kanchanaburi travel blog

2023 KANCHANABURI TRAVEL GUIDE (ITINERARY + BUDGET) BLOG

by thepinay solobackpacker | Sep 6, 2023 | Itinerary , Kanchanaburi , Thailand , Travel Guide | 0 comments

Thing is, I seek history whenever I travel, it is pretty essential in helping me understand why the destination I am visiting is what it is today. It helps me understand how places and people change overtime, it teaches me about continuities, it encourages me to gain new insights, and more importantly, it helps me understand and appreciate the cultural values of a place. After all, the future is in the past.

Kanchanaburi is one of those places in Thailand that is steeped in history. It was founded by King Rama I  as a stronghold for likely Burmese intrusions during the 18 th century, and it was moved to its current location during the rule of King Rama III.  Kanchanaburi has a pretty dark past and some of its traces are still evident today.  It is best known for its World War II history and the key tourist spots associated with it, such as the Death Railway, the River Kwai Bridge (made famous by the movie River Kwai Bridge), and the Allied War Cemetery.

Though Kanchanaburi is well-known for its dark  tourism sites, there are more places to see here for everyone, such as the sprawling Erawan National Park that is home to the seven-tiered Erawan Falls, the Instagram-worthy temples of Wat Tham Sua and  Wat Than Kao Noi, the cave temple where Buddhist monks pray and congregate, the Elephants World, the retro city of Mallika that recreates the golden era of Siamese lifestyle during the reign of King Rama V, and the ancient Khmer temples at Mueang Singh Historical Park.  It’s also a relief that Kanchanaburi has kept its relaxed atmosphere despite the crowd it brings. You can stay at a hotel by the River Kwai and enjoy the river that runs through magnificent scenery and funnel into the sea.  Anyway, whatever you prefer to see and do, I hope this Kanchanaburi Travel Guide with detailed itinerary and sample budget helps you plan your much-awaited trip soon.

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

KANCHANABURI PRE-TRAVEL GUIDE  

Best time to visit kanchanaburi.

  Kanchanaburi is a year-round tourist destination, but if you’re looking for the best months to visit, I’d recommend November, December, January, and February since the weather is cooler and the place has lesser crowd. Kanchanaburi is relatively humid especially during summer season which falls on March, April, and May, which is also the peak season. Prices of flights and hotels are higher during this season.

KANCHANABURI ATM AND MONEY EXCHANGE

  Kanchanaburi like the rest of Thailand uses Thai Baht as currency.  Some tourist establishments may  accept US dollars, best to have Thai baht in handy.  Almost everything is on cash basis, but major hotels and restaurants may accept credit card.  The best rates are the bank’s rate. Best to withdraw from ATMs concentrated around the town center. You can find the ATM locations HERE .  

  KANCHANABURI WI-FI/INTERNET

Stay connected online while traveling in Kanchanaburi and the rest of Thailand. You can rent a pocket wi-fi or buy a sim card through the link below.

• KANCHANABURI POCKET WI-FI: RESERVE HERE
• KANCHANABURI SIMCARD: BUY HERE

HOW MANY DAYS TO SPEND IN KANCHANABURI?

  Spending 2 or 3 days should cover the top tourist attractions in Kanchanaburi particularly the World War II destinations.  But if you want to explore other note-worthy attractions, you could spend 4 days, 5 days, or 6 days in Kanchanaburi.  Check-out my detailed Kanchanaburi itinerary below that is good for 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, and 6 days. Feel free to modify them depending on your budget, schedule, and preferences.

KANCHANABURI SAFETY

  Kanchanaburi is pretty safe for tourists, even for solo female travelers. I traveled to Kanchanaburi alone and rented a bike to explore the main town. I never encountered any problems and the locals especially the monks I met inside the cave temple were super helpful and friendly.

KANCHANABURI TRAVEL GUIDE

  how to get to kanchanaburi.

BANGKOK TO KANCHANABURI BY TRAIN

Tourists can take the historic train route along the Bangkok Noi-Nam Tok rail line from Thonburi Station, Bangkok to Kanchanaburi train station or River Kwai Bridge. Travel time is roughly 2.5 – 3 hours and Kanchanaburi train fare is approximately ฿100 – ₱159 ($3, SGD 4.46, MYR 13, € 3, AUD 4.79, ₩K 3.8k).  There are 2 scheduled train trips  between Kanchanaburi from Thonburi Station (Bangkok) daily:

*Schedule may change without prior notice.

BANGKOK TO KANCHANABURI BY BUS

There are buses that run to Kanchanaburi daily from  either the South Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) and the North Bus Terminal (Mo Chit)  in Bangkok. Transit time to Kanchanaburi is roughly  2.5 hours and bus fare starts at  ฿120 – ₱191 ($ 3.75, SGD 5, MYR 16, € 3.44 , AUD 6, ₩K 4.6k)  per person.  You can buy tickets at the bus station or book a ticket online in advance to secure a seat.

BUS TICKET: RESERVE HERE

Bangkok to kanchanaburi by minivan.

Alternatively, from Victory Monument in Bangkok or from Khao San Road, you can ride a minibus directly to Kanchanaburi. But fare is more expensive. Fare starts at ฿150 – ₱240 ($5, SGD 7, MYR 21, € 4, AUD 7, ₩K 5,833k)  per person and it’ll take about 2.5 hours to reach Kanchanaburi.  These minibus are usually run by local travel agencies.

  BUS TICKET: RESERVE HERE

  bangkok to kanchanaburi by private car or van.

If you are traveling in a group, a hassle-free way to visit Kanchanaburi from Bangkok is by private car or van, you can rent a car or van that is good for 3-10 persons and divide the rental cost.  Best to book a reliable car rental company through the link below:

 CAR RENTAL: BOOK HERE

  taxi rental: book here, getting around kanchanaburi.

It’s quite easy to reach the major tourist spots in Kanchanaburi town, you can do that by bicycle, motorcycle, or tuktuk.

BY TOUR PACKAGE

A convenient and reliable way to tour kanchanaburi is by joining group tours or booking a private tour.  this will help you maximize your time and ensure that you have a tour guide to explain the details and history of each tourist attraction..

• KANCHANABURI INSTAGRAM TOUR (DAY TOUR FROM BANGKOK) : RESERVE HERE
• KANCHANABURI HIGHLIGHTS (PRIVATE TOUR): RESERVE HERE

Tuktuk short rides from the hotel in downtown Kanchanaburi to the River Kwai Bridge  will cost roughly ฿40 – ₱64 ($ 1.25,SGD 1.78, MYR 5.46, € 1.15, AUD 1.91, ₩1,555) per person.

You can explore the tourist attractions in Kanchanaburi town, however, the other tourist destinations listed below can only be reached by public transport or car/motorcycle rental.

Bike rentals in Kanchanaburi starts at ฿50 – ₱79 ($ 1.56, SGD 2.23, MYR 7, €1.44 , AUD 2.39, ₩K 1.9k per day. However, take note that Kanchanaburi is pretty humid, so make sure to use a cap/hat and keep yourself hydrated to avoid heat stroke. If you have a heart condition or you aren’t fit enough to cycle, do not force yourself to go biking to avoid untoward incidents.

BY MOTORBIKE

Kanchanaburi can be explored by motorcycle, but make sure you have an international driver’s license.  Usually, motorcycle rental companies will also ask for your passport aside from driver’s license.  Motorcycle can be rented for ฿200 – ₱79 ($ 1.56, SGD 2.23, MYR 7, €1.44 , AUD 2.39, ₩K 1.9k per day, gas not included.

BY CAR RENTAL

  Touring Kanchanaburi by car is a convenient way to explore the province.  This is recommended if you are traveling by group, just hire car for a day to reach the tourist spots outside Kanchanaburi center and share the cost. You can book a reliable car company through the link below.

 CAR RENTAL: RESERVE HERE

WHERE TO STAY IN KANCHANABURI

When choosing a hotel in Kanchanaburi, tourists usually prefer these 2 locations:  hotels in Kanchanaburi near the River Kwai Bridge, or hotels in Kanchanaburi town center.

BAMBOO HOUSE KANCHANABURI

Location: River Kwai, Kanchanaburi

CHECK RATES HERE   OR BOOK HERE

• SKY RESORT KANCHANABURI
• RIVER KWAI HOTEL
• RIVER KWAI BRIDGE RESORT

TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN KANCHANABURI

1.bridge on the river kwai (death railway bridge).

The most popular tourist attraction in Kanchanaburi is the Death Railway Bridge or the Bridge on the River Kwai, which is featured in the Academy Award-winning movie “The Bridge on the River Kwai”. It is part of the Thai-Burma Railway built by coercing hundred thousand British, Dutch, Australians, and Americans soldier prisoners  and Southeast Asian laborers to build the said rail. This was because, after already invading Thailand, the Japanese during the World War II also wanted to invade Burma (Myanmar).  So, they planned to deliver weapons and soldiers to Burma via a railway connecting Thailand and Burma. The said construction led to hundred thousand death, and many of the prisoners of war (POW) are now buried at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.

• Bridge on the River Kwai
• Entrance Fee: FREE
• Open Hours: 24/7
• How to get to the River Kwai Bridge: Hire a tuk-tuk from your hotel/guesthouse for about ฿40 – ₱64 ($ 1.25,SGD 1.78, MYR 5.46, € 1.15, AUD 1.91, ₩1,555) to take you to the Bridge on the River Kwai. Or rent a bicycle or motorbike from your guesthouse/hotel.

For a hassle-free tour, you may book a Kanchanaburi tour package:

• KANCHANBURI PRIVATE TOUR: RESERVE HERE
• KANCHANABURI INSTAGRAM TOUR (Day tour from Bangkok) : RESERVE HERE

2.JEATHWAR MUSEUM

From the River Kwai Bridge you can walk to the JEATHWar Museum ( J apan, E ngland, A ustralia/USA, T hailand, and H olland War Museum), located in  the grounds of a temple named Wat Chai Chumphon.  The museum displays war relics, letters and artworks from POWs (Prisoners of War), their family members, including interviews of POWs.  Interestingly, one gallery here was designed a bamboo shelter called attap where the prisoners of war lived during the war.  Beside the JEATHWar Museum is a majestic Buddhist Temple that houses stunning wall paintings.

• JEATHWAR Museum
• Entrance Fee: ฿50 – ₱79 ($1.53, SGD 2, MYR 7, € 1.41, AUD 2.43, ₩1.8K)
• Open Hours:  Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• How to get to the JEATHWar Museum: You can rent a tuk-tuk for about ฿40 to take you to JEATH War Museum. Alternatively, you may also rent a bike or motorcycle from your guesthouse/hotel. If coming from the River Kwai Bridge, the museum is walkable

3.CHUI KAI WAR CEMETERY

Chui Kai War Cemetery is the exact site of the Allied prisoner-of-war camp during the World War II, located about 3 km south of the River Kwai Bridge  at the bank of Kwai Noi River. During the World War II, prisoners even built their hospital and church nearby. This beautifully-manicured cemetery houses the graves of 1,400 Commonwealth soldiers and 300 Dutch soldiers. I cycled here during my trip to Kanchanaburi because it’s quite easy to reach from my guesthouse. The place though peaceful and full of greenery and flowers now, still evokes a disheartening atmosphere because of its tragic history.

• Chui Kai War Cemetery
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Open Hours:  Daily 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• How to get to the Chui Kai War Cemetery:  Rent a bicycle from your guesthouse/hotel and cycle to the Chui Kai War Cemetery. It is roughly 3 km south of the River Kwai Bridge. Alternatively, you may hire a tuk-tuk to take you there for about ฿40 – ₱64 ($ 1.25,SGD 1.78, MYR 5.46, € 1.15, AUD 1.91, ₩1,555).

4.KAOPOON CAVE TEMPLE

Kanchanaburi has some of the most stunning temples I’ve seen in Thailand, and interestingly, it is home to a handful of cave temples. I originally planned to visit Kaopoon Cave Temple that is said to have been visited by King Rama V (King Churalongorn the Great) via waterway. Today, several boats in Kanchanaburi near the River Kwai Bridge can be rented to get here. I cycled to this place from my hotel near the River Kwai, and unfortunately, I didn’t have enough information at that time of my visit. I thought upon entering the first cave temple, I was already at Kaopoon Cave Temple. Turns out, I only entered the Phra Mae Guan Im Pho Thi Sat Chao shrine, the first shrine with a large Buddha sitting on a summit of a hill overlooking a scenic river, which is pretty popular among locals, as they usually come here to pray. Despite not reaching Kapoon Caves, I enjoyed my visit at Phra Mae Guan Im Pho Thi Sat Chao because a helpful Buddhist monk toured me around the place. I met his other Buddhist  friends as well and we had a quick chat and photo op.  If your keen to reach the Kaopoon Caves, there’s a wagon for roughly THB50 per person that can take you farther to Kaopoon Cave Temple, about 2,000 meters farther.

5.ERAWAN NATIONAL PARK

Initially, Erawan National Park was the reason why I was drawn to Kanchanaburi, I wanted to see the famed tourist spot here – the 7-tiered Erawan Falls, located inside the confines of the Erawan National Park on Tenassirim Hills.  Erawan Waterfalls boasts of 7 levels of falls, which thankfully, are quite manageable to reach.  The 1st level of Erawan Falls called Hlai Khuen Rung, is usually jampacked with local tourists since this is the perfect spot for picnic.  Visitors can have lunch or snack here as there are food stalls nearby.  The 1 st level waterfall in Erawan Falls has pleasing, sapphire-colored water that flows into the pool with little fishes that can nibble your feet’s dead skin like those found on fish spa.   Wang Macha, the 2 nd level of Erawan Waterfalls also has an arctic-colored water bucketing into natural pools and rock formations.  This is a good place for swimming as the water here is refreshing and there are comfort rooms, shower rooms, and changing rooms. The 3 rd level of Erawan Falls called Pha Namtok plummets into a huge natural pool surrounded by trees and plants. The 4 th level of Erawan Falls called Oke Nang Peesu is another crowd-pleaser because of its natural waterpark, where visitors can slide and bathe. Buea Mai Long , the 5 th level of Erawan Falls is another Instagram-worthy tourist spot in Kanchanaburi with teal-colored water pouring into travertine pools. The 6 th level of Erawan Waterfalls called Dong Prucsa is worth visiting despite its distance from the other waterfalls in the area. It  tumbles down colossal rock formations before plunging into the  natural pool.  Meanwhile, the Phu Pha Erawan is the 7 th level of Erawan Waterfalls is shaped like “erawan” – the 3-tiered white elephant in the Hindu mythology.

• Erawan National Park
• Entrance Fee: Adult (foreigner) ฿300 – ₱487 ($10, SGD 13 , MYR 41, €9, AUD 14, ₩K 12K) , child (foreigner) ฿200 – ₱324 ($6.45, SGD 9, MYR 28, €6, AUD 9.45, ₩8K) , Adult (local) ฿100 – ₱159 ($3, SGD 4.46, MYR 13, € 3, AUD 4.79, ₩K 3.8k), Child (local) ฿50 – ₱79 ($ 1.56, SGD 2.23, MYR 7, €1.44 , AUD 2.39, ₩K 1.9k),
• Parking fee: Car ฿30 – ₱48 ($ 0.94, SGD 1.34 , MYR4 , € 0.86, AUD0.96 , ₩1,166) , motorbike ฿20 – ₱32 ($0.63, SGD 0.89, MYR 2.73, € 0.57, AUD 0.96, ₩K 777)
• Open Hours: Daily, Park Gate 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, waterfall 1- 3 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM , waterfall 4-7 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• How to get to the Erawan Waterfalls: From Kanchanaburi Bus Station  hop on the bus to Erawan National Park that leaves every hour from 8:00 AM  to 5:30 PM. Remember that the last bus from Erawan to Kanchanaburi leaves at 5:00 PM. Don’t miss it. Bus fare is around ฿40 – ₱64 ($ 1.25,SGD 1.78, MYR 5.46, € 1.15, AUD 1.91, ₩1,555) per person, one way. Transit time is roughly 1.5 hours.

6.WAT THAM SUA and WAT THAN KAO NOI

  Kanchanaburi is sprinkled with jaw-dropping temples, and my personal favorites are Wat Tham Sua (Thai-styled temple) and Wat Than Kao Noi (Chinese-inspired temple) because of their intricate design and scenic surroundings. The temples are proudly standing on top of a limestone hill near the Mae Khlong River.

After entering the temple gates, I took an old-looking cable car going up the temple for ฿20 – ₱32 ($0.63, SGD 0.89, MYR 2.73, € 0.57, AUD 0.96, ₩K 777).  You can also opt to climb for free the 157 steps stairs.  The giant golden Buddha made of golden mosaics and surrounded by stupas greets the visitors here.  The largest stupa here houses murals that are mostly about the war with Burma and the Buddha images in different postures.  During my trip to Wat Tham Sua and Wat Than Kao Noi in Kanchanaburi, there was no crowd, except for some locals and monks sporting their orange robes happily taking photos at the temple.

Wat Tham Suea (also Wat Tham Sua) is said to be called Tiger Temple because there’s a cavern here where tigers used to live, but now, only a small tiger shrine can be seen inside the cave.  Adjacent to Wat Tham Suea is the equally charming temple named What Than Kao Noi reminiscent of Chinese temples.  Wat Than Kao Noi is a Buddhist temple flanked with intricate tiled Buddha images, bells, and Buddha statues.  Climbing this temple offers the best view of  Wat Tham Suea and the surrounding farmland.

• Wat Tham Sua and  Wat Than Kao Noi
• Open Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• *Entrance Fee: FREE, cable car going up the temple is ฿20 – ₱32 ($0.63, SGD 0.89, MYR 2.73, € 0.57, AUD 0.96, ₩K 777)
•   How to get to Wat Tham Sua:  There are group tours in Kanchanaburi that includes a visit to Wat Tham Sua and Wat Than Kao Noi. Alternatively, if you want a DIY Travel here, from Kanchanaburi, you can take a bus to Ratchaburi. Alight at the bus stop fronting Tha Mueang Hospital. From there, you can hire a motor taxi to take you to Wat Tham Sua.  Or you can hire a tuk-tuk to take you to Wat Tham Sua from downtown Kanchanaburi.

7.ELEPHANTS WORLD KANCHANABURI

From an estimated 100,000  elephants in Thailand in the 19 th century, there are only about 3,000 domestic and 2,000 elephants in the wild now, according to Elephants World Kanchanburi .  The elephants in Thailand were used to carry logs for the logging industry back in the days. But after a devastating flood in 1989, logging activity was totally banned by the government to prevent further deforestation.  Since then,  the elephant owners needed to find other ways to finance the food and upkeep of the elephant.

The Elephants World Kanchanaburi is a brainchild of veterinarian Dr.Samart and his wife Khun Fon. It started as a small home for the injured and elderly elephants in Kanchanaburi province. Later on, they started a fund-raising activity for the upkeep the said elephants and finally decided to switch the conservation program to an eco-tourism activity so they can self- finance the growing community of domestic elephants, mahouts, and staff.  Nowadays, the Elephants World provides home to over 30 domestic elephants. They offer 3 kinds of programs – the Day Program, the Overnight Program, and the Forest Program so visitors can experience up-close and personal encounters with these elephants.

• ELEPHANTS WORLD KANCHANABURI (Day Program) : RESERVE HERE

8.MALLIKA KANCHANABURI

The massive Mallika City in Kanchanaburi is a retro-city of the former Siamese lifestyle in the Chao Phraya River basin. Mallika City remakes the Golden Age era in Thailand during the reign of King Chulalungkorn (Rama V) from 1873 to1910 A.D., best known for abolishing slavery in Thailand.  At Mallika City, tourists can rent and wear Thai traditional clothes as they tour around,  But first, every visitor has to change their Thai Baht to ancient money called Satang at the ticket office, which can be used to buy food, drinks and handmade local crafts at Mallika village.

Some of the most famous Mallika City tourist spots includes (1.) Saphan Han , the bridge that can be moved to allow boats to pass through and believed to be King Rama’s favorite bridge, the (2.) City Tower , originally a  prison tower but now used as an observation deck of Mallika City, (3.) the Ancient Market Zone   (Prange Nara, Prange Phuthorn, and Prange Sappasart neighborhood) where various ancients products are on display such as candles, perfumes, dessert, etc. and visitors are highly encouraged to participate in making these products (4.) Thai traditional houses and structures like Reuan Diew – the house for commoner,  Reuan Khaha Bodi – the house for the rich and ruling class, Reun Pae Floating House – shophouse or café by the river banks, and Reuan Hmoo – used by the rich people as a visitor reception area, this is where tourists can watch Thai traditional dance and show during dinner, (5.) Jasmine Garden – a garden sprinkled with various kinds of jasmine plants, which inspired the named Mallika.

• Mallika Kanchanaburi
• Open Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Entrance Fee:
•   MALLIKA KANCHANABURI TICKET: DISCOUNTED TICKET HERE
• How to get to Mallika City by public transport: To get to Mallika City by public bus, from Kanchanaburi Bus Station, a bus to Sangkhlaburi and tell the driver you are getting off at Mallika City.  Fare is roughly ฿80 – ₱130 and travel time is about 3 hours. Buses run daily every 40 to 50 minutes from 07:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

9.PRASAT MUANG SINGH HISTORICAL PARK

When the Khmers abandoned Kanchanaburi, they left behind Several Bayon-style temples (similar to the temples in Cambodia ) are sprinkled around the western side of Sai Yok District.  These temples where abandoned by the Khmers who constructed the said structures during the rule of King Jayavarman during the Khmer Empire era.  Some of these temples can now be visited by tourists traveling to Kanchanaburi at the stunning Mueang Singh Historical Park , surrounded by verdant forest and crowned by the main shrine – Prasat Muang Singh Temple, proudly standing at the heart of the domain.  The ancient Buddhist temples at  Mueang Singh are made of laterite, which explains their orange color. Apart from religious reasons, it is believed that these Buddhist temples were built to serve as a military post and transit of trade along the Mae Nam Khwae Noi.  While you are at it, don’t miss the prehistoric burial site with pottery, jewelry, and 2 human skeletons on display, which is said to date back 2,000 years ago before Mueang Singh was founded.

Prasat Muang Singh Historical Park

Entrance Fee: ฿100 – ₱159 ($3, SGD 4.46, MYR 13, € 3, AUD 4.79, ₩K 3.8k)

Parking fee: Car ฿50 – ₱79 ($ 1.56, SGD 2.23, MYR 7, €1.44 , AUD 2.39, ₩K 1.9k) , Motorcycle – ฿20 – ₱32 ($0.63, SGD 0.89, MYR 2.73, € 0.57, AUD 0.96, ₩K 777),

Open Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

How to get to the Muang Sing Historical Park: Take a train ( ordinary train #257 or #259) from Kanchanburi to Tha Kilen or Nam Tok Sa Yok Noi. Get off at Tha Kilen Station , travel time is about 1 hour.  Then at Kilen Station, take a tuktuk to Mueang Singh Historical Park. The train departs around 10:35 AM and 4:26 PM. The train going back to Kanchanaburi leaves at 6:14 AM and 1:54 PM. Make sure not to miss the last trip going back to Kanchanaburi at 1:54 PM, be at the station at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.  If you miss it, your next option is to take a taxi to Kanchanaburi. Foreigners are typically charged a higher fare of ฿100 – ₱159 ($3, SGD 4.46, MYR 13, € 3, AUD 4.79, ₩K 3.8k) per person one-way.

