From exploring the area’s tragic World Struggle II historical past to climbing by means of epic nationwide parks, right here’s our record of the perfect issues to do in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.

Tourism in Thailand has been rising exponentially for many years because of its various vary of epic landscapes, scrumptious meals, fascinating tradition, and pleasant individuals.

Locations like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai are amongst the most well-liked spots to go to, and it’s not unusual for vacationers to return to those similar locations yr after yr.

Having spent virtually 9 months complete in Thailand, we’ve been fortunate sufficient to get fairly in-depth into the nation.

And each time we return, we fall increasingly in love with the brand new locations we get to find.

For those who love exploring areas which are a bit extra off the crushed path although, or simply anybody that loves a mixture of pure surprise and historical past, Kanchanaburi has been rising on the record of high locations to go to in Thailand.

High 11 Issues to Do in Kanchanaburi

Positioned within the central-western a part of the nation, only some hours from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is a splendid vacation spot to spend anyplace from just a few days to every week.

With dense nationwide parks which are nonetheless house to wild tigers and elephants, quaint farming villages that beg to be explored on bicycles, proper as much as a few of the most attention-grabbing (and tragic) World Struggle II historical past monuments within the nation, there’s no scarcity of Kanchanaburi points of interest to maintain you busy.

There may be the attractive Erawan Nationwide Park, in addition to the Dying Railway Museum and the Kanchanaburi Struggle Cemetery and different unbelievable points of interest.

Right here’s our record of the perfect issues to do in Kanchanaburi in your subsequent journey.

READ MORE: Right here’s our final information to travelling in Thailand.

Stroll Over the Bridge on the River Kwai

Probably the most iconic locations to go to in Kanchanaburi is the Bridge on the River Kwai, and that is the place most individuals begin their exploration of the realm.

This bridge was constructed throughout World Struggle II and is the image most related to the notorious Burma Railway.

Initially constructed by Allied prisoners of conflict in 1942 and 1943, this bridge wasn’t really an important component of the railway through the preventing.

Actually, its declare to fame was being the one metal bridge the Japanese commissioned to construct in Thailand (the remainder have been timber).

It was solely when the Hollywood film, ‘Bridge on the River Kwai‘ got here out that it was immortalized, and the inflow of vacationers that got here trying to find the bridge really inspired the locals to alter the title of the river from Mae Klong to Kwae Yai.

Immediately the bridge stands as a reminder of this historical past, and on daily basis a whole lot of individuals stroll throughout its size to create their very own reminiscences of the Bridge on the River Kwai.

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

Go to the Kanchanaburi Struggle Cemetery

Through the development of the Burma Railway, over 100’000 individuals misplaced their lives, together with 12’000 prisoners-of-war and greater than 90’000 civilian labourers.

The dying toll throughout this two-year interval is tough to grasp, particularly once you soak up that almost all of those that perished have been civilians, pressured into slavery by the Japanese troopers.

You may not wish to spoil your temper when on vacation by visiting websites that inform such painful tales, however it’s essential to honor and bear in mind the fallen. This is among the most essential issues to see in Kanchanaburi, if you happen to want to perceive the locals a bit extra.

Out of the foreigners who by no means lived to see the top of the conflict, greater than half of them are buried within the metropolis at Kanchanaburi Struggle Cemetery, often known as Don-Rak.

6982 prisoners-of-war from a mixture of nationalities are buried on the Kanchanaburi Struggle Cemetery, primarily being Australians, British and Dutch.

For these seeking to pay their respects to the fallen, Kanchanaburi Struggle Cemetery is the principle place to take action.

The troopers’ graves are set in rows, and is maintained by the Commonwealth Struggle Graves Fee.

In case you do go to, please present some respect to the deceased. We noticed a number of individuals stepping over graves, waving selfie sticks round and yelling throughout the cemetery to their pals. This isn’t cool behaviour.

• Deal with: 284/66 Sangchuto Rd, Ban Tai, Mueang Kanchanaburi District
• Opening hours: on daily basis from 8 AM – 5 PM

Trip the Thai-Burma Railway (Dying Railway)

The Thai-Burma Railway was dubbed the Dying Railway by the POWs and labourers who have been pressured to construct it, and also you don’t want a lot of an creativeness to grasp why.

