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Nikko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nikko because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kanchanaburi is generally a little warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 29°C (84°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during summer. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nikko receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Nikko. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Nikko in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Nikko. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.

Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Nikko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. In the autumn, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 167 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nikko. Kanchanaburi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kanchanaburi usually gets more rain in October than Nikko. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season. July to October in Kanchanaburi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Nikko in the Winter?

Both Nikko and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nikko. In the winter, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kanchanaburi in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Nikko averages at about 3°C (37°F).

It's quite sunny in Nikko. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during winter. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Nikko. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Nikko in the Spring?

Both Nikko and Kanchanaburi during the spring 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 Nikko in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Kanchanaburi can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Kanchanaburi is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 32°C (89°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. In the spring, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun.

Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in April than Nikko. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year. November to May is the dry season in Kanchanaburi.

Typical Weather for Nikko and Kanchanaburi