Kanchanaburi has a tumultuous history and boasts several impressive attractions. This combination makes it a place you shouldn’t miss during your trip to Thailand. A visit to Kanchanaburi offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature. You will learn about the terrible events that took place here during World War II, admire the most beautiful temples, and discover incredibly beautiful waterfalls in the vicinity of Kanchanaburi. Here are the essential tips for Kanchanaburi, including recommendations for the best things to do, good restaurants, transportation options, and great places to stay.
How to Get to Kanchanaburi?
Kanchanaburi is located just 150 kilometers (93.2 miles) west of Bangkok. Most people travel from Bangkok or Ayutthaya to reach Kanchanaburi, and below you’ll find information on how to get there from these destinations.
From Bangkok to Kanchanaburi
By minivan: The easiest way to travel to Kanchanaburi is by minivan. It’s a total journey of three hours, and the vans depart every 30 minutes. Check the departure times and reserve your bus tickets.
By train: From the Thonburi train station in Bangkok, there are two daily trains to Kanchanaburi. The first train departs at 7:50, and the other train departs at 13:55. A train ticket costs a few dollars and can be purchased at the train station. Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. The train journey takes a total of 3 hours.
From Ayutthaya to Kanchanaburi
What to do in Kanchanaburi?
There are plenty of things to do in Kanchanaburi, and here are the most interesting places.
Learn about history at Hellfire Pass
Hellfire Pass is a place with a gruesome history. During World War II, under the command of the Japanese, who were allies with Nazi Germany, the Burma Railway, also known as the Death Railway, was constructed. Originally planned to take about five years to complete, the Japanese decided to force both Allied prisoners of war and Asian laborers to work on its construction. Around the clock, they worked under the most horrific conditions, and the 415-kilometer-(257.2 miles) long Burma Railway was completed in just 16 months. Between 80,000 and 100,000 people died due to forced labor and diseases during the construction of the railway.
Hellfire Pass is the deadliest section of the railway. The majority of the men who worked on this part of the railway lost their lives here. During a visit to Hellfire Pass, you can take a walk while listening to a Dutch-language audio tour that guides you step by step through the intense story of Hellfire Pass. Remember to bring water for the walk, as it can get very hot here in the afternoon.
Tip: Hellfire Pass is an hour’s drive from Kanchanaburi. You can get there by scooter, taxi, or train. Check with your accommodation for the exact train schedules as they can change regularly.
Walk across the Bridge over the River Kwai
The Bridge over the River Kwai is a railway bridge in Kanchanaburi and is the symbol of the Burma Railway. The bridge served as a supply route between Thailand and Myanmar, and many workers labored under poor conditions. Nowadays, a train still passes over the bridge a few times a day, but when there is no train, you can walk across it. It’s an impressive moment to reflect on the events while looking out over the River Kwai.
Tip: Beforehand, watch the Oscar-winning film “Bridge over the River Kwai” to get a good understanding of what took place here.
Take a train ride on the Burma Railway
If you want to see more of the Burma Railway and the Kanchanaburi area, it’s a great idea to take a train ride. Three times a day, a train departs from Kanchanaburi station and takes you to the final station, Nam Tok, in two hours. Along the way, you can enjoy the most beautiful views. When you reach the Nam Tok station, it’s nice to visit the Sai Yok Noi waterfall. Make sure to check the train’s departure time back to Kanchanaburi so you don’t miss it. It’s advisable to leave early in the morning to ensure you have a train to return on.
Visit the Death Railway Museum
The Death Railway Museum is highly recommended if you want to learn more about what happened in Kanchanaburi during World War II. It may not be a large museum, but it offers a wealth of interesting and informative exhibits. Opposite the Death Railway Museum, you’ll find a war cemetery where approximately 7,000 victims are buried, including nearly 2,000 Dutch nationals.
Explore the Erawan Waterfalls from Kanchanaburi
After delving into the history of Kanchanaburi, it’s time to relax, and there’s no better place to do that than at the Erawan Waterfalls. I’ve visited many waterfalls in my life, and the Erawan Waterfalls are hands down the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.
The Erawan Waterfalls consist of seven levels in total. To see the entire waterfall, you’ll walk along a path through the jungle, ascending to a higher level with each step. As you go higher, the climb becomes more challenging. Thankfully, you can take refreshing dips in the crystal-clear pools along the way. Don’t forget to wear your swimwear and don’t be surprised if little fish start nibbling on your toes. From level 1 to 7, it’s approximately a 1.5 km walk on a well-marked path. Wear proper shoes, especially for the last two levels, as there’s some climbing involved. It’s definitely worth making the trek all the way to level 7, as that’s where you’ll find the best swimming spots.
