Kanchanaburi is the third largest province in Thailand. Just 2.5 hours away by land from Bangkok, it is a tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Kanchanaburi is well-known for its World War II history and the major tourist destinations associated with it, such as the Death Railway, the River Kwai Bridge (made famous by the movie River Kwai Bridge), and Allied War Cemetery. Despite its tragic history and tear-jerking tourist attractions, there’s more to Kanchanaburi for everyone.
Over the years, Kanchanaburi has kept its laidback appeal and tourists can enjoy the serene river running through magnificent scenery, hike and take a dip in the turquoise waterfalls, pray at splendid Buddhist temples and go back in time and experience the Siamese lifestyle in a retro-city that recreates the golden era during the reign of King Rama V.
I’ve rounded up the top things to do and see in Kanchanburi here. Feel free to pick whatever interests you. If you have more suggestions, comment down below.
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TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS
KANCHANABURI TOURIST SPOTS
1. DEATH RAILWAY AND BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI
The Death Railway, also called the Thai-Burma Railway is a popular Kanchanaburi attraction with a heartbreaking story. During the World War II when the Japanese already invaded Thailand, they also wanted to seize control of Burma from United Kingdom, so they planned to bring weapons and soldiers to Burma, through a railway connecting Thailand to Burma, thereby forcing hundred thousand British, Dutch, Australians, and Americans soldier prisoners and Southeast Asian laborers to build the said rail. The construction led to hundred thousand death, and many of the prisoners of war (POW) are now buried at the Kanchanburi War Cemetery.
Part of the Death Railway is the River Kwai Bridge, which is featured in the Academy Award-winning movie “The Bridge on the River Kwai”. Though the bridge blown up in the movie is not the bridge in Kanchanaburi, but a bridge built for the movie in Sri Lanka. The actual River Kwai Bridge was built on the Mae Klong River joining the Khwae Noi River somewhere. The former was later renamed Khwae Yai, now quite closer to the name of the bridge.
Note: The River Kwai Bridge can be pretty crowded in the morning once the tourists joining package tours arrive. Best to go here early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- BRIDGE OF THE RIVER KWAI
- Address: Maenam Khwae Road, Tha Makham Mueang, Kanchanaburi
- GPS: 14°02’44.4″N 99°30’14.6″E
- Entrance Fee: FREE
- Open Hours: 24/7
- How to get to the River Kwai Bridge: Hire a tuk-tuk from your hotel/guesthouse for roughly THB80 (₱151/$2.40) – THB100 (₱189/$3) to take you to the River Kwai Bridge. Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle for roughly THB100 (₱189/$3) for 1 day. Or motorbike/scooter for THB300 (₱567/$9) – THB400 (₱756/$12) for 1 day.
For a hassle-free tour, you may book a Kanchanaburi tour package:
KANCHANBURI DAY TOUR: RESERVE HERE OR BOOK HERE
KANCHANABURI INSTAGRAM TOUR (Day tour from Bangkok): BOOK HERE
*If you’re going to book the activities/tour via Agoda, make sure to use my promo code: THEPINAYSOLO for more savings. You can redeem code here: CLAIM CODE HERE this will automatically add the code your Agoda account. Then, before submitting the payment, double check if the discount for the THEPINAYSOLO was applied. You can have 2 coupons/promo code per tour/hotel booking – the Agoda discounted promo price and the discount using my promo code.
2. JEATH WAR MUSEUM
The JEATH War Museum is a stone throw’s away from the River Kwai Bridge, and another famed tourist spot in Kanchanaburi. The name is derived from the first letters of the country involved during the World War II in Kanchanburi – Japan, England, Australia/USA, Thailand, and Holland. It is situated in the grounds of a temple named Wat Chai Chumphon, which is maintained by a monk. It houses war relics, the bomb that didn’t explode, letters and artworks from POWs, their family members and interviews of POWs. One of the galleries here was even designed like attap, bamboo shelter where the prisoners of war lived during the war.
While you are at it, check out the intricately-designed Buddhist Temple beside the JEATHWar Museum. The beautiful wall paintings here are worth checking. I think it is the temple of the monks responsible for maintaining the museum, but outsiders are allowed to visit it.
- Address: inside the temple grounds of Wat Tai, Ban Tai, Mueang, Kanchanaburi
- GPS: 14°01’00.5″N 99°31’49.4″E
- Entrance Fee: Foreigners THB 50 (₱94/$1.50), Thai THB 10 (₱19/$0.30),
- Open Hours: Daily 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Nearby Kanchanaburi Tourist Spot: Bridge of the River Kwai
- How to get to the JEATH War Museum: Hire a tuk-tuk for approximately THB 80 (₱151/$2.40) – THB100 (₱189/$3) to take you the JEATH War Museum. Or rent a bicycle or motorbike. If coming from the River Kwai Bridge, you can just walk to the museum.