10.TREE TOP ADVENTURES

If you are the adventurous type, don’t fret because Kanchanaburi is home to Tree Top Adventures.  This massive nature park is packed with 40 game stations where you can try extreme and exciting adventures!

TREE TOP ADVENTURE TICKET: DISCOUNTED HERE

Diy kanchanaburi itinerary.

Here’s a sample Kanchanaburi itinerary  for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 days. Feel free to tweak it depending on your budget, schedule, and preferences.  Note that the transportation to and from Thailand  from  and to your country or next destination, accommodation, drinks, shopping, and souvenirs aren’t included in the sample expenses.

If you have more time and budget, you can extend your trip and spend 4 days, 5 days, or 6 days in Kanchanaburi using the sample itinerary below. Feel free to tweak it depending on your preferences.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN KANCHANABURI

Sukhothai travel guide, bangkok travel guide, bangkok itineraries, related posts.

PUERTO GALERA ITINERARY (TRAVEL GUIDE + BUDGET) 2024

ORIENTAL MINDORO: Things to Do in Puerto Galera + Itinerary 2024

BAGUIO TRAVEL GUIDE (ITINERARY + BUDGET) (2024)

2024 LILIW TOURIST SPOTS + ITINERARY

Submit a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• BEACH RESORTS
• BORDER CROSSING BY BUS
• Cruise Guide
• FERRY SCHEDULE AND RATES
• General Santos
• Historical Sites
• Hotels and Resorts
• Shiragawago
• SHIRAKAWA-GO
• Cameron Highlands
• Kota Kinabalu
• Kuala Lumpur
• New Zealand
• Cagayan North
• Camarines Norte
• Caramoan Island
• Catanduanes
• Davao del Sur
• Ilocos Norte
• Lanao del Norte
• Kalanggaman
• Mindoro Occidental
• Puerto Galera
• Negros Oriental
• Nueva Ecija
• SAN TEODORO
• Puerto Princesa
• San Vicente
• Quezon Province
• Northern Samar
• Surigao del Norte
• Surigao del Sur
• Capones island
• Zamboanga City
• Zamboanga del Norte
• Solo Female Travel 101
• South Cotabato
• Star Cruises
• Kanchanaburi
• Tourist Spots
• Travel Apps
• Travel Gadget
• TRAVEL GADGETS
• Travel Guide
• TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
• Uncategorized
• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• HO CHI MINH CITY

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

Terms of use:.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

The Complete Travel Guide To Kanchanaburi, Thailand

• November 22, 2023
• Last updated: November 22, 2023
• Asia , Thailand , Things to do

Home » Travel Blog » The Complete Travel Guide To Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Is Kanchanaburi, Thailand Worth Visiting?

Planning on exploring thailand independently get our comprehensive thailand travel guide , where you’ll find all the necessary information before your trip to thailand., travel guide to kanchanaburi, thailand, the river kwai bridge.

Erawan National Park

Tham krasae.

• From Bangkok: Kanchanaburi Tour, Railway & Floating Markets
• Erawan Waterfall & Kanchanaburi Highlights Tour From Bangkok
• 2-Day River Kwai Highlights & Jungle Rafts Floating Hotel

Hellfire Pass

• Thailand Travel Guide
• Bangkok Tips: How to Survive Your First Time In the Capital of Thailand
• Where to Stay in Chiang Mai: The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods
• Where to Stay in Bangkok: The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods
• Best Massage in Chiang Mai: Where to Get Yourself Pampered
• Elephants in Thailand: Why, Where and How to Help Them

Death Railway Museum

Khwae yai river cruise + dinner.

Visit The Mall

Cooking class, walking street.

See The Giant Raintree

• Where to go in Vietnam: Must-See Places for Your Vietnam Itinerary
• Philippines Travel: The Beauty of the Country and its Wonderful People
• 9 Little-Known Things to See and Do in Laos
• Phare, the Cambodian Circus: an Art Therapy Session
• Ecotourism in Southeast Asia: Tips on Destinations and Activities
• Places to Visit in Malaysia: A Diverse Gem in SE Asia

Wat Tham Khiritham

Sai yok national park, sri nakharin dam national park.

Is Kanchanaburi, Thailand safe?

Where to stay in kanchanaburi, thailand when visiting, where to eat in kanchanaburi, thailand.

• What to Pack for Thailand: the Ultimate Packing List
• Best Walking Shoes For Women
• The Best Carry On Travel Backpack: A Practical Guide
• Best Walking Shoes for Men: Top Picks
• Best Camera for Travel Photography
• Best Camera Lenses for Travel Photography: Tips For Your Next Trip

How To Get Around Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Tips for renting a motorbike.

Laura Peters

• Published: November 22, 2023

You may also like...

The Ultimate Asia Bucket List

Things to Do in Taipei, Taiwan: Tips on Attractions, Food and Best Hotels

10 Things To Do in Beijing, China

SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please visit our  Privacy Policy  for more info.

Useful links

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

Nomad is Beautiful is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

2024 © All rights reserved - Nomad Is Beautiful

Web by Nimble.help (EN) | (SK) | Graphic design & Logo: Gabriela Holcer

11 AWESOME Things to Do in Kanchanaburi, Thailand (2024)

• Last Updated: January 16, 2024

From exploring the region’s tragic World War II history to hiking through epic national parks, here’s our list of the best things to do in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.

Tourism in Thailand has been growing exponentially for decades thanks to its diverse range of epic landscapes, delicious food, fascinating culture, and friendly people.

Destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai are amongst the most popular spots to visit, and it’s not uncommon for tourists to go back to these same places year after year.

Having spent almost 9 months total in Thailand, we’ve been lucky enough to get quite in-depth into the country.

And every time we return, we fall more and more in love with the new places we get to discover.

For those that love exploring regions that are a bit more off the beaten path though, or just anyone that loves a mix of natural wonder and history, Kanchanaburi has been rising on the list of top places to visit in Thailand .

Table of Contents

Walk Over the Bridge over the River Kwai

Visit the kanchanaburi war cemetery, ride the thai-burma railway (death railway), explore tham krasae, learn the history at hellfire pass memorial museum, stay in a floating raft house, wat sam prasop (the sunken temple), in sangkhla buri, mon bridge for sunrise, visit a waterfall (kroeng krawia waterfall or erawan falls), stay in a homestay in baan nong khao village, tham than lod national park, best time to visit kanchanaburi, top 11 things to do in kanchanaburi.

Located in the central-western part of the country, only a few hours from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is a splendid destination to spend anywhere from a few days to a week.

With dense national parks that are still home to wild tigers and elephants, quaint farming villages that beg to be explored on bicycles, right up to some of the most interesting (and tragic) World War II history monuments in the country, there’s no shortage of Kanchanaburi attractions to keep you busy.

There is the gorgeous Erawan National Park, as well as the Death Railway Museum and the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and other incredible attractions.

Here’s our list of the best things to do in Kanchanaburi on your next trip.

READ MORE: Here’s our ultimate guide to travelling in Thailand .

One of the most iconic places to visit in Kanchanaburi is the Bridge over the River Kwai, and this is where most people start their exploration of the area.

This bridge was built during World War II and is the symbol most associated with the infamous Burma Railway.

Originally built by Allied prisoners of war in 1942 and 1943, the Bridge over the River Kwai wasn’t actually the most important element of the railway during the fighting.

In fact, its claim to fame was being the only steel bridge the Japanese commissioned to build in Thailand (the rest were timber).

It was only when the Hollywood movie, ‘ Bridge on the River Kwai ‘ came out that it was immortalized, and the influx of tourists that came searching for the bridge actually encouraged the locals to change the name of the river from Mae Klong to Kwae Yai.

Today the bridge stands as a reminder of this history, and every day hundreds of people walk across its length to create their own memories of the Bridge on the River Kwai.

Out of all Kanchanaburi attractions, the Bridge on the River Kwai is the most well-known one.

During the construction of the Burma Railway, over 100’000 people lost their lives, including 12’000 prisoners-of-war and more than 90’000 civilian labourers.

The death toll during this two-year period is hard to comprehend, especially when you take in that the majority of those who perished were civilians, forced into slavery by the Japanese soldiers.

You might not want to spoil your mood when on holiday by visiting sites that tell such painful stories, but it’s important to honor and remember the fallen. This is one of the most important things to see in Kanchanaburi, if you wish to understand the locals a bit more.

Out of the foreigners who never lived to see the end of the war, more than half of them are buried in the city at Kanchanaburi War Cemetery , also known as Don-Rak.

6982 prisoners-of-war from a mix of nationalities are buried at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, primarily being Australians, British and Dutch.

For those looking to pay their respects to the fallen, Kanchanaburi War Cemetery is the main place to do so.

The soldiers’ graves are set in rows, and is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

If you do visit, please show some respect to the deceased. We saw multiple people stepping over graves, waving selfie sticks around and yelling across the cemetery to their friends. This is not cool behaviour.

The Thai-Burma Railway was dubbed the Death Railway by the POWs and labourers who were forced to build it, and you don’t need much of an imagination to realise why.

The 415km-long Death Railway train track joined Ban Pong in Thailand with Thanbyuzayat in Burma (now Myanmar) over incredibly rough terrain.

The British had plans to build this railway for years but abandoned it due to the difficulty and intense labour that would be required to complete it.

When the Japanese invaded Thailand, they set about to achieve what the British could not by building the bridge – and it took them 12 months.

After the war, the Death Railway was closed down in 1947, but a section of it reopened a decade later.

Today you can ride the Death Railway from Kanchanaburi to Nam Tok on a scenic and slow 2-hour journey.

You’ll pass through sprawling farmland, along the edge of steep cliffs, through deep cuttings and along the shores of the Khwae Yai River.

Riding the Death Railway is one of the main things to do in Kanchanaburi, and you can buy your tickets at the train station. It really adds a dose of excitement to Kanchanaburi sightseeing.

You can also visit the Death Railway Museum to learn more. Also called the Thailand Burma Railway Centre, the interactive Death Railway Museum tells the history of the famous landmark.

Check out this awesome 1-day tour where you will learn more about how the “Death Railway” came to be and see in person the iconic bridge over the River Kwai Yai.

NOMADasaurus Tip – Sit on the lefthand side of the Death Railway train for the best views.

After an hour or so on the Burma Railway you come to a little station at Lum Sum.

Here you’ll find the cave known as Tham Krasae (Tham means cave in Thai), a large limestone cavern that has been filled with Buddha statues.

The train will stop at Lum Sum, giving passengers a few minutes to check out Tham Krasae and the views along the bridge.

It’s not as impressive as some of the other Buddha caves you find in other places around Thailand, but it’s worth checking out during the stop.

Don’t dawdle though, as the train will leave without you.

In the town of Sai Yok, just north of Nam Tok, you’ll find the fantastic Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum and interpretive centre. It’s a Kanchanaburi must see for all history fanatics!

This museum, built by the Australian government, is one of the best we have seen in Thailand, and it is filled with haunting pictures and videos of conditions the POWs were forced to live in during World War II.

Hearing the testimonials of the former soldiers is incredibly sad, but it also gives an insight into just how strong the camaraderie of the ANZACs was.

The museum is located above Hellfire Pass, a deep rock cutting that the Burma Railway passes right through.

This particular point was considered to be one of the deadliest and most difficult sections of the entire construction, and today a memorial walk has been built to allow travellers to wander through its harrowing pathway.

We recommend getting the audio guide from the museum so you can listen to stories of what it was like in Hellfire Pass while you walk through.

If you look carefully you’ll even see remnants of the hand tools used by the POWs buried into the rocks.

No list of what to do in Kanchanaburi is complete without a visit to this centre.

One of the absolute best Kanchanaburi activities you can enjoy is to spend the night in a bamboo floating raft house.

The name gives it away – this unique accommodation style is quite literally floating on the River Kwai, anchored to the shore but bobbing gently as the water rushes by.

You cannot get any more waterfront than this. You cross a small bridge to get to your individual rooms, which are tastefully decorated and come with private ensuite.

The back sliding door opens to your own private balcony overlooking the jungle and mountains across the other side of the river.

We personally stayed in Boutique Raft House and absolutely loved it. Don’t travel to Kanchanaburi without booking a night here!

Two hours up the highway from Hellfire Pass is the town of Sangkhla Buri, set on the northern edge of the Khao Laem Reservoir.

Sangkhla Buri is a popular destination for Thais who want to experience a relaxed, authentic way of living that has been lost in the big cities, but it’s still off the radar for most foreign tourists.

The town has a number of attractions, with the most popular one being the famous sunken temple, Wat Sam Prasop.

In the 1980s the Vajiralongkorn hydroelectric dam was built, flooding the region and creating the Khao Laem Reservoir.

A lot of villages were destroyed in the lowlands, and some of the temples were either fully or partially submerged.

Today when the lake is low you can see the tops of some of these temples protruding from the surface, and they are an intriguing place to visit.

Wat Sam Prasop is the most prominent of these sunken temples, and the furthest away from town.

Close to Wat Sam Prasop is a larger temple on high ground that is slowly collapsing, and you can walk around to check this out.

One of the other temples you can visit is up on a hill, and has been slowly taken over by trees. It has a Tomb Raider feel about it.

You can book a sunken temple tour at the Mon Bridge, where a local will take you out on their boat to visit the underwater temples as well as the ones on land.

During our time in Sangklha Buri, we stayed at the Samprasob Resort , which was very close to the Mon Bridge and had great facilities (and views).

The most iconic attraction in Sangkhla Buri is the 400m-long Mon Bridge, the longest handmade timber bridge in the entire country.

Walking across this bridge is a must for any time of day, but it’s especially magical in the morning for sunrise when the monks come down to collect alms from the locals.

The streets are lined with people who wake early to give food and donations to the Buddhist monks.

It’s a very old tradition, and while it’s been turned into a tourist attraction in some places like Luang Prabang , here in Sangkhla Buri it has kept its authenticity.

If you want to take part you can buy alms to give to the monks from vendors on the street.

We found the ceremony on the southern side of the bridge, in the Mon Village, was more interesting and lively.

Off the 323 highway on the way south of Sangkhla Buri is the picturesque Kroeng Krawia waterfalls.

Located on the edge of the Khao Laem National Park, the Kroeng Krawia falls are quite literally on the side of the road, so there’s no excuse to not stop and go for a walk through them.

The river here flows over a number of small limestone rocks, and the surrounding jungle gives it a stunning atmosphere.

It’s not as impressive as Erawan Falls, but it’s a great place to wander around, stretch the legs and take some pictures.

There’s a little cafe near the main entrance that serves great espressos as well.

Another option is taking a day trip to Erawan National Park which is just one hour from Kanchanaburi.

Erawan Falls is one of the area’s most stunning waterfalls, and there are some amazing natural sights and hiking trails in Erawan National Park.

Book this amazing 3-day tour where you will see all the important highlights such as bridge over the River Kwai, Hellfire Pass, Erawan Falls and the floating market!

Or you can just book a one day tour to Erawan National Park and Falls which includes the River Kwai. This one is a bit cheaper as it’s just a day trip!

Just outside of Kanchanaburi city is the quaint little village of Baan Nong Khao.

This farming village is the kind of place where you’re more likely to encounter cows on the road than people, and that’s totally fine by us.

You can actually stay the night in Baan Nong Khao in one of the nicest little homestays we’ve experienced in years, Baan Klang Thung Organic Farm Homestay .

This gorgeous guesthouse is run by the friendliest family ever, and they absolutely love having visitors stay with them.

Their property is really pretty, with a nice garden and sitting area to relax in during those hot summer days.

We stayed in the upstairs loft, which was quite comfortable with an open-roof bathroom attached.

They also make some delicious food here, and we were even allowed to come into the kitchen to help out making dinner. If you ever need a good Tom Kha Gai, we’re pros now!

While we were staying at the guesthouse we rented some bicycles off of them, and rode into Nong Khao town to check out some of the attractions.

The main thing to see there is Wat Intharam, a large Buddhist complex, but there’s also a traditional loom house and lots of interesting back alleys.

We loved our time staying at the Baan Klang Thung Organic Farm Homestay, and highly recommend it when travelling to Kanchanaburi.

Here’s a decent post with information on how to book the homestay.

The Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park, known to most locals as Tham Than Lod, is a wild, magnificent place a few hours north of Kanchanaburi.

When we say wild, we mean wild. There are still elephants and tigers wandering around in the highlands, and it’s not uncommon for villagers living inside the park to be frequently visited by these captivating animals.

Most tourists though won’t get the chance to see tigers or elephants in the wild, so instead they’ll have to settle for hiking through some of the most beautiful forests we’ve seen in all of Thailand.

The Tham Than Lod National Park has a number of hiking trails that twist their way through the area, as well as a number of caves to explore.

The most popular trail goes through Tham Than Lod Noi, a long limestone cave that has a boardwalk installed right through it.

It’s lit during the day so you can walk to the end without the need for flashlights.

The stalactites and stalagmites aren’t as massive as some other caves we’ve seen in Southeast Asia, but it’s still very impressive.

Once you walk through Tham Than Lod Noi you follow the trail up to a swimming hole, and can then push on to a large waterfall.

Beyond that you come across hundreds of timber steps that take you high into the mountains. It’s a workout on the legs, but definitely worth it for what lies at the top.

The views from the top of the staircase are wonderful, but if you go a little bit further you’ll find Tham Than Lod Yai.

This enormous cave rises above the jungle, allowing passage through as if it was a tunnel, and has an unbelievable opening where the ceiling has collapsed.

Once you get past the cave there’s a small Buddhist monastery at the top, but it’s more functional as opposed to touristy.

All up the hike shouldn’t take more than two hours one-way. We organised a lift to the top with one of the park rangers and walked downhill.

If you want to do something different compared to all the other tourists ticking off things to do in Kanchanaburi, this national park is a great place to visit.

Kanchanaburi Travel Guide

A visit to Kanchanaburi during your trip to Thailand is a marvellous way to spend part of your holiday, and we’re so glad we headed here.

Here are some travel tips to help you plan your vacation when looking for the best things to do in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.

How to Get to Kanchanaburi

Our guide to the best way to get around the region. For internal transport in Thailand, we recommend booking ahead with 12go.asia .

The closest major airport to Kanchanaburi is in Bangkok , where they have both an international and domestic airport.

It’s a major hub, servicing destinations all around the world. Once you land in Bangkok you can either take a taxi to Kanchanaburi or use one of the other methods of transport below.

Kanchanaburi is very well connected with the rest of Thailand through their expansive bus network.

From Bangkok, you can take buses from either the Sai Tai Mai (Southern) or Morchit (Northern) terminals. Expect to pay around 120THB for the 4-hour journey.

You can also take long buses from Chiang Mai , or come from across the border in Myanmar at the Pum Nam Ron border crossing.

By far the most comfortable way to get to Kanchanaburi is to take the train.

Trains leave from Thonburi (Bangkok Noi) train station for Kanchanaburi, and will take 3-4 hours.

Kanchanaburi has two main seasons – winter (dry) and summer (wet).

The best time to visit Kanchanaburi is without a doubt from November to February, when temperatures are much milder.

If you choose to travel during the summer, May to September, expect the mercury to hit over 40 degrees and have very high humidity.

The shoulder seasons (March/April and October) are also good times to visit, as you’ll find many accommodations have cheaper prices still, and the weather is much more manageable compared to summer.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

Love Travel?

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for the best travel tips, ideas and deals!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

READ MORE...

The Ultimate 3 Days in New York City Itinerary (2024 Update)

17 AWESOME Things to Do in Wanaka (Epic 2024 Guide)

The Ultimate Guide to Hiking in New Zealand (2024)

Related Posts

The ultimate koh mook, thailand travel guide (2024 edition), getting your vietnam visa in phnom penh, cambodia, the perfect 3 days in buenos aires itinerary [2024], jacis lodges review – a luxury safari in madikwe, south africa, 1 thought on “11 awesome things to do in kanchanaburi, thailand (2024)”.

cheers for that… good info. Been to Thailand 18 times but not there yet but on my next visit soon…. I will be checking out some of these places…. Its always important for travellers to pass on information.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Kate Abroad

2 Days in Kanchanaburi Itinerary + Travel Guide

On your next trip to Thailand take some time out from the southern beaches and northern mountains to spend 2 days in Kanchanaburi. This riverside province located in the western part of Thailand, not far from Bangkok , is known for its rich history and stunning natural beauty. 

Kanchanaburi offers a very different experience from the rest of Thailand and is a little off-the-beaten-path so you can have some unique stories when you get home. Two days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Kanchanaburi to enjoy both history and nature and also to relax by the river. 

This post has a comprehensive 2-day Kanchanaburi itinerary that will help you to make the most of your time plus plenty of alternatives and add-ons to help you tailor the trip to your tastes.

Things to do in Kanchanaburi in 2 days

• Bridge over the River Kwai
• Hellfire Pass
• War Cemetary
• JEATH War Museum
• Erawan National Park
• Wat Ban Tham
• Rafting or Kayaking on the River Kwai
• Long Boat River Cruise
• Mon Village
• Sai Yok Noi Waterfall

Kanchanaburi 2 day Itinerary

Day 1 in kanchanaburi.

Start your day by checking into your private raft at a floating hotel and getting a good night’s rest.

Your first stop should be the Bridge over the River Kwai . This landmark is one of the most famous symbols of the city and was built during World War II by Allied prisoners of war.

The bridge was an essential part of the Thai-Burma railway that was built to support the Japanese army in Burma. Today, it stands as a memorial to the thousands of POWs who lost their lives during its construction.

You can take a stroll across the bridge and admire its engineering and design, as well as the stunning views of the river and surrounding jungle. Make sure to wave to the people on the train going past and check out the markets on the city side.

After visiting the Bridge over the River Kwai, head over to the War Cemetery , which is located a short walk away. The cemetery is the final resting place for over 6,000 POWs who died during the construction of the railway.

The cemetery is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by these men, and it’s a fitting place to pay your respects and learn more about their stories.

In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the River Kwai for a scenic journey through the stunning jungle scenery. This is the perfect way to relax and take in the beauty of the area. You can book a trip in a traditional bamboo raft or longboat for a relaxing experience close to the water.

The boat ride will take you past small villages and lush forests, and you’ll have the opportunity to see the local wildlife, including monkeys and exotic birds.

After your boat ride, visit the JEATH War Museum , which showcases the history of the Bridge over the River Kwai and the POWs who worked on it. The museum is located within a wooden hut that was built to resemble the POW barracks and provides a fascinating insight into life during the war. You’ll be able to see original photographs, letters, and artifacts that have been preserved from that time.

End your day with a delicious dinner of traditional Thai cuisine at a local restaurant. This is the perfect way to finish your first day in Kanchanaburi, as you sample some of the delicious food that the area is famous for.

Try some traditional dishes like green curry or Pad Thai, or go for something a little more adventurous, like the spicy Som tum salad.

Day 2 in Kanchanaburi

Start your second day with a visit to the Erawan National Park , which is located about an hour’s drive from Kanchanaburi. The park is home to a stunning seven-tiered waterfall, which is one of the most beautiful in Thailand.

Take a hike through the lush forests to reach the waterfall, and enjoy a refreshing swim in its clear waters. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys and exotic birds, so keep your eyes peeled for some amazing sightings.

