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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Singapore?

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 Singapore. 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 reflective, somber, and informative town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Kanchanaburi travel costs.

Singapore

Singapore is a diverse, colorful, and glitzy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Singapore is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches. See Singapore travel costs.

Kanchanaburi and Singapore: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Home to the Death Railway Bridge ("the Bridge on the River Kwai")
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Singapore?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Singapore than Kanchanaburi, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Kanchanaburi is popular for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Singapore is popular for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. It is also home to Merlion Park Waterfront.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Singapore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kanchanaburi
Singapore

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

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.

Singapore offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The mix of cultures and unique history have led to museums and landmarks that mix historic and modern. The Merlion statue in Merlion Park has become a symbol of the city. For an educational experience, head to the Asian Civilizations Museum, and to see colonial architecture check out Fort Canning Park.


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

Kanchanaburi
Singapore

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Singapore, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. From local dives to five star restaurants, the city's food scene is all about diversity. Make sure you try Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab, and Hokkien prawn mee.

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 Singapore Better for Nightlife?

Kanchanaburi
Singapore

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kanchanaburi and Singapore.

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.

Singapore has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's all about the glitzy nightclubs and exclusive cocktail bars. Head to Clarke Quay, Marina Bay Sands, or one of the many rooftop bars to experience the best of Singapore's nightlife. Do keep in mind that the city has a high alcohol tax, and strict rules around drinking in public places during certain hours.

Is Kanchanaburi or Singapore Better for Music?

Kanchanaburi
Singapore

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Kanchanaburi is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Singapore. As a globalized city, you'll find almost any type of music here. Popular music venues include Timbre, Zouk, and the Crazy Elephant.

Kanchanaburi is not a live music destination.


Is Kanchanaburi or Singapore Better for Resorts?

Kanchanaburi
Singapore

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Kanchanaburi is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Singapore for its luxury resorts. From sleek high rises with rooftop pools to family-friendly resorts with kid oriented activities, this city has it all. Popular resorts include Oasia Resort Sentosa, Dusit Thani Laguna, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Kanchanaburi is not a resort destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Singapore Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kanchanaburi
Singapore

Singapore is not a good area for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kanchanaburi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Most people don't go snorkeling in Singapore. The best place to snorkel in the area is Pulau Hantu.

Kanchanaburi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Singapore Better for Beaches?

Kanchanaburi
Singapore

Singapore is a good destination for the beach. However, Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.

Singapore offers a nice beach destination. You'll find most of the area's best beaches on Sentosa Island. There's a 2 kilometer long artificial beach that is split into Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach, and Tanjong Beach.

Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Singapore?

Kanchanaburi
Singapore

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Singapore draws large crowds to its stores. You'll find tons of malls along Orchard Road, but for a more eclectic shopping experience head to the Chinatown Street Market.

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 Singapore More Beautiful?

Kanchanaburi
Singapore

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

The beauty of Singapore is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It is a beautiful city with many lights and colorful neighborhoods.

Kanchanaburi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kanchanaburi or Singapore Better for Families?

Kanchanaburi
Singapore

Singapore 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, Singapore is very family-friendly. With places like Sentosa and Universal Studios, there really is no shortage of activities for kids. There's also a zoo, an aquarium, and bird park, and many kid-friendly museums.

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 Singapore Better for Couples?

Kanchanaburi
Singapore

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

Singapore is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city has stunning hotels, amazing restaurants, and plenty of fun activities that are perfect for couples.

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 Singapore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kanchanaburi
Singapore

Singapore 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, Singapore is extremely popular for backpackers. Many backpackers use this city as a starting or ending point for their Southeast Asian backpacking trip. It's modern and glamourous, but still has plenty of backpacker-friendly and budget-friendly options.

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 Singapore Better for Students?

Kanchanaburi
Singapore

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

Singapore is a very popular place to visit for students. As such a diverse city, you'll find plenty of international students as well as expats to hang out with.

Kanchanaburi is not popular with students.


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

Kanchanaburi
Singapore

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Singapore is top-notch. There is the MRT subway system as well as buses that travel all over the city.

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 Singapore a more walkable city?

Kanchanaburi
Singapore

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Kanchanaburi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Singapore. It's possible to walk in most areas in the city center. There are also park connectors that are nice for taking a stroll or going for a run.

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 Singapore Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Singapore or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Singapore?