3.CHONG KAI ALLIED WAR CEMETERY
While most tourists in Kanchanburi go to the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and skip Chong Kai War cemetery, it is an equally important war cemetery in Kanchanaburi situated about 3 km south of the River Kwai Bridge at the bank of Kwai Noi River. I biked here during my trip to Kanchanaburi and it was eerily quiet, makes you wonder how the scene here was like back in days when it was the site of the Allied prisoner-of-war camp during the World War II. During that time, prisoners even built their hospital and church nearby. This beautifully landscaped cemetery is home to the graves of 1,400 Commonwealth soldiers and 300 Dutch soldiers, most of them died at the neighboring hospital.
- CHONG KAI ALLIED WAR CEMETERY
- Address: 2G47 + 3Q4, Tha Ma Kham, Mueang Kanchanaburi
- GPS:14°00’18.8″N 99°30’52.0″E
- Entrance Fee: FREE
- Open Hours: Daily 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- How to get to the Chong Kai War Cemetery: Rent a bicycle from your guesthouse/hotel and cycle to the Chong 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
4. KANCHANABURI CAVE TEMPLES
My visit to Wat Tham Khao Pun turned out to be more memorable than I expected . Along the way, one of the Buddhist monks kindly guide me toward the cave. I was the only tourists, the rest are monks. Outside, we met up with his fellow Buddhist monks and had a quick, friendly chat before they proceeded to the other off-limits temple to pray. It was a simple encounter, but one that made the visit more special.
Wat Tham Khao Pun itself was fascinating, with Buddha images, shrines, and natural limestone formations tucked inside its chambers. But the temple also holds a darker chapter of history. During World War II, part of the area was used as a Japanese POW camp, and parts of the cave were reportedly used as a wartime hospital, but I can’t really find a more detailed information regarding this.
Standing inside the peaceful cave, knowing its wartime past, made the experience feel even more meaningful – a place where spirituality, nature, and history quietly blend together.
- WAT THAM KHAO PUN
- Address: 8, Nong Ya, Mueang, Kanchanaburi District
- GPS:14°12’49.7″N 99°33’29.2″E
- Entrance Fee: THB 30 (₱57/$0.90)
- Open Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Nearby Kanchanaburi Tourist Spot: Chui Kai Allied War Cemetery
- How to get to Wat Tham Kao Pun:Hire a tuk-tuk or songthaew to take you to Wat Tham KHao Pun. Or rent a bicycle or motorbike. I biked to Wat Tham Kao Pun after my visit to Chui Kai Allied War Cemetery.
5.WAT THAM SUEA + WAT THAN KAO NOI
If you’ve had your fill of World War II spots in Kanchanaburi, you can visit the temples sprinkled around the province. My personal favorites are Wat Tham Suea (Thai-styled temple) and Wat Than Kao Noi (Chinese-inspired temple), not only because of their elaborate architecture, but also because of the surrounding scenery. The temples are located on top of a limestone hill near the Mae Khlong River. It is definitely one of the most beautiful and Instagram-worthy temples in Thailand.
As I entered the temple gates, I took an old-looking cable car going up. It looks dodgy, but it took me right on top safely. But if you want to climb the 157 steps stairs (if you still have energy), you can also do so. As I reached the summit, the giant golden Buddha crowning the temples dwarfed me. It is standing at 18 meter high and as I looked closer, it is actually made of golden mosaic. I was lucky because there weren’t much tourist when I visited Wat Tham Suea and and Wat Than Kao Noi. I even chanced upon some young monks wearing their tangerine robes happily snapping photos at the temple. The gigantic Buddha is surrounded by intricately-designed stupas. The biggest stupa contains murals that are mostly about the war with Burma and the Buddha images in different postures.
Wat Tham Suea (also Wat Tham Sua) is said to be called Tiger Temple, not to be confused with the infamous Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi with actual tigers that was raided and closed to the public. I did notice some tiger statues flanking the base of the hill next to the cable car and there’s also near the stupa beside the beside the giant Buddha. But the temple was called such because there’s a cavern here where tigers used to live, but now, only a small tiger shrine can be seen inside the cave.
Beside Wat Tham Suea is the equally beautiful temple named What Than Kao Noi. It reminds me of Chinese temples I visited before. Wat Than Kao Noi is a Buddhist temple flanked with intricate tiled Buddha images and bells. Each floor contains Buddha statues. Make sure to climb this temple and soak in the stunning view of the green farmland surrounding the temples below. It offers the best view of Wat Tham Suea. I spent a few hours just sitting and roaming around this temple because I can’t get enough of it. It is so dreamlike that I don’t want to leave! My only regret is I didn’t I have a tour guide to explain to me the history and the details of these temples, I would love to learn more about it.