Alternatively, try the Sai Yok National Park with its famous Sai Yok Noi Waterfall, one of the most beautiful in Thailand.

After lunch, explore the temple ruins of Wat Ban Tham , one of the largest and most impressive temple complexes in the area. This temple is a must-see for anyone interested in Thai history and culture, and it offers a fascinating insight into the country’s rich cultural heritage.

The temple is surrounded by lush jungle and features a large, central courtyard that is surrounded by intricate carvings and sculptures.

2 day Kanchanaburi tours

If you want to be sure to pack the most into your 2-day Kanchanaburi trip or would just prefer to leave the admin to somebody else, then consider booking an overnight tour of the Kanchanaburi area. Here are 3 great multi-day Kanchanaburi tour options:

• Bangkok: 2-Day River Kwai & Erawan National Park Tour – this tour focuses on the spectacular scenery of the area and includes a night at the Jungle Rafts floatel, a not-to-be-missed Kanchanaburi experience. Click here to book online.
• 2-Day River Kwai Highlights & Jungle Rafts Floating Hotel – if you’re most interested in the history of Kanchanaburi, especially from the WWII era then this is the tour for you. Click here to book online.
• From Bangkok: ElephantsWorld Kanchanaburi 2-Day Experience – a great option for families who would rather get up close and personal with elephants and enjoy a local homestay experience than tour the historic points. Click here to book online.

How to get to Kanchanaburi

Bangkok to kanchanaburi by train.

The most convenient and scenic way to get to Kanchanaburi is by train. There are two trains per day from Bangkok’s Thon Buri station to Kanchanaburi, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

The journey takes around three hours and costs 100THB. You can’t pre-book tickets, you just have to show up at the station, the train is never full at the end of the line.

The train is open air wear clothes you can get dirty and get ready to hang out the window for photos. Note: Thon Buri train station is across the river from central Bangkok and a taxi there can cost 500THB.

Bangkok to Kanchanaburi by Bus

If you can’t make the train departures, there are several van services that run daily from Bangkok’s Mochit New Van Terminal to Kanchanaburi (not the Southern Bus Terminal). 

The journey takes around three hours and is a slightly more affordable option than the train, costing around 50THB. The bus does not stop so don’t drink too much beforehand!

Bangkok to Kanchanaburi by Car

If you’re travelling by car, Kanchanaburi is located around 130 km from Bangkok and is easily accessible via the highway. The drive takes around 2-3 hours, depending on traffic.

Where to stay in Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and taste.  You can choose to stay in the town itself, which is convenient for sightseeing, or at one of the popular riverside resorts which can be up to an hour or more out of town.

Here are a few recommendations for places to stay in Kanchanaburi during your visit:

Luxury Accommodation in Kanchanaburi – Float House River Kwai

If you’re looking for a more luxurious stay, you can’t go past the overwater floating river resorts. I stayed at Float House River Kwai which is easily the best stay I’ve had anywhere in the world with a private raft suite and delicious food. 

The same company also runs a few other floating resorts around Kanchanaburi including Jungle Rafts River Kwai and River Kwai Resotel . Click here to compare prices and book.

Mid-Range Accommodation in Kanchanaburi – Natee The Riverfront Hotel Kanchanaburi

Anywhere else in the world, the Natee would be considered luxurious accommodation but in Thailand, its price is definitely mid-range, if not downright cheap. The highlight is the outdoor pool where you can enjoy the views and get some relief from the heat if visiting in summer. Click here to compare prices and book.

Budget Accommodation in Kanchanaburi – PY Guesthouse or Asleep Hostel

If you’re on a tight budget, there are several guesthouses and hostels in the city that offer affordable accommodation. For couples and others wanting a private room, the PY Guesthouse is a very affordable property with authentic bamboo decor. Click here to compare prices and book.

The Asleep Hostel is crazy cheap and has lots of good facilities like bike hire and breakfast, plus the very necessary air-conditioning. Click here to compare prices and book.

In Short: 2 Days in Kanchanaburi

I loved visiting Kanchanaburi, it was the perfect scenic and relaxing end to my trip after non-stop sightseeing in 7 days around Northern Thailand .

Don’t miss this stop and if you’re planning a trip to Kanchanaburi then you might like some of my other Thailand guides , including:

• Northern Thailand attractions

Happy travelling!

Asia Travel Resources

• Book trains and buses through 12.go Asia to avoid queues at the station
• Find the best prices on hotels with flexible cancellation at Booking.com
• Pre-book day tours and tickets for attractions on Klook
• Save on Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore attractions with a Go City Pass
• Sort your currencies in one place with a Wise multi-currency card

Kate is the founder of Kate Abroad. She has travelled to nearly 40 countries from Austria to Vanuatu, and lived in 3. She's on a mission to empower other Gen Zs and Millenials travel affordably by sharing helpful travel guides, stories and tips to over 200,000 readers.

Similar Posts

Ultimate 2 Days in Varanasi Itinerary for 2024

I only spent 2 days in Varanasi on my first trip to the holy city, but it was enough to fall in love with the place. Even if you only…

2 Days in Hua Hin Itinerary & Travel Guide 2024

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, then make sure to add 2 days in Hua Hin to your itinerary. Hua Hin, a charming coastal town in Thailand, offers a…

2 Days in Chiang Mai Itinerary + Travel Guide for 2024

If you’re planning a trip to Northern Thailand, then make sure to leave time for at least 2 days in Chiang Mai! Chiang Mai was my favourite place to explore…

10 Affordable Travel Destinations For Millennials In 2024

If you’re a 20/30 something traveller trying to decide where to book your next holiday without blowing your budget this article has you covered. As a late 20s traveller myself,…

11 Unique Things To Do In Bali in 2024

Wondering what else there is to do in Bali off the beaten track? We have you covered with 11 of the most unique things to do in Bali. These are…

Complete guide to visiting Khajuraho: karma sutra temples + tigers 

Thinking about adding Khajuraho to your India itinerary? This small town in central India has a lot to offer between the Khajuraho group of temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site,…

Kanchanaburi Itinerary for 2 or 3 days + Things to do

Find out how to plan the perfect Kanchanaburi itinerary for 2 or 3 days, including how to get there, the best places to stay, and other helpful tips!

Situated about 140 km west of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi offers the perfect mix of history, nature, and culture.

From learning about the history of the Thailand-Burma Railway link to walking across the River Kwai Bridge, hiking to the beautiful Erawan Falls, or exploring the many temples, there are so many things to do in Kanchanaburi.

So if you’re visiting soon, keep reading to find out how to plan the best 2 or 3-day Kanchanaburi itinerary.

*** This article may contain affiliate links, meaning each time you click through and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you which helps a lot in keeping this website running. Thank you for your support :)

Read more about Thailand:

• 7 Best temples in Kanchanaburi
• How to visit Erawan Falls from Kanchanaburi?
• Bangkok in 4 days: Best things to do and places to visit
• Day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok: Complete guide

Table of Contents

How long to spend in Kanchanaburi?

I personally think that 3 days in Kanchanaburi is the ideal amount of time to see all the main tourist attractions without any rush. Below is a suggested Kanchanaburi itinerary for 3 days:

Day 1 : Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple), Meena Café, Tham Kaew Kanchanaphisek, Wat Ban Tham, Wat Tham Khao Pun, River Kwai Bridge

Day 2 : Erawan Falls, Wat Thaworn Wararam, JJ Night Market

Day 3 : Death Railway Museum, War Cemetery, Tham Krasae Bridge & Cave

Alternatively, if you have only 2 days in Kanchanaburi, you can combine day 2 and day 3 but note that this will only be possible if you hire a private taxi. If you’re using public transportation, it would be best to stay for 3 days.

So for day 2, spend the morning at Erawan Falls and then make sure you arrive at Tham Krasea Bridge & Cave before 1.36 p.m to see the train pass by. For the rest of the afternoon, visit the Death Railway Museum and War Cemetery, Wat Thaworn Wararam, and finally eat dinner at JJ Night Market.

Where to Stay in Kanchanaburi?

For ease of getting around, I recommend staying close to Kanchanaburi train station . You’ll find plenty of hotels and restaurants here as well as a night market.

Since I was on a budget, I stayed in a private room at Thyme Xeriscape Hostel which is located about 400 meters from both the train and bus stations. The room was very clean and they provided free drinking water, tea, and coffee. They also have dorm rooms if you’re on a much tighter budget.

Alternatively, you can stay at either Natee The Riverfront Hotel or Good Times Resort , both of which cater to mid-range and luxury travelers.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN KANCHANABURI

How to get to Kanchanaburi?

The most popular way to get to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok is to take the train. 3 rd class tickets cost 100 baht per person and can only be purchased on the same day.

The train departs only twice a day at 7.45 a.m and 1.55 p.m from Thon Buri station ( check the updated timetable here ). The total journey takes about 3 hours.

If you want to visit Kanchanaburi as a day trip from Bangkok, you can take the excursion train which is available on Saturdays and Sundays only. You can find more information about the excursion train here .

Bus/Mini-van

If the train schedule doesn’t work for you, you can instead take a bus from Mochit van terminal . Buses depart every hour and tickets cost about 140 baht per person. The total journey takes about 3 hours.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A BUS TO KANCHANABURI

The bus will drop you off at Kanchanaburi bus terminal which is about 2 km from the city center. You can then take the Erawan bus and ask to be dropped off near the train station as this is where most hotels are (tickets should cost around 10 baht).

Getting around Kanchanaburi

The best way to get around during your Kanchanaburi itinerary is to use songthaews. They are usually orange in color and can get you anywhere in the city for cheap.

You’ll usually find the drivers hanging out at the train station. If you want to hire a private songthaew for the whole day, expect to pay around 800 baht.

Another option is to take the public bus but keep in mind that it can be quite challenging to navigate due to the language barrier.

Luckily, I did manage to take the bus from Kanchanaburi to Erawan Falls and back (I’ll explain how to catch the bus below).

Tuk Tuks are also available but cost slightly more than songthaews and buses.

The last option is to take the train. The train station is located in the city center, just a few minutes walk from the Death Railway Museum.

Tickets cost 100 baht for tourists regardless of the distance covered. The only downside is that the train runs only a few times per day, so be sure to check the updated schedule at the train station.

Kanchanaburi Itinerary Day 1

For the first day of your 3 days in Kanchanaburi, hire a private songthaew (800 baht) to visit a few temples, most of which boast breathtaking panoramic views.

I recommend asking your driver to pick you up from your hotel at around 8 a.m so you don’t have to rush through any of the attractions.

Along the way, you’ll check out a beautiful café with picture-perfect rice field views before ending the day at the River Kwai Bridge where you can snap some photos on the train tracks and watch the local train pass through.

Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple)

Start your Kanchanaburi itinerary at Wat Tham Suea , also known as Tiger Cave Temple. Since it’s one of the most popular temples in Kanchanaburi be sure to get there early at around 8 or 9 a.m.

Wat Tham Suea is not only famous for its huge gold Buddha but also for its magnificent views. On one side you get a view of Mae Klong River bordered by the mountains, on the other you get an uninterrupted view of the rice fields.

The temple complex is huge and consists of several buildings including a multi-tier pagoda that you can climb up for even more epic views.

From the parking lot, you’ll have to climb up 150+ stairs to get to the temple or take the funicular for a small fee.

Wat Tham Suea is open daily from 8 a.m to 5 p.m and is free to visit.

Related post: Most beautiful Kanchanaburi temples to visit

If you’ve built up an appetite or just want to take some photos, head over to Meena Café , located about a 6-minute drive from the Tiger Cave Temple.

This is one of the most scenic cafés as it offers a breathtaking view of the rice fields with the Tiger Cave Temple in the backdrop.

Tham Kaew Kanchanaphisek

If you’re looking for a more underrated temple to visit during your 3 day Kanchanaburi itinerary, I recommend checking out Tham Kaew Kanchanaphisek .

Sitting at the edge of a cliff overlooking Mae Klong River, the temple features a huge white Buddha and a small cave with crystal-like stalactites and stalagmites.

The highlight for me was definitely the panoramic views from the lookout point near the Buddha statue, which, to be honest, was the sole reason I decided to visit!

Tip : Be sure to check out this little coffee shop found behind the White Buddha if you want to eat lunch with a view.

Wat Ban Tham & Heavenly Dragon Cave

Hopefully, you already had a hearty lunch at either Meena Café or the small coffee shop at Tham Kaew Kanchanaphisek because you’ll be climbing A LOT of stairs to reach the top of the Heavenly Dragon Cave at Wat Ban Tham .

A long flight of stairs will lead you to the dragon mouth where you’ll find another series of steps flanked by colorful paintings on the walls. You’ll eventually reach the cave where you’ll find a huge gold Buddha.

If you have some energy left, climb up even more stairs to the gold chedi for a panoramic view of Kanchanaburi.

Tip : There’s a small shrine/viewpoint about halfway through for those who can’t bear to climb more stairs.

Wat Tham Khao Pun

The next stop on your Kanchanaburi itinerary is Wat Tham Khao Pun , a small cave temple that’s barely visited by tourists.

While the cave looked cool with colorful lights and several shrines and Buddha statues, it smelled a bit stuffy, so I ended up not spending too long inside.

Luckily, you can also head to the gold chedi for a 360-degree view of the surroundings (and some fresh air!), so it isn’t a complete letdown.

If you don’t want to climb up to the pagoda, you can check out the viewpoint area beside W Story Café , located not too far from the temple.

The entrance fee for the cave temple is 30 baht.

River Kwai Bridge

The River Kwai Bridge was built by the prisoners of war (POWs) under the command of the Japanese army during World War II as part of the railway link connecting Thailand and Burma (now Myanmar).

Part of the bridge was bombed but was later rebuilt and is now the most popular tourist attraction in Kanchanaburi.

If you followed this Kanchanaburi travel itinerary to a T, you should arrive at the River Kwai Bridge at around 2.30 p.m just in time to see the train pass through at 2.40 p.m.

The train also crosses the bridge at 6.15 a.m, 7.12 a.m, 10.44 a.m, 4.30 p.m and 5.30 p.m (be sure to double-check the schedule at the train station).

Near the bridge, you’ll find a local market selling souvenirs and food as well as a couple of restaurants overlooking the bridge. If you have more time, you can also visit Wihan Phra Phothisat Kuan Im temple located nearby.

Zab Zab Restaurant

For dinner, I highly recommend eating at Zab Zab restaurant which serves the most delicious and cheapest Thai food. Their chicken and cashew nuts dish is soooo delicious and costs only 60 baht!

The restaurant is located just a few minutes walk from where I was staying so I ended up eating there three times.

Kanchanaburi Itinerary Day 2

For day 2 of your Kanchanaburi itinerary, go on a hike at the beautiful Erawan Falls and then spend the rest of the afternoon taking a stroll around Wat Thaworn Wararam before ending at JJ Night Market for dinner.

Erawan Falls

Erawan Falls are located about 70 km outside of Kanchanaburi and feature seven stunning waterfalls with crystal-clear turquoise pools that you can swim in.

Most of the waterfalls are easy to get to except for those after level 4 which require a moderate level of fitness due to the steep and uneven terrain.

I recommend spending at least 3 or 4 hours here to fully explore each level. The waterfalls are open from 8 a.m to 4.30 p.m and cost 300 baht to enter.

Inside the national park is a small café selling only drinks and snacks. If you get hungry, you can get lunch from one of the many restaurants near the parking lot.

The cheapest way to get from Kanchanaburi to Erawan Falls is to take the bus. Tickets cost 60 baht per person and the journey should take about 1.5 hours one-way.

I waited for the bus near the war cemetery but you can also wait anywhere along Sangchuto Road. You can’t miss the bus as you’ll see Erawan written in front. Just make sure to wave it down or it might not stop.

The bus from Kanchanaburi to Erawan departs every hour or so, starting from 8 a.m while the bus from Erawan to Kanchanaburi departs at 8.30 a.m, 10.30 a.m, 12 p.m, 2 p.m, 3 p.m, and 4.30 p.m.

You can also hire a private songthaew to take you to the waterfalls but note that it will be way more expensive.

Related post: How to get from Kanchanaburi to Erawan Waterfalls?

Wat Thaworn Wararam

Spend the rest of the afternoon by taking a stroll around Wat Thaworn Wararam . The temple sits at the edge of Khawae Yai River and is the perfect place to relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

JJ Night Market

Finally, end the day at JJ Night Market just in time for dinner. The night market is located near the train station and sells everything from clothes to souvenirs and so much food.

JJ Night Market is open every day from 5 p.m to 10 p.m.

Kanchanaburi Itinerary Day 3

Death railway museum & war cemetery.

If you want to learn more about the history of the Thailand-Burma Railway, commonly referred to as the Death Railway, I highly recommend visiting the Death Railway Museum .

The museum will tell you all about how the Japanese army was able to capture thousands of POWs who were forced to build the railway link in extreme conditions.

The museum also contains several exhibits including parts of the original train tracks and tools used by the POWs as well as old photographs. It’s quite heart-wrenching but I think it’s important to learn about this part of history when visiting Kanchanaburi.

There’s a lot of information to take in, so plan to spend at least one or two hours there.

The museum is open daily from 9 a.m to 4 p.m and the entrance fee is 160 baht for adults and 80 baht for children. The fee also includes a free coffee, tea, or bottle of water.

Once you’re done at the museum, walk across the road to the war cemetery to pay your respects to the POWs who lost their lives during the construction of the railway link.

Note : There’s also another museum near the River Kwai Bridge but since the reviews weren’t that good, I decided to visit the Death Railway Museum instead.

Tham Krasae Bridge & Cave

Finally, end your Kanchanaburi itinerary by taking a train ride along the Death Railway to Tham Krasae Bridge & Cave .

Make sure you take the 10.30 a.m train so you can get back to Kanchanaburi with the 1.36 p.m train from Tham Krasae.

I highly recommend this train ride if you want to cross the River Kwai Bridge by train and at the same time enjoy a panoramic view of the rice fields and mountains.

The train will also travel across Tham Krasae Bridge which is sandwiched between a steep cliff and Khwae Noi River. Be sure to sit on the left for the best view!

Get off the train immediately after the bridge and take a walk along the train tracks to admire the view and take photos. You can also visit the nearby cave temple for free.

There are a few restaurants at Tham Krasae station but unfortunately, the food options were quite limited, so it’s best to bring your own food. You’ll also find several souvenir shops here as well.

Once you’re done, take the train back to Kanchanaburi (you should arrive by 3 p.m) before moving on to your next adventure in Thailand!

I hope you found this Kanchanaburi itinerary helpful. If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below.

• How to spend 2 weeks in Northern Thailand?
• Best things to do during a Chiang Mai itinerary
• Detailed Chiang Rai itinerary for first-timers
• Best things to do in Krabi + travel guide

Steph is an outdoor enthusiast who’s always down for adventure. When she's not traveling abroad, you’ll either find her exploring her own backyard or researching her next trip. She writes adventure travel guides featuring waterfalls, mountains, and beaches and shares her tips on how to travel on a budget without compromising on comfort and experience.

Chiang Rai Night Markets: Guide to Visiting in 2024

Best kanchanaburi temples with jaw-dropping views [2024], you may also like, where to stay in ao nang krabi for any budget + insider..., 20 top things to do in ao nang + underrated attractions, chiang mai vs chiang rai: which is better, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt out if you wish. Accept Read More

• South Africa
• Afghanistan
• North Korea
• Adventure + Outdoors
• Amusement Parks
• Backpacking Trips
• Boating + Cruises
• Budget Travel
• Bus + Train Travel
• Coasts + Islands
• Country Trips
• Fall Vacations
• Family Vacations
• Green Travel
• Heritage + History
• Honeymoons + Romance
• Inspiration + Guide
• Landmarks + Attractions
• LGBT Travel
• Markets + Bazaars
• National Parks + Reserves
• Nature + Wildlife
• Parks + Gardens
• Pets + Animals
• Photography
• Airlines + Airports
• Budgeting + Currency
• Business Travel
• Celebrity Travel
• Customs + Immigration
• Deals + Rewards
• Family Travel
• Hotels + Resorts
• Luggage + Packing Tips
• Offbeat News
• Photography Tips
• Responsible Travel
• Solo Travel
• Tech + Gear
• Travel Etiquette
• Travel Warnings
• Bars + Clubs
• Celebrity Chefs
• Restaurants + Cafés
• Wine + Vineyards
• Beach Hotels
• Boutique Hotels
• Hotel Openings
• Hotel Reviews
• Luxury Hotels
• Mountain + Ski Resorts
• Spa Resorts
• Vacation Rentals
• Asia Cruises
• European Cruises
• Festivals + Events
• Museums + Galleries
• Style + Design
• Travel’s Best
• Hotel with Agoda.com
• Hotel with Booking.com

Guide to Shenzhen nightlife — Top 5 things & what to…

Ladakh trip cost per person from Delhi — How much does…

India travel tips — 25+ what & things to know before…

Must eat in Hong Kong — 7+ must eat & must…

Coron itinerary 5 days — What to do & how to…

India trip tips — 9+ things to know before going to…

All about tips in Nepal — How much to tip in…

Cambodia travel tips — 15+ what to know & things to…

When is the best time to visit Kyoto? — The best,…

Must eat in Georgetown — 10+ famous, must-eat & best street…

Must eat in Melaka — 10+ famous Malacca street food &…

Hong Kong Soya sauce Chicken Rice and Noodles — The first…

Top hotels in Siem Reap — 8+ best places to stay…

Top hotels in shanghai — 15+ best hotels in Shanghai

Top hotels in Malacca — 10+ good & best hotels in…

Top places to stay in Bali — Top 10 best areas…

10 must-know things for your best first time European river cruise

Top 3 best luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Cherry blossom festival Korea 2024 — Top 5 cherry blossom festivals…

Ghibli museum blog — The fullest Ghibli museum guide for first-timers

Kyoto festival — Top 10 best events & most famous festivals…

National Palace Museum Taipei blog — What to see in National…

Japanese waterfall — Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan in…

19+ most beautiful towns in Europe every tourist need to visit…

Georgia travel photos — 20+ captivating photos show Georgia is heaven…

Explore Damnoen Floating Market — The oldest floating market of Thailand

Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town — One of the most charming ancient…

Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam

14 reasons why you should travel when you are young

Shigaraki Tanuki – An animal symbol of good luck in Japan

Living in the charms of cave houses in Andalucia, Southern Spain

20+ jaw-dropping tiny homes around the world

Kanchanaburi travel blog — the fullest kanchanaburi travel guide for a great trip on a budget for the first-timers.

Crossing this river is a bridge bearing the historic value River Kwai Bridge. This bridge is present in Pierre Boulle’s novel and David Lean’s film of the same name (won 7 Oscars), built in 1943 and “suffering” many bombs by the Allies during World War II but still stands. Awesome!

• Top nightclubs in Bangkok — 7 good & best nightclubs in Bangkok
• Top things to do in Bangkok — 17+ must, cool & best things to do in Bangkok
• Bangkok travel blog — The fullest Bangkok travel guide & suggested Bangkok 3 days itinerary for first-timers
• Best Bib Gourmand Bangkok 2023 — The 10 best Michelin Bib Gourmand Bangkok 2023
• Where to go in Bangkok? — 12+ top, must-see & best places to visit in Bangkok

Burma Railway

Traveling to Kanchanaburi without checking in Burma Railway is not called visit Kanchanaburi! Most of the foreign or indigenous tourists want to see this train line with their own eyes.

