Kanchanaburi
Travel Guide
In a nutshell
Take it easy on a rafthouse floating on the River Kwai after checking out the Death Railway Bridge. Reflect at various war memorials and cemeteries, in particular the moving Hellfire Pass. Take a Thai cuisine cooking course. Hike to Erawan Waterfalls amid Thai tourist hordes.
For history, natural beauty, activities and accessibility, Kanchanaburi province is tough to beat. Located just 128 kilometres from Bangkok, Kan (as it's known to locals) is home to pristine national parks, cavernous caves, majestic rivers, lakes, waterfalls and temples. For many though, all this takes a backseat to the area's World War II history. Thousands of allied prisoners of war (POWs) and forced labourers lost their lives while building a Japanese military supply line known as the Death Railway, which cut through the province and linked Bangkok to Burma by way of a precarious and heavily bombed track.
Home to some 35,000 people, the provincial capital town of Kanchanaburi sits alongside the River Kwai (pronounced ‘khwae'), surrounded by sugarcane fields and dramatic mountains to the west. The town's signature landmark is a rail bridge built by POWs and made famous by the 1957 film, Bridge Over the River Kwai. World War II history buffs should plan on a solid two to three days to visit the bridge and take in the cemetaries and museums in town, plus another day to visit Hellfire Pass, 80 kilometres to the northwest.
With no less than seven national parks, Kanchanaburi province could keep nature lovers busy for weeks. Keep in mind however that at nearly 20,000 square kilometres, this is one of Thailand's largest provinces and huge distances often separate one sight from the next. Travellers who aren't up for renting their own wheels have little other choice than to book tours to most of the outlying sights. Dozens of tour companies have sprung up in Kanchanaburi town to heed the demand, and prices are generally reasonable.
With tourism firmly established here for decades, Kanchanaburi town has an extensive strip of foreigner-oriented restaurants, bars and guesthouses matched only by places like Khao San Road in Bangkok and the most popular islands. Hundreds of Western expats have also made their homes in Kanchanaburi. If possible, it's best to avoid arriving on weekends when throngs of Thais escape the cities and add to the crowds.
A rather debaucherous nightlife scene has grown steadily in recent years, but the town is still a fine place to relax on a rafthouse and watch the water slide by, feet in river with a cold drink and a good book. The old town centre is also worth a stroll to see the dilapidated but lovely century-old Sino-Portuguese and Thai-style shophouses. With that said, you're probably better off making the five-hour trip up to Sangkhlaburi (still part of Kanchanaburi province) if seeking spectacular scenery, cooler air and a more enchanting experience.
A word of warning to those not into extreme heat: Kanchanaburi is consistently a few degrees hotter than Bangkok, and in April the mercury bursts right through the top of the thermometer. Air-con will be a sound investment.
One more piece of advice: Don't visit the Tiger Temple. Read here to find out why.
Related reading
The bridge over the River Kwai festival
Check Kanchanaburi hotel rates on Agoda. Best price guarantee!
Accommodation: Kanchanaburi
Aajam Guesthouse |
Apple's Retreat |
Bamboo House |
Blue Star Guesthouse |
Camelia Resort |
Dheva Mantra |
Green View Guest House |
Jolly Frog Backpackers |
My Home Guesthouse |
Nita Rafthouse |
Noble Night Guesthouse |
Ploy Guesthouse |
Pong Phen Guesthouse |
Rainbow Lodge |
River Inn |
River Kwai Bridge Resort |
River Kwai Hotel |
Sam's House |
Sugar Cane Guest House 1 |
Sugar Cane Guest House 2 |
T&T Guesthouse |
Tamarind Guesthouse |
Tara Bed and Breakfast |
Thai Garden Inn |
U Inchantree Kanchanaburi |
V.N.Guesthouse |
Text and/or map last updated on 12th May, 2013.
Jump to a different destination in Thailand
Get orientated with a map of Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Have your say
Photo gallery
Add your photos to this via Flickr More info
Jump to a destination
- Hot spots
- Bangkok & surrounds
- Central Thailand
- Northern Thailand
- About this region
- Ban Huay Kon
- Ban Toei
- Chiang Dao
- Chiang Kham
- Chiang Khong
- Chiang Mai
- Chiang Rai
- Chiang Saen
- Chom Thong
- Doi Inthanon
- Doi Khun Tan N.P.
- Doi Phukha N.P.