Both Kanchanaburi and Singapore have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Singapore than in Kanchanaburi. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kanchanaburi, and 2-7 days is enough time in Singapore.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Kanchanaburi or Singapore? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kanchanaburi 2-3 
    Singapore 2-7

One day in Kanchanaburi or Singapore?

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 Singapore has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Singapore?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the informative 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.

Singapore is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Singapore?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the educational 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 Singapore has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Singapore?

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.

Singapore is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. It's also a relaxing resort destination. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 Budget Tours to Singapore, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Singapore.


Which place is cheaper, Singapore or Kanchanaburi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kanchanaburi is $58, while the average daily cost in Singapore is $179. 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 Singapore in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kanchanaburi $22
    Singapore $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kanchanaburi $44
    Singapore $202
Compare Hotels in Kanchanaburi and Singapore

Looking for a hotel in Kanchanaburi or Singapore? 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.

Hotels in Kanchanaburi


Hotels in Singapore


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kanchanaburi $14
    Singapore $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanchanaburi

Also for Kanchanaburi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $99
  • Private Airport Transfer : Bangkok to/from Kanchanaburi: $119
  • Private Transfer from Kanchanaburi to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $187

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Singapore

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Singapore:


  • Taxi to Airport
    $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Singapore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Singapore:

  • Try find better than us! Airport Transfer service in Singapore HTL-APT (SIN): $39
  • Transfer to Zoo/Night Safari/Bird Paradise/Rainforest Asia: $233
  • Small Group Full Day Singapore City Tour with Roundtrip Transfers: $280
  • SIN Private Airport Transfer with Meet & Greet: $49
  • Cruise Terminal to City Private Transfer: $40
  • City Transfer to Airport/Seaport Terminal: $54
  • Changi Airport to/from Hotel Private Transfer: $29
  • Changi Airport (SIN) Private One-Way Transfer: $23
  • Attractions Shared Transfers from Hotel: $12
  • Airport/Seaport Transfer with Arrival Meet&Greet: $85
  • Airport Transfer Within Your Budget: $58
  • Singapore to Tioman island (Mersing jetty) - Private Transfer: $270

Is it cheaper to fly into Kanchanaburi or Singapore?

Prices for flights to both Singapore 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Kanchanaburi $24
    Singapore $50
Typical Food Prices in Kanchanaburi

For Kanchanaburi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • 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

Typical Food Prices in Singapore

Some typical examples of dining costs in Singapore are as follows:


  • Breakfast
    $4.75
  • Sugarcane Juice
    $1.56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Singapore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Singapore.

  • Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner: $53
  • Chinatown Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $54
  • Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner: $55
  • Singapore Food Tours - Chinatown Complex Hawker: $58
  • Authentic Singapore Street Food Tour: $60
  • Plant-Based Food Tour with Local Guide: $61
  • Small Group: Michelin and Local Hawker Food Tour: $68
  • Hawker Center Street Food Tour with Guide: $68
  • Guided Street Food Tour at Night: $74
  • Local Hawker Food Tour with Tastings: $74
  • Hawker Culture Food Tour and Sightseeing: $75
  • Eat and Snap in Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $76

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kanchanaburi $10
    Singapore $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kanchanaburi

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kanchanaburi's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • 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 Singapore

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Singapore are as follows:

  • Marina Bay Sands SkyPark for Observation Deck Ticket singapore: $40
  • Private Singapore Tour: Bus and Car Transportation: $200
  • Singapore Early Migrants Tour: $140
  • Singapore River Cruise Tour Ticket Pass: $29
  • #16Hrs Melaka Highlights Van Tour from Singapore w' Tour Guide: $143
  • (Small Group) Night Wonders of Cruise & Light Shows: $79
  • (Small Group) Starry Night Singapore Sentosa Tour : $119
  • 1-way Singapore hotel pickup (Batam private tour guests only): $120
  • 2 Pax Bundle Singapore River Cruise and Stunning Light Shows: $70
  • 3 Hour Private Sunset Tour in Singapore: $256
  • 3h Chinatown, Little India,Arab Street SPANISH Walking Tour: $81
  • 3h Historical Civic District & Marina Bay Walking Tour: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kanchanaburi $9.24
    Singapore $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Singapore

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Singapore:

  • Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl: $30
  • Singapore Pub Crawl: $36
  • Singapore Pub Crawl - Party like a Local: $39
  • Brass Lion Gin Distillery Tour Ticket: $41
  • LeVeL33 Rooftop Brewery Tour & Craft Beer Tasting: $77
  • LeVeL33 Craft-Brewery Restaurant & Lounge Package: $192


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


Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Singapore?

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