Burma Railway, also known as Death Railway. This railway was invested by Japan in World War II and also served the war. There are many stories of thrilling and mysterious history involving this place, so if you are too attentive to visit, do not forget to listen to the guide “narrative”.

Rock Valley Hot Spring

The next destination is Rock Valley Hot Spring, where you can spend half a day soaking in mineral water pools and green tea, rose water, chocolate …

Erawan National Park

Another highlight in this area is Erawan National Park. Here you will find seven beautiful waterfalls but the most beautiful is the Erawan Falls . At these waterfalls you can swim, relax and enjoy the wonderful scenery here.

Read more: Exploring Erawan Waterfalls — A super stunning destination near Bangkok .

Hellfire Pass Memorial and Museum

One of the most famous areas of the “Death Railway” is the Hellfire Pass, which passes through a 1.200 meter long mountain. During the World War II, the Japanese brought 250.000 Asian laborers here and more than 60.000 war prisoners from Australia, Britain, the United States and the Netherlands, forcing to build railroads across the mountain under terrible conditions. Many Allied prisoners of war and Asian workers died here, and the memorial of Hellfire Pass was built to remember that dark age. Here you can imagine the horrific life of those who worked here along a 4-kilometer path. In addition to the memorial, there is also a small memorial museum that you can visit to learn more about the area’s history.

Taweechai Elephant Camp

In Kanchanaburi, you will see with your own eyes the Thai mascot under the very cute image of being raised at the Taweechai Elephant Camp. Not only see them with your own eyes, but you can also touch them with your own hands without any fear. The elephants are so cute and friendly and gentle as the Thai people.

We were so lucky when arrived just in time for the elephants to be bathed., so the owner allows we bathe with the elephants. Very interesting! Remember to try it.

Visiting the old town and enjoy food

Playing a lot is also hungry. We stopped by Kanchanaburi’s old town for sightseeing and hunting food. Most restaurants in Kanchanaburi serve a variety of cuisines including Thai and international dishes, especially the center of Kanchanaburi town.

These suburban dishes also are the same as in Bangkok , including traditional Thai dishes, fragrant – delicious – tonic – cheap and spicy! If you don’t like to eat spicy food, remember to tell them to give some chili or not. In Kanchanaburi, there is no lack of eateries or restaurants from cheap, budget to luxurious, you can free to choose with the price you can afford. Well, besides food there are many more drinks. We recommend you buy a few bottles of drinks at street vendors along the roadside, sounds a bit “not very hygienic” but actually drink like that to feel the rustic aftertaste of this country.

In addition, you can watch the sunset on Kwai, Tiger Cave Temple and visit the JJ night market in the evening.

Kanchanaburi blog: Activities in Kanchanaburi

Due to the rugged terrain in Kanchanaburi, it will be ideal for outdoor recreational activities. If you don’t like sitting in one place, you can choose to cycling, hiking, climb a mountain or take a boat on the River Kwai. You can rent a kayak and downstream from Kanchanaburi on the river. No need to rush, you can leisurely to see everything and enjoy the natural landscape here. If you are not passionate with kayaking, you can also choose a long-tail boat.

If you want to make a trip through the forest, it will take a day or more. Forget the comfort if you join this trip. And don’t forget to rent an experienced guide to help you explore this journey. Note that this journey has only simple meals and you will even have to sleep in a local tribe along the way.

Shopping in Kanchanaburi

Like most towns in the provinces of Thailand , Kanchanaburi features a central market where you can buy anything from groceries to household appliances. Visitors can also buy fashionable clothes and other fashion accessories. In addition, there are handicraft items in central markets, night markets and craft villages in the town.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Bangkok you can refer to

• Bangkok City & Temples Tour by Tour East
• Classic Bangkok Tour: Floating Market, Elephant Village, Asiatique, & More by AK Travel
• Bangkok Old City Half Day Tour
• Bangkok Landmarks Day Tour: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chao Phraya River & More
• Bangkok Sky Train (BTS) One Day Pass
• Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link (ARL) Ticket
• [Sale] Private Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfers (BKK) for Bangkok, Pattaya & More by Oriental Holiday
• Shared City Transfers between Bangkok and Pattaya by Oriental Holiday
• Private City Transfers between Bangkok and Pattaya, Ayutthaya, Hua Hin & More
• Private City Transfers from Pattaya to Bangkok, Hua Hin, Koh Samet & Koh Chang
• [SALE] BTS Skytrain Rabbit Card
• Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Bangkok Hop-On-Hop-Off Sightseeing Boat
• [SALE] Chao Phraya Princess Cruise
• [SALE] 4G Sim Card (Thailand Pick Up) for Thailand
• 4G SIM Card (BKK Airport Pick Up) for Thailand (Unlimited Data)
• 4G Pocket WiFi (Bangkok and Phuket Airports Pick Up) for Thailand
• 4G Portable WiFi for Thailand from Uroaming (Unlimited Data)

Are you looking for more Bangkok travel guide and top things to do in Bangkok: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Bangkok travel blog — The fullest Bangkok travel guide blog for a budget trip to Bangkok (BKK) and Thailand: Thailand blog — The fullest Thailand travel guide for a budget trip to Thailand for the first-timers .

Related articles

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Guide to shenzhen nightlife — top 5 things & what to do in shenzhen at night, ladakh trip cost per person from delhi — how much does ladakh trip by bike cost, india travel tips — 25+ what & things to know before traveling to india, coron itinerary 5 days — what to do & how to spend 5 days in coron.

Arashiyama travel blog — The fullest Arashiyama travel guide with top things to do in Arashiyama

Explore Fenqihu old street — What to do in Fenqihu in a day trip?

Where to go in Kunming? — 15+ top Kunming attractions & best places to visit in Kunming

Must eat in melaka — 10+ famous malacca street food & must try food in melaka.

What to do in Alishan? — 5 top attractions & best things to do in Alishan, Taiwan

Editor picks.

Guide to Shenzhen nightlife — Top 5 things & what to...

Ladakh trip cost per person from Delhi — How much does...

India travel tips — 25+ what & things to know before...

Popular posts.

What to buy in USA? — 17+ must buy in USA...

Must buy souvenir in Taiwan — Top 17+ most famous, cheap...

Must buy in Korea — Top 23 cheap, famous & best...

Popular category.

• Inspiration + Guide 1459
• Trip Inspiration 468
• Thailand 209
• Food + Drink 208
• Coasts + Islands 193
• South Korea 168
• Vietnam 166
• Travel Photos 144
• Work for Us
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

• Chiang Mai Travel Guide
• Chiang Rai Travel Guide
• Bangkok Travel Guide
• Kanchanaburi Travel Guide
• Hua Hin Travel Guide
• Phuket Travel Guide
• Koh Samui Travel Guide
• Hotels & Resorts
• Guest Houses
• Sports & Activities
• Health & Wellness
• Restaurants
• Historical Landmarks
• Nature Parks
• Train Stations
• Tours & Activities
• Recommended Travel Resources
• Book Cheap Flights
• Book Tours & Activities
• Book Transport
• Best Travel Insurance
• Travelers Guide To Suvarnabhumi International Airport
• Basic Thai For Travelers: Top Thai Phrases You Need To Know
• Embassies & Consulates
• Add Your Hotel
• Add Your Business

Travelers guide to the historic town of Kanchanaburi, find the best things to do, places to go, travel tips and advice.

Kanchanaburi Travel Guide Contents

Places To Go | Things To Do | Hotels & Resorts | Tours | Weather & When To Go | Getting There & Around | See & Do | Where To Stay | Typical Costs | Money Saving Tips | Safety Tips | Recommended Resources | Transport | Travel Blog

Welcome to Thailand Travel Hub's complete guide to Kanchanaburi, a wonderful, smaller city only two hours from Bangkok, located within arguably the country's most beautiful province. It is most famous for being home to the "Death Railway" and the bridge on the River Kwai, made famous in the movie of the same name from 1957, which are very popular attractions for tourists.

Here you can find the information you need about the best hotels and resorts, the best temples, the best activities and the best places to shop and eat in the city, along with our essential travel tips and advice, travel resources and booking information, all in one place. Kanchanaburi is an amazing destination whether you want to stay several nights or just do a day trip from Bangkok. In either case, the beautiful scenery and the slower pace of life will be a welcome break from the chaos and congestion of the capital, and a chance to get some fresh air and explore the outdoors.

Benefiting from a laid-back, riverside atmosphere, and a plethora of budget accommodation options, the city has traditionally been popular amongst backpackers, however, it is well worth a day or two for all visitors to Thailand for the scenery, history and culture, and a great chance to just kick back and relax in less chaotic surroundings.

Places To Go View All

Hellfire Pass

• Add to favorites

Wat Tham Suea

Giant Rain Tree

The River Kwai Bridge

Things To Do View All

Bell’s Pizzeria

Mangosteen Cafe and Books

Bicycle Cafe Garage and Tavern

Hotels & Resorts View All

Sam’s House Guesthouse

Price ฿500 - ฿1000

X2 River Kwai Resort

Price ฿8000 - ฿22000

River Kwai Bridge Resort

Price ฿1000 - ฿5000

Royal River kwai Resort & Spa

Price ฿1400 - ฿2500

Tours & Activities View All

Burma Death Railway Bridge and Kwai River from Bangkok

Price $97.00

Bridge on the River Kwai and Thailand-Burma Railway Tour

Price $75.49

Kanchanaburi Travel Guide Map

Your selected category does not have any records at your current location.

Kanchanaburi Weather & When to Go

Kanchanaburi, like the rest of the country, has three seasons; cool, hot and monsoon. Even during the cool season, however, the midday sun can still be very overbearing so take extra care if you are walking around, and carry water with you. It's also worth bearing in mind that it's possible during the height of the hot season for some of the waterfalls to dry up, meaning that they become little more than some water dribbling down a rock face.

Kanchanaburi is generally hot and humid all year round, with average daily highs in the range of 27°C to 36°C. From July to October is the monsoon season, when it usually rains most days, and when it does it can be torrential. This puts some visitors off and therefore you may be able to negotiate discounts during this period. The hot season is March to June when you can see daily highs of over 40°C on occasion. This leaves the cool season, arguably the best time to visit, from November to February.

In reality, the weather doesn't vary a huge amount from season to season and you can visit at any time of the year and still have a great time.

How To Get To Kanchanaburi

Luckily, Kanchanaburi is only a couple of hours' drive from Bangkok so if you're willing to get up early the city can be covered as a day trip, although in reality, a 2-3 day trip would be better for most visitors. Even though the city is relatively small, there is plenty to see and do within the surrounding area.

Taxi - Getting a taxi to take you to Kanchanaburi for the day from Bangkok is probably the most hassle-free option. The hardest part will be finding a reliable taxi driver willing to undertake the trip. Your best option is to ask your hotel reception if they can help you to locate a driver. The cost will be around 2000 baht no matter how many people go, this includes the return trip and transport to all the key attractions whilst the driver sits and waits for you in the car.

Train - Taking a train in Thailand is an eye-opening experience if you come from Europe or the USA, where the trains are modern and comfortable. Thai trains are very old and slow by comparison. The trains depart from Bangkok's Thonburi station at 7:50 am, take around two and a half hours and cost about 100 baht ($3.33) each way. There are only third-class carriages available, which mean a wooden bench (no luxury seats here), and you could well end up sitting next to someone carrying a chicken.

Buses - Getting a bus to Kanchanaburi is fairly easy, especially if you have used public buses in Thailand before. Just head to the southern bus terminal in Thonburi, the first-class buses depart every 15 minutes between 5 am and 10:30 pm and cost 110 baht ($3.63) per person one way. There are also some second-class buses departing from the terminal for 95 baht ($3.14). A few buses are departing from the northern bus terminal, but these are much less frequent and you could be waiting for hours if you don't know which bus you want to take, so the Thonburi station would be best for most travelers.

TTH Recommendation: There are a few different methods of transport to get from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi , you can take the train, bus or get a taxi. Each of these methods of transport can be conveniently booked online, in advance of your journey. We highly recommend 12Go Asia , they have an easy-to-use booking website and helpful staff on hand to help you with your booking and tickets.

Book Transport To Kanchanaburi on 12Go Asia

Getting Around Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is a fairly small city, but even so, it is too big to walk around comfortably, plus, as many of the attractions are located outside the city, you will need to use some form of transport.

Renting a motorcycle - Renting a motorcycle is cheap, easy and convenient, with prices starting at as a little as 150 baht ($5) for an older bike. The main caveat is safety; many rental places will neglect to maintain their bikes adequately so check the bike over before you sign. Also bear in mind that Thailand's roads are also not well maintained, and driving standards can be highly variable. So only drive a motorcycle if you are confident in your abilities, and have a bike license in your home country. In some parts of Thailand, the police are setting up checkpoints to check your license and they will want to see an international driving permit too. These are easily available in your home country.

Taxi / Motorbike Taxi - Taxis are a comfortable, convenient and affordable way to get around the city and to some of the attractions. The main bugbear is drivers who refuse to use their meter and try to agree a price in advance, invariably this price will be several times higher than the meter fare. Motorcycle taxis are very cheap and quick, although may be a bit too scary for some, weaving in and out of stationary traffic at high speed. They are very cheap though, with fares starting from as little as 30 baht ($1). The best way to use taxis is to download the Grab app for your smartphone, which enables you to agree the route and fare in advance and avoids the language barrier, which is an issue in Kanchanaburi as very few locals speak passable English.

Songtaews - Songtaews are like communal taxis which drive on fixed routes around the city. Flag one down to jump on then ring the bell to get off, most short trips start at 10 baht ($0.33). If the vehicle is empty the driver may be willing to take you directly to your destination for a fixed fee. Songtaews offer an excellent compromise between price and convenience, the drawback being that you may not understand the route unless you can speak Thai or have a map to look at.

Tuk-tuks - in Kanchanaburi are much like everywhere else in Thailand; an expensive novelty that only seems to appeal to tourists. The drivers will quote steep prices hoping that you won't bother to haggle, and are therefore best avoided. Also in Kanchanaburi, the drivers speak noticeably less English than in Bangkok.

Best things To See & Do In Kanchanaburi

Tour the Amazing Temples of Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi has several spectacular temples, as you might expect. However, a few are particularly magnificent and should be on your to-do list. Wat Tham Sua is about 12 km outside of the city perched atop a hill, it is situated right next to another temple complex called Wat Tham Khao Noi. There are many beautifully gilded Thai-style buildings, a huge golden Buddha, and an interesting old funicular cable car that takes you up to the top of the hill along a 45° incline. Wat Ban Tham has a huge dragon’s head which you walk through towards the top of the steep hill where there is a fascinating shrine within a small cave.

Learn About the History of Kanchanaburi during WW2

The Thailand-Burma Railway Centre is a great place to start if you are interested in the historic railway which was built by POWs during WW2. The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery is also a fascinating place to visit, being the final resting place of the 7000 POWs who died during the construction of the railway itself. Also, there is a WW2 museum and art gallery, plus the famous JEATH War Museum where you can see how the prisoners were kept and treated during the railway's construction. You may also be interested in visiting the Chongkai War Cemetery, which is located about 2 km outside the city and is where the fallen Dutch and British POWs were buried.

Visit Prasat Muang Singh Historical Park

Prasat Muang Singh is an ancient historical site dating back to the 13th century and contains the remains of two beautiful Khmer temples. They were built in the Bayon-style which some may recognise from Angkor Wat, with beautiful hand-carved faces and statues dotted around the complex. The site is about 30 minutes drive west of Kanchanaburi and you should allow around an hour to view everything. The grounds themselves are really beautiful and well-kept, there are plenty of excellent photo opportunities. There are also a few small food vendors selling cheap local foods and drinks, in particular, the grilled chicken ("gai yang") is excellent and perfect for lunch at just 60 baht ($2).

Go Jungle Trekking at a National Park

Kanchanaburi is an excellent place to go jungle trekking, there are thousands of acres of beautiful untouched countryside within the province, ideal for enjoying a bit of the outdoors. There are several National parks within the vicinity, with plenty to see and do including camping, cave-exploring, bamboo rafting and monkey feeding. There are many routes and itineraries, but Kanchanaburi is special in that much of the local forest and jungle still have an untouched feel which gives an incredible sense of exploration. Combine that with some of the most picturesque waterfalls in the country and jungle trekking could easily become one of the most memorable things that you did in Thailand.

Try the Local Cuisine

Kanchanaburi itself does not have any regional specialities, but there are some exceptional local restaurants and places for cheap eats. The cheapest place to fill up is almost certainly the night market close to the train station where you can buy BBQ kebabs for 10 baht ($0.33), basic Pad Thai for 20 baht ($0.66) and sushi from 5 baht ($0.16) per piece. On's Thai Isaan is one of the best local restaurants, situated on the Maenam Kwai Road. It receives rave reviews online and serves up perfectly cooked Thai foods at incredible prices. Or, if you’ve got a hankering for some Thai-style burgers, try the Bicycle Cafe on Chao Khun Nen Road, you won’t regret it!

Grab a Bargain at the Markets

Kanchanaburi has some excellent local markets where you can pick up some bargains, especially if you are prepared to haggle, though beware that the residents of Kanchanaburi generally don’t speak much English if at all. The markets in the city are generally aimed at the locals, which means that they are cheap. There is the night market known as JJ’s, the River Kwai Park Market, and the Kanokarn food market. You can pick up some seriously cheap clothes, souvenirs, arts and crafts and have a delicious dinner without spending much at all. You'll find the prices here much lower than the tourist-oriented markets in places such as Chiang Mai or Phuket.

Relax with a Massage and Spa Visit

If you're on holiday in Thailand and you still haven't experienced a Thai massage, then Kanchanaburi is a great place to give it a go. There are many massage salons and spas located across the city, with a huge range of services on offer. Massages generally start from as little as 150 baht ($5) for an hour for the most basic type and increase if you choose to add aromatherapy oils, hot stone massages and so forth. Ficus Spa is very well-known and professional and worth paying that little bit extra for. The cheaper places are seemingly everywhere and will have the prices posted outside for you to compare, but be aware that the prices are fixed and haggling generally won't work.

Kanchanaburi’s Nightlife

Kanchanaburi is not a nightlife destination, and as a result, what is on offer is fairly subdued compared to other Thai tourist destinations. There are numerous karaoke bars, but these are generally aimed at the locals with not much English being spoken. However, there are several British/Australian style bars around the Mae Nam Kwai Road with a few places to drink until the early hours or listen to some live music, and a few hostess type bars. Pattaya this is not, but there is enough to keep you entertained for a few nights; try the Aussie Rules Bar and the Jahmaikarn Reggae Bar for a few cold beers and some excellent local food.

Where To Stay In Kanchanaburi

Mae Nam Kwai Road - By far the best place to stay for most visitors, with many cheap accommodation options, bars, restaurants and shopping. It has plenty of amenities, public transport options and a bit of nightlife.

Wang Dong -. Wang Dong is located northwest of the city, it is fairly rural, but has a few high-end (for the area) resorts, and beautiful scenery. It is also home to the Elephant World so would be a good choice for families.

Sai Yok - Located a little further northwest of the city, this region includes the famous Hellfire Pass and the Khmer temple complex of Prasat Muang Singh. It is also fairly rural so you'd need to hire some transport. Accommodation is generally cheaper than in the city itself.

Prices, Expenses & Typical Costs

Accommodation - Think cheap. A bed in a dorm room starts at 150 baht ($5) per night, a room in a good boutique-style guesthouse will go from around 600 baht ($20) a night. 5-star accommodation starts at around 3000 baht ($100) per night (although there are only two 5-star resorts). Guesthouses in the city generally offer a good standard of accommodation.

Transportation - A 10-minute taxi ride should be 40-60 baht ($1.33-$2), motorcycle taxis considerably less. Songtaews start at 10 baht ($0.33) for a short hop. Motorcycle rental starts at 150 baht ($5) per day, a small car can be rented from 800 baht ($26.50) a day. Some of the national parks and attractions are quite a way out of the city so hiring a car would be a great option if you're planning to do a lot of travelling, or you could share a taxi between several people. A good budget for transportation would be $15-$20 per day, considerably less if you are not visiting the national parks.

Food & Drink - Street food starts at 30 baht ($1) per bowl, which usually includes free water in a jug on the table. Pad Thai may be even less. A Thai green curry with rice in a small restaurant will set you back 60-120 baht ($2-$4), a bottle of local beer at 7-Eleven will be around 60 baht ($2) and in a restaurant around 90-120 baht ($3-$4). You can eat very well with a couple of alcoholic drinks (except wine) for around 600 baht ($20) per day.

Recommended Budget - Backpacker travelling solo with no alcohol or partying, and staying within the city: $20-$30 per day per person.

Average traveler, staying at a decent guesthouse/hotel, exploring some attractions and a few drinks in the evenings: $50-$70 per day per person.

Note: A traveler wanting to visit the further away surrounding areas including Erawan National Park and the waterfalls would need to consider adding an extra $15 for transportation, or a bit less if travelling as a group.

Family staying in a family room in a nice hotel, with attractions, taxi/tuk-tuk transport and restaurant meals, plus shopping budget: $120-$180 per day per family.

Luxury traveler, 5-star resort, taxis to attractions, cocktails and nightlife: $200 and up per day, per person.

Kanchanaburi Money Saving Tips

Kanchanaburi is an excellent value destination, you'll find that you can get by on a much smaller budget than in Bangkok or the islands, for example. However, given that the baht is currently one of the strongest currencies in the world, it still pays to follow some common-sense advice to help you enjoy your holiday for less.

Kanchanaburi has excellent street food options and these should be your go-to if you're looking to save money but still eat delicious food. Most street food vendors will just have a couple of plastic tables and chairs, usually comically small, but they serve up some of the most delicious foods in the city starting from around 30 baht ($1) a dish.

Although ATMs are everywhere in Kanchanaburi, avoid using them at all costs. The fees for using a foreign bank card in a Thai ATM are scandalous; there is an unavoidable 220 baht ($7.29) fee at the machine, which is on top of what your home bank will charge you. Using a standard American bank card in a Thai ATM could end up costing you $25-$30 per transaction at the time of going to press. Bring your home currency with you and change it in Thailand where the rates will be 10-15% better than at home.

Thailand has seen something of a downturn in tourism of late, possibly as a result of the continued strength of the currency and the tightening of immigration policies. With most tourists opting for places like Phuket or Koh Samui, Kanchanaburi has seen a significant drop in the number of visitors arriving, as such you should be able to haggle for a discount on your accommodation, particularly if you stay for several nights and pay upfront. In general, guesthouse and hotel prices are flexible in Thailand and the manager would almost certainly prefer to give you a room for half price than to leave it empty. Don't feel pressured to take the first deal that you are offered.

Is it Safe To Travel Around Kanchanaburi

Like most destinations in Thailand, Kanchanaburi is very safe, but don't be lulled into a false sense of security because petty and opportunistic crimes can still happen. As it is more rural, some parts of the city are poorly light at night, if you're unsure of where you're going just take a taxi.

Petty theft from hotel rooms and restaurant tables can take place if the criminal is offered a golden opportunity, so take care of your belongings at all times. Although exceedingly rare, bag snatching from motorcycles does still occur in Kanchanaburi, if walking on the pavement keep your bag on the side away from the road.

