kanchanaburi trip plan

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.

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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.

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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.

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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 offbeat travel and road trips, 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.

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.

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2-Day Kanchanaburi Itinerary | Explore Death Railway & Epic Waterfalls

The cozy town of Kanchanaburi in southwest Thailand makes a perfect getaway from Bangkok or a weekend holiday with the family. A 2-day Kanchanaburi itinerary gives tourists enough time to explore top sites at a leisurely pace, which is highly recommended. Kanchanaburi is home to some of Thailand’s most historic and famous landmarks, like the Bridge Over the River Kwai , as well as some of the most stunning scenery in Erawan National Park .

Getting Around Kanchanaburi

Driving yourself either by car or motorbike is the easiest way to get around Kanchanaburi town. Tourists who don’t have vehicles in town can get a lift on orange and yellow songthaews (covered pickup trucks) anytime from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and motorbike taxis and tuk tuks also are available. Bicycles can be rented at a few different locations as well. To go out of town to Sai Yok National Park and Erawan Falls , guests can take the train, hire a driver or join a tour group, which generally can be arranged through any hotel or local tour agency.

FIND KANCHANABURI BEACHFRONT RESORTS & MOUNTAIN VILLAS  

Kanchanaburi Itinerary Day 1 | Explore Kanchanaburi History

Kanchanaburi may be small in size, but its historical impact is enormous. The town maintains several quality museums and landmarks that detail the horrific history of the Thai-Burma Railway construction, as well as Thailand’s role in World War II. A chilled-out day soaking in the details is a good way to get a feel for Kanchanaburi .

• JEATH War Museum – photographs and artifacts at this museum depict what life was like for prisoners of war who worked on the Death Railway . JEATH War Museum is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Admission for foreigners is 30 THB (1 USD).
• Bridge Over the River Kwai – though a reconstruction, this bridge symbolizes the original bridge that was built at the cost of more than 100,000 lives. Visitors can cross the bridge for free and explore the riverfront, which is a good spot to grab lunch, a cold drink and a breather under a shade tree.
• Thai-Burma Railway (Death Railway) – visitors can experience a ride on nearly 50 miles (77 kilometers) of the original 258-mile (415-kilometer) long Thai-Burma Railway. The roundtrip train trip takes about two hours and crosses some of the most scenic territory in all of Thailand. Passengers can buy tickets for the train tour at Tha Kilen Station , which is about an hour’s train ride from Saphan Kwae Yai Station in Kanchanaburi town.
• Arts Gallery and War Museum – neighboring JEATH War Museum and River Kwai Bridge , the Arts Gallery and War Museum contains a private collection of World War II art, weapons and gems. The museum is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Tickets are 40 THB (1.30 USD) for foreigners.
• Hellfire Pass Memorial – visitors can walk through a corridor of the railway that was carved through a boulder by Australian and British soldiers. The section earned its name because 700 of 1,000 soldiers who worked on the project died during its 12-week construction.

Kanchanaburi Itinerary Day 2 | Enjoy Waterfalls & Ancient Castle Grounds

After an intense day of learning Kanchanaburi ’s history, travelers should be ready for a laid-back day in the jungle. An early morning start to the northern region of Kanchanaburi is advised to get the most out of hiking and sightseeing in two national parks and on the grounds of a historic castle.

• Erawan National Park – with seven excellent hiking trails and a seven-tiered waterfall with swimming pools, Erawan National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Thailand. Families can spend hours monkeying around and picnicking at Erawan Falls , and spelunkers will enjoy several well-marked caves in the area. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Entrance fees for foreigners are 300 THB (10 USD) for adults and 200 THB (6.50 USD).
• Sai Yok National Park – adventurists will love the trek through Sai Yok Yai Water Fall , where wooden footbridges lead guests through rugged terrain alongside three flowing tiers of water. Trekkers also will find numerous caves and interesting wildlife along the way. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Entry fees for foreigners are 300 THB (10 USD) for adults and 200 THB (6.50 USD).
• Prasat Mueang Sing Historical Park – visitors will want to block out about an hour of time to explore this ancient Buddhist castle near Tha Kilen Station . Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entry fee for foreigners is 100 THB (3 USD).

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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

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The 12 Best Things to Do in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

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Many of the best things to do in Kanchanaburi can be done for free or on self-guided trips. It’s the type of place where a traveler can still get those tingles of discovery and reflection. Grab a map, rent a scooter, and go! There’s enough World War II history to keep you learning new things for days.

Along with history, Kanchanaburi lures travelers with the promise of a slower pace than Bangkok. It’s an accessible escape from the big city . Rivers, caves, waterfalls, and other natural attractions are within reach once Bangkok’s traffic is no longer tolerable.

Note: Although the Tiger Temple was formerly one of the popular things to do in Kanchanaburi, you won’t find it on this list. The famous temple where travelers could pose for pictures with tigers is now closed and under investigation.

Relax Along the River Kwai

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After the busy buzz of Thailand’s capital, the pleasant vibe of Mae Nam Kwae Road along the River Kwai is just what a traveler needs. The stretch that parallels the river is crammed with guesthouses, cafes and bars for eating and socializing.

Although the road isn’t overly relaxing, serenity can be found just behind it. Many of the cafes and guesthouses have green gardens with lounge areas that back up to the river. Enjoy a lazy afternoon in a hammock beneath a plumeria tree or on a deck with a cold Chang,Leo or Singha in hand. But try not to lose your Zen when the occasional party boat passes by blaring full-volume karaoke or disco.

Walk Over the Bridge on the River Kwai

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The premier attraction in Kanchanaburi is an iron bridge popularized by the movie, The Bridge on the River Kwai , although very little of the present bridge is original. Even the river below it wasn’t the River Kwai (it was the Mae Klong) until it was renamed to please tourists who were specifically looking for the “bridge on the River Kwai.”

The 1957 film is based on a French novel written by Pierre Boulle that portrayed the lives of Allied POWs forced to assist building the Burma Railway. The film was showered with awards but is regarded as wildly inaccurate and fictional.

The Burma Railway between Thailand and Burma was constructed by the Japanese during World War II. The project came at such a cost of human life, it is better known by its ominous nickname, the Death Railway. The bridge just north of Kanchanaburi enjoyed by tourists today is neither the one depicted in the film nor the original used on the Death Railway. Only the outer ends of the first bridge remain; the rest was bombed away by Allied forces in 1945.

Although the actual history isn’t what many visitors expect, the bridge is still impressive. Walking across is the thing to do in Kanchanaburi; there are guardrails and overlooks along the way. Slow-moving trains still use the bridge, so some caution is required with small children.

Take a Ride on the Train

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Riding the train across the bridge then to Nam Tok is a popular thing to do in Kanchanaburi. The slow-moving train click clacks along with the main event being a crossing of the Wang Po viaduct. The wooden trestle is crude, original, and was constructed by POWs in a record 17 days and nights.

Some of the organized tour packages promise to include a certificate crediting you with having ridden the “Death Railway.” In reality, the tracks are modern replacements, not the ones laid by forced labor. The original Death Railway tracks were pulled up after being deemed unsafe. Only the trestle is original; it's a standing reminder of the hard work involved.

Forgo the agents who want to sell you a tour package. Instead, purchase an inexpensive ticket yourself and board the train for some nice scenery. Optionally, you could take the train one way to Nam Tok (the terminus) then return by hiring a boat.

Go See Hellfire Pass

Joel Carillet/Getty Images

While the iron bridge draws tourists with some big-screen infamy, Hellfire Pass is a bit more authentic. The Australian government turned the jungle railway cutting (Konyu Cutting) into a well-done war memorial.

The POWs worked relentlessly to dig the pass, and at least 69 were documented as beaten to death by their captors. Many more conscripted Southeast Asian laborers perished while completing the difficult project.

Visitors can walk the steep, jungle trail to get a feeling for the harsh environment in which the laborers lived and worked. A small museum provides history and audio headsets that really enhance the trail walk. Note: The many stairs and slippery trail may make the walk inaccessible for some visitors.

Hellfire Pass is around a 90-minute drive from Kanchanaburi, but it’s on the way to Sai Yok National Park. A pleasant day can be enjoyed by combining the two. If not driving, you can get yourself to Hellfire Pass without joining a tour by taking the train to Nam Tok then grab a songthaew (truck taxi) to the entrance of the monument.

Explore Sai Yok National Park

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Although the ever-popular Erawan Falls draw the most tourists, the smaller set of falls in the Sai Yok National Park attracts plenty of locals.

With caves, hot springs, and remnants of another bridge over the Kwai Noi River, the national park is a destination worth exploration. But most people only have time to visit the falls while on the way to see Hellfire Pass.

Staying in floating bungalows on the river is an option. The tense Russian roulette scene in the 1978 movie The Deer Hunter was filmed in Sai Yok National Park .

Swim at the Erawan Falls

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Swimming in the multi-leveled pools of the Erawan Falls is the most popular thing to do in Kanchanaburi away from the bridge. The turquoise-colored water is home to fish that nibble dead skin. Be ready for some tickling attention when you stick your feet into the water!

The seven Erawan Falls are arguably the most photogenic waterfalls in all of Thailand—especially during the dry months when rain runoff hasn’t clouded the water. Unfortunately, word is out; you’ll have to share the swimming holes with large tour groups.

If you’re comfortable driving in Thailand, consider renting a scooter to make the one-hour drive to Erawan National Park. Entrance at the park is 300 baht (around $10). Things quiet down a bit in the afternoon when tour groups leave, however, be aware that the top waterfall tiers close at 3 p.m. Keep an eye out for the cheeky macaques that sometimes grab belongings. Don’t encourage them with food offerings!