This 415km-long prepare observe joined Ban Pong in Thailand with Thanbyuzayat in Burma (now Myanmar) over extremely tough terrain.

The British had plans to construct this railway for years however deserted it as a result of issue and intense labour that might be required to finish it.

When the Japanese invaded Thailand, they set about to realize what the British couldn’t by constructing the bridge – and it took them 12 months.

After the conflict, the railway was closed down in 1947, however a bit of it reopened a decade later.

Immediately you’ll be able to trip the Dying Railway from Kanchanaburi to Nam Tok on a scenic and sluggish 2-hour journey.

You’ll cross by means of sprawling farmland, alongside the sting of steep cliffs, by means of deep cuttings and alongside the shores of the Khwae Yai River.

Using the Dying Railway is among the foremost issues to do in Kanchanaburi, and you should buy your tickets on the prepare station. It actually provides a dose of pleasure to Kanchanaburi sightseeing.

It’s also possible to go to the Dying Railway Museum to be taught extra. Additionally referred to as the Thailand Burma Railway Centre, this interactive museum tells the historical past of the well-known Dying Railway.

Take a look at this superior 1-day tour the place you’ll be taught extra about how the “Dying Railway” got here to be and see in particular person the long-lasting bridge on the River Kwai.

NOMADasaurus Tip – Sit on the lefthand aspect of the Dying Railway prepare for the perfect views.

Discover Tham Krasae

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

Right here you’ll discover the cave often known as Tham Krasae (Tham means collapse Thai), a big limestone cavern that has been stuffed with Buddha statues.

The prepare will cease at Lum Sum, giving passengers a couple of minutes to take a look at Tham Krasae and the views alongside the bridge.

It’s not as spectacular as a few of the different Buddha caves you discover in different places round Thailand, however it’s price trying out through the cease.

Don’t dawdle although, because the prepare will depart with out you.

Be taught the Historical past at Hellfire Go Memorial Museum

Within the city of Sai Yok, simply north of Nam Tok, you’ll discover the incredible Hellfire Go Memorial Museum and interpretive centre. It’s a Kanchanaburi should see for all historical past fanatics!

This museum, constructed by the Australian authorities, is among the greatest we now have seen in Thailand, and it’s stuffed with haunting footage and movies of circumstances the POWs have been pressured to dwell in throughout World Struggle II.

Listening to the testimonials of the previous troopers is extremely unhappy, however it additionally provides an perception into simply how sturdy the camaraderie of the ANZACs was.

The museum is situated above Hellfire Go, a deep rock reducing that the Burma Railway passes proper by means of.

This explicit level was thought-about to be one of many deadliest and most troublesome sections of all the development, and as we speak a memorial stroll has been constructed to permit travellers to wander by means of its harrowing pathway.

We suggest getting the audio information from the museum so you’ll be able to hearken to tales of what it was like in Hellfire Go when you stroll by means of.

In case you look rigorously you’ll even see remnants of the hand instruments utilized by the POWs buried into the rocks.

No record of what to do in Kanchanaburi is full with out a go to to this centre.

• Deal with: Tha Sao, Sai Yok District
• Opening hours: on daily basis from 9 AM – 4 PM

Keep in a Floating Raft Home

One of many best possible Kanchanaburi actions you’ll be able to take pleasure in is to spend the evening in a bamboo floating raft home.

The title provides it away – this distinctive lodging type is kind of actually floating on the River Kwai, anchored to the shore however bobbing gently because the water rushes by.

You can’t get any extra waterfront than this. You cross a small bridge to get to your particular person rooms, that are tastefully adorned and include personal ensuite.

The again sliding door opens to your individual personal balcony overlooking the jungle and mountains throughout the opposite aspect of the river.

We personally stayed in Boutique Raft Home and completely liked it. Don’t journey to Kanchanaburi with out reserving an evening right here!

Wat Sam Prasop (the Sunken Temple), in Sangkhla Buri

Two hours up the freeway from Hellfire Go is the city of Sangkhla Buri, set on the northern fringe of the Khao Laem Reservoir.

Sangkhla Buri is a well-liked vacation spot for Thais who wish to expertise a relaxed, genuine way of life that has been misplaced within the huge cities, however it’s nonetheless off the radar for many international vacationers.

