Near Bangkok in the west of Thailand you can find Kanchanaburi. It is a small city famous for its wonderful scenery and natural beauty such as pristine national parks, large forests, rivers and various nature reserves. This makes the city a good tourist destination in Thailand with different interesting activities such as trekking, rafting, biking, jungle trekking, paragliding, etc. Discover what things to do and see and do in Kanchanaburi and let yourself be carried away by its charm.
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Things to see in Kanchanaburi Thailand
1. The Bridge over the River Kwai
It was built for the Second World War on behalf of the Japanese army, in just two years. The idea was to take advantage of the strategic location of the area and to have a means of communication and transport with the Burmese military. The route today is different, but it is a great tourist attraction thanks to the views you have of the jungle. Although in the past this train was very dangerous, hence its name, today it is not, as it is revised. So, the travellers can get on and have a unique experience, although some sections are shocking.
Travellers tend to goon it as it offers a beautiful view of the city and the surrounding area. And you can enjoy the jungle in a more comfortable and pleasant way. We advise you to go with your camera ready, as well as to have some stops under control, as one of them is The Thailand-Bruma Railway Centre. The journey is about 2 or 3 kilometres and trains run three times a day. A standard ticket costs €2.63 and a tourist ticket costs €7.88.
2. The Thailand-Burma Railway Centre
This is an interactive museum about the Thailand-Burma Railway. Tthe centre is well air-conditioned and offers a unique and educational experience. History is shown from a biased point of view. The city is aware of its impact and so they conduct research into the details of Allied prisoners of war who died during World War II.
If you’d like to know more about the Second World War it’s a must see in Kanchanaburi. It’s located next to the war cemetery, you can see original photographs, objects and tools that were used, military and prisoner uniforms. It’s full of history. The entrance fee is €3.68 and they are open daily from 9:00 to 17:00.
3. The graveyard of war
The War Cemetery is located in the heart of the city centre and is easily accessible from the main roads, a 30-minute walk from the bridge over the River Kwai. Known as Don-Rak, it was designed by Colin St Cair Oakes as a tribute to all those who died during the Great War. Although 90,000 workers were killed during the construction of the railway, only around 6,000 people are remembered here. Most of them prisoners of the Allied side. You can see their names, ages and origins.
If you like history it is a quiet and beautiful place despite the background it conveys. In fact it is curious that many travellers find someone of the same nationality given the repercussions of the second world war. Nowadays it is like a garden area where there is a lot of green so it is beautiful to look at. It’s free to enter.
4. Wat Tham Seua Temple
You have to see it in Kanchanaburi. Known as the tiger cave, the temple is located on a small hill 15km from the city centre. Walk or take a funicular, although if walking are 157 steps, but it’s worth it. Also from the centre to this area you can go by minibus, public bus or taxi, located in the Khiriwong Valley area. It is one of the most important temples in the city. And a visit is a must not only for the beauty of the temple but also for the views you have from the top.
At first you can see the statue of a Buddha. It was built in 1973 along with two other smaller statues. It currently functions as a meditation centre, practising a form of Buddhism called Vipassana, which is based on the earliest Buddhist texts that were found. A curious fact is that you may encounter monkeys, so it’s best not to have too many necklaces in sight. Visiting hours are from 8:00 to 17:00. Admission is free, although if you want to go too deep you have to pay €0.5.
5. Wat Ban Tham Temple
Another must-see in Kanchanaburi is the Temple of the Dragon’s Mouth. In fact, many travellers have made the trip to the city from Bangkok just to visit it. This temple can be found 11km from Kanchanaburi and can be reached by climbing 150 steps. Although you can opt to rent a motorbike and climb to the top of the mountain going south towards Bangkok. The staircase comes out of the mouth of a dragon, hence its name. Both inside and out it is fascinating. In fact, the whole temple is built in the shape of a dragon. The most interesting thing is that inside you can see a kind of cave.
No doubt if you want to make a good tour to see everything you should wear comfortable shoes, but it is satisfying to get to the top of the temple, as we have views of the River Kwai and you can enjoy the scenery that gives you the mountains, besides seeing some animals, you also have a food and drink area so you can drink something because after all the effort you have to eat well. Visiting hours are from 8:00 to 17:00, and entry is free.
6. The train of death
It was built for the Second World War on behalf of the Japanese army, in just two years, the idea was to take advantage of the strategic location of the area and to have a means of communication and transport with the military in Burma. The route today is different, but it is a great tourist attraction thanks to the views you have of the jungle, although in the past this train was very dangerous, hence its name, today it is not dangerous, as it is revised so that travellers can get on and have a unique experience, although some sections are shocking.
Travellers tend to travel on it as it offers a beautiful view of the city and the surrounding area, and you can enjoy the jungle in a more comfortable and pleasant way, we advise you to go with your camera ready, as well as having some stops under control, as one of them is The Thailand-Bruma Railway Centre. The journey is about 2 or 3 kilometres and trains run three times a day. A normal ticket costs €2.63 and the tourist ticket costs €7.88
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What to see around Kanchanaburi
1. The Erawan Waterfalls
The Erawan Waterfalls are a must-see in Kanchanaburi if you’re one of those who can’t resist the urge to enjoy more than the usual city stuff. You can find them in the Erawan National Park located 65km from Kanchanaburi, they can be reached by bus, taxi or motorbike as they are a tourist attraction with buses running from the city centre here, bus fares are around €1.35.
