Kanchanaburi is a reflective town known for Erawan Waterfall, the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, and the Bridge Over the River Kwai. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
You should plan to spend around $54 (฿1,855) per day on your vacation in Kanchanaburi. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
A one week trip to Kanchanaburi for two people costs, on average, $759 (฿25,970). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
A one week trip to Kanchanaburi usually costs around $380 (฿12,985) for one person and $759 (฿25,970) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Kanchanaburi on average costs around $759 (฿25,970) for one person and $1,518 (฿51,940) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Kanchanaburi will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Kanchanaburi on average costs around $1,626 (฿55,650) for one person and $3,253 (฿111,300) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Kanchanaburi is a popular town that draws numerous visitors, each showcasing different travel styles and spending habits. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Kanchanaburi has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $22 (฿751) per day, mid-range travelers spend $54 (฿1,855) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $130 (฿4,434) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Kanchanaburi.
Within Asia, Kanchanaburi is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Mandalay, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Similan Islands.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Kanchanaburi Expensive?
The average Kanchanaburi trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Kanchanaburi travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Kanchanaburi cost?
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy |
$9
(฿298) |
$21
(฿702) |
$43
(฿1,481) |
| Local Transportation 1 |
$5
(฿179) |
$13
(฿454) |
$34
(฿1,162) |
| Food 2 |
$9
(฿298) |
$22
(฿769) |
$59
(฿2,030) |
| Entertainment 1 |
$4
(฿146) |
$10
(฿334) |
$19
(฿643) |
| Alcohol 2 |
$2-5
(฿60-179) |
$4-13
(฿147-441) |
$10-31
(฿351-1,053) |
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Kanchanaburi on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $22 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Thankfully, Kanchanaburi features plenty of hostels, such as Asleep Hostel, WesTory (SHA Plus Certified), and Latima Boutique Hostel. At hostels like this, you can find economical dorm beds and a great social atmosphere, although amenities might be quite sparse.
If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. When visiting Kanchanaburi, you'll want to see Erawan Waterfall, the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, or the Bridge Over the River Kwai. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $54 per person, per day.
Kanchanaburi offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. Good Times Resort is an excellent option for kids, and U Inchantree Kanchanaburi is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Kanchanaburi here.
If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $130. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the town means you'll need a more luxurious budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Transfer from Ratchaburi to Suvarnabhumi Airport - offered by Viator.
Hotel prices in Kanchanaburi can really fluctuate, especially between budget and luxury options. Expect higher costs during peak winter season, when rates climb from an off-season average of $29 up to around $54. From $16 for budget options to $118 for luxury hotels, there's something for everyone. Hostels, particularly dorms, are typically cheaper. Book early or travel in the low season for better prices.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Kanchanaburi for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $41 (฿1,404). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $21 (฿702) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Kanchanaburi? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Kanchanaburi include:
Kanchanaburi has a good public transit that lets you stay outside the town to save on accommodations. But you'll likely end up spending more time and money on transportation.
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and skip winter), you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists.
Kanchanaburi has a solid public transit system that covers many major attractions. The easiest way to get around town is by tuk tuk or songthaew (pick up truck). If you're looking to save time and money, public transit is a great choice as long as it's close to your destination. Taxis and rideshares are also available throughout town.
Kanchanaburi has walkable areas that can facilitate your exploration of various attractions. There is a Walking Street in the town that has restaurants and nightlife.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
On average, past travelers have spent $13 (฿454) per person, per day, on local transportation in Kanchanaburi. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Kanchanaburi is significantly more than public transportation.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
While the culinary offerings in Kanchanaburi are good, many people don't specifically come here for the cuisine. Look for a few special spots around the town that are worth a try. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
While restaurant and meal prices in Kanchanaburi can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Kanchanaburi is $22 (฿769) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Kanchanaburi is around $22 (฿769) per person, with previous travelers spending from $9 to $59. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Kanchanaburi are as follows:
There is something to eat in Kanchanaburi for every traveler's budget. If you're looking to stay on the cheaper side of the spectrum, the night market near the train station will get you Thai sushi, pad thai, chicken rice and more for just a handful of Baht. Plus, street vendors will travel along the River Kwai Road all day and night.