- WAT THAM SUEA AND WAT THAN KAO NOI
- Address: Muang Chum, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi
- GPS:13°57’15.1″N 99°36’18.6″E
- Open Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- *Entrance Fee: FREE, cable car going up is about THB 20 (₱38/$0.60), if not working there’s a FREE stairs (157 steps)
- How to get to Wat Tham Sua: You can join group tours or hire a tuk-tuk or taxi to take you to Wat Tham Sua. Or you can hire a tuktuk or songthaew for roughly THB 800 (₱1,511/$24) – THB1,000 (₱1,889/$30) roundtrip. Negotiate the price with the driver before boarding and make sure you agree with the waiting time. You can bundle with other nearby tourist spots and just pay additional, again, make sure you agree with the rate first.
6. KANCHANABURI SAFARI PARK
One of the most popular Kanchanburi things to do is is a visit to Kanchanaburi Safari Park, where you’ll get a chance to see wild life animals up close in a more interactive setting. From feeding giraffes to spotting zebras, deers, and other animals, the experience here feels like a little adventure outside the city.
KANCHANBURI SAFARI TOUR: RESERVE HERE OR BOOK HERE
7.ERAWAN NATIONAL PARK
One of the main reasons why I visited Kanchanaburi is to see the most famous tourist destination here – the 7-tiered Erawan Falls, located inside the confines of the Erawan National Park on Tenassirim Hills. The name was coined from “erawan”, the 3-headed white elephant in Hindu mythology, which is said to resemble the top-tier of Erawan Falls.
Erawan Waterfalls is composed of 7 levels, which are not that hard to reach. The 1st level of Erawan Falls is called Hlai Khuen Rung, about 500 meters from the beginning of the trail. It has picturesque teal-colored water that flows into the pool with little fishes that can nibble your feet’s dead skin like those found on fish spa. The place is usually crammed though as this spot is a popular picnic place for the locals. There are also food stalls here, so you don’t have to worry about packed lunch. You can indulge on local foods here like rice, grilled chicken, somtam, etc.
Wang Macha, the 2nd level of Erawan Waterfalls is another Instagram-worthy attraction in Kanchanaburi. The sapphire-colored water pouring into tranquil natural pools and rock formations makes for a perfect place for swimming. There are comfort rooms, shower rooms, and changing rooms here.
Meanwhile, the 3rd level of Erawan Falls called Pha Namtok plunges into a massive natural pool clad by towering trees and greeneries. The 4th level of Erawan Falls called Oke Nang Peesu is bit farther, but it’s another crowd pleaser due to its natural waterpark, where visitors can slide and bathe in the refreshing artic-colored water.
Buea Mai Long, the 5th level of Erawan Falls is another postcard-worthy waterfalls boasting of mint-colored water plunging into gorgeous travertine pools. It’s a good place for swimming due to the refreshing calm water surrounded by jungle. It reminds me of a part of Aguinid Waterfalls in Cebu, Philippines.
The 6th level of Erawan Waterfalls called Dong Prucsa is quite difficult to reach compared to the other levels. Needless to say, it’s worth the adventure. The falls here reminds me again of one of the falls in Cebu, the water tumbling down massive rock formations before flowing into the pool. The Phu Pha Erawan is the 7th level of Erawan Waterfalls and is shaped like “erawan” – the 3-tiered white elephant in the Hindu mythology.
- ERAWAN NATIONAL PARK
- Address: Tha Kradan, Si Sawat District, Kanchanburi, Thailand
- GPS:14°22’33.1″N 99°08’38.4″E
- Entrance Fee: Foreign adult THB 300 (₱567/$9), foreign child THB 150 (₱283/$4.51)
- Open Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- *How to get to the Erawan Waterfalls: Go to Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal. Take the local bus # 8170 to Erawan Falls/Erawan National Park. Bus fare is roughly THB 60 (₱113/$1.80) and travel time is roughly 1.5 hours.
- Bus Schedule to and from Erawan Falls:
- Kanchanaburi to Erawan Falls Bus Schedule: Mon- Fri: 8:00 AM, 9:40 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 AM, 4:00 PM, 5:40 PM
- Kanchanaburi to Erawan Falls Bus Schedule: Sat-Sun: 8:00 AM, 9:40 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 5:40 PM
- Erawan Falls to Kanchanaburi Bus Schedule: Daily 5:20 AM, 6:10 AM, 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 AM, 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM
KANCHANBURI DAY TOUR w/ Erawan Falls: RESERVE HERE OR BOOK HERE
If you’re going to book the activities/tour via Agoda, make sure to use my promo code: THEPINAYSOLO for more savings. You can redeem code here: CLAIM CODE HERE this will automatically add the code your Agoda account. Then, before submitting the payment, double check if the discount for the THEPINAYSOLO was applied. You can have 2 coupons/promo code per tour/hotel booking – the Agoda discounted promo price and the discount using my promo code.