The biggest danger is the traffic, whether you are driving yourself, a passenger in a taxi, or a pedestrian. Be extremely cautious if you choose to drive, and take extra care when crossing the road. You will probably see Thai drivers driving the wrong way down the street, pulling out without looking, and people riding motorcycles on the pavement, all everyday, normal occurrences in Thailand.

Thailand Travel Guides

Privacy Overview

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

New User? Register Now

Forgot password

Already have an account? Sign in

The best things to see and do in Kanchanaburi

Destinations

Joanna Horanin

Current condition

Weather in Kanchanaburi

Temperature.

Feels like 30.1 ℃ 😎

Air quality index

Last updated at 23/04/2024, 23:45

Hi, I'm Joanna, the author of The Blond Travels. In the worlds of Thailand and Portugal, I feel like a fish in water - and it's no coincidence! I've been exploring Thailand for over a decade, and I've settled in Portugal for 6 years now. My mission is to support Dreamers - just like you - in discovering these fascinating countries and helping those in love with them find their own place on Earth, preferably for good! Let's uncover these unique corners of the world together.

Kanchanaburi – a little town in the west of Thailand, a perfect place for every traveler. History, nature, culture, good food – it can all be found here. Only 3 hours away from Bangkok it’s a perfect place to escape pollution and noise. Don’t omit Kanchanaburi if you have a few more days to spare in the Land of Smiles.

Many travelers go somewhere else and straight from Bangkok they head to the south or to Chiang Mai, waving off the idea of visiting this little town. Some come here only for a day, ticking off one of the ‘must sees’. I’m not surprised. Travelers quite often have only a few days to spend in Thailand, so they want to use it soaking up the sun on one of the islands, or trekking in the mountains. However, if you have more time and want to see more of the Kingdom, but don’t want to go too far, Kanchanaburi is the best place to go.

I chose to visit it because I read that it doesn’t rain there that much in June and it’s a place that despite tourism and quite a lot of visitors, it still remained quite unspoiled and genuine. I gave myself 3 days and at the end of my stay, I extended it for another 2. After seeing and experiencing the major attractions, I just wanted to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy this little town. I loved my stay in Kanchanaburi and would gladly go there again.

Kanchanaburi – The history and background

The town is located in the west of Thailand, only 3 hours by bus from Bangkok in beautiful surroundings. Two rivers Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai merge here with Mae Klong River, which floats through town. Kanchanaburi lays on an edge of a mountain range, which makes it a little cooler than other cities in Thailand and attracts expats and locals from Bangkok on weekends and holidays.

The town was established in the 18th century by King Rama I as a military outpost against Burmese attacks. However, Kanchanaburi is mostly known for the role it played during the World War II.

In 1942 the Japanese army took over the control over the town and began constructing a railway. It was supposed to help them receiving supplies as their access to the sea was cut off by the Allies. Prisoners of war, mostly Australians, as well as civilians, were forced to work in unbearable conditions during the constructions. Thousands of them died during a very short period of time. Those events were later on immortalized by the famous 50s movie The Bridge on the River Kwai, which in effect made Kanchanaburi a very well-known attraction in Thailand.

Who is Kanchanaburi for?

Till quite recently Kanchanaburi was mostly for history buffs. But today the town attracts all kinds of people. The older generation comes here to visit the bridge and ride the train, but also to have some quiet time. Kanchanaburi is perfect for families as there are a lot of quiet resorts around, where children can play undisturbed.

It’s also popular with backpackers. There are plenty of bars, where you can chill, drink a beer and meet friends after your excursions to the Hellfire Pass or the Erawan Waterfall.

Kanchanaburi has something for everyone.

Finding your bearings

The town is relatively small. There are only 30,000 people living here. Your hotel will probably be located on or near Mae Nam Kwae Road, which is where tourists like to stay. It’s very close to the Bridge on the River Kwai and the train station. Restaurants and bars with local and western food can also be found here.

Saeng Chuto Road is the main road in town. It runs parallel to Mae Nam Kwae Road, from north to south and connects the bus station with the train station and the bridge.

If you stay on Mae Nam Kwae Road you will need to take a taxi to the bus station. It’s a bit of a way and I wouldn’t recommend walking there in the day. During the evening the road is a bit more busy and interesting and walking along the Saeng Chuto Road is fun.

Map of Kanchanaburi 

What to see and do in Kanchanaburi?

Kanchanaburi is a small town, but there are a lot of things to do and see. If you want to do it all, you will need at least 3-4 days. If you want to relax then you can spend there up to a week.

Ride the train

The railway that was built by the Japanese is now a tourist attraction. Because of the number of people that died during the construction, the route is called the Death Railway. What is so amazing about a train ride? You might ask. Well, first of all, the train itself is ancient. It’s an old, heavy, puffing machine with simple seating and rusty fans that help to cope with the heat. It goes through the rice fields and mountains. The views are amazing and you can stick your head out throughout the ride to take some cool photos. At the end, the train rides on an edge of a mountain with a river flowing beneath. It’s a thrilling, amazing experience!

You can catch the train from Bangkok and ride all the way to the end. You can also jump on in Kanchanaburi. The final station is Nam Tok, from where you can go to the Hellfire Pass. The train ride takes 2 hours from Kanchanaburi. Departure times are: 6.07am, 10:35 am, 4:26 pm. You can purchase the ticket at the station 15 minutes before the train is due to leave. Remember that the trains in Thailand are often late.

If you want to know more about the Death Railway, you can read it here. 

Visit the Hellfire Pass

The Hellfire Pass was one of the toughest parts of the railway construction. The prisoners worked day and night in very tough conditions to finish it. During the night their shadows illuminated by burning torches resembled scenes from hell, hence the name.

Today it is a memorial, where you can walk the last piece of the railway and find out more about its history. Descendants of the prisoners come here regularly to lay flowers and leave small notes, thanking them for their sacrifice.

From Nam Tok you can catch a ride to the Hellfire Pass. A return private taxi will cost around 700 Baht. The entrance to the Hellfire Pass is free, but you will have to walk quite a bit through a forest. The route goes down and you will need to walk uneven stairs to get there. It’s not that hard, but it’s hot and humid in the forest, so make sure you have some water with you.

Read more about the Hellfire Pass 

The Bridge on the River Kwai

The famous bridge is located just next to the station and if you stay in the tourist area, you will get there very easily by foot.

The metal construction is not very impressive, but thanks to the river and the surrounding area it’s quite lovely (if you can say that about something that cost human lives). Probably that’s why there are a lot of people here taking selfies. If you want to take a good shot, where you wouldn’t have yet another Instagrammer posing in the background, come here for the sunrise before the first train arrives. I went there at around 10:00 and it was still relatively empty.

The entrance to the bridge is free.

Map of the Bridge on the River Kwai 

The JEATH War Museum

I had an hour left till the train and decided to visit this museum. I thought I would find out a bit more about the history of the town and the railway, but at the end, I left with an impression that it’s probably the weirdest museum I had ever been to.

The entrance looks cool. It has a big locomotive outside, where you can take photos. Similarly, after entering you can admire warplanes and helicopters. A huge Chinese temple stands there, too. It looks very colorful and impressive against blue skies. But that’s all I can say about the museum. The farther you go, the more bizarre it gets. Inside there are some artifacts, presumably from the war. One room is full of motorbikes with huge signs saying ‘Japanese’. There are some drawings, a few guns, and pictures. In the middle of it, there are mannequins dressed in all sort of clothing and two stalls selling backpacker outfits (elephant pants and tank tops with Chang beer). A Chinese medicine shop, hidden in a corner, looks like something out of a war movie. An old Thai man sits behind the counter napping.

There is no information and explanation. These are random things gathered together, which you can look at (or buy if you’re after elephant pants or Chinese herbal medicine).

But this is what I like about Asia – things that don’t make sense make me laugh. It’s just a beauty of visiting it. Despite its randomness, I liked this museum very much.

The entrance is 40 Baht per person.

Map of JEATH Museum

Kanchanaburi War Cemetary

The war cemetery in Kanchanaburi is located in the middle of the town and it can be easily accessed from the main roads. It is a memorial to all the victims of Japanese imprisonment. There are over 6,000 people buried here, mostly Australians, British and Dutch. The remains of American soldiers were repatriated.

The cemetery was designed by Colin St Clair Oakes and is maintained by the Commonwealth War Commission.

When visiting be respectful. It’s not a place for taking pretty photos for your Instagram.

Across the road, there is the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to visit it, so I can’t say much about it.

Map of the cemetery 

Admire the architecture

I love admiring old, colonial buildings. That’s why I was very excited to discover Pak Phreak Street. It’s not that far from the center and you can walk there, or take a tuk-tuk.

The street is quite long lined with wooden villas. Some of them are in very good condition, others are sadly falling apart.

The great thing about this street is that there are sings with information outside. There is usually a date of the construction and some story of the person, who used to live there. I found a couple of houses which date back to the 18th century and where the same family has been living for generations.

Map of Pak Phreak 

Calm down and have a coffee

On Pak Phreak, I found a very nice coffee place, probably one of its kind in the town. Baan Sittisang is located in an old colonial villa. It sells fresh coffee and really good cake. A place with a homey feel, with leather chairs and sofas, small wooden tables and a cat that likes to be petter by visitors makes it a perfect place to chill out and read a book.

Eat some fish

Kanchanaburi is just on the riverfront, which means that there is some pretty good fish on offer. I wasn’t very keen on eating it in the tourist area, as usually the food in places like that is overpriced, so I wandered out and found a true gem.

On the other side of the town, you will find Krua Chock Don – a riverfront restaurant, serving all kinds of food. Its specialty is fish curry on a hot plate. I ordered it and was warned by the waitress that it was very spicy. I can handle that normally, so I asked for ‘ped nid noi’ –  a little spicy. What I got was a delicious, succulent fish that burned my throat and stomach and made me cry. Three days after that I still had stomach problems. It was worth it though. The meal was very good and the views were even better.

Krua Chok Don information 

Kanchanaburi – Useful information

I know you want to prepare well before you go and I’m here to help you out. Below is everything you need.

How to get there?

Kanchanaburi doesn’t have an airport, but the overland transport is not too bad. You can easily do it in a couple of hours, depending on where you’re going.

To Kanchanaburi from Bangkok

It’s very easy to get to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok. The bus takes only 3 hours, the same goes for trains. I took the first option. You can read all my experiences about taking a bus from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi here.

Buses depart from Mochit Station. You can catch a minivan, which is much quicker, or you can go for a big bus, which is probably safer. A ticket will cost you 100-150 Baht. Buses and minivans depart hourly from 4 am until 6 pm.

Trains are another option. There is one at 7:45 and one at 13:35. A ticket costs 100 Baht.

Tickets can be purchased at the stations (don’t forget your passport if you want to buy a train ticket), or you can buy them online, which is quicker and more convenient. I always use 12GoAsia . It’s a reliable site for any kind of transportation in South East Asia.

Book your ticket from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi by a bus or a minivan 

Book your ticket from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi by a train

To Kanchanaburi from Chiang Mai

A bus to Kanchanaburi from Chiang Mai takes around 12 hours. It’s best to take an overnight bus and sleep through the journey as the views are not that spectacular.

Buses are equipped with a toilet. You will also get a blanket, a pillow, some water and a snack. Your ticket gives you a free meal at the place, where you will stop in the middle of the way. However, the bus waits around 20 minutes, so it’s better to order a light snack.

The bus departs from Chiang Mai bus station, terminal 3 at 07:20, 18:00 and 20:00. It costs 600-800 Baht. You can purchase your ticket at the station, or order it online via 12GoAsia .

Book your ticket from Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi by bus

Getting around

Kanchanaburi is not big, but it is quite spread out. The easiest mode of transport are tuk-tuks and songthaews. You can catch one easily at the main roads and by the bridge. A 10 minut ride form the bridge to the bus station will be around 100 Baht, or less if you can spread the cost between other people.

You can also rent a motorbike for 250 Baht a day. It’s a good option, but be careful. The two main roads are very busy and traffic is bad. Buy good insurance, wear a helmet and stick to the left.

Where to stay?

Bamboo House Resort – one of the cheapest and the most charming places I stayed in. I chose a bungalow on a raft, which cost me only 3 Euros per night. The conditions were simple, but I really liked it. The resort also offers more luxuries options.

Sky Resort – good location, clean rooms, and pleasant service. There’s even a swimming pool on the site. A very good place to stay while in Kanchanaburi.

Princess River Kwai Hotel – this place is a little out of town and there are a few facilities around. However, it’s a perfect place if you want to chill and relax.

VN Guesthouse – beautiful views over the River Kwai. Rooms have private bathrooms and wi-fi. The location is also very good.

Taking the bus from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi

Death Railway and Hellfire Pass in Kanchanaburi: Know before you go

Everything you need to know about a trip to Erawan Waterfall

Tehran: The Iranian metropolis with a soul

The east of Thailand: Your off the beaten path destination

Going to Thailand for the first time? This is what you need to know

All you need to know before visiting Hoi An in Vietnam

Taking the bus from Kanchanaburi to Chiang Mai

Kanchanaburi Itinerary: 3 Days And 2 Nights – Thailand

Are you wondering how many days to spend in Kanchanaburi? I’ve got you covered with our 3-day and 2-night Kanchanaburi itinerary!

Visiting the city of Kanchanaburi in central Thailand was a highlight of our travels around Southeast Asia. It was one of those places we didn’t plan to visit and didn’t know too much about, but we decided to make a quick 3-day stop on our way to Bangkok.

Jack, more so than me, was extremely interested to learn about the events that took place there during the Second World War. However, once we arrived, we were both gripped by its history, culture and surrounding beauty.

We learned so much about Thailand’s history, not only its part in the construction of the Death Railway but also its ancient history as a kingdom.

Discover And Explore The Best Of Kanchanaburi In This 3-Day/2-Night Itinerary!

In this post, I’ll share our 3-day and 2-night itinerary to visit Kanchanaburi in Thailand. I’ll also cover topics including:

• A walk-through of the itinerary, including the top sightseeing spots
• Where to stay depending on your budget
• Some of our favourite places to eat and drink
• A handful of our trip expenses to help you budget
• And, the reasons to visit Kanchanaburi

Are you planning your trip to Thailand soon?

If you are booking your  trip to Thailand  last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more! 🇹🇭 Top Experiences and Tours in Kanchanaburi: Elephant Sanctuary & Kanchanaburi Highlights Tour (top-rated option!) Kanchanaburi River Kwai & Hellfire Pass Private Tour  (popular day trip!) Kanchanaburi: Erawan Waterfall & Train Full-Day Tour 2-Day River Kwai Highlights & Jungle Rafts Floating Hotel Private Afternoon SUP Class For All Ages And Levels (great for families!) 🛌  Top Hotels in Kanchanaburi: U Inchantree Kanchanaburi (Luxury option) Chez Bure – Bure Homestay (Mid-range) Asleep Hostel (Budget) 🚗   Looking for the best way to get around Thailand?   Click here to check 12G o Asia in Thailand! 👉  We’ve also put together a list of essential products we used when we visited Thailand.

Kanchanaburi Itinerary: 3-Days/2-Nights

3 days are enough to explore the major attractions around Kanchanaburi including the famous city sites, Hellfire Pass and the stunning Erawan National Park. Of course, it’s possible to stay longer.

If you’re searching for a slower itinerary you could easily spend a week enjoying this riverside location and venturing into the surrounding landscape!

🌟 Guess what ->> As travel experts, our experiences have led us to be great at planning travel itineraries, so much so that I offer a bespoke travel itinerary service to all my readers. Interested? See what it’s all about here on my custom itinerary page.

Day 1: Kanchanaburi Sightseeing

Your first day in Kanchanaburi is all about exploring the city. It’s here you’ll find some of the most famous sites, such as the Kwai Bridge and the War Cemetery, among others.

I’d recommend an early start as there’s quite a lot to see and if you’re walking it can take the whole day to explore. To speed things up it’s also possible to jump in a tuk-tuk.

We decided walking to the sites would be a fun and immersive experience, it was, but it does get hot so make sure you go prepared – discover our essential packing items on Amazon here!

I would say there are three must-visit sites to visit on day one. First up, I’d suggest heading straight to the River Kwai. This is where the notorious bridge is located. Depending on where you’re staying it can easily be reached and is located here , unfortunately, there is no riverside walk.

⭐ Pro tip >> You may have heard of the film “The Bridge Over The River Kwai”? If you haven’t, it’s a good film to watch, although it’s not as historically accurate as it’s made out to be!

📍 The River Kwai Bridge

The River Kwai Bridge is a tourist hot spot, however, unlike most tourist traps it’s definitely somewhere that should be visited during your 3-days in Kanchanaburi.

It was constructed under excruciating conditions by the Prisoners Of War (POWs) during the Japanese occupation of Thailand during the Second World War, from a dismantled bridge in Java.  

It’s estimated that 90,000 Southeast Asian forced labourers died, along with more than 12,000 POWs during its construction due to malnutrition and mistreatment. The sad truth to the cruelty inflicted during war.

To reach the bridge we walked for forty minutes from our hostel – Asleep Hostel – and arrived by mid-morning around 10 am. We were really rather impressed by its design, in a sort of sad appreciation.

Its semicircular steel structure was quite interesting, and quite the engineering marvel considering the circumstances. You’ll notice viewing platforms along the edge where it’s possible to stand and watch the passing train.

⭐ Pro tip >> If you time your visit just right you will be able to see a train cross over. It’s possible to board this train too. We watched as it passed us while we were tucked into one of the platforms on the actual bridge.

There is a large market on the opposite side of the river and the immediate area is full of shops and eateries.

👉 Suggested Tour: River Kwai and Death Railway Day Tour. A full-day tour around Kanchanaburi province including a visit to River Kwai Bridge.

📍 The Death Railway Museum

Up next on the agenda is a visit to the Death Railway Museum. Depending on what interests you there are a lot of museums around Kanchanaburi but if you only intend to visit one, this is the one!

I would highly recommend it if you want to learn about the history of the Death Railway. 

The museum is very informative showcasing photographs, letters and compelling statistics, charts and dates along with a short film that documents first-hand accounts from the survivors. 

⭐ Pro tip >> If you’re anything like us and like to read all the information in museums, then give yourself a couple of hours to explore this place! It’s quite small, but there is a good variety of information, plus the short film. 

We actually went to the wrong museum first which was closer to the River Kwai Bridge. It had some interesting sections but there was too much information that it became overwhelming.

⭐ Pro tip >> If you are interested in learning about the history of Thailand’s wars then you might enjoy spending an hour or so there at JEATH War Museum.

The correct museum and the one which should be visited is located opposite Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.

📍 The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery 

The final must-visit site on this 3-day/2-night Kanchanaburi itinerary is a visit to the War Cemetery. Walking along the graves gave me a melancholic feeling but I also an inspiring site.

We found it befitting and incredibly well kept with countless rows of headstones immaculately maintained, some of which had beautiful messages or poems from loved ones however, it was surprising to see how many headstones didn’t have any message at all. 

The cemetery contains just shy of 7,000 British, Australian and Dutch prisoner of war graves of which 6,858 have been identified.

👉  Suggested Tour: If you’re considering a visit from Bangkok why not take a look at this Historical Day Tour to River Kwai ?

Day 2: Hellfire Pass

For day two I’m taking you on a journey to the iconic Hellfire Pass. For a complete guide on visiting Hellfire Pass, click here.  

Just so you know, the journey to Hellfire Pass took us around 90 minutes from the centre of Kanchanaburi. So, you’ll need at least 3 hours of travel time set aside for this day. It’s also located on an American military base which we found surprising. 

⭐ Pro tip >> We rented a scooter instead of taking public transport as we thought we could visit Erawan National Park afterwards, in reality, we needed the whole day for Hellfire Pass!

👉 What is Hellfire Pass?

Hellfire Pass is a section of the Burma-Thai Railway which was notoriously deadly and is where the name Death Railway originated from. Due to the terrain and type of rock, it was the hardest part of the path to cut through.

The POWs working on its construction found themselves hand-hammering holes into the rock face to place dynamite before blowing it up to form the opening. 

When we entered the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre (this is what you’ll need to put in the GPS) , we were led to a viewing platform that overlooked the jungle to the Burma border. It was quite an amazing sight and provided a good perception of the terrain the men had to work through. 

Before you follow the steps down to the railway itself there is a small but interesting museum which showcases a short documentary, similar to the one in the Death Railway Museum. If you have time stay and watch this. 

One unbelievable fact we learned from the museum was the amount of food the men were given per day, which was minuscule. It was shown in a bowl next to the amount of rock they were required to blast through.

There were also multiple photographs depicting these men underfed and extremely unwell. If you’re visiting Kanchanaburi I really recommend spending a day at Hellfire Pass, this was a highlight of our trip!

👉  Suggested Tour: Kanchanaburi River Kwai & Hellfire Pass Private Tour

👉 Hiking Hellfire Pass

There is a twenty-minute walk to the memorial which sits at the end of Hellfire Pass. It was lovely to see flowers tucked into the rock face; flags, letters and trinkets left by family members visiting the memorial. 

Some of the hammered holes were still evident and the sheer size of the rock is incomprehensible until you visit the site. We were completely shocked that the construction was even achievable and under such horrible conditions, it was unimaginable!

This walk is the most popular with visitors and isn’t very strenuous. If you go on a day tour this is where you will be taken unless specified otherwise.

The reason we spent the whole day at Hellfire Pass was because we decided to continue along the railway passing the memorial for another two hours.

It was a tough hike as we had underappreciated the heat and humidity but it was well worth the sweat. If you choose this route you’ll be given a headset with stops along the way providing detailed explanations on construction and facts from POWs.

For example, we passed some trenches where there would have been bamboo bridges and learned that many of them were intentionally blown up by the POWs to slow down the completion of the railway.

⭐ Pro tip >> If you plan to walk the entire trail, make sure you have plenty of water, a hat and bug repellant. There were many small insects flying around our heads, which became a nuisance!

Day 3: Erawan Waterfall

After all the history and museums I think heading to Erawan National Park to splash around at its popular Erawan Waterfall is the best way to end your trip!

For this journey, we ditched the scooters and caught the local bus making sure we were up early so we could have a full day. If you want to do this too, all the information is in our full guide to visiting Erawan Waterfalls here. 

FYI: Erawan National Park is around one and a half hours from the centre of Kanchanaburi. 

When we arrived it was a lot more built-up than we had expected which put us off at first, thinking it was another tourist trap we were apprehensive about paying the rather high entrance fee of 300 THB.

However, it was really something spectacular and I would certainly recommend a visit!

Once we had paid the fee and entered we headed straight to the very top. Erawan Waterfall is made up of six tiers, each tier having its own set of waterfalls. Most of them are swimmable with plunge pools at their bases.

👉 Suggested Tour: Private Tour to Kanchanaburi Erawan Waterfall and Elephant Care

👉 Hiking At Erawan Waterfall

I would recommend starting early to ensure you have enough time to reach the top tier. If like us, you want to see all the waterfalls you’ll have to hike to the top and slowly make your way down to stop at each tier.

All seven waterfalls were stunning in their own right but tier 3 waterfall was magical. It was the tallest one with a large blue plunge pool to swim in. I also enjoyed tier 7 the most as it had the small fish that nibble at your feet, fee Pedicure anyone?

Pro Tip: You are required to wear life jackets from tier 3 downwards. These can be rented from a booth at the base of the first tier. 

Where To Stay In Kanchanaburi?