- Fang
- Hang Dong
- Hot
- Kamphaeng Phet
- Khun Yuam
- Lampang
- Lamphun
- Mae Chaem
- Mae Na Chon
- Mae Hong Son
- Mae Salong
- Mae Sariang
- Mae Sot
- Mae Sai
- Nan
- Nan to Ban Huay Kon
- Pai
- Phayao
- Phitsanulok
- Phrae
- Phrao
- Phu Chee Fah
- Phu Lang Ka
- Sanpatong
- Si Satchanalai
- Soppong
- Sukhothai
- Tak
- Tha Ton
- Umphang
- Northeastern Thailand
- About this region
- Ban Chiang
- Buriram
- Chaiyaphum
- Khao Yai N.P.
- Khon Kaen
- Khong Chiam
- Muang Tam
- Mukdahan
- Mukdahan N.P.
- Nakhon Phanom
- Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat)
- Nong Khai
- Pak Chong
- Pha Taem N.P.
- Phanom Rung
- Phibun Mangsahan
- Phimai
- Phu Sa Dok Bua N.P.
- Sri Chiang Mai
- Surin
- That Phanom
- Ubon Ratchathani
- Udon Thani
- Yasothon
- Eastern Thailand
- Southern Thailand
- About this region
- Ao Nang
- Ao Phang Nga N.M.P.
- Ban Krut
- Bang Saphan Yai
- Betong
- Cha-am
- Chumphon
- Chumphon Beaches
- Haad Nopphara Thara
- Hat Yai
- Hua Hin
- Khao Lak
- Khao Sam Roi Yot N.P.
- Khao Sok N.P.
- Khuraburi
- Krabi
- Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Nakhon Si Thammarat Beaches
- Narathiwat
- Pattani
- Phang Nga Town
- Phattalung
- Phetburi
- Prachuap Khiri Khan
- Railay Beach
- Ranong
- Satun
- Sungai Kolok
- Surat Thani
- Tak Bai
- Takua Pa
- Trang
- Yala
- Islands in Thailand
- About the islands
- Coral and Raya Islands
- Ko Adang
- Ko Bulon Lae
- Ko Chang
- Ko Chang Noi
- Ko Kham
- Ko Kho Khao
- Ko Kradan
- Ko Kut
- Ko Lanta
- Ko Lao Liang
- Ko Libong
- Ko Lipe
- Ko Maak
- Ko Muk
- Ko Mun Nork
- Ko Ngai
- Ko Pha Ngan
- Ko Phayam
- Ko Phi Phi
- Ko Phra Thong
- Ko Ra
- Ko Samet
- Ko Samui
- Ko Si Chang
- Similan islands
- Ko Sukorn
- Ko Surin
- Ko Tao
- Ko Tarutao
- Ko Wai
- Ko Yao Noi
- Ko Yao Yai
- Phuket
Onward travel
-
Nakhon Pathom
Ratchaburi
Damnoen Saduak
Amphawa
Nonthaburi
Thonburi
Ko Rattanakosin
Khao San Road
Chinatown and Pahurat
Bangkok
The above are all within 200km of Kanchanaburi.
From the blogs
Lam Phaya floating market, Nakhon Pathom
11:39 pm, 25 May 2013
Kids’ clubs on Ko Tao
4:52 am, 25 May 2013
Phrases every visitor to Thailand should know: Sabai
3:11 am, 24 May 2013
Medical facilities on Samui
9:20 pm, 23 May 2013
Hang Dong market, Chiang Mai
2:10 am, 23 May 2013
Beach massage on Samui
1:36 am, 22 May 2013
Hellfire Pass Museum & Memorial Trail, Kanchanaburi
4:22 am, 21 May 2013
Phuket weather: When is the best time to go?
9:39 pm, 20 May 2013
The best of Seetanu Beach, Ko Pha Ngan
12:01 am, 20 May 2013
Review: Rang Kha Mhin Homestay, Bangkok
8:17 am, 19 May 2013
The Cambodia blog
The Indonesia blog
The Laos blog
The Malaysia blog
The Singapore blog
The Thailand blog
The Vietnam blog
Travelfish on Facebook
Sites & blogs we like
-
Got a favourite site? Let us know.
Newsletter signup
Sign up for Travelfish Burp!
Our weekly wrap on Southeast Asian travel.
Click here to see a recent newsletter.