Visit the War Cemeteries

To round out your tour of war history in Kanchanaburi, go visit one or both of the war cemeteries. The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery is the largest and most visited; find it just across from the railway station.

Close to 7,000 POWs from Australia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom are laid to rest in the well-maintained cemetery. The massive number of graves seen isn’t even close to the number of people who perished. It’s a sobering reminder of the human cost involved to build the railway.

The smaller Chong Kai War Cemetery is located south of Kanchanaburi along the River Kwai Noi. With 1,750 buried there, this cemetery sits on the actual site of a POW camp. An old church and hospital still stand. You’ll have more solitude for reflection there than at the larger cemetery.

Tour the World War II Museums

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On the main road near the bridge over the River Kwai, you’ll find the Arts Gallery and War Museum along with the JEATH War Museum. JEATH stands for “Japan, England, Australia, Thailand, Holland.” A hodgepodge of exhibits show daily life, including sleeping barracks, for the POWs. Old photos and recreated scenes compete for dusty spaces.

Although exhibits are poorly labeled and confusing (sometimes bordering on bizarre), no one could leave the Arts Gallery and War Museum and say it wasn’t interesting! Subject matter ranges from war history—as one would expect—to Miss Thailand winners, kings of Thailand, and even some prehistoric stuff thrown in for good measure.

Picnic at the Dam

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The Srinakarind Dam is a massive hydroelectric plant situated on the River Kwai Yai just north of Erawan National Park. Public transportation doesn’t service the area, so most travelers visit Erawan then head back to town without seeing the reservoir. There are some picturesque picnic spots for enjoying tranquility and a snack along the water.

Along with being a scenic area, there is a friendly cafe, a sundial monument, and some places to stay. Tours can be booked to nearby caves and smaller waterfalls. Consider purchasing some of the woven goods to support the Karen people who live nearby.

The dam is just 15 minutes beyond the entrance for Erawan National Park. If you drove yourself to the falls, continue a short distance north to the reservoir and explore a bit—the diversion is worth the effort.

Visit an Elephant Sanctuary

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A number of elephant camps and sanctuaries can be found in the Tham Than Lot National Park (also called Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park) located northeast of Erawan and the hydroelectric dam. Numerous wildlife conservation groups now advise against riding elephants; conditions for elephants are questionable at some of these camps.

ElephantsWorld , one of the sustainable choices in the area, allows visitors a chance to interact with elephants in a helpful way without riding them. Elephants aren’t forced to perform. Western volunteers live and work on site to help with care.

The sanctuary provides pick-up service from Kanchanaburi, however, there are other things to do in the national park area. You may wish to drive yourself and overnight to look around.

Marvel at a Giant Tree

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A rain tree ( Albizia saman ) over 100 years old is growing just south of Kanchanaburi. The tree stands alone in the middle of a lot, making it even more prominent. The massive canopy spans outward over 60 feet and is even more impressive during rainy months when covered in greenery. The tree is considered sacred—don’t climb on it.

A cave temple (Wat Tham Mangkonthong) is located nearby and well worth a look. Climb the stairs to enter the dragon. This is a working temple, so the rules of temple etiquette in Thailand apply .

To find both, take Highway 3429 south from Kanchanaburi then turn left after the Wat Tham Mangkonthong school.

See Buddha Images in Caves

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Bigger and with more caves than the temple mentioned above, Wat Tham Khaopoon can be found south of town on Highway 3228, just past the Chong Kai War Cemetery.

Many kinds of Buddha images call the limestone caves home. The much more famous Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua) on a hill above Kanchanaburi really draws tourists. While they’re fighting for space to take selfies, you could manage to have a chamber all to yourself at Wat Tham Khaopoon.

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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.

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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.

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13 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Kanchanaburi

Written by Casey Hynes and Diana Bocco Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The city of Kanchanaburi is a microcosm of what makes Thailand such a fascinating country. You'll find a blend of historical sightseeing opportunities, as well as lush tropical wilderness areas, where you can appreciate the unique natural beauty of the Land of Smiles.

Kanchanaburi was once the site of Neolithic civilizations, evidenced by artifacts of ancient societies and burial sites that ha ve been excavated here. In the mid-20th century, the city became notorious as the home of the Bridge on the River Kwai , the controversial structure built to support the Thai-Burmese railway by prisoners of war during WWII.

Nature lovers will also find plenty of things to do. Several national parks lie in the surrounding area, with opportunities to see stunning waterfalls; impressive cave systems; and a diversity of wildlife, including wild gibbons, monkeys, and birds. Located only a two- to three-hour drive from the big-city attractions of Bangkok , Kanchanaburi is easily accessible via bus or train.

Plan your trip with our list of the top tourist attractions in Kanchanaburi.

See also: Where to Stay in Kanchanaburi

1. Walk or Ride on the Bridge on the River Kwai (Death Railway Bridge)

2. get a history lesson at the thailand burma railway centre & kanchanaburi war cemetery, 3. hellfire pass & memorial museum, 4. hike erawan national park, 5. get up close with gentle giants at elephant's world, 6. chungkai cemetery, 7. enjoy the quiet khuean srinagarindra national park, 8. jeath war museum, 9. learn about local history at the war museum at the bridge, 10. discover the ruins at prasat muang singh national park, 11. ban kao national museum, 12. find your way to sai yok yai waterfall, 13. travel back in time at mallika city, 1905 a.d., where to stay in kanchanaburi for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in kanchanaburi, more must-see places to visit near kanchanaburi.

Called the "Bridge on the River Kwai" because of the famous movie of the same name, the Death Railway Bridge is the best-known historical landmark in Kanchanaburi. It was erected through the forced labor of British, Dutch, and American prisoners of war during WWII.

The bridge was part of the Thai-Burmese "Death Railway," so named because of the scores of men who died during its construction. Japanese forces oversaw the project, as the railway would have helped bring supplies to their troops who were fighting the British in neighboring Burma.

Today, you can walk or ride a train across this bridge, sections of which are from the original structure. Market stalls surround the area selling food and souvenirs.

The well-curated exhibits of the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre provide an excellent overview of the railway's history and the brutal conditions suffered by the POWs and forced labourers who built it. Poignant personal accounts, photographs, artifacts, and videos illuminate this dark slice of history, from the Japanese invasion to the lives of some of the survivors after the war.

After absorbing all the museum exhibits, take a short stroll through the well-maintained Kanchanaburi War Cemetery across the street. Also known as Don-Rak War Cemetery, this is the final resting place of nearly 7,000 British, Dutch, and Australian prisoners who died during construction of the Death Railway.

Walking past the graves and reading the inscriptions can be an emotional experience, especially when you realize how young some of the prisoners were. Even more sobering is the fact that these graves represent only a small number of the prisoners who died toiling under unimaginably harsh conditions to construct the railway.

Address: 284/66 Sangchuto Road, Tambon Ban Tai, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi

The Hellfire Pass is a 500-meter-long portion of rock that 1,000 prisoners of war dug out (by hand) to pave the way for the Death Railway. Seven hundred of those men died during the 12-week digging period. Today, it's possible to walk the old railway track into the jungle (which takes about four to five hours), and visit a memorial museum honoring those who died.

Established by the Australian government to honor Allied POWS, the museum tells the poignant stories of these men through artifacts, tools, photos, and multimedia displays. The audio headsets are highly recommended.

Location: Highway 323, about 80 kilometers from Kanchanaburi

Jungly Erawan National Park offers a soothing counterpoint to some of Kanchanaburi's emotionally charged historical attractions, and the picturesque seven-tiered Erawan Falls are the star attraction. The water cascades down the mountains in a serene setting, surrounded by lush vegetation and limestone mountains.

A scenic hiking trail leads up to the top of the falls (look out for thieving monkeys along the way), and the turquoise pools are a lovely spot to take a refreshing swim on a hot day. Dip your feet in the water, and you might feel fish gently nibbling at your toes.

Keep an eye out for other wildlife in the national park, including elephants, gibbons, and king cobras. (You'll want to be wary of that last one.) If you're up for a bit of exploration, check out the park's Tham Phra That Cave . You can wander through four cavernous rooms and admire the ancient stalagmites and stalactites. Try to arrive earlier in the day to beat the tour buses.

Location: 65 kilometers from Kanchanaburi

Most people come to Thailand with the hopes of having a divine experience with an elephant, Thailand's most revered creature. Elephant's World provides visitors an opportunity to do that in an ethical way. The elephants here are rescues that have suffered from years of labor and abuse.

Rather than riding elephants or watching them perform shows, you spend the day in the service of the animals - preparing food for them and bathing them in the river. It's a way to care for abused elephants and volunteer in a meaningful way.

Official site: http://www.elephantsworld.org/

Also called Chonk-Kai Cemetery, this now peaceful area on the banks of the Kwai Noi River is home to the graves of more than 1,700 POWs (1,400 Commonwealth and 300 Dutch casualties), and was also the site of a former POW camp. The ground where these prisoners are buried is the same place they founded a church and cemetery during their years of internment.

Many of those laid to rest died at the nearby hospital. Like the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery , this one is also beautifully landscaped. It lies about two kilometers south of the city and is easy to reach from town by bike.

Surrounded by lushly-cloaked hills, Srinagarind Dam, along the Khwae Yai River, is the centerpiece of peaceful Khuean Srinagarindra National Park. You'll find less crowds here than nearby Erawan National Park . Within its borders are impressive cave systems with stalagmites and stalactites, and the park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including civets, bats, leopards, and slow lorises.