During your 3 days and 2 nights in Kanchanaburi, you’re going to want somewhere nice and comfortable to stay so you can explore with ease.

We stayed at the Asleep Hostel which was nice and close to the train station but for those seeking a more luxurious stay, I’ve also included two other options.

📍High-End Suggestion: U Inchantree Kanchanaburi 📍 Mid-Range Suggestion: Chez Bure – Bure Homestay 📍 Budget Suggestion: Asleep Hostel

Honest Thoughts About Kanchanaburi

In all honesty, both Jack and I were a little disappointed when we first arrived in Kanchanaburi. For some reason, we had expected it to be evergreen with open spaces and parks. 

The walk from the station to the hostel didn’t help as we took a turn along a couple of industrial buildings and a large open car park, (which actually turned out to be a buzzing night market), all giving the impression of a lifeless concrete city.

However, as the saying goes: never judge a book by its cover! In the end we had the best time exploring Kanchanaburi. It’s got a fantastic mix of history, culture and natural beauty that made it an all-rounder kinda place.

Top Reasons For Visiting Kanchanaburi

With its blend of history, nature, culture, and adventure, Kanchanaburi is a destination that promises an unforgettable experience. These are the top reasons for visiting:

✔️ Historical Significance: Kanchanaburi is home to the iconic River Kwai Bridge and many other historical sites. If you enjoy learning and visiting historical sites, you’ll enjoy your time in Kanchanaburi.

✔️ Natural Beauty: The city is blessed with breathtaking landscapes. Erawan National Park was fantastic. The lush surroundings and wildlife provide an enchanting escape perfect for nature and hiking.

✔️ Death Railway Exploration: The Death Railway offers a sombre yet fascinating journey. I do recommend taking the train ride along the historic route, witnessing the captivating scenery while reflecting on its historical significance is a great reason for visiting!

✔️ Cultural Immersion: Engaging with the local culture and community in Kanchanaburi but also in the surrounding villages. Additionally, the Wat Tham Sua temple complex offers panoramic views.

✔️ Adventure Opportunities: From kayaking and bamboo rafting along the River Kwai to jungle treks in Sai Yok National Park and rural cycling , Kanchanaburi offers adventure enthusiasts a variety of thrilling activities.

👉 Travel Insurance: SAFETYWING

Jack and I use SAFETYWING to book our travel medical insurance when we are overseas. It’s important to us as it ensures a safe trip. ✔️ Flexible, continuous coverage can be bought before you depart or at any point during your journey abroad. ✔️ Can be very affordable. (High-risk sports activities not generally included – Check out World Nomads instead)

Top Places To Eat In Kanchanaburi

After some exploring, we found the livelier streets and upbeat areas in Kanchanaburi, there is quite a vibrant night scene – the main strip is along the eastern end of Mae Nam Khwae Road . For entertainment purposes, there are plenty of local restaurants and bars to enjoy in the evening.

Opposite our hostel, there was an amazing night market – JJ Night Market . It was one of the best ones we visited in Thailand and where we ate every night. We set a challenge to try something different each time… 

There were fruit stalls and smoothie stalls, stalls selling chicken feet, noodles and deep-fried sandwiches. Other stalls sold dumplings, bbq meats and fish. There were plenty of dessert stalls selling ice creams, coconut milshakes and pancakes too .

A handful of great restaurants to try include:

✔️ Ons Issan-Thai : We passed it by chance and luckily, our host provided us with the best meal in Kanchanaburi. So it’s our fav on the list. The quality of food and price was perfect – that is it’s budget-friendly – it’s also a vegetarian restaurant with many vegan options; the lady also offers cooking classes.

✔️Schluck Restaurant : A good western restaurant on the opposite side of the river, they serve a lot of choices including meat, pasta, pizza and noodles.

✔️ Gravite : If you’re searching for a decent cup of coffee head here. They provide organic coffee and Thai craft beer, for 200 THB it’s worth it!

👉 Suggested Tour: A Cooking Class In Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi Itinerary: Expenses

These costs are based on our trip and are indicative only, I’ve added them to help you budget for your trip but make sure you check prices with your hotel before you travel.

Resources For Thailand

Is it your first time visiting Thailand?  We’ve written lots of useful posts to help you plan your trip. You can check them all out on our  Thailand Page here ,  but below are some of our most popular articles:

• Read this article to find out why we think  Thailand is worth visiting.
• Also read this article to discover even more reasons to visit Kanchanaburi.
• After Kanchanaburi, visit Ayutthaya , the ruined capital city of Thailand!
• Find out why the elephant is the national animal of Thailand and why we loved visiting Chaing Mai , the best place to see elephants .
• Read this if you’re wondering how to get to Chaing Mai from Ayutthaya.

How To Get To Kanchanaburi?

Depending on where you’re departing from you can catch the public bus or private transfer. Most travellers will depart from Bangkok. Here are some suggested options.

• Bangkok to Kanchanaburi: bus, mini-van or private cars/taxi – check prices
• Ayutthaya to Kanchanaburi: bus, mini-van or private car/taxi – check prices
• Surat Thani to Kanchanaburi: mini-van or private car/taxi – check prices

It’s also possible to jump on a train. For us, we arrived on one of Thailand’s famous sleeper trains. It carried us through the night to Nakhon Pathom, a smaller station between Khao Sok National Park and Bangkok.

Since we had come from Khao Sok where there is no direct route via train we made a couple of changes and we were extremely tired when we arrived.

One train change was during the unforgivable morning hours which left us waiting 3-hours until we could board the final train to Kanchanaburi! It made us two very sleepy backpackers as we arrived hoping to find some rest at our hostel and praying it wasn’t too far away from the station. 

HAVE YOU HEARD OF 12GO?

A great company to use to get around Indonesia is 12Go . They aim to help travellers from around the world get from point A to point B trouble-free and with a high-quality service guarantee ! So, if you’re coming from other areas in Indo, you might want to use these guys!

We really enjoyed visiting Kanchanaburi. It was really sad to learn about the history but I’m so glad we did. It’s inspiring to read about what these men accomplished during their time in the camps building the Death Railway and walking through Hellfire Pass.

Even if you aren’t historically inclined, there’s so much to learn and lots of fun to be had come the evenings. I hope our 3-day and 2-night Kanchanaburi itinerary has helped you plan your trip!

Explore & Discover More

Come and join our socials and keep up to date with the latest adventures. Find the latest travel photos and blog updates, ask questions and get travel inspiration. ✔️ FIND ON INSTAGRAM ✔️ JOIN US ON FACEBOOK

Abigail Dalton is the owner and creator behind I’m Going On An Adventure, a blog which helps travellers find unique destinations worldwide. She focuses on budget travel and outdoor adventure, giving first-hand experiences to help her readers plan their perfect trips and make the best memories. She also helps travellers plan their dream holidays with bespoke travel services where she creates fun-packed itineraries. When she isn't writing about her travels you'll find her on long country walks foraging for mushrooms or enjoying a cool fruity white under the sun, toes tucked in the sand.

7 best things to do in Kanchanaburi in two days

This article explores the best things to do in Kanchanaburi in two days, a city with historical landmarks and natural beauty.

Kanchanaburi is a relatively small town with over 30 000 inhabitants (2006), located 120 km West of Bangkok. Unlike other places in Thailand , it hasn’t been invaded by tourism. However, there’s no lack of guest houses, hostels, bars, restaurants, etc.

Yet, this is still manageable, the attractions aren’t overcrowded, and the town doesn’t look just like a mega adult’s playground like Phuket and most of the islands.  The town’s riverside is still charming, and the bridge gives it a certain character, but then again, the bigger attractions are outside the town.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Kanchanaburi in two days!

Page Contents

Things to do in Kanchanaburi in 2 days – Day one

Death railway.

The Death Railway, also called the Burma Railway, was a 415 Km railway connecting Bangkok (Thailand) to Rangoon (Burma). The project was created by the Japanese to solve their problem of supplying Burma during WW2. To build the railway, the Japanese used 60 000 Prisoners of War (POW), 180 000 South East Asian enslaved workers (Romusha), and 12 000 Japanese and Korean soldiers and Engineers.

The living and working conditions during the construction were so bad that 90 000 Romusha, 12 000 POWs, and even almost 1000 Japanese died. These deaths were caused by diseases (malaria, cholera, dysentery, tropical ulcers…), insufficient nutrition, work accidents, and exhaustion.

The Railway itself is considered an impressive accomplishment. In a very short time, they built 415 km of railway through dense tropical jungle and mountains, more than 600 bridges, and almost without machinery and with very little supply.

Although the railway was finished ahead of the original schedule, it was also considered a strategic failure because of the very little cargo transported by the Japanese during the war.

Above all, it was a War Crime committed by Japan and is an example of how far we can go to achieve a goal.

The movie “ The Bridge on the River Kwai ” (and the book it’s based on) is about the construction of bridge 277 in the Death Railway. Both the film and the book are greatly unrealistic and do not show how bad the conditions were. Anyway, we strongly recommend you see the film.

Hellfire Pass Museum

The Hellfire Pass is the most extensive rock-cutting of the Death Railway. This, combined with its remoteness and the lack of tools available, made it the most infamous part of the Railway and an unbelievable feat. However, with an even larger price.

The name Hellfire was given by the POWs because of how the pass looked at night, with the torches and fires lit. The pass resembled a burning hell.

In 1998 the Australian Government built the Hellfire Pass Museum to honor the POWs and south-east Asian workers who suffered and died during the construction of the Burma Railway.

The museum consists of a group of pictures, explanations, videos, and audio captions of the survivors. It is well worth a visit to understand better the Hellfire Pass, the Death Railway, and everything that happened during its construction and, ultimately, the war in the Pacific.

• Price: Free, but you are welcome to contribute to the museum.
• Time required: 1 hour.
• Getting there: Take the train to Nam Tok, walk to the main road, and catch bus 8203. Ask the driver to drop you at Hellfire Museum. You can also take the bus directly from Kanchanaburi, but in our opinion doing the infamous Death Railway is a more exciting option.

Hellfire Pass Trail

The Hellfire Pass trail is a small part of the Death Railway that was converted into a walking memorial and trail. The trail is 4 km long, and it goes right through where the railway was. The Hellfire Pass is almost at the beginning of the trail, so if you want, you can visit it there and then return, not making the full trail.

As walking fans, we decided to make the whole trail and really enjoyed it. Note that this is a very rocky and a bit hilly path, so it’s harder than it seems at first sight. Take good walking shoes and lots of water.

During the trail use the audio guide to learn about the trail, its significance, and the statements of survivors. After reading and hearing about all the terrors and suffering, it is bewildering how peaceful and beautiful it is today. Is it really the same place?

• Price of admission: Free; The audio guide is also free but with 200 baht reimbursable deposit;
• Time required: 3 / 4 hours;
• Getting there: It starts right next to the museum;

Sak Noi waterfalls

We weren’t even going to mention Sak Noi waterfalls, but they are talked about quite a lot, particularly by tourist agents… If they weren’t so easy to reach, we would say SKIP IT, at least during the dry season.

However, if you have a few minutes to kill, give it a try. In our experience, the Sak Noi waterfalls had virtually no water; the pond was tiny and not very clean. Although it was extremely hot we didn’t even think about getting in. Maybe in the rainy season, it is better.

On the upside, there’s an old train there, so check it out! We liked the train much more than the waterfalls…

• Price of admission : Free.
• Time required: 15 minutes.
• Getting there: It’s in Nam Tok, by the road. You can stop there on your way to Hellfire Pass or on the way back.

2 days in Kanchanaburi – Day two

Erawan falls.

The Erawan Falls are located in Erawan National park, which is part of the Western Forrest Complex . They are a 7-tier waterfall where you can dive, swim and rest by the river while enjoying its surroundings.

The light turquoise water flowing down the 7 tiers of waterfalls through the middle of the dense tropical forest creates an astonishing site. It made us remember Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia .

Although Erawan falls are not as impressive, you can dive and swim here, making it our favorite thing to do in Kanchanaburi and one of the most beautiful natural landmarks in Thailand.

The climb up the tiers is relatively easy, with a clear path up to the 6th tier. In the last one, it’s a bit more difficult but still doable for virtually anyone.

Erawan Falls aren’t the most famous attraction in Thailand, or second or third… but they are touristic. Everything in Thailand has tourists. It won’t be secluded, and you will have to share it with other travelers. However, the waterfalls span more than 1.5 km, and people can spread around them. Some people will find it too much, but we found it manageable and still within reasonable amounts.

You can’t take food past the second tier, only drinks. You pay a deposit of 20 baht per bottle you take. These are marked, and you have to show them as you return. If you don’t, you lose the deposit.

All in all, this was one of our favorite days in Thailand, and we advise anyone visiting Thailand to take the time to enjoy these unique waterfalls!

• Price of admission: 300 baht for the National Park entry.
• Time required: full-day trip, including bus transportation, 4 hours in the falls.
• Getting there: Take bus 8170 from Kanchanaburi Bus station. The last stop is Erawan Falls.

Fish Spas in Erawan falls

Have you ever heard of fish spas ? The ones where you put your feet in an aquarium, and the fishes eat your dead skin? We saw a few of these in the islands and Bangkok, but they didn’t seem attractive…

Well, in Erawan Falls, you get a free, natural fish spa! The fish “attack” you to bite off your dead skin. It’s very tickly initially, but we get used to it. In the end, we were already enjoying it.

Bridge on the Kwai (Khwae Yai) River in Kanchanaburi

The bridge over the Kwai (Khwae Yai) is the main attraction of the city of Kanchanaburi . The original bridge was built and destroyed during WW2 as part of the mentioned Death Railway. It was rebuilt after the war and today is used only by the trains to/from Nam Tok. This means that the bridge is usually free, and you can visit it and walk on it.

How often can you walk on the tracks and cross a historic railway bridge? It’s one of those simple pleasures that we enjoy so much and don’t even know why:).

Price of admission: Free. Time required: 1 hour. Getting there: Walk there from the town center, or get a tuk-tuk if you don’t feel like it.

Where to Stay in Kanchanaburi

The town is tiny, as we said above, so if you are staying in town, you will very probably be well located. Yet, we feel that the best places to stay are the guesthouses by the river or even on the river!

They offer stunning river views and pretty sunsets! We really enjoyed relaxing by the river after a long trip! There are a few of them to choose from, some of them very cheap.

We suggest the Noble Night Guesthouse – great for couples with a budget, or the Natee The Riverfront – a high-end hotel if you are looking for something fancier.

How to go to Kanchanaburi?

You can get the usual buses or mini-vans from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, or you can use the train! If you have time, you should use the train. It’s inexpensive, and you will travel in a piece of history. You will be traveling on the Death Railway. However, note that there are very few trains per day!

In retrospect, the time visiting Kanchanaburi was our favorite thing in Thailand. We preferred Kanchanaburi to any of the islands, to Chiang Mai, and even to Bangkok . Kanchanaburi is inexpensive, relaxed, and has fewer tourists than most of Thailand . It has its share but is yet to be overrun by tourists

Furthermore, It has plenty of things to do, from history to trails and waterfalls… and these are easily accessible through public transport, buses, and trains. No need for taxis, tuk-tuks, or expensive tours!

Two days in Kanchanaburi is the perfect time for a relaxed visit. You can do the historical things in one day, and the waterfalls in the other. The bridge visit can be done whenever you feel like it, as it is inside the city.

One last suggestion, watch the famous “The Bridge on the River Kwai” while in Kanchanaburi! It is a very dated movie, but it is fun.

Sharing is caring!

• Apr 4, 2023

Kanchanaburi, Thailand: A Travel Guide To The Historic province Of Thailand

The province of Kanchanaburi is about a 2.5 hour drive to the west of Bangkok. It’s easily accessible by road or rail and is a must-visit for anyone interested in an authentic Thai experience filled with cultural, natural, and historical attractions. Kanchanaburi city, located on the confluence of the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers which form the Mae Klong River, is a great base to explore the region from. In this article, we highlight the most important things to know before going to Kanchanaburi, the best places to stay, the best places to eat and drink, and 6 fun things to do in Kanchanaburi, which can easily be combined into a 3 to 4 day visit.

Check out our video on Kanchanaburi to see the best things to do through our camera!

Table Of Contents

Important Things To Know

Where To Stay In Kanchanaburi

Where To Eat And Drink in Kanchanaburi

Best Things To Do In Kanchanaburi + map

Tips to save money and other resources

Important Things To Know about Kanchanaburi

Best time to travel to kanchanaburi.

The best time to visit Kanchanaburi is between December and February . In this period the weather will not be as warm and humid as normal. The months of March to June are very hot, up to 38-degree Celsius. July to October have heavy rainfall and sightseeing can become difficult.

How to get to Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is easy to access from Bangkok by train or bus. Trains to Kanchanaburi depart a few times per day from Thonburi (aka Bangkok Noi) Station in Bangkok, located on the west side of the Chao Phraya River. Buses and vans also leave from major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai on multiple times per day and from various bus stations. The most reliable website to find bus schedules is 12 Go Asia .

Safety in Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is very safe . we did not experience any problems here nor have we heard from other people that had problems. It is one of the safest places to visit in Thailand.

Chez Bure Homestay : this is where we stayed during our trip and loved it!

Royal River Kwai Resort and Spa -SHA Extra Plus : the perfect hotel if you want a relaxed luxurious stay

P.Y. Guest House : a cozy guesthouse in an oasis of greenery close to the center of the city

Where To Eat And Drink

Tapas Thai Bar Restaurant : a mixture of Thai and English food, a very popular restaurant!

Jit Sod Chuen : chill vibes, delicious food, and great cocktails

Pai-Kan : affordable and great food

IM-JUNG Mu Kratha: A popular local barbecue place (you pay for a buffet)

Best Things To Do In Kanchanaburi, Thailand

If you're traveling to Kanchanaburi and want to save time searching for directions to all of the places we mention in this article, then look no further than our custom map. Simply click on a point in the map below to get directions there for yourself!

Let's now jump into the 6 best things to do in Kanchanaburi!

6. Visit the Death Railway

The Death Railway is a sad part of Thailand’s history . Originally called the Thailand-Burma Railway, it was constructed during World War II by prisoners of war and enslaved civilians under Japanese occupation. Over 100,000 laborers died during its 16 month construction because of inhumane conditions. Today, you can walk or take a train across this bridge as well as learn more about it at the Death Railway Museum or JEATH War Museum . You can also visit the nearby Kanchanaburi War Cemetery . The bridge was made famous by the movie “The Bridge on the River Kwai” from the 60s which used the historical setting of the construction of Death Railway.

5. Stroll around the night market

Wherever you go in Thailand, you are never far from a night market and Kanchanaburi is no exception. Located next to the Kanchanaburi train station , this night market sells just about anything. It’s a great place to spend an evening sampling Thai cuisine, from a range of rotis and coconut-rice pancakes to fresh juices, fried rice, and noodles.

4. Visit the colorful temple "Wat Tham Suea"

One of our favorite temples in all of Thailand is located in the heart of the Kanchanaburi province. Set amongst stunning scenery, the Tiger Cave Temple is located on a hilltop and can be reached by a set of stairs or a small tram. Inside the temple, you can see a massive Buddha image and several chedi’s that are divided into different floors. The orange chedi offers the most incredible view of the Buddha below. But be aware that the temple is still very active, so be respectful at all times. As it’s located a bit outside Kanchanaburi town, you’ll have to rent a scooter or take a taxi to get here .

3. Visit the narrow cave temple "Wat Tham Khao Pun"

Another sacred site worth visiting near Kanchanaburi town is the limestone cave temple , which used to be a concentration camp during World War ll. Inside the cave, you can find 9 rooms that are connected by narrow passageways . Besides buddha images, you can also find a room where they illustrate the history of Kanchanaburi during the second World War. After visiting the temple, you can walk down the road and take in a beautiful view of the river and mountain scenery . And if you can’t get enough of cave temples, there is also Wat Tham Phu Wa, situated 15 kilometers or 9.3 miles to the west.

2. Relax and watch the sunset over the river

A nice peaceful thing to do in Kanchanaburi is to simply relax on the banks of the river during sunset. Many hotels, restaurants, and bars in Kanchanaburi are located along the river's edge, offering some breathtaking evening views. And if you’re looking for more action, it’s also possible to rent a jet ski, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard to take in the views from the water.

1. Spend a day at Erawan waterfalls

Last but not least, most travelers come to Kanchanaburi to see the picturesque seven-tiered Erawan Falls , located about a 1.5 hour drive or bus ride from Kanchanaburi town. We caught the Erawan bus from the side of Sangchuto road heading northwest and you can ask your hotel for an updated bus time schedule since it changes often.

Once you get to the falls, you will see how the water cascades down the limestone mountains, surrounded by lush vegetation. You can follow a scenic hiking trail to the different levels of the waterfalls , and some of the turquoise pools are a lovely spot to take a refreshing swim . It’s easy to spend a full day here!

If you don't have time to spend multiple days in Kanchanaburi, then we recommend doing a day tour here from Bangkok. This day tour includes the highlights of the area: the Erawan falls as well as the Death Railway.

Additional things to do in Kanchanaburi

There are a few things to do in Kanchanaburi we didn’t mention that are definitely worth doing if you have some extra time in Kanchanaburi:

Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum and Walking Trail

Khuean Srinagarindra National Park

Sai Yok Noi Waterfall

Ruins at Mueang Sing Historical Park

Khao Laem National Park

Use These Websites To Save Money On Your Trip To Kanchanaburi

Booking.com for places to stay

Skyscanner for cheap flights

GetYourGuide for local tours

Rentalcars.com for affordable car rentals

Free Giveaway

Did you enjoy our article on the best things to do in Kanchanaburi? Download our free giveaway and spark your wanderlust with our top 100 travel destinations around the world!

Other Top Kanchanaburi resources:

If you're looking for some other suggestions and tips on Kanchanaburi, here are some great articles that will help you:

11 Awesome Things To Do In Kanchanaburi, Thailand by Nomadasaurus

13 Amazing Things to do in Kanchanaburi Province by The Lost Passport

33 Amazing things to do in Kanchanaburi, Thailand by Stingy Nomads

Need more travel inspiration? Check out our other destinations and articles on Thailand:

Bangkok, Thailand: The Ultimate Travel Guide To The Capital Of Thailand

Chiang Mai, Thailand: A Travel Guide To One Of Thailand's Most Popular Cities

Related Posts

Hi! We are Ine & Zac. An international travel couple from Belgium and the US. We created World Wild Hearts to inspire life-changing travel experiences like we've had. Use these tips, stories, and guides to inspire your next adventure of a lifetime!

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRIPS

DOWNLOAD FREE TRAVEL  RESOURCES

WATCH OUR TRAVEL VIDEOS

This post contains a few affiliate links. That means we may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. You can read our full disclaimer here . Thanks for supporting our travel blog!

COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL PLANNER

Kanchanaburi, The Perfect Trip From Bangkok!

If you’re looking for an unforgettable vacation getaway, look no further than the beautiful Kanchanaburi province in western Thailand. Filled with stunning natural scenery, a fascinating historical legacy, and plenty of opportunities for leisure activities, it’s no surprise that this province is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link and purchase something I recommend, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps keep my website up and running and is very appreciated. Thank you for your support! You can read my  full disclosure policy here.