Thailand FAQ
-
How much should I budget per day for a holiday in Thailand?
What should I pack for a holiday in Thailand?
What is the voltage in Thailand?
Is Thailand safe?
Is Thailand a safe place to travel alone to?
What is the weather like in Thailand?
Can I drink the tap water in Thailand?
Should I bargain for everything I want to buy in Thailand?
Should I bring travellers cheques, credit/debit cards or cash to Thailand?
What standard of acommodation can I expect for US$5?
Can I use drugs in Thailand?
Can I trust the Thai police?
What shouldn't I pack for a holiday in Thailand?
Should I take my own padlock for the door of my room while travelling in Thailand?
What are Thailand's visa requirements?
Book Online
Baan Suan Fon Hotel
20/3 Moo 8, Kwai Yai River Tambol Kaeng Sean, AmpFrom: US$20.67 with HostelWorld
Ban Sabai Sabai
Nong BuaFrom: US$10.34 with HostelWorld
Kwainoi Garden Resort
4/3 Soi 11 Puthamonthon Sai 2 103 M 1 Tambon Singha SaiyokeFrom: US$20.67 with HostelWorld
Monsane River Kwai Resort & Spa
27/2 Moo 2 Sangchuto Road ThamuengFrom: US$25.84 with HostelWorld
Pung-Waan Resort
123/3 Moo 3 Tumbol Thasao, Amphur SaiyokeFrom: US$18.55 with HostelWorld
Pung-Waan Resort & Spa
72/1 Moo 2 Tumbol Thamakham Amphur MuangFrom: US$29.29 with HostelWorld
Royal Riverkwai Resort & Spa
88 Moo 2 Kanchanaburi - Saiyok Rd., Kangsean, MuanFrom: US$26.70 with HostelWorld
Saiyok River House
31/2-4 Thesabarn Road Saiyok DistrictFrom: US$13.78 with HostelWorld
Sam's House
14/1 Maenamkwae Rd, Tumbon Thamakam Amphur-MuangFrom: US$11.51 with HostelWorld








Kanchanaburi reviews
Backchat from the Travelfish community
Great town but don't miss the hinterland
Kanchanaburi is the Bridge on the River Kwai town. It and the surrounding district contains some of the most interesting tourist attractions close to Bangkok
The town is a typical bustling Thai provincial capital about 2 hours by bus or train out of Bangkok. It is also a major tourist destination on account of:
- The Bridge on the River Kwai and associated wartime stuff like the war cemeteries and museums
- Some neat accommodation on rafthouses and stilts right over the river which initially attracted backpackers and weekending Thais. Now accommodation of all standards can be found all over town.
- A lively expat community which sees many bars and the inevitable bar-girl trade which in turn attracts a fair amount of sex-tourists. BTW this is no reason to avoid the town - the bar girl activity is not in your face like some other locations.
- A fabulous hinterland making Kanchanaburi the perfect base for daytrips and overnighters up-country.
I thought town accommodation costs, meals and booze were considerably less expensive than the typical island prices I'm used to paying.
The biggest change since my previous 1998 visit was the increase in midrange visitors - it was more a haven for backpackers and holidaying/weekending Thais back then. The daytrip industry out of Bangkok (too far for a daytrip IMHO) has also grown greatly.
The hinterland offers an array of attractions - hot springs, waterfalls, rafting, temples, the Death Railway, war cemeteries, elephants, tigers, caves, ethnic villages etc. One of the best ways to see some is to take one of the packages which combines 4 or 5 activities into a full day with transport by van and often for part of the trip by train - often throwing in a trip on the river by raft, longtail or even a fast 2km drift downstream in a life-jacket detailed to me by one enthusiastic middle-aged Aussie lady.
I’m not big on animal attractions so I reckon a good combo would take in fabulous Erawan Falls, rafting, a trip on the Death Railway and a stop off at the bridge over the River Kwai. Aussies and war buffs would add Hellfire Pass.
The Hinterland also offers dozens of good places to stay. I split my accommodation between the town and a lower-midrange raft house on the river about 50km up the Kwai Noi - the latter was the most enjoyable stay of a 9 resort visit to Thailand.
All price ranges are covered in the hinterland - you can even camp in National Park areas at Erawan and Sai Yok Yai waterfalls.