The Erawan Waterfalls are about an hour’s drive from Kanchanaburi. It’s recommended to go there as early as possible, as it tends to get crowded during the day. Visiting the Erawan Waterfalls is much more impressive when you have it almost to yourself. Additionally, try to avoid weekends as they tend to be busier due to local visitors. The Erawan Waterfalls open at 08:00.
Climb through the Dragon’s Mouth at the Dragon Head Cave Temple
The Dragon Head Cave Temple, also known as Wat Ban Tham, is a must-visit when you’re in Kanchanaburi. Climb up the many steps, and at the top, you’ll enter a beautiful cave through the dragon’s mouth. Inside the cave, you’ll find a large golden Buddha, creating a mystical atmosphere. At the top of the mountain, there’s a second temple with a beautiful view of the River Kwai. It’s quite a challenging climb, so it’s recommended not to go during the hottest part of the day. Bring enough water and cover your shoulders and knees.
Visit the Tiger Cave Temple
Just 4 km from the Dragon Head Cave Temple, you’ll find the Tiger Cave Temple, also known as Wat Tham Sua in Thai. These temples can be perfectly combined in your visit. In my opinion, the Tiger Cave Temple is one of the most beautiful temple complexes in Kanchanaburi. In 1973, the largest Buddha in the entire Kanchanaburi region, known as Chin Prathanporn, was built here. Enjoy the view of the rice fields and observe how the Thai people pay homage to Chin Prathanporn. Dress appropriately and cover your shoulders and knees.
Enjoy a meal amidst the rice fields at Meena Cafe
Chances are, you’ve worked up an appetite after visiting the temples. It’s time for a refreshing smoothie! Meena Cafe is located nearby, and it’s a trendy spot amidst the rice fields with a beautiful view of the Tiger Cave Temple. They have an extensive menu offering delicious smoothies, pastries, and even savory treats like mini pizzas.
Admire the Giant Raintree
Just a 15-minute drive from Meena Cafe stands a massive tree that’s over 100 years old. This tree has beautiful shapes, and many people like to take a moment to relax in its presence. There are also dining areas around the tree, and you can even feed the goats. It’s a great place to visit if you have your own transportation.
Explore the Night Market of Kanchanaburi
JJ Night Market is a lively evening market that is open every night of the week. At the market, you can shop for clothes and browse through numerous food stalls where you can enjoy delicious meals at affordable prices.
Extra Tip: Stay in a Floating Bungalow on the River Kwai
Hidden in the jungle is a truly unique accommodation where you can stay in a floating villa on the River Kwai. At The Float House River Kwai, you’ll be surrounded by nature right on the river. The bungalows are stylishly decorated with natural materials, and from the king-size bed, you’ll have a fantastic view of the river and the jungle. On the veranda with lounge chairs, you can peacefully enjoy the beauty of nature, and in the morning, you can jump right into the water for a refreshing swim. There’s a restaurant where you can have delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Engage in fun activities like kayaking or paddleboarding. It’s also enjoyable to take a dip in the river and let the current carry you along. At the end of the hotel, there’s a raft where you can climb out of the water. If The Float House River Kwai is fully booked, River Kwai Jungle Rafts is a good alternative.
Note: This hotel is a 45-minute drive from Kanchanaburi. Therefore, it’s not a convenient base for exploring Kanchanaburi but rather a unique accommodation option after visiting the city. I recommend staying here for at least two nights due to the travel time and to fully enjoy this paradise.
Tips for Good Restaurants in Kanchanaburi
On’s Thai Issan – During my visit to Kanchanaburi, I ate at this vegan restaurant almost daily. From delicious healthy smoothies to Thai curries, I tried a bit of everything, and it all tasted amazing.
Kan Buri – Here, you can enjoy tasty Thai cuisine. The extensive menu offers a variety of Thai dishes, as well as pizza for those who prefer something non-local.
Meena Café – You’ve already read about this trendy café earlier in this article. Meena Café is located near the Tiger Cave Temple, amidst the vast rice fields.
Loft Restaurant & Bar – Here, you can have a delightful lunch or dinner with a view overlooking the River Kwai.
JJ Night Market – As mentioned above, JJ Night Market is a lively evening market with numerous food stalls where you can enjoy affordable meals.
Our favorite places to stay in Kanchanaburi
The Thai Guesthouse is located in a peaceful yet central area of Kanchanaburi, close to restaurants and attractions. It has a relaxed atmosphere and is run by a lovely family. You’ll stay in an air-conditioned double room with a refrigerator. If you’re looking for more luxury, the modern Chez Bure offers a delightful stay. The rooms are stylishly decorated and equipped with luxurious amenities such as a rain shower, excellent air conditioning, and a large bed. For budget travelers who enjoy meeting fellow travelers, the Asleep Hostel is perfect. Mimi, the host, is incredibly kind and will do everything to make your stay enjoyable. This hostel offers only dormitory rooms.
  Thai Guesthouse |
  Chez Bure |
  Asleep Hostel |