Located just 130 km west of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike looking to escape Bangkok’s craziness for the day. Many people take one of the many organised day trips available. However, the area is a beautiful place to stay for a few days to explore, relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Kanchanaburi Province is a beautiful part of Thailand; the hectic town centre is surrounded by beautiful scenery and river views but also has a dark history. One of the main reasons visitors flock to Kanchanaburi for the day is to visit the so-called ‘Death Railway’ and the ‘Bridge Over the River Kwai’ as well as the many memorials and museums associated with them.

The ‘Death Railway’, also known as the Thai-Burma Railway, was a 415 km stretch of rail track that was built by thousands of allied prisoners of war (POW) and Asian labourers during World War 2 under the order of the imperial Japanese army.

Most of these men were Australian, Dutch and British, who were made to live in squalor with a near-starvation diet as well as being subjected to severe brutality. Many of these POWs died due to injury, starvation or disease and, after the war, were collectively buried in the War Cemeteries.

Things To Do In Kanchanaburi:

Ride the ‘death railway’.

Today, only a limited section of the original rail track is still in use, with passenger services now only running as far as Nam Tok to the north of Kanchanaburi. The most famous part of the track is the ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’, made famous by the 1957 film of the same name based on the novel Le Pont de la Rivière Kwai (1952) by Pierre Boulle.

The Bridge is a popular tourist attraction. You can walk along its stretch of track across the River Kwai. It’s also fun to stand on one of its side platforms along the bridge and wave at the passengers hanging out the windows as the train passes by; just be careful!

By spending more time in Kanchanaburi, you will have the time to take the whole 2-hour journey along this stretch of line from the town’s central station to Nam Tok, known as one of Thailand’s most scenic train rides. As the journey begins, it heads over the famous ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’. It then leads into the beautiful Thai countryside before curving around the Wang Po viaduct , which consists of a series of wooden trestles built initially by POWs.

As the journey progresses, you will see some of the most beautiful parts of Thailand. As you pass the Wang Po viaduct, the track curves along with the river to one side and cliffs to the other. Further on, you will be met with beautiful stretches of countryside.

You can also get the train in the opposite direction, starting in Nam Tok or further down the line. The easiest way to do this is to take a tour. While staying in Kanchanaburi, I took a full-day tour of Erawan waterfalls and Hellfire Pass, including the train back to Kanchanaburi from Tham Kra Sae station.

This station is unique in itself as you can wander down the track towards a Kra Sae Cave. However, be careful, as the tracks can be dangerous, with no barriers along the edge. The cave is small, with a small Buddhist shrine inside, but the best part is the views along the river, which are stunning!

The trains themselves are pretty basic, with no air conditioning, but the large open windows blow in a lovely cool breeze. You can also stick your head out of the windows to check out the scenery, but be careful when passing trees! The cost of a train ticket is 100 Baht.

Hell Fire Pass

About a 20-minute drive from Nam Tok, you will find the Hell Fire Pass Memorial and museum. The Hell Fire Pass was considered one of the most complex parts of the ‘Death Railway’ to be built. This was because the railway had to be cut through hard mountain rock!

This 500m stretch was carved mainly by hand by POWs using only small hand drills, picks and shovels; surprisingly, it only took six months to complete. The Pass is no longer in use but has become a memorial to all the allied POWs and Asian labourers who suffered and died Here.

You can walk along the cutting and through the Pass and visit the museum, which not only describes the story of the Pass and the suffering that went with it but also allows visitors to reflect and remember the tragedies of the past with the hope of a more peaceful future.

Entrance is free and it is open daily from 9 am – 4 pm. However, maybe closed on Thai public holidays.

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

A visit to the War Cemetery and Thailand-Burma Railway Centre is a must. The War Cemetery is the resting place for nearly 7000 Australian, Dutch and British prisoners who died during the construction of the Death Railway. Walking through the cemetery can be a genuinely sobering experience, especially when you realise that these graves only represent a small number of prisoners who died.

The Thailand-Burma Centre, situated opposite, provides an excellent overview of the brutal conditions suffered by the POWs and Asian labourers, showing poignant personal accounts, artefacts, photographs and videos to highlight this dark slice of history.

JEATH War Museum

The museum’s name stands for the countries involved in these events, including Japan, England, Australia, Thailand, and Holland.

Although this museum houses many artefacts, photos, and displays, it is starting to look a little run down and isn’t at the same standard as other museums in the area. However, with just a tiny 40 Baht entrance fee, it makes up for this. The museum is in a prime location just across the road from the Bridge over the River Kwai.

Erawan National Park

Not only is Kanchanaburi full of emotionally charged historical places, but it is also known for having some of the most stunning scenery in Thailand. One area of particular natural beauty is Erawan National Park, which has a beautiful seven-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation and a hiking trail leading up to the top tier. 

The trek, however, gets more difficult the higher you go, and at certain times of the year, it may be impossible to pass some sections due to wet, muddy conditions. However, even the lower tiers are worth walking to and stopping along the way to have a dip in the turquoise waters brings welcome relief from the heat. Watch out for the fish nibbling at your feet; it’s a peculiar sensation!

It is best to try to arrive early at Erawan Falls to beat the bus tours and have the falls almost to yourself. If you have time, you can also visit the Phra That Cave, where you can wander through stalagmites and stalactites.

Elephant World

Many people come to Thailand hoping to interact with elephants. Although these creatures are Thailand’s most revered animal, many ‘sanctuaries’ have been known to torture their elephants to make them work. Therefore, it is crucial to seek out ethical companies that offer no riding and treat the elephants with the love and appreciation they deserve.

One such sanctuary is  Elephant Nature Park, Kanchanaburi (part of the same group in Chiang Mai). This park is a true sanctuary for elephants, who are allowed to wander freely and interact with visitors only in limited ways (no riding).

Adult Price 2500 Baht, Children 1250 Baht

Getting To Kanchanaburi:

Whilst not the fastest way to travel, the train is probably the cheapest and most scenic option, passing through beautiful lush countryside. There are two trains a day departing Bangkok’s Thonburi station at 7.50 am and 1.55 pm for 100 Baht each.

Taxi prices can be negotiated with individual taxi drivers, but most will cost between 1200 and 1500 Baht.

By Minivan:

You can catch a minivan at most bus stations in Bangkok for around 200 – 250 baht each, or you can arrange this by going to one of the many travel agencies in Bangkok or from your Hotel.

12Go is a useful app for finding the best transport options around Asia. I used it many times to book trains, buses, and ferries throughout my time in Thailand and Cambodia.

Where To Stay In Kanchanaburi:

As I was backpacking Thailand, I was on a low budget. However, I found a lovely hotel with a swimming pool called the Sky Resort Kanchanaburi for 800 Baht a night. This was a charming hotel with a great little restaurant overlooking the river and only a short walk into town. However, there is a vast variety of accommodations to choose from, including cheap hostels, guest houses, hotels and luxury resorts.

For booking accommodation, I recommend using  Booking.com. This website offers the best prices and caters to all budgets and styles. Just pop in your requirements, and it will give you a list of available accommodations. This is perfect for picking out the best hostels, B&Bs, or even some luxury escapes.

Final Thoughts

Kanchanaburi is a beautiful province in Thailand with many things to see and do. So if you have the time, I suggest spending a few days in the city, as there is so much to explore and a beautiful place to chill out and relax. I believe I have only just scratched the surface, and next time, I would check out some other areas of interest, such as:

• Boat trips along the River Kwai
• Chung-Kai War Cemetery
• Wat Tham Mongkon Thong
• Sai Yok Noi Waterfall
• Chinese cemetery
• Thai Cooking Class
• Night Market
• Tham Phu Wa Temple
• Hindad Hot Springs
• The perfect 3 week Thailand itinerary
• A guide to visiting Ayutthaya Historical Park

Thanks so much for stopping by; I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read and make it to the end! I have lots of exciting new content in the next few weeks, so make sure you pop back to catch up! 

Remember to follow our social media accounts for more travel inspiration and updates. 

Happy travels!

Sharing is caring!

Similar Posts

Visiting The S21 Museum And Killing Fields In Phnom Penh!

A visit to the S-21 Museum and the Killing Fields is a sobering experience that no visitor to Cambodia should miss!

Angkor Wat: Exploring Cambodia’s Amazing Temples!

Love visiting ancient historic sites, If so, a visit to the breathtaking Angkor Wat temples should be at the top of your list.

3 Week Thailand Itinerary, A Budget Guide!

Whether you’re planning a honeymoon or a last-minute getaway, this three-week Thailand itinerary will help make your vacation easy on the wallet.

Ayutthaya Historical Park, A Day Trip From Bangkok!

Looking to explore some ancient ruins whist in Thailand? If so, check outL Ayutthaya Historical Park, a stunning ancient city situated near Bangkok

Kanchanaburi, the city of the bridge

Kanchanaburi travel guide.

Kanchanaburi is a small quiet town in west-central Thailand, known mainly for it’s leading role during the Japanese invasion in World War II, when over two hundred thousand Allied and Asian prisoners of war were forced to build the Death Railway. It’s most emblematic element, the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, is located in Kanchanaburi town. Besides other places of interest related to that historical episode, this town offers a splendid riverside location, several markets with authentic local flavor, beautiful Buddhist monasteries and a languid provincial town atmosphere that invites to take things easy.

Conveniently located only about 120 km west of Bangkok, it is an easy getaway from the Thai capital. If you have time enough, in the surrounding area there’s National Parks with some of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Thailand, hilltop temples with splendid views, and historical sites associated with the construction of the infamous Death Railway.

ℹ️ Top Things to Do in Kanchanaburi

The bridge on the river kwai.

Death Railway Museum

The Death Railway Museum is the best museum in the city to learn about the history of the Death Railway and the prisoners who built it . In its exhibition halls you’ll find prisoner objects, tools used to build the railway, railway parts, maps and videos. If you don’t have enough with this museum, you can continue with the JEATH War Museum , a smaller museum that details how was daily life for the prisoners during the building of the railway . The museum was created in 1977 by an abbot from Wat Chaichumpon monastery, which is located next door and you can visit as well. The pictures and paintings that make up the exhibition are displayed in wooden and bamboo structures, which aim to recreate the simple barracks where prisoners slept.

Wat Tham Suea and Wat Tham Khao

Hellfire Pass

Ride on the Death Railway

Erawan Waterfall

Allied Cemeteries

Prasat Meuang Singh

Sleep in a Floating House

🏨 Where to stay in Kanchanaburi

Best city areas to stay:.

In relation to the rather small size of Kanchanaburi, when choosing accommodation you should know that the city has a few well differentiated areas, and all of them can be a good option depending on what you’re looking for. The southern stretch of Mae Nam Khwae street is the most popular backpacker area, and the main party scene in town -noisy indeed-. The northern stretch of the same street is a quiet area across the river, but some might say a bit too far away from downtown. Downtown you’ll find a few good value guest houses, while the most fancy hotels and resorts are not found in Kanchanaburi itself but in its outskirts, with amazing views over the River Kwai.

South Mae Nam Khwae Rd.

Accommodation available: Hostels

Advantages: ✔️ Cheap area ✔️ Lots of restaurants and bars ✔️ Party nightlife ✔️ Many travel agencies for backpackers ✔️ Riverside Location

North Mae Nam Khwae Rd.

Accommodation available: Hostels and Hotels up to 4 star

Advantages: ✔️ Quiet area ✔️ Plenty of restaurants and Travel Agencies ✔️ Riverside Location ✔️ Near Bridge and Museums

Outskirts Riverside

Accommodation available: 4 and 5 star hotels

Advantages: ✔️ Riverside Location with beautiful views ✔️ Up to 5 star luxury hotels ✔️ Some of them with floating rooms over the river

🧭 Itinerary to visit Kanchanaburi

One day is enough if you want to know the most relevant places of the town:, bridge on the river kwai, the death railway museum, cemeteries of the allied prisoners, wat ban tham, night market, 🗺️ map of kanchanaburi, on the following map you will find the location of all the places previously mentioned:.

✈️ Arriving to Kanchanaburi

There are mainly 2 ways:, 🚌 by bus or van: from bangkok.

From Bangkok, the main bus terminal connecting with Kanchanaburi is Sai Tai Mai –the Southern terminal–. There are bus departures every 20 minutes and vans every 30 minutes, between 04:00 and 20:00, the ticket costs 110/120 THB, and the journey usually takes a little over 3 hours. You can also go from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi from Mochit station – the Northern terminal – although here departures are less frequent: there are usually only a couple of buses a day, although every hour between 04:00 and 18:00 there are departures by van for 120 THB.

🚊 By Train: from Bangkok

Trains from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi do not depart from Hua Lamphong Central Station, but from Bangkok Noi Station, located in Thonburi -across the river- next to Siriraj Hospital. There are two daily departures, at 7:45 am and 1:55 pm, the ticket costs 100 THB, and the journey takes about 3 hours. Upon arrival, the central station is called Kanchanaburi and is located in the very center of the city, but if you are going to stay near the Bridge over the River Kwai you must get off at the next station, Saphan Kwai Yai… in this case be on the lookout for the last stretch, as the train crosses the famous bridge!

🚇 Where to go next?

Most common destinations after kanchanaburi:, bangkok, capital of thailand, ayutthaya, the historical capital, chiang mai, the center of the north, hua hin, the closest beach, let us design your trip to thailand. find out more, ➡️ tailor made holidays to thailand ⬅️.

© All Rights Reserved - Mundo Nomada Travel Co.,Ltd. 2022

• Kanchanaburi
• Sangkhlaburi
• Mae Kampong
• Golden Triangle
• Mae Hong Son
• Buriram (Isan)
• Khon Kaen (Isan)
• Koh Phi Phi Islands
• Koh Surin islands
• Similan Islands
• Hong Island
• Koh Yao Noi
• Koh Yao Yai
• Koh Pha Ngan
• Ang Thong Islands
• Khao Yai National Park
• Doi Inthanon National Park
• Khao Sok National Park
• Phu Kradueng National Park
• Dragon Crest Mount in Krabi
• Khao Kho: the Thai Alps
• Mount Phu Chi Fa
• Wild Elephants at Kui Buri
• Kaeng Krachan National Park
• ⛔️ Covid19 Restrictions
• ☀️ Best Time to Visit Thailand
• 🌧 Rainy Season in Thailand
• 🛄 Airports in Thailand
• 💉 Vaccinations for Thailand
• 🚍 Transportation In Thailand
• ✈️ Airlines in Thailand
• 🚂 Trains in Thailand
• 🇹🇭 Thai Language for Travelers
• 🌏 Cultural things you need to know
• 📋 15 days Trip Itinerary
• 🎒 25 days: Undiscovered Thailand
• 🔝 15 Must see places
• 🙋‍♀️ Solo Female Travel
• 🏝️ 30 Best Thai Islands
• 🍜 10 Best Thai Dishes
• ☸️ 20 Most Amazing Temples
• 🧘‍♀️ 20 Best Things to Do
• 🏖️ 25 Best Thai Beaches
• 📸 45 Drone Images of Thailand
• 📈 Tourism Statistics 2021
• 🐊 The Lizard in a 7 Eleven
• 🚆 Night Train: Bangkok to Chiang Mai
• 🏍️ Mae Hong Son Loop Road Trip
• 🍈 Floating Markets
• 🚣🏾‍♂️ White Water Rafting
• 🥾 Hiking in Thailand
• 🏳️‍🌈 Gays in Thailand
• 🏕️ Hill Tribes of Thailand
• 🔮 9 Thai Superstitions
• 💆 Traditional Thai Massage
• 🥊 Muay Thai in Bangkok
• 🙏 Vipassana Meditation
• 🧘 Yoga in Thailand
• Thailand for Families
• Tailor Made Trips
• Test and Go Packages

Discover Thailand with us!

Tailor made travel packages around thailand designed by our local travel experts.

Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is a city in Central Thailand and the capital of Kanchanaburi Province, located at the confluence of the Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai rivers. Kanchanaburi is not only interesting place to visit by itself but is also used as a base for exploring cultural, natural, and historical attractions found in the surrounding area.

Kanchanaburi was originally established by King Rama I as the first line of defence against the Burmese as the province is bordering with Myanmar , but the WWII history of the city is the main reason why it is famous now. In Kanchanaburi you can find a number of memorials dedicated to WWII and the infamous Death Railway . You can also get to know how the WWII prisoners of war suffered there. The city is the home of the famous Bridge on the River Kwai .

Kanchanaburi is an excellent tourist destination for nature lovers. The city itself is a place to relax on the banks of the River Kwai, inside a raft house or riverside restaurant. The surrounding countryside has many natural attractions to explore. You can visit several spectacular waterfalls, mountains, caves, forests and three of Thailand’s largest reservoirs. 

Attractions in Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi and the surrounding area features the famous Bridge on the River Kwai, the Death Railway, 3 war museums, 2 war cemeteries, a national museum, a historical park, national parks with waterfalls, mountains, caves, hot springs, and few nice Thai and Chinese temples dispersed in the countryside.

Bridge On the River Kwai

The Bridge over the River Kwai for most visitors is the main sight of interest in Kanchanaburi. The bridge is the start of the infamous World War II Death Railway to Burma (now Myanmar ) and was erected through the forced labour of British, Dutch, and American prisoners of war during WWII. The bridge is still in use today and you can ride across the bridge taking a daily on the historical route from Kanchanaburi to Nam Tok Railway Station. 

Death Railway

The infamous Death Railway to Burma was constructed by prisoners of war working for the Japanese during WWII. This 415 km long railway was intended to move men and supplies to the neighbouring Burma where the imperial Japanese army was fighting the British. The Death Railway is named so because of the numbers of men who died during construction. Some 16,000 prisoners of war (most of them were Australians, Dutch and British) and 90,000 Asian workers (most of them enslaved) died during railway construction. 

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (Don Rak)

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery is also known as Don Rak War Cemetery . The cemetery is located on Sangchuto Rd, across from the Kanchanaburi Railway Station. 

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery contains the remains of nearly 7,000 British, Dutch, and Australian war prisoners who lost their lives during the construction of the Death Railway. 

Other historical attractions around Kanchanaburi

Hellfire Pass & Memorial Museum – a 500 m long rock that was dug out by hand by prisoners of war to make the way for the Death Railway and a memorial museum honouring 700 of men who died during that time.

JEATH War Museum – museum designed as a replica of a prisoner of war camp.

Chonk Kai War Cemetery – cemetery housing the graves of 1740 prisoners of war.

War Museum at the Bridge – museum displaying collection of World War II instruments, photographs and uniforms, as well as expositions related to ancient battles between Thailand and Burma (Myanmar), Thai political history, and old Khmer-style woodcarvings.

Thai-Burmese Railway Centre - an interactive museum dedicated to the history of the Thailand-Burma Railway. 

Erawan National Park

Located near Kanchanaburi, Erawan National Park  is a large protected nature reserve best known for its beautiful seven tiered Erawan waterfall , considered to be among the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand. You can take a scenic 2 kilometer trek through the forest and climb up the seven levels to the top of the falls while stopping to refresh in the pools on your way.

Erawan National Park from Kanchanaburi can be reached by taking a local bus. More about it:  Bus Kanchanaburi - Erawan .

Where to Stay in Kanchanaburi

The best place to stay in Kanchanaburi is near the River Kwai. For places to stay in Kanchanaburi check  Hotels in Kanchanaburi on Booking.com  or  Hotels in Kanchanaburi on Agoda.com .

How to get to Kanchanaburi?

Kanchanaburi is located in Central Thailand not far from Bangkok and can be easily accessed from there by bus or by train .

Bus to Kanchanaburi

Buses to Kanchanaburi leave Bangkok Southern (Sai Tai Mai) Bus Terminal  every 15 minutes and it takes about 2 or 3 hours to get there, depending on the class of a bus and the traffic. There are also buses leaving from Bangkok Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit)  but they run less frequently.

Minivans to Kanchanaburi are also available at these Bangkok’s bus stations (at Northern Bus Terminal minivans leave from a separate  Mochit Van Terminal ) as well as Khao San Road. Various transportation options can be found by using this search form.

Kanchaburi can be easily reached by buses from other nearby cities such as Nakhon Pathom  and Sangkhlaburi . If you are staying in Hua Hin , you can also get a minivan going from Hua Hin to Kanchanaburi .

Train to Kanchanaburi

Trains leave Bangkok's Thonburi Train Station and arrive at Kanchanaburi in about 3 hours. There are only 2 daily trains going to Kanchanaburi so you should plan accordingly.

Flight to Kanchanaburi

The nearest airport is in Bangkok .

Private Tour

You can book a  private tour  for more comfortable visit to Erawan National Park and other Kanchanaburi attractions. Private 2 day tour from Bangkok can be booked online here:  Kanchanaburi 2-Day Private Tour From Bangkok . 

Weather in Kanchanaburi

In Kanchanaburi the seasons are clearly defined. Between November and May the weather is mostly dry with little rain expected throughout the region for much of this time. The dry season in Kanchanaburi is broken up into the periods of cool season (November to February) and hot season (March to May), when it is not unusual for the temperature in Kanchanaburi to reach even 40°C.

The wet season in Kanchanaburi is from May to November. The rain usually comes in the form of short showers, lasting an hour or two. As the rainy season progresses, the rain can become heavier and more constant, traditionally reaching peak levels in August and September.

For the best time to visit Kanchanaburi check our Central Thailand weather ratings chart.

After visiting Kanchanaburi  you are planning to continue your trip up north or down south? Check when is the best time to visit Thailand's other destinations  and choose your next destination.

Popular on THAIest

Muay Thai Fights in Bangkok

Where to Stay in Bangkok?

Bangkok Hotels with Infinity Pools

Bangkok River Cruises

Full Moon Party Koh Phangan

Half Moon Party Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan Luxury Hotels & Resorts

Best Hotels in Chiang Mai Old City

Best Hotels in Ao Nang, Krabi

Phuket Pool Villas

We use cookies on our website. Some of them are essential for the operation of the site, while others help us to improve this site and the user experience (tracking cookies). You can decide for yourself whether you want to allow cookies or not. Please note that if you reject them, you may not be able to use all the functionalities of the site.

You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We will also call you back in 24 hrs .

• 7 Best Places To Visit In Kanchanaburi: Explore This Beautiful Thai Town In 2024

23 Mar 2023

The Thai province of Kanchanaburi is a medley of past and present. It houses some of the horrifying yet awe-inspiring remnants of the Second World War, which are some of the top places to visit in Kanchanaburi . One can travel through time by visiting some of the war memorials and museums. In fact, you can retrace history by going back as far as the Neolithic civilization and witness the artifacts recovered from the excavation sites. Apart from the dark yet rich history, it is the scenic beauty of the majestic landscapes that make the province visit-worthy. The thundering natural waterfalls and the soothing hot springs attract tourists from near and far.

About Kanchanaburi

Image Source

The town of Kanchanaburi is located 130 kilometers away from Bangkok and is a popular escape for those hoping to lose the crowd. The thriving tropical wilderness in the protected areas is a literal breath of fresh air. It offers the tourists to weave through the complex network of caves, witness the diverse wildlife, and revisit history. The Kanchanaburi province offers varied sights, numerous activities, and memorable experiences. Nature lovers would be as excited as history buffs and Kanchanaburi embraces them all.