While here, be sure to visit the lovely Huay Mae Khamin Waterfalls , which you can reach by boat or 4WD vehicle. The small park near the viewpoint over the dam makes a lovely place for a picnic.

Location: 115 km from Kanchanaburi

This sobering museum was designed as an exact replica of an actual prisoner of war camp. Located on the grounds of Wat Chai Chumphon, the museum is maintained by a monk and allows travelers a look at the harsh realities of life within these camps.

The replica includes bunks, photographs, and other authentic items, and the displays include written accounts from actual prisoners of war, their family members, and authors who interviewed POWs. The name of the museum is derived from those countries that were involved in these events: J apan, E ngland, A ustralia/USA, T hailand, H olland.

History buffs will enjoy sifting through some of the diverse artifacts and exhibits at this quirky war museum. In addition to its collection of WWII relics and memorabilia, the museum also provides a more in-depth look at Thai history. You'll find displays related to ancient battles between Thailand and Burma, Thai political history, old Japanese vehicles, helmets, uniforms, photographs, and seemingly incongruous old Khmer-style carved works.

Other exhibits recreate the atrocious conditions of the POW camps with life-size figures. The museum also offers great views of the Bridge on the River Kwai.

Location: River Kwai Bridge, Kanchanaburi

It's worthwhile stopping by this historical park with its ancient ruins, once an outpost built by the Khmers. Despite its original purpose, there's something almost magical about standing in the presence of such an old and elegant structure.

Here, you'll find a preserved shrine, tower gates, and ancient inscriptions in the courtyard. It's thought to be one of the satellite cities of Angkor, the capital of the Khmer empire. At the museum on the premises, you can view artifacts and relics discovered at the site.

Step back 4,000 years to the Neolithic period and marvel at artifacts from deep into Thai (and human) history at this intriguing museum on the banks of the Kwai Noi River. Founded at the site of a Neolithic burial center discovered by an Allied prisoner of war, Ban Kao National Museum displays the remains of several skeletons, bone jewelry, shell ornaments, tripod pots, axes, and other articles excavated from the area.

This is one of the most important prehistoric archaeological sites in the country.

Location: About 35 kilometers from Kanchanaburi

This is a waterfall fit for a king. Indeed, King Rama V once visited this site, and it's been praised in Thai songs and poems. The falls are found within the Sai Yok Yai National Park , but are set back three kilometers from the road, so be prepared to do some walking or hop on a motorbike. You can also take a dip in the river or skim along it between the towering rock walls.

Before King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) enacted the "Slavery Abolition Act" in 1905, over one third of the Siamese (Thai) population were slaves. The recreated village of Mallika takes visitors back to the years after that, when people had to learn to be self sufficient and adopt new trades and ways of life.

In Mallika, you can visit an ancient market and shop for souvenirs, clothes, and traditional dishes using Satang, an ancient type of money you can get when you buy your admission ticket.

The large grounds of the village are home to traditional Thai buildings, including floating houses, a rice production house and kitchen (where you can learn about rice winnowing and milling), and a Saphan Han, a bridge that could be turned manually to allow boats to pass.

You can also visit a jasmine garden, see a Reuan Dieow traditional house where commoners lived, and even climb the City Tower for breathtaking views of the countryside beyond Mallika city. If you stay till the evening, you can grab dinner and a show here, too. Shows vary throughout the year and include Khon (classical Thai pantomime), several forms of traditional dance, and Sword Play, showcasing aspects of an ancient form of Thai martial arts.

Official site: http://www.mallika124.com/en/

If you're visiting Kanchanaburi for the first time and want to see the top attractions, the most picturesque, peaceful, and popular place to stay is along the River Kwai, near the famous Bridge on the River Kwai. If you're seeking a more central location, within walking distance of plenty of restaurants and shops, the city of Kanchanaburi makes a great base. Here are some highly rated hotels in these areas:

Luxury Hotels:

• Kanchanaburi has few luxury options, and they lie in tranquil riverfront locations, quite a distance from the main attractions. The colonial-style Dheva Mantra Resort with a spa, spacious rooms, a sprawling pool, and gorgeous gardens, sits about eight kilometers from the Bridge on the River Kwai.
• Even farther away from the bridge, the boutique X2 River Kwai Resort commands a beautiful location on a bend in the river and flaunts an ultra-modern industrial style.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• In a great location, within walking distance of the Bridge on the River Kwai, Felix River Kwai has spacious, clean rooms in red-roofed buildings that are spread out among palm-studded gardens. You can relax at the two swimming pools and spa.
• If you prefer to stay in town, close to shops and restaurants, U Inchantree Kanchanaburi is a modern boutique hotel on the banks of the River Kwai, with cozy rooms and friendly staff.
• Also in town, The Bridge Residence Hotel still lies within walking distance of the bridge and is popular for its large, modern rooms with comfy beds and flat-screen TVs.

Budget Hotels:

• For great views over the countryside, it's hard to beat The Vista Pool Villa , which offers large air-conditioned rooms with private pools.
• Another popular budget option is the Good Times Resort , with air-conditioned rooms, a pool, and friendly staff, a 20-minute walk from the Bridge on the River Kwai. Guests love the Thai cooking classes.
• Just a short tuk-tuk ride away from the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and other attractions, the River Kwai Bridge Resort offers air-conditioned rooms, free breakfast, and a pool.

Bangkok: Less than two- to three- hours' drive from Kanchanaburi are all the top tourist attractions of Bangkok , including its magnificent Grand Palace . Not far from Bangkok, you can also explore the attractions of Ayutthaya , Thailand's former capital.

Sun, Sand, and Sea: If you're looking for a beach fix, see our article on the popular tourist sites of Pattaya , just a short hop from Kanchanaburi, and things to see and do on Phuket Island , farther south. Northeast of Phuket, the city of Surat Thani is the gateway to the famous beach destinations of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao.

Khao Yai National Park: Immerse yourself in Thailand's natural beauty at mountainous Khao Yai National Park , about 300 kilometers east of Kanchanaburi. Explore jungle waterfalls and lakes, and see an astounding diversity of wildlife, including elephants, black bears, clouded leopards, and king cobras.

More on Thailand

The Best Things to Do in Kanchanaburi

Michela Asia Bangkok , Thailand 0

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. I earn a small commission if you book through these links . More Info here.

Table of Contents

What to do in Kanchanaburi on a Solo Trip

A trip to Kanchanaburi is a must if you plan to spend a few days in Bangkok and extend it near Bangkok. Kanchanaburi is the right place if you like to explore less touristy places, including off-the-beaten-path sites, rather than the classic destinations in Thailand. While most travellers associate Thailand with sandy beaches and lush green islands, the country has much more to offer, with many national parks for great outdoor experiences.

If you prefer joining a group, check out this 👉 guided day trip from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is only a 2-hour bus drive from Bangkok city and has many exciting things to do. I spent a few days, but that wasn’t enough to do justice to this vast region. So, I recommend planning 3-4 full days to make the most of it.

See more top things to do in Kanchanaburi town and province.

Walk across the River Kwai Bridge

Walking across the River Kwai Bridge is probably the top attraction in Kanchanaburi and the main reason for locals and tourists alike to take a day-trip from Bangkok. The bridge was built during the II World War in 1942-43 by Allied POWs, who had do endure terrible life and work conditions, and many people died while building the bridge.

This is why The Burma Railway is also known as the Death Railway . The bridge was bombed several times and what you walkthrough is a reconstruction and nothing like the original nor the one you see in the film. The Bridge on the River Kwai in 1952 won 7 Oscars and was an international success that draw tourists from all over the world.

Due to the film’s success, the town of Kanchanaburi decided to change its name from Mae Klong River to Kwae Yai River. Each last week of November, a Sound & Light Show commemorates the bridge bombing. The shows take place every night for a week, and it’s fascinating.

🌟 Check all attractions and things to do in River Kwai

They are well presented and staged with music, drones, a steam train crossing the bridge, spectacular light and sound effects, and, of course, fireworks. It’s awe-inspiring walking across it, with the massive guardrails and the many lookouts where people stop and take pictures. Be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends and if you can visit during the River Kwai Bridge Festival .

Visit the Art Gallery and War Museum

Just 2 minutes walk from the River Kwai Bridge, you find the Art Gallery and War Museum . You will be impressed to go through a mishmash of exhibits featuring the life of POWs, with photos and scenes recreating the working life of the soldiers. Still, while you walk through the extensive premises, you will also see images of the Kings of Thailand and important public features, Thai deities, woodcarvings, paintings, murals of Thai history, various historical events and curious artefacts of the past decades. It’s an exciting place worth visiting.

If you prefer a group, check out this 👉 guided day trip from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi

The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

Just across from the railway station in town, you find the Kanchanaburi war cemetery . There are two in town, but this is the largest and most visited. There are 6982 graves here, but this is only a fraction of the people who died. It’s a very well-kept place for reflection and remembrance. Walk along the graves row by row, and read the plates with mentions about the soldiers who lost their lives while building the railway.

The Thailand-Burma Railway Centre – Death Railway Museum

You cannot leave Kanchanaburi without seeing the Death Railway Museum . Just opposite the war cemetery, this museum offers an interactive and moving experience about the Thailand-Burma Railway, which stretches for 415 km and was built by the Japanese Army with the work of the prisoners of war. Go through the photos, videos and commentary for an experience that will stay in your memories for a long time.