By tezza (dabbler)
Written on 21st March, 2012 after a visit to Kanchanaburi in March, 2012
Also reviewed by tezza: Ao Phang Nga National Marine Park, Coral and Raya Islands, Haad Nopphara Thara, Haad Sai Khao, Khao Lak, Ko Bulon Lae, Ko Kho Khao, Ko Kut, Ko Lipe, Ko Maak,
A few days in kanchanaburi
Having emailed Sam direct at Sam's House to book a room I arrived from BKK via air con minibus (cost 110B) and arrived at the bus station. As ever, was accosted by the cycle tuk tuks. It cost me another 60B and a polite visit to 2 more guest housed before arriving at Sam's House. Sam was there and is a very pleasant man with good English. I was in one of the bungalows with air con and my own shower / toilet room. For 400B I thought this was reasonable. There are no bar or cafe facilities at this guest house - but that's ok as there are plenty on the strip. The town is spread out which makes for good exploring or moped hire. The bridge is a good 30 minute walk, but once there well worth it. There are market stalls and food stalls aplenty. I booked a 1 day tour for 1,090B. I was picked up to 8 oclock from my guest house at had half an hour elephant rude, a half an hour bamboo river raft, a trip to the Erawan National Park to have a wander round the waterfalls. Lunch was thrown in and then it was off to the death railway for a walk along the line and then a train ride along the tracks and then a trip to the bridge. All in all a very worthwhile tour which was informative, interesting and not rushed. The Thailand - Burma Railway museum really is worth a visit. I can see why people would want to stay more than the 3 nights I had booked for. In fact, I nearly did ! Well worth a few days recharging batteries and exploring.
By Prettyfish16 (dabbler)
Written on 5th June, 2011 after a visit to Kanchanaburi in May, 2011
Also reviewed by Prettyfish16: Hoi An, Kampot,
A really fun, action-packed destination
We liked Kanchanaburi a lot and while we only had three nights there, could have easily spent three weeks there.
Why? Because it has something for just about anybody. There are national parks, river trips, temples and stacks of great guesthouses to choose from. There are cooking schools, elephant rides, floating discos (they call them disco ducks) and even a floating nun.
But, despite all these things to do, Kanchanaburi is also just a great spot to chill out and do nothing -- not that we had time to do that as we were busy doing all the above.
Another great thing about Kanchanaburi is that if you're looking to meet other travellers, perhaps with a view to finding some travel companions, this is a good spot. There's a real social vibe and with so many tours (short one-day tours, not package tours) going, even if you're not bar hopping you're bound to meet others - we did.
As you can see from Kanchanaburi guesthouse listings on Travelfish, there's a heap of places to stay at. We stayed the first night at Jolly Frog which, while ok, is an absolute backpacker factory, then we moved to Blue Star for the other two nights, which was a far better choice. It was still full of backpackers, but the staff were far friendlier (not that that would be hard when compared to Jolly Frog).
We did two tours, one to Erawan National Park and the other to Hellfire Pass. The Hellfire Pass one was absolutely fantastic. The museum is a fabulous and really moving tribute to what happened there and if there was just one museum to see in Thailand, this should be it.
Erawan was a bit more circus like. It was during the weekend when we went so I think about half the student population of Bangkok was there, and, not joking here, I saw people doing their laundry in one of the lower falls! Further up it is better and, being about 700 degrees, the water was very refreshing. I'd say overall the waterfall is worth visiting, just don't expect a deserted jungle waterfall. We heard from others that the waterfalls up near Sangkhlaburi are better and far less crowded.
Back in Kanchanaburi, we swam in the river every day. There are a lot of reeds and stuff in the river, which didn't bother me, but there are also these very long thin needle fish -- which did bother me! I don't know if they are dangerous, but they freaked me out!
Last thing we did was the cooking course at Apple's. While there are a bunch of cooking classes, this is the best. It was a fun, not too serious time and we got to eat what we cooked. I don't remember the cost, but it wasn't too much. They also have bungalows, but I think it is far better to stay on the river.
One last thing, we went here on a bit of a spur of the moment, but would definitely return, so if you're looking for something that is just a couple of hours out of Bangkok, but not an island or beach destination like Ko Samet, I'd say this should be your first choice.
Have fun!
By beachgirl (dabbler)
Written on 18th May, 2009 after a visit to Kanchanaburi in February, 2008
Also reviewed by beachgirl: Ayutthaya, Phu Quoc Island, Sukhothai,