Places To Visit In Kanchanaburi

Amongst the many places to visit in Kanchanaburi, the following are some of the popular destinations that one must put on their list if they are visiting the province:

1. Death Railway Bridge

The Death Railway Bridge or Bridge on the River Kwai is one of the most famous places to visit in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. It has often been referenced in films and literature. The landmark was constructed by the Dutch, American, and British prisoners of war captured during WWII. It is named so since numerous men died while the bridge was being constructed. The Japanese supervised this project with the hope that the rail connection could aid their soldiers fighting in Burma. Tourists can cover sections of the bridge on foot or by rail and collect trinkets from the local markets around the area.

Must Read: 9 Best Things To Do In Kanchanaburi For An Enchanting Thai Excursion

Thailand Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle

Experience thrilling adventure sports, enjoy Thai cuisines, or pamper yourself with a relaxing spa. Book Thailand holiday packages on TravelTriangle and enjoy the beauty of the beaches of Krabi, Phuket, and Ko Samui.

Thailand Family Holiday 4D/3N Package @ Rs 10,000

Plan your trip today!

Family Holiday 5D/4N Package To Thailand @ Rs 12,000

Get quotes from multiple travel experts.

Best Selling Thailand Tour 6D/5N Package @ Rs 16,000

Compare & customize quotes before booking.

Phuket & Bangkok Thailand 7D/6N Package @ Rs 18,000

Have Questions? Talk to our travel experts today.

Kids Special Thailand Family 7D/6N Package @ Rs 32,000

Best prices guaranteed. EMI option available.

See more at TRAVELTRIANGLE.COM

2. Hellfire Pass And Memorial Museum

The Hellfire Pass constitutes a stretch of the 500-meter long path carved through rock. Nearly 1000 POWs dug their way by hand to lay Hellfire Pass. During the 12-week digging period, 70% of the POWs died in deplorable conditions. Grab an audio headset narrating the history of the Hellfire Pass and relive the angst of the forced laborers. The Memorial Museum retells their story through the medium of tools, photographs, and artifacts. The Hellfire Pass and Memorial Museum are maintained by the Australian Government.

3. Erawan National Park

The Erawan National Park is a soothing contrast to the jarring remnants of the war. The majestic seven-tiered Erawan Falls reward the visitors with a treat to the eyes. The lush greens against the aqua-hued waters make the Erawan National Park a beauty to cherish. As you trudge through the National Park, you will see king cobras, gibbons, and elephants in their natural habitat. For the more adventurous kind, the Tham Phra That Caves is a must-visit.

Suggested Read: Kanchanaburi Forest Reserve: A Guide To Spend Your Next Trip At This Paradise In Thailand!

4. Elephant’s World

The elephants at the Elephant’s World are survivors of abuse and have been rescued from various illegal and unethical practices. At the Elephant’s World, you get to interact with them in the purest form, through empathy. You get to offer your services to the humongous creature and care for it. You could cook food for them, walk them, or even give them a bath in the river; all of that without causing any harm to the elephant.

5. JEATH War Museum

JEATH (Japan, England, Australia/America, Thailand , and Holland) – POWs of these allied powers were imprisoned and tortured at the prison camp situated on the grounds of Wat Chai Chumphon. It is an exact replica of the war jail camps set up during WWII. Visitors can relive the past through the accounts narrated by the prisoners or their family members. The bunks and other authentic articles each have a story to tell. The museum is maintained by monks.

Suggested Read: Kanchanaburi Travel Guide: A Handy Note On A Quaint Historical Town In Thailand

6. Saphan Mon

The world’s longest wooden bridge, Saphan Mon is significant in itself. It connects the main town to villages. It is the home to Thai, karen and mon settlement. At the other side of the bridge, there is a market where you can buy souvenirs.

7. War Museum And Art Gallery

If you want to brush off the history and culture of Thailand, then, visit this place. It is a private museum built by a jewelry entrepreneur. Apart from offering war paintings that the nation hs fought, the museum also showcases some personal collections like those of stamp and coins.

How To Reach Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is connected to Bangkok and neighboring provinces by roads and rails. By Road: Air-conditioned and non-AC buses ply from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal towards Kanchanaburi. These buses depart after every 15 minutes and take about 2 to 3 hours to reach the destination. Another way to get to Kanchanaburi by road is by boarding a minibus from the Khaosan Road, Bangkok, to get to the location within 2 hours.

By Rail: In addition to the buses, trains depart from the Thonburi Train Station (Bangkok Noi Railway Station) for Kanchanaburi. These trains travel twice a day.

Places To Stay In Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi has many lodging options ranging from high-end luxury hotels to budget hotels. Some of the highly recommended hotels are:

1. Dheva Mantra Resort

Image Source The Dheva Mantra Resort is around 8 kilometers away from River Kwai and is centrally located. The colonial style resort offers spacious rooms, picturesque gardens, and a sprawling pool to beat the heat. Website

Suggested Read: 10 Places Near Thailand For Your Fun-Filled Day Trips With Friends & Family

2. Bamboo House

The Bamboo House offers two lodging options – raft houses and bungalows. While the bungalows are the regular run-of-the-mill accommodation, it is the raft houses that enjoy great popularity. The raft houses float right on the river offering stunning views.

3. Pong Phen Guesthouse and Bungalows

Image Source The 2-star accommodation is pocket-friendly option at the walking distance from the War Cemetery. The quality of the food served at the hotel is exceptional. Website

Suggested Read: 5 Best Nude Beaches In Thailand That One Cannot Afford To Miss

4. Royal River Kwai Resort & Spa

The Royal River Kwai Resort houses spacious rooms with cozy decorations. The sprawling pool offers a break to those looking to escape the heat. Additionally, the riverside location makes this scenic hotel a value for money option.

5. Mida Resort Kanchanaburi

Image Source With multiple river-facing rooms, the Mida Resort offered stunning views. You could request to set up a luxury tent by the river as the resort’s waterfall lulls you to sleep.

Further Read: Nightlife In Thailand: 7 Best Thailand Bars And Clubs That’ll Evoke Your Inner Party Animal

Kanchanaburi serves a slice of anthropogenic history with the sides of nature’s beauty, the contrast of the gruesome and the marvelous. Thus, it is definitely a place worth a visit. Book your trip to Thailand with Traveltriangle and have a great time as you take a tour of the places to visit in Kanchanaburi.

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Kanchanaburi

What is Kanchanaburi famous for?

Kanchanaburi is famous for the Death Railway bridge.

Is Kanchanaburi worth visiting?

Yes, Kanchanaburi is definitely worth visiting.

How do I get to Erawan waterfall?

You can reach Erawan waterfall by bus. Take the bus 8170 from Kanchanaburi bus station and get down at Srinakarin market which is 1 km away from the waterfall.

Looking To Book An International Holiday?

Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.

Trip to Sri Lanka at Rs 13,500/-

Plan Your Vacation Today!

Trip to Singapore at Rs 20,499/-

Get Quotes From Local Experts

Mauritius Holiday Starting at Rs 65,000/-

Talk to Our Experts Today

Maldives Honeymoon Trip at Rs 39,800/-

Pay with easy EMI Option

Europe Trip at Rs 89,999/-

All Inclusive Deals

Vacation in Dubai at Rs 27,499/-

Hong Kong Holiday at Rs 24,999/-

Money Safe Guarantee

Thailand Holiday at Rs 7,999/-

Flights Excluded

People Also Read

Places To Visit In Chiang Mai Places To Visit In Bangkok Places To Visit In Krabi

Recent Posts

10 Endroits touristiques en Italie qui sont incroyablement magnifiques

2024 में स्वर्ग में 19 हनीमून के लिए कश्मीर में घूमने की जगहें

2024 में शानदार छुट्टियाँ बिताने के लिए 10 श्रीनगर के पास घूमने की जगहें!

30 कश्मीर में घूमने घूमने की जगहें, 2023 में कोई भी मिस नहीं कर सकता

La Suisse en juin: pour une expérience de voyage merveilleuse au milieu des sereines Alpes suisses en 2024.

17 Meilleurs endroits à visiter en Hongrie en 2024, le joyau de la couronne d’Europe!

Trending Blogs

20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2023 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle

10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare

101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2024

35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2024 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation

60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2024

95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape!

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best places to visit outside india by month.

• TravelTriangle
• Thailand »
• Tour Packages
• Honeymoon Packages
• Family Packages
• Budget Tour Packages
• Luxury Tour Packages
• Adventure Tour Packages
• Group Tour Packages
• Kerala Tour Packages
• Goa Tour Packages
• Andaman Tour Packages
• Sikkim Tour Packages
• Himachal Tour Packages
• Uttarakhand Tour Packages
• Rajasthan Tour Packages
• Tour Packages From Delhi
• Tour Packages From Mumbai
• Tour Packages From Bangalore
• Tour Packages From Chennai
• Tour Packages From Kolkata
• Tour Packages From Hyderabad
• Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
• Kerala Tourism
• Goa Tourism
• Sikkim Tourism
• Andaman Tourism
• Himachal Tourism
• Uttarakhand Tourism
• Rajasthan Tourism
• Hotels in Kerala
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Sikkim
• Hotels in Andaman
• Hotels in Himachal
• Hotels in Uttarakhand
• Hotels in Rajasthan

Asia » Thailand » 13 Amazing Things to do in Kanchanaburi Province

13 Amazing Things to do in Kanchanaburi Province

What's In This Guide?

The ultimate kanchanaburi travel guide.

This Kanchanaburi travel guide will detail waterfalls, caves, rivers, jungle trails, national parks, and some interesting World War 2 History.

Popular attractions include the Erawan Falls, Hellfire Pass, and the Bridge Over the River Kwai. However, there are also some great off-the-beaten-path attractions in Kanchanaburi where hardly any tourists go (such as 7 great national parks to explore).

Kanchanaburi is just two hours from Bangkok by a minivan – book your van tickets here . This makes it an easy destination to escape the city and head out hiking the mountains, showering under a waterfall, and cruising leisurely down the river.

Did I mention you can stay at one of these amazing floating jungle rafts for under $50 per night on Agoda? Check it out now for great discounts.

Waterfalls in Kanchanaburi 

There are a total of 23 waterfalls in Kanchanaburi! Many are located deep in the jungle, accessible only by hiking trails where you are supposed to take a guide.

Some waterfalls are quite small and only have water during the wet season, I’ll let you know which ones they are. Others have running water all year round.

Here I have detailed some of the best and most popular waterfalls in Kanchanaburi.

1. Erawan Waterfall

The Erawan Waterfall is one of the most accessible waterfalls near Bangkok. This 7 tiered waterfall runs through a leafy green jungle where a freshwater stream is turned a cloudy emerald green color as it dissolves the calcium carbonate in the limestone.

The lower levels of the waterfall can be quite busy. but as you climb higher through the jungle the crowd tends to drop off. There are a series of deep pools where you can jump in for a refreshing swim, the perfect escape from the tropical jungle heat. My favorite level here is right at the top.

The Erawan Falls is located in the Erawan National Park, about 53 kilometers from Kanchanaburi. It is possible to reach the Erawan Falls by public bus, motorbike, Tuk-Tuk, and taxi. Read my full guide to the Erawan National Park for more information on how to get there from Bangkok.

2. Huay Mae Khamin Waterfall

The Huay Mae Khamin Waterfall is arguably the most stunning waterfall in Kanchanaburi. It is located deep in the forest of the Sri Nakarin National Park, about 95 kilometers north of Kanchanaburi, next to the Sri Nakarin Dam. If you are the adventurous type, this will be one of the ultimate things to do in Kanchanaburi province.

There are 7 levels of the Huay Mae Khamin Waterfall which are accessed by two different trails. The first trail which provides access to levels 1 to 4 starts just near the carpark and takes about 30 minutes to complete a round trip without stopping. The second trail which provides access to levels 5 to 7 starts just across the bridge from the carpark. This trail is unpaved, muddy and longer than the first. These are both separate trails that cannot be connected together to form a loop.

For more information on planning your trip, you can visit this article on Huay Mae Khamin Waterfall .

The Sri Nakarin National Park is open from 6am to 5pm daily. There is a 300 THB (USD 10) entry fee for foreigners.

3. Kratengjeng Waterfall

The Kratengjeng Waterfall is located about 170 kilometers north west of Kanchanaburi on the way to Sangkhlaburi. Kratengjeng is a super remote waterfall deep in the forest and sees hardly any tourists, mainly because no one knows about it. This makes it one of my favorite waterfalls in the whole of Thailand and one of my favorite places to go jungle trekking in Thailand.

There are 9 levels to this waterfall which are accessed by a heavily overgrown jungle trail. Along the way, you will find jungle bananas and sings of wild elephants passing the area like deep footprints in the mud.

Kratengjeng Waterfall is located in the Khao Laem National Park which means that national park entry fees of 300 THB (USD 10) for foreigners apply.

4. Sai Yok Noi Waterfall

The Sai Yok Noi Waterfall, also called Khao Pung, is located 48 kilometers northwest of Kanchanaburi. It is less touristy than the Erawan Falls and sees even fewer tourists than the Sai Yok Yai Waterfall.

The best time to visit this waterfall is in the wet season from June to October. It is possible that during the dry season there is no water flowing here and best to check with a local before visiting.

Sai Yok Noi Waterfall is located in the Sai Yok National Park which technically means there should be an entry fee. However, most people tend to go in for free as there never seems to be anyone collecting the fees here.

5. Sai Yok Yai Waterfall

The Sai Yok Yai Waterfall is located about 85 kilometers north west of Kanchanaburi in the Sai Yok National Park. It is about 38 kilometers beyond the Sai Yok Noi Waterfall as you continue towards Sangkhlaburi (I suggest combining both into one trip). Sai Yok Yai Waterfall is less touristy than the Erawan Falls, however, still sees quite a few local Thai tourists on weekends.

There is just one level here where the stream pours out into the River Kawi Noi, eventually meeting up with the River Kwai Yai further south. The best time to visit this waterfall is in the wet season from June to October. During the dry season, you will most likely find water flowing but sometimes just a small stream.

The Sai Yok National Park is open from 7am to 5pm daily. The entry fee is 200 THB (USD 8) for foreigners and an additional charge for your vehicle.

6. Jokkradin Waterfall

This is a smaller waterfall located out near the Thai-Myanmar border near the village of Thong Pha Phum. The waterfall is also sometimes spelled as Chokkradin, so don’t get confused with the names. The Jokkradin Waterfall is in the Thong Pha Phum National Park, therefore standard National Park fees apply – 30 THB for Thais, 300 THB for foreigners.

7. Pha Sawan Waterfall

The Pha Sawan Waterfall is located midway between Pha That Waterfall and Huay Mae Khamin Waterfall in the Sri Nakarin National Park. It is about 135 kilometers north of Kanchanaburi, with the final 13 kilometers passable only by 4WD. It is also possible to hike that final 13km, which would require about 7 hours total for the round trip.

There are 7 levels at the Pha Sawan Waterfall, taking about 40 minutes to hike to the top. The waterfall’s top-level is a huge 80 meters tall, making it one of the most impressive waterfalls in Kanchanaburi.

War History in Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi has numerous WW2 History sites. Most sites are associated with the construction of the Death Railway, which used to run from Yangon (Myanmar) to Singapore.

If you want to visit multiple WW2 sites in one day you should check out this Kanchanaburi history tour . This tour includes; Hellfire Pass, the Death Railway, Bride Over the River Kwai, lunch, and private transport!

8. Death Railway

The Death Railway is the 415km long railway line that connected Yangoon to Singapore. It was used as a supply route by the Japanese Army in WW2. The Death Railway consisted of a series of bridges and stone cuttings. The most notable parts of the Death Railway are the Hellfire Pass and the Bridge Over the River Kwai.

9. Hellfire Pass Memorial

The Hellfire Pass was the most brutal section for the Allied POW in the construction of the Death Railway. This 75-meter-long, 25-meter-deep stone cutting section was excavated almost entirely by hand. Thousands of soldiers died in the construction of this section of the Death Railway.

The Hellfire Pass Memorial is located approximately 60km north-west of Kanchanaburi towards Sai Yok waterfalls.

Hellfire Pass Opening Hours : 7 days per week, 9am to 4pm. Entry is free.

10. Bridge Over the River Kwai

This piece of War War 2 history was made famous by the self-titled movie “Bridge Over the River Kwai.” The bridge was part of the 415km long Burma Railway which connected Bangkok to Yangon, serving as a supply route for the Japanese Army.

The bridge which stands today is a reconstruction of the original bridge, which during the war was repeatedly bombed.

The Bridge Over the River Kwai is located within walking distance of the town center and is open to visitors all day every day. You can walk across the bridge by foot, just watch out for the train as is comes across.

Bridge Over the River Kwai Opening Hours: All day, every day. Entry is free.

11. Allied Forces War Cemetery

The Allied Force War Cemetery is dedicated to those soldiers in the Allied Forces who died as Prisoners of War (POW) after being captured by the Japanese Army. Many of the soldiers died due to slave labor, malaria, and poor living conditions. Over 16,000 soldiers from Australia, New Zealand, and Britain died in this part of Thailand during the construction of the Death Railway.

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery Opening Hours: 7 days per week, 8am to 5pm. Entry is free.

12. JEATH War Museum

No, it’s not a spelling mistake, the name JEATH stands for the primary nationalities involved in the construction of the Death Railway, being; Japanese, English, Australia, America, Thai, and Holland. The JEATH War Museum contains relics found from the POW camps used when building the railway.

The museum contains an interesting collection of artifacts. However, it is fairly rundown and in need of refurbishment making it one of the most obscure things to do in Kanchanaburi. 30 minutes here will be sufficient.

JEATH War Museum Opening Hours : 8.30am to 4.30pm. Entry is 40 THB.

13. Sangkhlaburi

Sangkhlaburi is the off-the-beaten-track section of this Kanchanaburi travel guide. This remote part of Kanchanaburi is located 200km north-west of Kanchanaburi, towards the Thai-Myanmar border.

Sangkhlaburi has some amazing attractions in the jungle such as the Kratengjeng Waterfall a beautiful waterfall accessed via a heavily overgrown jungle trail.  The most iconic attraction in Sangkhlaburi is the Wooden Mon Bridge which crosses Lake Vajiralongkorn, the longest of it’s kind in the world.

Check out my complete guide to Sangkhlaburi for plenty more things to do around town, including; an underwater temple, the Three Pagodas Pass market on Myanmar’s border, elephant sanctuaries and more waterfalls hidden in the jungle.

How to Get to Kanchanaburi

Minivan – The quickest and easiest way to get to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok is by minivan ( tickets and timetables ) . Tickets start from just 150 THB per person. A one-way journey takes about 3 hours. Vans depart from Mochit bus terminal which is easy to get to from the Mochit BTS station.

Train – trains are terribly slow, hot and uncomfortable in Bangkok. If you really want to get a train to Kanchanaburi you can hop on at Thonburi Station for about 100 THB per person. A one-way journey could take anywhere between 3 to 6 hours. no pre-bookings are required for the train.

Taxi – a taxi from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi will cost between 1,600 and 2,000 THB one-way. The journey will take about as long as the minivan. Flag down a taxi in Bangkok and negotiate the fare first.

Hotels in Kanchanaburi

There are some hostels and plenty of budget hotels in Kanchanaburi’s town center. You can easily get a private room for under 1000 THB (USD 40) per night in the areas just north or south of the Bridge Over the River Kwai.

While there are lots of budget options in the town, I highly recommend staying on a floating raft house in the jungle a bit further out of town. It is a fantastic experience that is quite unique to Kanchanaburi.

Jungle Raft Houses

My favorite floating raft house in Kanchanburi is the Tayan Resort and Spa where I have stayed four times so far. I love is being able to kick back in a hammock or jump in the river for a cool swim in the afternoon.

The floating rafts are fairly basic but come with a large double bed, private bathroom, air conditioner, a riverfront view, and a hammock. There is a restaurant down by the river open for lunch and dinner, and a complimentary breakfast is included with your booking.

The Tayan Resort raft house is located about 30 kilometers (25 minutes) out of town but is considerably cheaper than some of the more upmarket raft houses around Kanchanaburi.

Mid Range Hotels

There are a number of mid-range hotels in Kanchanaburi just north of the Bridge Over the River Kwai. Most of these hotels range in price from USD 30 to USD 100 per night, depending on the comfort level you are after. You will commonly find these hotels have a pool (which is great considering Kanchanaburi is the hottest part of Thailand) and include complimentary breakfast.

• Kanpura Hotel – USD 30 per night including; air-conditioning, free wifi, and pool
• Ruen Maihom Riverside Cottage – USD 50 per night including; air-conditioning, free wifi, and pool

โรงแรมราคาประหยัด

For the absolute cheapest accommodation in town check out the Jolly Frog Backpackers where beds go for 100 THB per night. It doesn’t seem like you can book this place online, so try to walk in and see if they have any availability.

Need more info on these destinations in Kanchanaburi? Ask me in the comments section below!

Explore Bangkok like a local.

Over 50 destinations in and around town.

Let me show you how to travel Asia better, further, and easier than you can imagine. The highest waterfalls, remote islands, best street food, and plenty more! Josh Shephard

Follow on Instagram for Daily Travel Secrets

Try My Free Asia Travel Itinerary Builder!

It's totally 100% amazingly free (for now).

Send To A Friend!

Nearby Destinations For You!

9 Awesome National Parks in Chiang Mai You Should Visit Now

Chiang Mai Province is home to impressive national parks offering a wide range of natural attractions. From the mossy green forests of Doi Inthanon National

What to Pack for Thailand (Easily Staying Under 10kg)

Exactly What I Pack for a Trip to Thailand What should I pack for Thailand? I see this question asked all the time in travel

Doi Suthep National Park, An Easy Chiang Mai Day Trip

Doi Suthep offers a range of attractions featuring both the natural and spiritual beauty of northern Thailand. Home to the sacred Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple, the mountain offers epic panoramic views over Chiang Mai city.

DON’T VISIT DOI INTHANON National Park without reading this guide first

Doi Inthanon National Park offers a wide range of attractions from the highest peak in Thailand with unbeatable views, to beautiful waterfalls, exotic birds and fascinating hill tribe villages.

7 Best Hotels on Koh Mak, Thailand

7 Best Hotels on Koh Mak (Thailand) for Every Budget Koh Mak is a super laid-back island, yet to see much development. Nonetheless, whether you’re

8 Best Hotels on Koh Ngai, Thailand (Luxury, Mid-Range, and Budget)

The top 8 hotels on Koh Ngai for every budget. Private Luxury villas from $150+ | Mid Range Beachfront Bungalows from $70-$150 | Budget Hostels below $50.

10 Best Hotels on Koh Chang (Budget, Mid-Range, and Luxury Options) for 2023

The tropical island of Koh Chang is located just a few hours from Bangkok yet feels a world away. Explore the island’s best then kick back at one of these top beachfront resorts for total relaxation and epic sunsets.

7 Best Hotels on Koh Lanta, Thailand – Don’t Miss These!

Koh Lanta is an amazing island located off the Andaman Coast of Thailand. It is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, clear waters, and great

DON’T VISIT KOH LIBONG without this guide!

Koh Libong is a sleepy Thai island that remained on my to-do list for many years until I finally got around to visiting. Nearby islands

Where Will You Go?

Search from over 150 blogs posts covering Asia, Pacific, and Europe.

Travel Resources

Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

What To Pack For Thailand

Cheap Travel Tickets for Asia

Follow Me on Social!

Built with the flexibility of Elementor Pro and the hosting speed of Cloudways .

Discover Places Like This

Follow me on instagram.

for my personal insider travel tips