The city has plenty of points of interest, with the most well-liked one being the well-known sunken temple, Wat Sam Prasop.

Within the Nineteen Eighties the Vajiralongkorn hydroelectric dam was constructed, flooding the area and creating the Khao Laem Reservoir.

Lots of villages have been destroyed within the lowlands, and a few of the temples have been both totally or partially submerged.

Immediately when the lake is low you’ll be able to see the tops of a few of these temples protruding from the floor, and they’re an intriguing place to go to.

Wat Sam Prasop is essentially the most distinguished of those sunken temples, and the furthest away from city.

Near Wat Sam Prasop is a bigger temple on excessive floor that’s slowly collapsing, and you’ll stroll round to verify this out.

One of many different temples you’ll be able to go to is up on a hill, and has been slowly taken over by bushes. It has a Tomb Raider really feel about it.

You may ebook a sunken temple tour on the Mon Bridge, the place an area will take you out on their boat to go to the underwater temples in addition to those on land.

Throughout our time in Sangklha Buri, we stayed on the Samprasob Resort, which was very near the Mon Bridge and had nice amenities (and views).

Mon Bridge for Dawn

Probably the most iconic attraction in Sangkhla Buri is the 400m-long Mon Bridge, the longest handmade timber bridge in all the nation.

Strolling throughout this bridge is a should for any time of day, however it’s particularly magical within the morning for dawn when the monks come down to gather alms from the locals.

The streets are lined with individuals who wake early to provide meals and donations to the Buddhist monks.

It’s a really previous custom, and whereas it’s been become a vacationer attraction in some locations like Luang Prabang, right here in Sangkhla Buri it has saved its authenticity.

If you wish to participate you should buy alms to provide to the monks from distributors on the road.

We discovered the ceremony on the southern aspect of the bridge, within the Mon Village, was extra attention-grabbing and vigorous.

Go to a Waterfall (Kroeng Krawia Waterfall or Erawan Falls)

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

Positioned on the sting of the Khao Laem Nationwide Park, the Kroeng Krawia falls are fairly actually on the aspect of the highway, so there’s no excuse to not cease and go for a stroll by means of them.

The river right here flows over plenty of small limestone rocks, and the encompassing jungle provides it a shocking environment.

It’s not as spectacular as Erawan Falls, however it’s a fantastic place to wander round, stretch the legs and take some footage.

There’s just a little cafe close to the principle entrance that serves nice espressos as properly.

An alternative choice is taking a day journey to Erawan Nationwide Park which is only one hour from Kanchanaburi.

Erawan Falls is among the space’s most beautiful waterfalls, and there are some superb pure sights and climbing trails in Erawan Nationwide Park.

E-book this superb 3-day tour the place you will notice all of the essential highlights akin to bridge over the River Kwai, Hellfire Go, Erawan Falls and the floating market!

Or you’ll be able to simply ebook a in the future tour to Erawan Nationwide Park and Falls which incorporates the River Kwai. This one is a bit cheaper because it’s only a day journey!

Keep in a Homestay in Baan Nong Khao Village

Simply exterior of Kanchanaburi metropolis is the quaint little village of Baan Nong Khao.

This farming village is the form of place the place you’re extra prone to encounter cows on the highway than individuals, and that’s completely advantageous by us.

You may really keep the evening in Baan Nong Khao in one of many nicest little homestays we’ve skilled in years, Baan Klang Thung Natural Farm Homestay.

This attractive guesthouse is run by the friendliest household ever, they usually completely love having guests stick with them.

Their property is admittedly fairly, with a pleasant backyard and sitting space to calm down in throughout these sizzling summer time days.

We stayed within the upstairs loft, which was fairly comfy with an open-roof lavatory hooked up.

In addition they make some scrumptious meals right here, and we have been even allowed to return into the kitchen to assist out making dinner. In case you ever want a great Tom Kha Gai, we’re execs now!

Whereas we have been staying on the guesthouse we rented some bicycles off of them, and rode into Nong Khao city to take a look at a few of the points of interest.

The principle factor to see there may be Wat Intharam, a big Buddhist complicated, however there’s additionally a standard loom home and plenty of attention-grabbing again alleys.