For something a little more special, make reservations on one of Kanchanaburi's floating restaurants. Located next to the River Kwai Bridge, these aren't necessarily known for their amazing food, but the views and the atmosphere are stunning.
Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.
Using a water bottle can save you money on drinks while being eco-friendly.
Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Kanchanaburi. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
Listed below are typical food prices in Kanchanaburi, based on the actual spending of previous travelers. These figures provide an estimate of what you might expect to pay for meals. However, your personal expenses will depend on your dining preferences, the restaurants you choose, and what you decide to order.
It's understandable that travelers choose Kanchanaburi, as it is famous for museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Kanchanaburi typically cost an average of $9.75 (฿334) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Some of the most popular sights include:
One of the biggest draw to this area, especially for history lovers, is the bridge over the River Kwai, Just a few miles north of Kanchanaburi, this iron bridge across the Kwai River was an integral part of the infamous Death Railway to Burma. The bridge was built by POWs working for the Japanese during World War II. Nearly 16,000 POWs and 90,000 enslaved Asians gave their lives to the construction of this railway. You can cross the bridge by foot since the center of the track has been converted to a steel planks with small side platforms for sightseeing and avoiding trains.
Most of the sites in Kanchanaburi are related to World War II. The Chongkai War Cemetery is where most of the Dutch and British forces are buried, while the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery is where approximately 7,000 of the POWs who worked on the railway are buried. They are all from the UK, the Netherlands and Australia. It serves as a somber and peaceful reminder of the tragedy that happened here. The grounds are pristinely kept, and many gravestones have moving inscriptions.
For a natural wonder, head to the River Kwai Valley to see the spectacular waterfalls, caves, lakes and mountains. The Erawan Falls may be the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Thailand. There are seven tiers to travel – all of which are spectacular and great for swimming. Set aside at least two hours for hiking plus any swim time. Bring sunblock, and look out for little fishes making a meal of your feet. They won't hurt you, but as they dine on dead skin cells it may be quite ticklish.
The Erawan Falls are absolutely spectacular, but the Sai Yok Noi Falls are more accessible and right next to a national park with limestone caves and hot springs.
Hellfire Pass is another manmade project by the POWs and Asian laborers. They cut and blasted through the rock by hand to clear a path for the Death Railway. In the 1980s, this railway was relocated and reclaimed by the Australian government. Today this museum and the self-guided walking through tour are moving experiences. You'll hear stories from survivors and have a moment to reflect at the peaceful lookout of the Kwai Noi Valley.
Outside of the obvious rock climbing and waterfall swimming, Kanchanaburi offers one more extraordinary and special activity. In this city, there are several elephant camps. One of the largest is the Taweechai Elephant camp, which is home to nearly 30 elephants. Here they offer rides, bathing with elephants, bamboo rafting and special training sessions with their animals. If you're more interested in caring for the elephants rather than playing with them, the ElephantsWorld sanctuary is where you'll want to go. This is where old, abused and sick elephants live, and you have the opportunity to help clean and care for these magnificent creatures.
Museums and Attractions:
The museums and landmarks in Kanchanaburi have earned worldwide fame. 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.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Kanchanaburi. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
Listed below are some typical prices for attractions, activities, and entry fees in Kanchanaburi, sourced from actual travelers. These costs give you an idea of how much you might spend. However, your personal expenses will depend on the activities you choose, the museums or landmarks you visit, and how frequently you opt for free or low-cost options.
When it comes to nightlife, Kanchanaburi has a few activities to offer, but it's not as lively as in other more popular destinations. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average person spends about $8.60 (฿294) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Kanchanaburi per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.
Enjoy the nightlife, but stay cautious, especially if you're drinking. Thieves or criminals may target you, so stay close to trusted friends and avoid wandering off alone.
Kanchanaburi, Thailand
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.
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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.
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