Stroll at the Night Market at River Kwai Bridge

The bridge on the River Kwai is a significant attraction for commercial activities. Visitors hang out at the day and night market with stalls selling anything from clothing, accessories, jewellery, souvenirs, and artisan products to street food with various local foods.

Alongside the main road, you will walk through old locomotives and war memorials. During the River Kwai Festival, this turns very scenic with lots of lights and music entertaining people who flock here to see the memorial show and stroll through this truly picturesque market.

Take a train ride from Kanchanaburi to Nam Tok

Experiencing a train ride from town to Nam Tok is another popular thing to do in Kanchanaburi. While the journey takes +2 hours to cover 70km, it still is worthwhile. You will cross over the River Kwai Bridge, and the first half takes you through the countryside. The second part is more scenic as it goes through some narrow paths.

The train stops at some tourist attractions like Tham Krasae , where people are keen to see the Buddha statue inside the Wat Kra Sae Cave.

Relax on a bamboo rafting along the River

If you want an authentic experience of the River Kwai, there is no better way than a bamboo rafting ride. You can book it from your hotel, and after a short trip on a motorboat, you will descend the river by gently floating on the bamboo raft . Going for a sunset rafting tour for good light reflections is best.

Walk the Hellfire Pass

If you have visited a few war museums in town, once you are in Nam Tok, visiting the Hellfire Pass is a follow-on. Located on the way to Sai Yok National Park, many tour companies are offering a stop here as part of their packages. If you don’t want to hire a car, you can still visit it by taking the train to Nam Tok and then by truck taxi to the entrance.

🌟 Check out the River Kwai + Hellfire Pass Private Tour

There is also an interpretive centre on the history of the Pass and the Thai-Burma Railway. Most are live interviews of the POWs who survived. It’s impressive and moving to hear their stories and comments then. This memorial was built by the Australian Government and opened in 1998.

You must walk the entire length of the Hellfire Pass 2.6 km (one-way) and stop along your way to get a feeling of the harsh conditions in which the soldiers worked. You will see different kinds of tributes, Australian flags, photos, and poppies sticking out of the cracks of the Hellfire Pass; they are left by visitors and relatives of the soldiers and labourers who perished while completing this difficult task. Get the audio headset to enhance the whole experience.

Hike and Swim in the Erawan Falls National Park

This is one of the most photogenic places in Thailand, and you should not miss out on a day trip here. The Erawan National Park is about an hour’s drive from Nam Tok or 1.5 from Kanchanaburi town and the perfect place for hiking and swimming. Especially in the dry months, when the turquoise water will make it to a picture-perfect scenery.

🌟If you prefer a group, book an Erawan Waterfall + Train Full Day Tour from Kanchanaburi

Due to large tour groups flocking here to take pictures, getting there early in the morning is advisable if you want to walk and swim in peace. There is an entrance of 300 Baht, and beware that this place closes at 4.00 pm. Walking up to the 7-tiers multi-levelled pools is indeed one of the top-rated things to do in Kanchanaburi, and I highly recommend.

Visit the Srinakarin Dam

The Srinakarin Dam is just 15 15-minute drive north of Erawan National Park. This is a massive hydroelectric plant on the River Kwai Yai, which produces most of the power for the city of Bangkok. There is no public transportation to this place, but visiting the water reservoir is worth your time if you drive. The area is scenic, peaceful for further walking, and a lovely café for a break. You can also stay overnight.

Take a dip into the Hindad Hot Springs

You will be surprised, but this region also offers some great hot springs spots. And the Hindad Hot Spring is a hidden treasure of Kanchanaburi. While it is not popular among international visitors, locals flock here in large numbers. This natural spa has three pools with different hot thermal water temperatures. You can dip in each from 36 to 40 C and then walk into the icy cold river water just a few steps nearby to get the Kneipp effect. Next to being a relaxing spot, there is also an onsite Thai Massage. There is a small entrance fee for foreigners, 60 Baht, and 20 Bath for Thai. Get there before 8.00 am if you want to avoid the crowd.

Visit the Elephants World

In the Kanchanaburi region, many elephant camps offer rides on elephants. However, wildlife conservation groups are discouraged from riding elephants in Thailand, and so do I. If you’d like to come close to wildlife, I recommend ElephantsWorld , a different experience where you will interact with the animals. You will wash, feed, and learn about them without having the elephants perform or entertain visitors. Many volunteers are living at this camp, a non-profit organisation that uses all its money to fund the project.

Where to Stay in Kanchanaburi – Raft Hotels

One of the best things to do in Kanchanaburi is to stay in a raft hotel. This unique accommodation style is typical of this region in Thailand. The raft hotels in Nam Tok are built alongside the bank of the river.

A floating Raft House

While most are standard concrete buildings, the Raft Boutique Resort , where I stayed, is made with local natural resources, hardwood and bamboo platforms anchored to the shore. You will cross a small wooden bridge to enter your room, which is beautifully decorated, and each piece of furniture is individually designed and handmade. I spent a night at the Raft Boutique Hotel and loved it. It’s a great place for relaxation: you can sit on the balcony, floating on the river and overlooking the forest on the other side of the river.

More places to stay in Kanchanaburi Town

In Kanchanaburi Town , I stayed at the River Kwai Bridge Resort . This is a 5-minute walk from the bridge, Art Gallery and War Museum.

In Nam Tok, in the Kanchanaburi Province, I stayed at the Boutique Raft Resort and loved the unique experience of staying in a rafting house.

How to get to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok

From Bangkok, the easiest way is to take a bus from the Southern Terminal Bus Station (Sai Tai Mai) or Mochit (The Northern Bus Terminal). A one-way ticket will cost you between 100 and 150 Baht. There are however smaller vans and coaches that you can book online through 12Go.Asia.

I found a bus service very close to my accommodation by checking online. From Makassan Station, where the Airport Skyrail Link to Bangkok Airport is, I booked a seat on the 12 Go Asia Bus to Kanchanaburi. These bus rides are more expensive than the regular buses, but for 330 Bath, I think it was a good deal. It saved me time and the hassle of travelling across Bangkok to the Southern Terminal Bus Station.

Getting around in Kanchanaburi Town and Province

Tuk-tuk taxi services are the way to get around unless you want to walk. But the city is quite spread out, and you will need a car or a taxi to move around. Depending on the destination, a tuk-tuk taxi will cost you between 40 and 150 BHAT. There are also taxis on scooters if you prefer more adventure.

To get around from the city to more destinations like Nam Tok, the Train via the Death Railway is the way to go. While buses may take you on a day tour to Nam Tok and the Erawan Waterfalls, hiring a car is another good alternative if you prefer to move around independently. There is much to see in the Kanchanaburi region.

Booking Activities and Tours in Kanchanaburi

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1-Day Kanchanaburi Itinerary

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• Kanchanaburi in 1 day
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• 4-Day Kanchanaburi Itinerary
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1-day itinerary, wat tham suea (tiger cave temple).

Giant Monkey Pod Tree

Wat Tham Phu Wa

Jj night market kanchanaburi, river khwae bridge, safari park kanchanaburi, where to eat, floating raft restaurant, bicycle cafe garage and tavern, popular road trips from kanchanaburi, what's the weather like in kanchanaburi.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Kanchanaburi for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Kanchanaburi in January
• Weather in Kanchanaburi in February
• Weather in Kanchanaburi in March
• Weather in Kanchanaburi in April
• Weather in Kanchanaburi in May
• Weather in Kanchanaburi in June
• Weather in Kanchanaburi in July
• Weather in Kanchanaburi in August
• Weather in Kanchanaburi in September
• Weather in Kanchanaburi in October
• Weather in Kanchanaburi in November
• Weather in Kanchanaburi in December

All road trips from Kanchanaburi

• Kanchanaburi to Bangkok drive
• Kanchanaburi to Siem Reap drive
• Kanchanaburi to Pattaya drive
• Kanchanaburi to Singapore drive
• Kanchanaburi to Ho Chi Minh City drive
• Kanchanaburi to Hua Hin drive
• Kanchanaburi to Kuala Lumpur drive
• Kanchanaburi to Hong Kong drive
• Kanchanaburi to Hanoi drive
• Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya drive
• Kanchanaburi to Phnom Penh drive
• Kanchanaburi to Chiang Mai drive
• Kanchanaburi to Kathu drive
• Kanchanaburi to Krabi Town drive
• Kanchanaburi to Hoi An drive
• Kanchanaburi to Luang Prabang drive
• Kanchanaburi to Yangon (Rangoon) drive
• Kanchanaburi to George Town drive
• Kanchanaburi to Chiang Rai drive
• Kanchanaburi to Hue drive
• Kanchanaburi to Nha Trang drive
• Kanchanaburi to Vientiane drive
• Kanchanaburi to Macau drive
• Kanchanaburi to Melaka drive
• Kanchanaburi to Patong drive
• Kanchanaburi to Sukhothai drive
• Kanchanaburi to Da Lat drive
• Kanchanaburi to Bagan drive
• Kanchanaburi to Kolkata (Calcutta) drive
• Kanchanaburi to Halong Bay drive

Explore nearby places

• Kanchanaburi
• Dan Makham Tia
• Huai Krachao
• Kamphaeng Saen
• Suan Phueng
• Nakhon Pathom
• Song Phi Nong
• Erawan National Park
• Damnoen Saduak
• Bang Pla Ma
• Nakhon Chai Si
• Suphan Buri
• Phutthamonthon
• Bang Khonthi
• Samut Songkhram