We liked our time staying on the Baan Klang Thung Natural Farm Homestay, and extremely suggest it when travelling to Kanchanaburi.

Right here’s a first rate submit with info on ebook the homestay.

Tham Than Lod Nationwide Park

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

After we say wild, we imply wild. There are nonetheless elephants and tigers wandering round within the highlands, and it’s not unusual for villagers residing contained in the park to be steadily visited by these fascinating animals.

Most vacationers although gained’t get the possibility to see tigers or elephants within the wild, so as a substitute they’ll need to accept climbing by means of a few of the most stunning forests we’ve seen in all of Thailand.

The Tham Than Lod Nationwide Park has plenty of climbing trails that twist their method by means of the realm, in addition to plenty of caves to discover.

The most well-liked path goes by means of Tham Than Lod Noi, an extended limestone cave that has a boardwalk put in proper by means of it.

It’s lit through the day so you’ll be able to stroll to the top with out the necessity for flashlights.

The stalactites and stalagmites aren’t as huge as another caves we’ve seen in Southeast Asia, however it’s nonetheless very spectacular.

When you stroll by means of Tham Than Lod Noi you observe the path as much as a swimming gap, and might then push on to a big waterfall.

Past that you simply come throughout a whole lot of timber steps that take you excessive into the mountains. It’s a exercise on the legs, however undoubtedly price it for what lies on the high.

The views from the highest of the staircase are great, however if you happen to go just a little bit additional you’ll discover Tham Than Lod Yai.

This monumental cave rises above the jungle, permitting passage by means of as if it was a tunnel, and has an unbelievable opening the place the ceiling has collapsed.

When you get previous the cave there’s a small Buddhist monastery on the high, however it’s extra useful versus touristy.

All up the hike shouldn’t take greater than two hours one-way. We organised a raise to the highest with one of many park rangers and walked downhill.

If you wish to do one thing totally different in comparison with all the opposite vacationers ticking off issues to do in Kanchanaburi, this nationwide park is a superb place to go to.

Kanchanaburi Journey Information

A go to to Kanchanaburi throughout your journey to Thailand is a marvellous technique to spend a part of your vacation, and we’re so glad we headed right here.

Listed here are some journey ideas that can assist you plan your trip when searching for the perfect issues to do in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.

The right way to Get to Kanchanaburi

Our information to the easiest way to get across the area. For inside transport in Thailand, we suggest reserving forward with 12go.asia.

Flying

The closest main airport to Kanchanaburi is in Bangkok, the place they’ve each a global and home airport.

It’s a significant hub, servicing locations all all over the world. When you land in Bangkok you’ll be able to both take a taxi to Kanchanaburi or use one of many different strategies of transport beneath.

Buses

Kanchanaburi could be very properly related with the remainder of Thailand by means of their expansive bus community.

From Bangkok, you’ll be able to take buses from both the Sai Tai Mai (Southern) or Morchit (Northern) terminals. Count on to pay round 120THB for the 4-hour journey.

It’s also possible to take lengthy buses from Chiang Mai, or come from throughout the border in Myanmar on the Pum Nam Ron border crossing.

Trains

By far essentially the most comfy technique to get to Kanchanaburi is to take the prepare.

Trains depart from Thonburi (Bangkok Noi) prepare station for Kanchanaburi, and can take 3-4 hours.

Greatest Time to Go to Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi has two foremost seasons – winter (dry) and summer time (moist).

The most effective time to go to Kanchanaburi is definitely from November to February, when temperatures are a lot milder.

In case you select to journey through the summer time, Might to September, anticipate the mercury to hit over 40 levels and have very excessive humidity.

The shoulder seasons (March/April and October) are additionally good occasions to go to, as you’ll discover many lodging have cheaper costs nonetheless, and the climate is way more manageable in comparison with summer time.

DISCLAIMER: Among the hyperlinks on this article are affiliate hyperlinks, which implies if you happen to ebook lodging, excursions or purchase a product, we’ll obtain a small fee at no additional value to you. These commissions assist us maintain creating extra free journey content material to assist individuals plan their holidays and adventures. We solely suggest the perfect lodging, excursions and merchandise, and often evaluation these. Thanks to your help, variety good friend!