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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Surfers Paradise?

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 Surfers Paradise. 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.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a thrilling, active, and ritzy city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Surfers Paradise travel costs.

Kanchanaburi and Surfers Paradise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Surfers Paradise?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Surfers Paradise. Although Kanchanaburi and Surfers Paradise are both popular with visitors, Surfers Paradise has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Kanchanaburi and is known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. It is also home to the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Kanchanaburi is popular for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Surfers Paradise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Surfers Paradise offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

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

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

Surfers Paradise has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Surfers Paradise for its luxury resorts. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

Kanchanaburi is not a resort destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Surfers Paradise Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kanchanaburi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Surfers Paradise. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Kanchanaburi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Surfers Paradise Better for Beaches?

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

Surfers Paradise offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Kanchanaburi is not a beach destination.

Is Kanchanaburi or Surfers Paradise Better for Hiking?

Surfers Paradise is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Surfers Paradise offers some nice hiking trails. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Kanchanaburi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise 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, Surfers Paradise draws large crowds to its stores. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise 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, Surfers Paradise is very family-friendly. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Couples?

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

Surfers Paradise makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise 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, Surfers Paradise is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Kanchanaburi and Surfers Paradise.

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 Surfers Paradise, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

Is Kanchanaburi or Surfers Paradise a more walkable city?

Kanchanaburi and Surfers Paradise are good when it comes to walkability.

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

Surfers Paradise is a somewhat walkable town. There are walking and bike paths around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Surfers Paradise or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Surfers Paradise?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Kanchanaburi or Surfers Paradise?

You'll find food and shopping around the educational destination of Kanchanaburi. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Surfers Paradise, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this active city offers. 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 Surfers Paradise?

You'll find shopping and museums around the reflective town of Kanchanaburi. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise?

Kanchanaburi is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

In Surfers Paradise, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this high energy destination offers. 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 Surfers Paradise?

Kanchanaburi is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Surfers Paradise is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Surfers Paradise?

Kanchanaburi has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Kanchanaburi and Surfers Paradise, 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 Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise in the Summer?

Both Surfers Paradise 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, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Kanchanaburi is a little warmer than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kanchanaburi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. Kanchanaburi usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during summer. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. In July, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradisein January. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Kanchanaburi is July to October.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?

Both Surfers Paradise 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Kanchanaburi is generally a little warmer than Surfers Paradisein April. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 28°C (82°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kanchanaburi. In the autumn, Kanchanaburi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Surfers Paradisein April. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 214 hours of full sun.

Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually gets more rain in October than Surfers Paradisein April. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 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 Surfers Paradise in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Surfers Paradise. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year.

Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Surfers Paradise in the winter. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. In Kanchanaburi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Surfers Paradise during winter. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradisein July. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Surfers Paradise. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches.

The heat can be very extreme in Kanchanaburi. In the spring, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kanchanaburi in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. In the spring, Kanchanaburi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Surfers Paradisein October. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 259 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in April than Surfers Paradisein October. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to May in Kanchanaburi is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Kanchanaburi