All related maps of Kanchanaburi

• Map of Kanchanaburi
• Map of Tha Muang
• Map of Dan Makham Tia
• Map of Tha Maka
• Map of Huai Krachao
• Map of Bo Phloi
• Map of Chom Bueng
• Map of Kamphaeng Saen
• Map of Photharam
• Map of Suan Phueng
• Map of Bang Phae
• Map of U Thong
• Map of Nakhon Pathom
• Map of Song Phi Nong
• Map of Erawan National Park
• Map of Ratchaburi
• Map of Bang Len
• Map of Tha Kradan
• Map of Damnoen Saduak
• Map of Wat Phleng
• Map of Ban Phaeo
• Map of Bang Pla Ma
• Map of Nakhon Chai Si
• Map of Amphawa
• Map of Sam Phran
• Map of Suphan Buri
• Map of Dan Chang
• Map of Si Sawat
• Map of Phutthamonthon
• Map of Bang Khonthi
• Map of Samut Songkhram

Kanchanaburi throughout the year

• Kanchanaburi in January
• Kanchanaburi in February
• Kanchanaburi in March
• Kanchanaburi in April
• Kanchanaburi in May
• Kanchanaburi in June
• Kanchanaburi in July
• Kanchanaburi in August
• Kanchanaburi in September
• Kanchanaburi in October
• Kanchanaburi in November
• Kanchanaburi in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Kanchanaburi?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

• 1-Day Nakhon Pathom Itinerary
• 1-Day Damnoen Saduak Itinerary
• 1-Day Si Sawat Itinerary

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16 Eye-opening things to do in Kanchanaburi [+ where to stay]

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Just 2 hours away from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi holds a treasure trove of nature and history that will enchant you. Even better, there are many untouched attractions in Kanchanaburi that you’ll be glad to discover before most everyone else. To give you some ideas of what to expect, here are 16 of the best things to do in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.

Historical things to do in Kanchanaburi

Discover the remnants of world war ii at the death railway kanchanaburi.

The Death Railway is one of the most famous attractions in Kanchanaburi and one that you can’t miss. Also known as the Burma Railway, it was built by thousands of Allied Prisoners of War (POWs) and forced laborers during World War II, many of whom lost their lives because of it. 

The railway connects Thailand and Myanmar (formerly Burma). At the time, Japan had taken control of Burma from the United Kingdom and used this railway to supply its forces there. To fully understand the story and sufferings caused, we recommend visiting the Death Railway Kanchanaburi with a local guide.

Visit the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery 

After visiting the Death Railway, you can visit this memorial to pay respects to the victims. The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery is the main cemetery to remember almost 7,000 POWs victims who passed away during the construction of the Death Railway. 

Most of the POWs buried here were British, while others were Australian and Dutch. The remains of American POWs were returned to their homeland. 

Get the full World War II crash course at the JEATH War Museum 

For more insights into the history of the allied forces during World War II, it’s worth going to the JEATH War Museum. There, you can see the wartime relics which were used by the allied POWs, such as tools and weapons. An open area also exhibits the life and suffering of POWs building the Death Railway. This is an eye-opening experience, a sad one but worth to see if you want to understand better our recent history.

Cross the Bridge on the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi

If you’ve watched the 1957 war film “Bridge on the River Kwai,” then you’ll love to see this place for real. The bridge is one of the most important historical landmarks in Kanchanaburi. You can walk on it and soak the gorgeous view of the surrounding jungles and mountains. Plan your visit an hour before sunset and get the best shots from the river. 

Love and Road recommendation: We went for a day trip from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi with TakeMeTour and loved it. The trip covered some of the best things to do in Kanchanaburi. We visited the National Park, Sai Yok Waterfall, Kanchanaburi Death Railway, and the River Kwai. Watch our video of this day tour from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi and   book this TakeMeTour experience in Kanchanaburi here .

See the enshrined Buddha image in the Tham Krasae Cave 

Tham Krasae Cave houses a Buddha shrine that locals come to pray and pay their respects. The rock formation around it is also beautiful. There you will learn about its story during the Death Railway construction and its significance as a spiritual place for locals.   

Discover ancient temples at Mueang Sing Historical Park

This historical park is one of the best known Khmer-style temples in Sai Yok, Kanchanaburi. Marvel at the preserved shrine, tower gates, and ancient inscriptions in the courtyard, perfect for gorgeous shots.

Go back to prehistoric times at Ban Kao National Museum

Step back into the Stone Age and see how humans from roughly 2 million years ago lived. Located on the bank of the Kwai Noi River (approximately 35 kilometers from the Kanchanaburi city), Ban Kao National Museum stores a collection of prehistoric artifacts and archeological evidence. You will get to see ancient pots, ax heads, jewelry made from animal bones, and other objects. This museum is one of the top things in Kanchanaburi, you can’t miss if you’re a history buff.

Thailand Travel Tips: read our guides and travel recommendations here!

Nature places to visit in Kanchanaburi 

Trek to the 7-tiered waterfall at erawan national park .

If you love nature, then you should head to the Erawan Waterfall while you’re visiting Kanchanaburi. The waterfall is located in Erawan National Park. People come here to admire the 7-tiered Erawan Falls with turquoise ponds full of fish! If you want to go there hassle-free, the best option is to have a local guide, and you can also do it as a day trip from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi .

Refresh yourself at Sai Yok Noi Waterfall 

Looking for more waterfalls? Then, Sai Yok Waterfall in Sai Yok National Park is another can’t-miss. The dense jungle around the pool makes for a peaceful setting for you recharge your batteries. So, dip your toes in or go for a swim for a refreshing break from the sun.

Take a dip at Hin Dad Hot Spring 

Yes, there’s a hot spring in Kanchanaburi! Hin Dad is a natural hot spring filled with minerals that are said to treat various diseases. Whether or not that’s true, you for sure will be relaxed after a dip in the 45-55 degree hot springs.

Cooldown at Pha Tad Waterfall 

If you like camping and swimming, then come to Pha Tad Waterfall. It’s located deep inside the Khuean Srinagarindra National Park, located 140 km from Kanchanaburi. It’s a 3-tiered waterfall, a real natural beauty. The highlight you’ll see is the water flowing down along the 10-meter wide cliff, which is fantastic. It’s a great place to boost your energy after visiting all the top things to do in Kanchanaburi.

Cultural and unique things to do in Kanchanaburi

Experience the mon culture in sangkhla buri town .

About 3 hours northwest of Kanchanaburi, Sangkhla Buri is a small charming town and heaven of calmness with a rich history and diverse culture. It is home to many Mon people, part of the Mon ethnic group that was one of the first settlers of Southeast Asia. 

Start the day wandering at Wat Mon Temple, the spiritual heart of locals. If you’re there during the rainy season, don’t miss taking a boat ride to the Sunken Temple (or Wat Saam Prasob in Thai), which is almost entirely underwater. Also, be sure to catch the sunset at Mon Bridge, the longest wooden bridge in Thailand, and the second-longest in the world.

Live the traditional Thai lifestyle at Mallika Village  

Go off the beaten path to explore the vibrant Mallika Village in Sai Yok, Kanchanaburi. It’s a charming pop of color that will bring you back to ancient Thailand. The village has been restored to an open-air and interactive museum. The locals dress in traditional clothes, and you can join in on activities to experience the traditional Thai lifestyle there. 

Discover a unique blend of architectural styles at Pak Prak Heritage Street 

Pak Prak Heritage Street is the oldest community in the Kanchanaburi. This street is quiet but teeming with beautiful buildings in mixed architectural styles of Chinese, European, and Thai. There are Thai and English explanations in all the historic buildings. You can understand the architectural styles and discover the purpose of each of the buildings in the past was. Take your camera with you, or you’ll regret missing all the beautiful shots there! 

Find breathtaking views at Tham Sua Temple

Tham Sua Temple sits on a hilltop in Kanchanaburi. Climb 157 steps to reach the top and admire the stunning view. You can take a short cable car ride to the top as well. When you arrive, you will see a giant Buddha image resting in an open dome. Feel the peace while strolling around the temple compound.

Go the less trodden path at Pilok 

If you’re looking for the untouched, then Pilok is a lovely change of scenery in Thong Pha Phu, Kanchanaburi. It’s 95% covered in natural forests, and Pilok also has many exciting places to visit. Visit the Etong Village to enjoy the authenticity of a charming community. For beautiful misty views, mountainous landscapes and rare wildlife, go to Thong Pha Phum National Park and have a real wilderness experience.

You can book all these local tours in Kanchanaburi with TakeMeTour. Click here and choose the best activity for you!

Now that you know what to do in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, let’s move to the planning part. Below you will find the best hotels in Kanchanaburi, where to stay for any traveler and pocket. Plus, travel tips on how to get to Kanchanaburi and around. 

Where to stay in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

As you probably realized this far, Kanchanaburi is a real gem of Thailand. And even if you are tempted to go on a day trip from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, you might want to stay there for at least one night. It doesn’t matter how long you are planning to stay; it’s best to find accommodation in Kanchanaburi that will give you all the proper rest that you’ll need. To make things easier, we’ve selected some of the top choices of where to stay in Kanchanaburi, come along!

– X2 River Kwai Resort

This resort is a bit far from Kanchanaburi city, but it’s exceptional. Blending with the surrounding nature and facing a beautiful part of the Kwai Noi River, it offers a wide range of activities to keep you entertained for days. It’s the perfect floating hotel in Kanchanaburi, a place you want to stay when you feel that you’ve done enough and wanna treat yourself. X2 has 22 rooms (in 6 different types), a restaurant with an outdoor deck, a bar & bistro, an infinity riverfront pool, kayaking, bicycle rent, and much more.