Note: If you are bringing water bottle to Erawan Falls Level 2 and up, you need to pay a deposit to the park rangers, which you will get back once you get down and bring back your water bottle. This is to ensure that you don’t leave your trash at the park. Drinking of liquor is prohibited at Erawan Park. Make sure to read the rules and reminders at the park to avoid accidents and hefty penalty.
8. MUEANG SINGH HISTORICAL PARK
This is another must-see Kachanaburi tourist attraction. When the Khmers abandoned Kanchanaburi, they left behind several Bayon-style temples (similar to the temples in Cambodia) dotting the landscape of Sai Yok District on the western side of the province, near the Myanmar and Yunnan, China border. Some of them can now be visited by tourists traveling to Kanchanaburi at the stunning Mueang Singh Historical Park, fringed by lush jungle. Built during the rule of King Jayavarman during the thriving era of Khmer Empire, the tranquil historical park is crowned by the main shrine here – Prasat Muang Singh Temple, proudly standing on the midst of the estate. The age-old temples at Mueang Singh are mostly made of laterite, which explains their marmalade shade. The Buddhist temples here are dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva and the property is also believed to have served as a military post and transit of trade along the Mae Nam Khwae Noi.
Adjacent to the nearby river is 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. Some locals also sell goods here.
- MUEANG SINGH HISTORICAL PARK
- Address: Sing, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi
- GPS:14°02’21.1″N 99°14’37.0″E
- Entrance Fee: Foreign adult THB 100 (₱189/$3), Thai THB 20 (₱38/$0.60), Car THB 50 (₱94/$1.50)
- Open Hours: Daily 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- How to get to the Mueang Singh Historical Park: Take a bus/minivan towards Sai Yok/Thong Pha Phum/Sangkhla Buri. Tell the driver you are getting off at Pak Kilen Junction. Then take a tuktuk or motorcycle taxi to Mueang Singh Historical Park.
HOW TO GET TO KANCHANABURI
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BANGKOK TO KANCHANABURI BY TRAIN
There’s a historic train route along the Bangkok Noi-Nam Tok rail line that runs from Thonburi Station in Bangkok to Kanchanaburi.
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BANGKOK TO KANCHANABURI BY BUS
From either the Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) or the Bangkok North Bus Terminal (Mo Chit), you can take a bus to Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Travel time is roughly 2.5 hours. Bus fare from Bangkok South Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) to Kanchanaburi starts at THB 120 (₱227/$3.61) per way. Bus fare from Bangkok North Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) to Kanchanaburi starts at THB 130 (₱245/$4) per way.
BUS TICKET: RESERVE HERE
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BANGKOK TO KANCHANABURI BY MINIVAN
There are also minivans to Kanchanaburi from Victory Monument in Bangkok and Khao San Road.
BUS TICKET: RESERVE HERE
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BANGKOK TO KANCHANABURI BY PRIVATE CAR OR VAN
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 cost.
CAR RENTAL: BOOK HERE
GETTING AROUND KANCHANABURI
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BY TOUR PACKAGE
A hassle-free 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 you are visiting.
KANCHANABURI DAY TOUR FROM BANGKOK: RESERVE HERE
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BY TUKTUK
Short rides in downtown Kanchanaburi will cost around THB80 (₱151/$2.40) – THB100 (₱189/$3) per ride.
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BY BIKE
Bike rentals starts at approximately THB 100 (₱189/$3) for 1 day.
KANCHANABURI BIKE TOUR: RESERVE HERE
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BY MOTORBIKE
Motorcycle/scooter can be rented for roughly THB300 (₱567/$9) – THB400 (₱756/$12) per day.
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BY CAR RENTAL
A convenient way to tour Kanchanaburi is by car, you can hire car for a day to reach the tourist spots outside Kanchanaburi center.
CAR RENTAL: RESERVE HERE
KANCHANABURI AND THAILAND POCKET WI-FI (Bangkok Airport Pick up): RESERVE HERE
WHERE TO STAY IN KANCHANABURI
Travel Tip: Use my promo codes for discounted rates.
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*If you’re going to use my Agoda Promo Code: SOLOAGODA, click the link above to automatically add it to your Agoda account. Then before submitting the payment, double check to make sure my code and the discount is applied on top of the Agoda discounted price. There should be 2 promo codes in the end, one is from Agoda discount and the other is my promo code.
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Location: River Kwai, Kanchanaburi
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Location: River Kwai, Kanchanaburi
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- THE ZEIT RIVER KWAI
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ALSO READ:
KANCHANABURI TRAVEL GUIDE
SUKHOTHAI TRAVEL GUIDE
BANGKOK TRAVEL GUIDE
BANGKOK ITINERARIES
HUA HIN THINGS TO DO
SAMUT SONGKHRAM THINGS TO DO
