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

Should you visit Kanchanaburi or Yokohama?

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 Yokohama. 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 informative, educational, and reflective town. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Kanchanaburi travel costs.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a diverse, bright, and colorful 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, shopping, and museums. See Yokohama travel costs.

Kanchanaburi and Yokohama: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanchanaburi or Yokohama?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Yokohama than Kanchanaburi. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Kanchanaburi is more touristy than Yokohama and is popular for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks. Yokohama is famous for its tech industry, impressive Chinatown, and brightly lit skyline at night. It is also well known for the Yokohama Chinatown.

How is Kanchanaburi different from Yokohama?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Yokohama offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has some eclectic museums like Cupnoodles Museum, the Ramen Museum, and the Kirin Beer Factory. There are also zoos, gardens, and the largest Chinatown in Japan.

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

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

Yokohama has a huge number of terrific restaurants. As home to the largest Chinatown in Japan, you'll find no shortage of Chinese restaurants here. You'll also find that the local cuisine uses a lot of vegetables. Local favorites include kenchin-jiru (tofu and vegetable chowder) as well as gyunabe (beef hot pot).

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 Yokohama Better for Nightlife?

Yokohama 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.

Yokohama has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is diverse, with lounges, pubs, and clubs throughout. It is also the home of Japan's first commercial brewery - Kinn. You'll find a good live music scene as well as everything from casual bars to upscale cocktail lounges.

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 the Shopping Better in Kanchanaburi or Yokohama?

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

Yokohama is well-known for its shopping. The shopping scene has a laid back vibe that encourages you to take a stroll and enjoy the sights. Head to Marine & Walk Yokohama, which is right by the Minato Mirai waterfront, to find boutiques and upscale vendors. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is also one of the more famous shopping areas, but you should also check out Yokohama World Porters.

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 Yokohama Better for Families?

Yokohama 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, Yokohama is very family-friendly. Kodomo no Kuni, or Children’s Land, is a theme park that has a lot to do for younger kids and a few things for older kids as well. Yokohama Cosmo World is another amusement park that is geared towards all ages, including rides for the older kids. Other interesting activities for families include Cupnoodles Museum, Zoorasia, and Hakkeijima Sea Paradise.

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 Yokohama Better for Couples?

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

Yokohama makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can explore the city's impressive Chinatown, enjoy the hot springs at Minato Mirai Manyo Club, or have an adrenaline filled day at Yokohama Cosmo World. There are also many museums and entertainment centers around town.

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 Yokohama Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kanchanaburi and Yokohama are both nice 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 Yokohama. Most backpackers skip over this city, but there are still a number of hostels around town and some interesting activities that you can enjoy.

Is Kanchanaburi or Yokohama Better for Students?

Yokohama is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Kanchanaburi is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Yokohama. Students appreciate the cosmopolitan atmosphere and high quality of the educational institutions.

Kanchanaburi is not popular with students.

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

Yokohama 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 Yokohama can get you around easily. Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama Station are the two main train stations. There is a subway system as well as city buses that travel around town.

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 Yokohama a more walkable city?

Yokohama 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.

Yokohama is a very walkable city. Many of the central parts of the city can be explored on foot. Most of the sites are concentrated around Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and Yokohama Station, which you can walk between.

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 Yokohama Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yokohama or Kanchanaburi?

How long in Kanchanaburi or Yokohama?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kanchanaburi or Yokohama to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kanchanaburi than Yokohama because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kanchanaburi, and 1-2 days is enough time in Yokohama.

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

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

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

One day in Kanchanaburi or Yokohama?

The town of Kanchanaburi offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Each neighborhood in Yokohama has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Kanchanaburi or Yokohama?

Kanchanaburi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kanchanaburi, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Yokohama is a fun place to experience. 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 Yokohama?

Kanchanaburi is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the bright big city of Yokohama. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Yokohama?

Kanchanaburi is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Yokohama is a popular place to visit. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanchanaburi or Yokohama?

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

Yokohama 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 Yokohama in the Summer?

Both Yokohama 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. Also, most visitors come to Yokohama for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Kanchanaburi is generally a little warmer than Yokohama. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 29°C (84°F), and Yokohama fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

In the summer, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Yokohama. Kanchanaburi gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yokohama receives 137 hours of full sun.

Yokohama gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in July than Yokohama. Kanchanaburi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. July to October is the rainy season in Kanchanaburi.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Yokohama in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanchanaburi and Yokohama. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kanchanaburi year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Yokohama because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Yokohama in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kanchanaburi averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Yokohama fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Kanchanaburi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Yokohama during autumn. Kanchanaburi gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Yokohama receives 129 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Yokohama receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kanchanaburi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kanchanaburi usually receives more rain than Yokohama. Kanchanaburi gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 175 mm (6.9 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.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Yokohama in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kanchanaburi as well as Yokohama. Kanchanaburi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Yokohama this time of year.

In the winter, Kanchanaburi is much warmer than Yokohama. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kanchanaburi in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Yokohama averages at about 6°C (42°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kanchanaburi this time of the year. In the winter, Kanchanaburi often gets more sunshine than Yokohama. Kanchanaburi gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yokohama receives 175 hours of full sun.

Kanchanaburi usually gets less rain in January than Yokohama. Kanchanaburi gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kanchanaburi or Yokohama in the Spring?

Both Yokohama and Kanchanaburi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kanchanaburi throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Yokohama for the activities around the city.

Kanchanaburi can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Kanchanaburi is generally much warmer than Yokohama. Daily temperatures in Kanchanaburi average around 32°C (89°F), and Yokohama fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi usually receives more sunshine than Yokohama during spring. Kanchanaburi gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Yokohama receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yokohama. In April, Kanchanaburi usually receives less rain than Yokohama. Kanchanaburi gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Yokohama receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Kanchanaburi is November to May.

Typical Weather for Yokohama and Kanchanaburi