Check the availability and book your room at X2 River Kwai Resort here!

– U Inchantree Kanchanaburi

The hotel sits on the north bank of the Kwai Yai River and just 5 minutes walking to the River Kwai Bridge in Kanchanaburi (even less if you get one of the free bicycles). The charming U Inchantree Kanchanaburi is a relaxing hotel, beautifully designed, with a great breakfast. Tip: enjoy the outdoor dining area to catch the sunset while listening to the birds by the river.

Click here to book a room at the U Inchantree Kanchanaburi!

– Good Times Resort

This accommodation in Kanchanaburi has a convenient location, offers cozy rooms, a right mix of Thai and western food, and breathtaking views. It’s no wonder that Good Times is a best seller hotel in Kanchanaburi, an affordable resort recommended for both families and couples.

Check the rates here and book your room at Good Times Resort in Kanchanaburi !

– Stamp Hostel

The Stamp is an adults-only hostel in Kanchanaburi and a super cool one! Guests praise the comfort of the property and how welcoming the hosts are. The spaces are clean and organized, and the light atmosphere invites you to make new friends, which makes Stamp one of the backpackers’ favorite hostels in Kanchanaburi.

Book your stay at the Stamp Hostel by clicking here!

And did you know you can rent a house, a boat, a castle or a room on Airbnb? Curious? Sign up here and get a discount on your first booking!

How to get to Kanchanaburi and around

It’s good to know that the best time to travel to Kanchanaburi is from November to March. Plan your trip according to the season, so no climate surprises will stop you from doing all the activities in Kanchanaburi. From November to March, the weather in Kanchanburi is drier and steady. From April and October, it’s humid and rainy.

If you’re an international traveler, you should first fly to Bangkok; Kanchanaburi is about 130 km west of Thailand’s capital. Some travelers choose to go on a day trip to Kanchanaburi, others stay longer, about 2 to 4 days. 

Check the best flights to Bangkok here and here !

From Bangkok (and other neighboring provinces), you can travel to Kanchanaburi by train or bus, as the city receives daily rail and road services.

Trains are leaving Thonburi railway station to Kanchanaburi two times a day. The train from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi takes approximately 3 hours. Buses (air-conditioned and non-air conditioned coaches) are departing from Sai Tai Mai (Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal) every 15 minutes or so. The bus from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi takes around 2 and 3 hours. You may also take a minibus to Kanachanburi in case you want to make the trip within 2h.

Check rates and best options here , on the 12GoAsia website you can find tickets for trains, buses, and minibus to Kanchanaburi departing from everywhere in Thailand.

For more tips for traveling by bus read our guide: How to travel around Thailand by bus .

Once you get to Kanchanaburi, it’s easy to go around. You can combine guided tours with renting bikes (bicycles and motorcycles – prices are reasonable, and gas is cheap). Hiring tuk-tuks, rickshaws, or songthaews are also a good option. Choose the one that gives you the best value, the prices will vary depending on how many people and the distances to the tourist attractions in Kanchanaburi that you want to visit.

Thailand Travel Tips: read our guides, inspiring stories, and travel recommendations here!

Let us know in the comments what you think or any questions you might have about what to do in Kanchanaburi, places to visit, and how to travel there!

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Bas Nattadon is a content writer from TakeMeTour and a young local from Bangkok who loves street food hunting in Chinatown, finding antique shops, and taking short day trips from Bangkok. Check their Instagram and Facebook .

4 thoughts on “16 Eye-opening things to do in Kanchanaburi [+ where to stay]”

I have always related Kanchanaburi with the Death Railway but I would never thought it has a lot of parks and waterfalls around the district. Great list!

It is a lovely place with a lot of green!

Great blog and thanks for penning down all the places to visit. The pictures of the railway track and waterfalls look amazing. Not to forget your beautiful vlog. Nice work on the blog!

Glad you liked Amal ?

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• 2 Days In Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi Itinerary 2 Days

Recommended itineraries for spending 2 days.

Covering the most popular attractions in the city, these are some great itineraries for 2 days in Kanchanaburi that are favoured by avid travelers. You will never regret choosing any of these itineraries.

Recent Itineraries for 2 Days in Kanchanaburi

Here are the recent itineraries by tourists who have visited Kanchanaburi. Stop wondering what to do for 2 days in Kanchanaburi as these trip plans will help you decide easily. Select any of the customised itineraries and modify it according to your preference to have a great weekend in Kanchanaburi.

2 Days in Kanchanaburi - Perfect Weekend Guide

Kanchanaburi is a small town located in western Thailand. Known for the infamous Death Railway, this town sits at the confluence of the rivers Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai. The city’s history and nature have attracted many visitors who come here to pay respects to the prisoners of war who died as a result of forced labor.

With 2 days & 1 night in Kanchanaburi, here is how you can make the most of your time.

How to spend 2 days in Kanchanaburi?

Day 1 in kanchanaburi.

Start your 48 hours in Kanchanaburi by first visiting the World War II cemetery. Also called the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery , this cemetery houses prisoner of war (POW) victims of the of Japanese imprisonment. With 6,982 POWs buried here, this is one of the largest cemeteries in the country. Next, walk along the Kwai River before making way to the Death Railway. Alternatively known as the Burma Railway, the Burma–Siam Railway, and the Thailand–Burma Railway , this site is an infamous and iconic railroad bridge over the Mae Klong River. The bridge’s horrific history is characterized by the death of more than 2,00,000 Southeast Asian civilian laborers and about 61000 POWs who were subjected to forced labor. After a quick lunch at Kitti Raft, head to the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum . This museum, through its many exhibits, recounts the gruesome past of how the Japanese army forced Allied prisoners in labor. On the way back, visit the Sai Yok Noi Waterfall. A great place to relax after a day’s sightseeing, these waterfalls are absolutely beautiful. Here, you can swim in its pools, or relax on the shore. Just before sunset, head back to the city.

Day 2 In Kanchanaburi

On the day 2, visit the Elephant’sWorld. Located about 40 kilometers northwest of Kanchanaburi, this elephant protection camp offers visitors one-on-one experiences with the mighty animals. Here you can feed the elephants, bathe them, and even play soccer with them. After lunch, be back in the city. In the afternoon, visit the Wat Tham Mangkornthong. This Buddhist temple is best known for its cave shrine and floating nun show. Before calling it a day, stop at the Wat Tham Khao Pun. A Buddhist temple, this temple is located inside a cave and features nine rooms, each with a statue of Buddha.

Tours and Activities in Kanchanaburi for 2 Days

Booking tours and tickets for popular attractions saves a lot of your time spent in a queue. Below are some of the tours and tickets recommended for 2 days in Kanchanaburi

Best Hotels in Kanchanaburi for 2 Day Trip

These are some of the hotels added in the past by our travelers to their Kanchanaburi itinerary 2 days. Check out the hotels that suit you and add them to your trip plan.

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If you are planning a trip for more than 2 days in Kanchanaburi, check out travel ideas for Kanchanaburi itinerary 3 days & 4 days in Kanchanaburi .

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Set at the confluence of two rivers, the Kwai Noi and the Kwai Yai, the provincial capital of KANCHANABURI makes the perfect getaway from Bangkok, a two- to three-hour bus ride away. With its rich wartime history, plentiful supply of traveller-oriented accommodation and countless possibilities for easy forays into the surrounding countryside, there are plenty of reasons to linger here, and many visitors end up staying longer than planned. The big appeal is the river: that it’s the famous River Kwai is a bonus, but the more immediate attractions are the guesthouses whose rooms overlook the waterway, many of them offering fine views of the jagged limestone peaks beyond.

The Bridge over the River Kwai

The death railway, around kanchanaburi.

The heart of Kanchanaburi’s ever-expanding travellers’ scene dominates the southern end of Thanon Maenam Kwai (also spelt Kwae) and is within easy reach of the train station, but the real town centre is some distance away, running north from the bus station up the town’s main drag, Thanon Saeng Chuto. Between this road and the river you’ll find most of the town’s war sights, with the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai marking the northern limit. Every day, tour groups and day-trippers descend on the Bridge, a symbol of Japanese atrocities in the region, though the town’s main war museums and cemeteries are actually much more moving. Many veterans returning to visit the graves of their wartime comrades are understandably resentful that others have in some cases insensitively exploited the POW experience – the commercial buzz around the Bridge is a case in point. On the other hand, the Thailand–Burma Railway Centre provides shockingly instructive accounts of a period not publicly documented outside this region.

The Chungkai war cemetery and a handful of moderately interesting temples – including cave temples at Wat Tham Khao Poon and Wat Ban Tham, the hilltop twins of Wat Tham Sua and Wat Tham Khao Noi, and a wat featuring a rather bizarre floating nun – provide the focus for pleasurable trips west of the town centre.

It’s worth noting that Kanchanaburi gets packed during its annual son et lumière

River Kwai Bridge Festival, held over ten nights from the end of November to commemorate the first Allied bombing of the Bridge on November 28, 1944, so book accommodation well ahead if you’re planning a visit then.

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Experience the vibrant culture and rich history of Bangkok, the natural beauty of Khao Sok National Park, and the serene beaches of Khao Lak in this unforgettable 8-day adventure.

From Bangkok to Hua Hin

Ideal for those not wishing to travel too far, this multi-centre trip to Thailand combines exciting Bangkok city with royal-favourite resort Hua Hin, just a few hours from the capital.