There are about 7 waterfalls with different levels, each one more beautiful than the previous one. Although it is true that if your plan is to be quiet having a picnic we recommend you to go to the smallest one as the big one is usually very crowded, we also advise you to go early to get a place, and if you are one of those who need to take many pictures because you can’t help it, this place will make you fall in love with it. The entrance fee is €5.26 and it’s better that you go in the morning as it gets very crowded throughout the day.
2. Sai Yok Noi National Park
If there’s one thing Thailand is known for, it’s its natural beauty and majestic landscapes. And if you’re a fan of getting lost and letting nature surprise you, Kanchanaburi’s Sai Yok Noi National Park is a must-see. Located about 55km from the city centre, it is famous for the Sai Yok waterfalls, which are not as famous as Erawan but are very beautiful. It can be accessed by car or motorbike and is 10 metres from the river.
There is a crossing called the “Hellfire Pass section” which is a section that passes through a part that is no longer in railway use. We don´t recommend it if you have a fear of heights. However, if you are an adrenaline junkie the section Hellfire Pass is beautiful. Also, there are some caves that you could visit, there are 4 of them and they are accessed by a tourist route, some of them are up to 500 metres deep.
How to get to Kanchanaburi Thailand
If your idea is to travel from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi by car by road it usually takes between three to three and a half hours. But you can use a bus, book a minivan or take a taxi.
You can take a bus from the South Terminal for €3, which leaves at 5.30 or 6.30, or you can use a regional bus for 14 people if you’re in a group, which leaves at 8am and costs €7. These buses have a number 32.
If you’re travelling in groups it’s worth booking a minibus from the New Mochit Van Terminal, these cost around €4 per adult and take just three hours to get there.
The taxi option is the most expensive option, costing you €64 for the hours of travel.
In case you want to come to Kanchanaburi from Koh Tao the best option is to come by boat and then by bus. You can hire the Lomprayah charter company, everything usually costs €28.80
Where to eat in Kanchanaburi
On’s Thai Issan: It’s centrally located, typically offering Asian and Thai food, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. The dishes are quite large and they offer many options that you can order a la carte. Average price 9€.
Bell’s Pizzeria: Close to the River Kwai, if you’re not a fan of Thai food it’s a good option as they serve European food but mostly Italian, and it’s very famous for its pizzas. Average price €6.
Good Times Restaurant: It’s located in the River Kwai area. It offers both Asian and Thai food as well as international dishes from other countries such as pasta, burgers, etc. The restaurant is quite nice and cosy. Average price 16€.
Mangosteen Café and Books: Located near the Railway Museum and the River Kwai. The food on offer is mainly Thai and Asian, although there are options to order a la carte pasta and other types of food, they have many vegetarian dishes as well as vegan and gluten-free options. Average price 17€.
Zeb Zeb: Next to the war museum, famous for offering traditional Thai and Asian dishes, à la carte and vegetarian and vegan options. Average price €14.
Where to stay in Kanchanaburi Thailand
Tamarind Guesthouse: It is a guesthouse located 700 metres from Kanchanaburi Railway Station. All rooms have private bathrooms and air conditioning, room service with laundry facilities and free public parking. Average price 8€.
Bamboo House Resort: A 10-minute walk from the River Kwai Bridge and the War Museum. It offers air-conditioning, TV in rooms, and en suite bathrooms. It has a 24-hour front desk and free public parking. Average price €11.
River Kwai Bridge Resort: It is located 2km from the War Cemetery in the city centre. In its rooms we can find minibar, air conditioning, TV, bathtub, bottles of water and room service. The hotel has a swimming pool, includes breakfast and a massage option. Average price 22€.
Pechpailin Resort: Situated 9km from the war cemetery and 10km from the River Kwai Bridge. Rooms have TV, fridge, bathtub, air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Free parking, a swimming pool and a restaurant are also available. Average price €26.
What things to do in Kanchanaburi in 3 days
We recommend that depending on how many days you are going to stay, you organize yourself based on what you want to see and how much you can handle walking or what your limits are, as it is normal that you want to see everything and go to a thousand places, but it is very important that you rest well to enjoy at all times.
First Day:
Bridge over the River Kwai
Death Train
Second day:
Wat Tham Suea Temple or Wat Ban Tham Temple
Third day:
Sai Yok Noi National Park
Tips for your trip to Kanchanaburi
- The currency in Kanchanaburi is the Thai Bath ( BAHT = 0.026€)
- Bring your money in advance and have cash on you. Especially if you are going to buy something from a small local shop.
- If you have a lot of money left over, it is advisable to exchange currencies before leaving the country.
- In case you decide to go and see Kanchanaburi in summer, always bring along: water, hat or cap, sunglasses and sunscreen. Avoid going out during the hottest hours.
- When you go to natural parks, always wear comfortable clothes.
- Take a small first-aid kit for emergencies.
How to organise what things to do in Kanchanaburi
Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.
- Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers.
- Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
- Add the stops that interest you most, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
- Organise your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can take inspiration from the routes we present in the post)
- Check the travel budget that the app calculates according to your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make the modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
- Share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and recommend to other travellers what to see in Kanchanaburi.
If you have questions on how to do this, you can check out our post: How to create a travel itinerary on Passporter.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to Kanchanaburi
The answer is yes, you can trust them, but we recommend that you look on internet forums to see if they name a tour guide, it is very common that people who live there will give you a tour to make money, most of them are good people who want to help, but if you are afraid of being ripped off, it is better to use a tour guide from the tourist offices.
The dishes you should try are Pad Thai, Kiway Teow Lui Suan Suan Tom Yum Goom, Tom Kha Kai, Kai Med Ma Muang, Massam Curry and Som Tom. But if you are looking for sweets then you should try Kaho niao Mamuang, Kluay Buat Chi and Durian Ice Cream.
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