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This is a trip to Thailand for the adventurer. It takes in must-see Bangkok, exploring the city’s waterways by boat and delving into its lively and unique markets. From here you will head to Chiang Mai to admire awe-inspiring temples and then on to Hua Hin, just a few hour’s drive from Bangkok.

For most people, the plain steel arches of the Bridge over the River Kwai come as a disappointment: as a war memorial it lacks both the emotive punch of the museums and the perceptible drama of spots further up the line, and as a bridge it looks nothing out of the ordinary – certainly not as awesomely hard to construct as it appears in David Lean’s famous 1957 film, Bridge on the River Kwai (which was in fact shot in Sri Lanka). But it is the link with the multi-Oscar-winning film, of course, that draws tour buses by the dozen, and makes the Bridge approach seethe with trinket-sellers and touts. For all the commercialization of the place, however, you can’t really come to the Kwai and not see it.

The fording of the Kwai Yai at the point just north of Kanchanaburi known as Tha Makkham was one of the first major obstacles in the construction of the Thailand–Burma Railway. Sections of a steel bridge were brought up from Java and reassembled by POWs using only pulleys and derricks. A temporary wooden bridge was built alongside it, taking its first train in February 1943; three months later the steel bridge was finished. Both bridges were severely damaged by Allied bombers (rather than commando-saboteurs as in the film) in 1944 and 1945, but the steel bridge was repaired after the war and is still in use today. The best way to see the Bridge is by walking gingerly across the tracks, or taking the train right over it: the Kanchanaburi–Nam Tok service crosses it three times a day in each direction, stopping briefly at the River Kwai Bridge station on the east bank of the river.

Shortly after entering World War II in December 1941, Japan, fearing an Allied blockade of the Bay of Bengal, began looking for an alternative supply route to connect its newly acquired territories that stretched from Singapore to the Burma–India border. In spite of the almost impenetrable terrain, the River Kwai basin was chosen as the route for a new Thailand–Burma Railway, the aim being to join the existing terminals of Nong Pladuk in Thailand and Thanbuyazat in Burma – a total distance of 415km.

About sixty thousand Allied POWs were shipped up from captured Southeast Asian territories to work on the link, their numbers later augmented by as many as two hundred thousand conscripted Asian labourers. Work began at both ends in June 1942. Three million cubic metres of rock were shifted and 14km of bridges built with little else but picks and shovels, dynamite and pulleys. By the time the line was completed, fifteen months later, it had more than earned its nickname, the Death Railway: an estimated sixteen thousand POWs and hundred thousand Asian labourers died while working on it.

The appalling conditions and Japanese brutality were the consequences of the samurai code: Japanese soldiers abhorred the disgrace of imprisonment – to them, ritual suicide was the only honourable option open to a prisoner – and therefore considered that Allied POWs had forfeited any rights as human beings. Food rations were meagre for men forced into backbreaking eighteen-hour shifts, often followed by night-long marches to the next camp. Many suffered from beriberi, many more died of dysentery-induced starvation, but the biggest killers were cholera and malaria, particularly during the monsoon. It is said that one man died for every sleeper laid on the track.

The two lines finally met at Konkuita, just south of present-day Sangkhlaburi. But as if to underscore its tragic futility, the Thailand–Burma link saw less than two years of active service: after the Japanese surrender on August 15, 1945, the railway came under the jurisdiction of the British who, thinking it would be used to supply Karen separatists in Burma, tore up 4km of track at Three Pagodas Pass, thereby cutting the Thailand–Burma link forever. When the Thais finally gained control of the rest of the railway, they destroyed the track all the way down to Nam Tok, apparently because it was uneconomic. Recently, however, an Australian–Thai group of volunteers and former POWs has salvaged sections of track near the fearsome stretch of line known as Hellfire Pass, clearing a memorial walk at the pass and founding an excellent museum at the site. There have been a number of books written about the Death Railway, including several by former POWs; the Thailand–Burma Railway Centre stocks a selection, as do the town’s bookshops.

Riding the Death Railway

The two-hour journey along the notorious Thailand–Burma Death Railway from Kanchanaburi to Nam Tok is one of Thailand’s most scenic and most popular train rides. Though the views are lovely, it’s the history that makes the ride so special, so it’s worth visiting the Thailand–Burma Railway Centre in Kanchanaburi before making the trip, as this provides a context for the enormous loss of human life and the extraordinary feat of engineering behind the line’s construction (see Thailand–Burma Railway Centre). Alternatively, take the bus straight up to the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, just north of the line’s current Nam Tok terminus, which provides an equally illuminating introduction to the railway’s history, then return to Kanchanaburi by train. A good tip, to get the best views, is to make sure you sit (or stand) on the right-hand side of the train on the journey back to Kanchanaburi, and on the left-hand side when travelling towards Nam Tok.

Leaving Kanchanaburi via the Bridge over the River Kwai, the train chugs through the Kwai Noi valley, stopping frequently at country stations decked with frangipani and jasmine. The first stop of note is Tha Kilen (1hr 15min), where you can alight for Prasat Muang Singh. About twenty minutes later the most hair-raising section of track begins: at Wang Sing, also known as Arrow Hill, the train squeezes through 30m-deep solid rock cuttings, dug at the cost of numerous POW lives; 6km further, it slows to a crawl at the approach to the Wang Po viaduct, where a 300m-long trestle bridge clings to the cliff face as it curves with the Kwai Noi – almost every man who worked on this part of the railway died. The station at the northern end of the trestle bridge is called Tham Krasae, after the cave that’s hollowed out of the rock face beside the bridge; you can see the cave’s resident Buddha image from the train. North of Tham Krasae, the train pulls in at Wang Po Station before continuing alongside a particularly lovely stretch of the Kwai Noi, its banks thick with jungle and not a raft house in sight, the whole vista framed by distant tree-clad peaks. Thirty minutes later, the train reaches Nam Tok, a small town that thrives chiefly on its position at the end of the line.

Three trains operate daily along the Death Railway in both directions, but they often run very late. At the time of writing, they’re scheduled to leave Kanchanaburi at 6.07am, 10.35am and 4.26pm and to return from Nam Tok at 5.20am, 12.55pm and 3.30pm; Kanchanaburi TAT keeps up-to-date timetables. If you’re up at the Bridge, you can join the train five minutes later.

The parallel valleys of the Kwai Noi and the Kwai Yai, northwest of Kanchanaburi, are stacked full of great day-tripping opportunities, from the exceptionally beautiful Erawan Falls to the drama of a ride on the Death Railway and the pathos of the World War II museum at Hellfire Pass. There are Stone Age artefacts at the Ban Kao Museum, twelfth-century Khmer temple ruins at Prasat Muang Singh, the (controversial) opportunity to get up close to a tiger at the Tiger Sanctuary Temple and several good caves, including at Tham Than Lot National Park and the riverside Tham Lawa.

Many of these attractions are served by public transport, the train being an obvious option along the Kwai Noi valley as far as its Nam Tok terminus, with buses useful along both valleys. But train schedules are unreliable and bus connections can be time-consuming so many people either opt instead to join one of the many mix-and-match tours offered by Kanchanaburi agents or rent their own wheels for a day. Distances are not large, and there’s a handy connecting road between the two valleys just south of Nam Tok.

Erawan Waterfall

Considered by many to be the most beautiful falls in Thailand, Erawan Waterfall is the star attraction of Erawan National Park. It’s a great day out – so popular, in fact, that you can get a commemorative photo of yourself at the falls printed on a plate – and combines well with a ride on the Death Railway.

The falls really are astonishingly lovely: the clear glacial-blue waters gush through the forest, dropping in a series of seven tiers along a route of around 2km. At each tier, cascades feed a pool shaded by bamboo, rattan and liana, and the whole course can be walked, along a riverside trail that gets increasingly tricky the further up you go. The distance between tiers, and the ascent to each, is clearly spelled out on signs in the park. It’s just 720m from the visitor centre to level one, and then fairly easy going on and up to the dramatically stepped fifth stage (1800m). The route on to the sixth and seventh levels is steep and slippery and features some dilapidated bridges and ladders: wear appropriate shoes and avoid doing the last bit alone, if you can; it’s about a ninety-minute hike from bottom to top. The best pools for swimming are level two (which gets the most crowded) and level seven, which is a hard slog but rarely busy, and also boasts stunning views over the jungle. The seventh tier is topped by a triple cascade and is the one that gave the falls their name: Erawan is the three-headed god of Hindu mythology.

Boat trips from Nam Tok

You can rent a longtail boat (plus driver) from the restaurant beside Nam Tok’s Pak Saeng pier for the forty-minute boat ride upstream to Tham Lawa and its nearby riverside accommodation. To reach the pier from the Highway 323 T-junction, cross the road, turn southeast towards Kanchanaburi, then take the first road on your right; it’s 2km from here to the river. The return journey to the cave takes roughly two hours, including half an hour there, and costs B1000 for the eight-seater boat; for B2000 you can continue to Sai Yok Yai Falls, a six-hour return trip.

Day-trips, rafting and trekking around Kanchanaburi

All the places listed below advertise day- and overnight trips around the Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi areas, including infinite permutations of rafting, elephant-riding, Erawan Falls, Hellfire Pass and the Death Railway, sometimes with a short trek thrown in. Prices listed are per person, usually for a minimum of four. They all also do tailor-made guided tours to the war sights (often by boat or raft) and to Damnoen Saduak floating markets, and will also provide a cheap transport service – car plus driver but no guide – for the more accessible attractions. If you’re given the opportunity to visit Kanchanaburi’s “Monkey School” as part of your tour, you’re strongly advised to turn it down. The monkeys here are said to have been rescued from abusive owners, but now they spend their days chained up by the neck until they are coerced into performing circus tricks like shooting hoops and riding children’s bicycles.

Travel 63/1 Thanon Maenam Kwai t034 624441, w good-times-travel.com . Energetically run, with competitively priced day-trips (B900–1550/person) and longer treks that get good reviews. Especially popular for its two-day trip to a Karen area near Hin Dat hot springs, which includes four hours’ trekking each day (B3450/person, based on two sharing). Also offers cycle tours around Thong Pha Phum and Sangkhlaburi and can arrange for joint cycle tours to Ayutthaya.

99–101 Thanon Maenam Kwai t086 396 7349 or t087 153 4147, w tourkanchanaburi.com . Offers a twice-daily trip out to bathe elephants in the river (B650) as well as short bamboo rafting trips (B350). Longer full-day trips are also available (B750–1090) and for your fee you’re promised lunch, fruit, drinking water and an English-speaking guide.

To the west of town at 120/5 Moo 4, Tambon Nongbua t086 049 1662, w safarine.com . French-run kayaking specialist offering short, full-day and overnight kayaking trips in the Kanchanaburi area for B300–2850.

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8 Things to do in Kanchanaburi – Day Trip to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok

Kanchanaburi is a perfect destination to make a day trip from Bangkok. Besides the beautiful River Kwai and the Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi is also distinct for its tragic history.

Located 150 km to the west of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi was the place where prisoners of war were exploited under the Japanese army during World War II. They worked to build the rail route from Thailand to Myanmar, which now is called Death Railway.

Since the 1957 movie based on this tragic story, ‘The Bridge over the River Kwai’, Kanchanaburi became well-known and attracted many tourists, who wish to visit the museums, war cemeteries, and the Death Railway built by POWs with blood and tears as well as its lush nature and emerald lagoon.

Among the many attractions in Kanchanaburi, here are some of the best spots you can visit.

1. Bridge over the River Kwai & Death Railway

The Bridge over the River Kwai is the most famous and well-known part of the Death Railway. It is known that 16,000 POWs and about 100,000 slaves died during the construction, which is why it’s called Death Railway.

You can either walk across the bridge while enjoying the view at the small side platforms between the spans or take one of the trains in operation that cross the bridge every day. The most famous section of the railway is the way to the “Dangerous Curve (Krasae Cave)”. If you want to take a tour with a train ride of this section, click here .

👉 Click here to book River Kwai 1 Day Join-in Tour 👈

• Address: Ban Tai, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand
• Train Ticket Price: 100 baht for non-Thai nationality.

2. Hellfire Pass

Hellfire Pass was a part of the railroad where they needed to cut through a mountain to connect the tracks. This stretch of the railway was named as such because the POWs working on this site with torches at night resembled ‘hell’.  Visit Hellfire Pass in order to witness the cruel conditions of the POWS as well as other historical sites in Kanchanaburi with this tour!

👉 Click here to book Hellfire Pass Tour 👈

3. Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery is located across from Kanchanaburi railway station. This is where 7,000 POWs of the Death Railway, mostly from the U.K., the Netherlands, and Australia, are buried and commemorated. After the war ended, the Allies decided to move all the buried POWs bodies along the railway to either the cemetery in Kanchanaburi or in Myanmar if the POWs died closer to Myanmar(Burma).

The cemetery is neatly maintained. However, during the rainy season access to graves may be closed to prevent damage to the grounds.

If you want to visit Kanchanaburi War Cemetery with other famous attractions, simply join this tour .

• Address: 284/66 Sangchuto Rd, Tambon Ban Tai, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00

4. JEATH War Museum

JEATH War Museum, located close to the Bridge over the River Kwai, is where you can learn more about the construction of the Death Railway and the prisoners. The museum is named after the countries whose casualties were meant to be commemorated: Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand and the Netherlands. The building resembles the jail where the prisoners were incarcerated. It houses personal items such as photographs & clothes as well as some drawings by ex-prisoners depicting their life in the camps.

If you want to visit JEATH War Museum with other famous attractions, book this join-in tour .

This tour , which goes to JEATH War Museum and then further to the remoter Hellfire Pass instead of Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and Krasae Cave is another great option!

• Entrance Fee: 40 baht
• Opening Hours: 08:30-18:00

5. Krasae Cave

Krasae Cave is a small cave on the Death Railway near the famous Dangerous Curve. It has been said that this area was one of the most difficult to construct and the most dangerous sections of the Death Railway. This is the spot where you might have seen in a picture with people sticking out their heads from the windows of a train on Death Railway.

You can walk to the cave from Thamkrasae Station. However, there are no handrails, thus be careful not to trip. The train drivers are well-aware that tourists do walk the tracks in this area and normally give enough warning as they approach. It is absolutely worth trying the walk if heights don’t bother you.

Krasae Cave houses Buddha images that the locals have respected for a very long time. If you want to visit Krasae Cave with other famous attractions, the cheapest & easiest option is to book this join-in tour .

• Address: Lum Sum, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi 71150, Thailand

6. Cruise / Jet ski tour at River Kwai

The most luxurious ways to explore Kanchanaburi area would be by cruises or even jet skis along the River Kwai. Some people say it is the best thing to do in Kanchanaburi as you can really soak up the sceneries in such a chill environment.

If you define yourself as a thrill-seeker, jet skiing would be a better option for you than a cruise. Both options offer a short course (1hr, 1.5hrs) and a long course (2hrs, 2.5hrs). Choose based on your preference and schedule.

If you want to get on a cruise or a jet ski along the River Kwai, book this private tour . You can get on it with additional charges.

• Cost for cruises and jet skis – 1.5-hour River Kwai cruise: 1,400 baht per boat – 2-hour River Kwai cruise: 1,800 baht per boat – 1-hour River Kwai jet ski tour: 4,300 baht per 2 people – 2.5-hour River Kwai jet ski tour: 6,300 baht per 2 people

7. Erawan National Park

Besides its rich history, Kanchanaburi is also famous for its beautiful Erawan National Park and the Erawan Waterfall, a seven-tiered waterfall found inside the park.

When you visit Erawan Waterfall, don’t forget a towel and a swimsuit, because there are plenty of turquoise lagoons perfect for swimming. When swimming, you will find doctor fishes everywhere eating the dead skin off your feet. It takes some time to get used to the strange and tickling feeling, but you should definitely try it while at the Erawan National Park.

Erawan National Park and the waterfall is tricky to get there by public transit. The best way to get there is to book a private taxi or transfer service.

👉 Click here to book Erawan Waterfall 1 Day Private Taxi Tour 👈

If you want to take a join-in tour at an affordable price to Erawan Waterfall & River Kwai, here’s the perfect tour for you.

👉 Book Erawan Waterfall & River Kwai 1 Day Join-in Tour  👈

You can also include a visit to the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market or the Death Railway to your itinerary of the Erawan Waterfall and River Kwai tour, here are some more options!

👉 Book Erawan Waterfall & River Kwai & Damnoen Saduak Floating Market 1 Day Join-in Tour  👈

👉 Erawan Waterfall + Death Railway + River Kwai Bridge Tour 👈

Or if you are a nature lover and would like to visit other natural beauties along with the Erawan Waterfall, join in on this tour with a transfer service!

👉 Book Erawan Waterfall + Phrathat Cave + Srinakarin Dam 1 Day Tour 👈

• Address: Highway 3199, Tha Kradan, 71250 Si Sawat, Kanchanaburi, ตำบล ท่ากระดาน อำเภอ ศรีสวัสดิ์ กาญจนบุรี 71250, Thailand
• Entrance Fee: adult 300 baht / children 200 baht (for non-Thai nationality)
• Opening Hours: 07:00-17:00

8. Kanchanaburi ElephantsWorld

Located on the banks of River Kwai, Kanchanaburi ElephantsWorld is a sanctuary for abused, sick, or old elephants. If you are an animal lover visiting Kanchanaburi, why not head to ElephantsWorld to spend some time with these majestic creatures for a meaningful and insightful time? You can get join the tour to the sanctuary by clicking here!

👉 Book Kanchanaburi ElephantsWorld Visit 👈

• Address: Wang Dong, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71190 Thailand
• Entrance Fee: Adult (~12 yrs): 2270 baht, Child (4~11 yrs): 1360 baht

To travel Kanchanaburi, you can either take a join-in tour at an affordable price or a private tour with your choices of destinations in Kanchanaburi.

👉 Click here to book Kanchanaburi 1 Day Private Tour 👈

👉 Click here to book Erawan Waterfall 1 Day Private Tour 👈

If you want to know more about popular day trip destination near Bangkok, also read 👉 5 Nearby Day Trips from Bangkok (Central Thailand)

Last but not least, don’t forget to visit Trazy.com for more travel tips and ideas for your next trip to Thailand! 😉

Photo Credit Official Website of ElephantsWorld Landscape with river Kwae Noi seen from viewpoint at Wat Tham Khao Pun in Kanchanaburi, Thailand via photopin (license)

2 thoughts on “ 8 Things to do in Kanchanaburi – Day Trip to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok ”

I would like to join the “river kwsi and death railway 1 day join your in Kanchanaburi” online. But it will not accept my submission. Can you please help. We would like to join on 13 Oct. 2 people.

Hi Mandy, for booking issue, please kindly send us an email to ‘[email protected]’. We will check and get back to you as soon as possible 🙂

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