Kanchanaburi

Things to see and do

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

The laying of the Death Railway was a notoriously difficult undertaking, and an estimated 16,000 POWs and more than 49,000 forced labourers died during its construction. On Saeng Chuto Rd, nearly opposite the train station, you can visit the remains of 6,982 Allied POWs who died during the ... read more
Chinese Cemetery

Located beside the war cemetery is a large Chinese cemetery. Though it's almost always deserted, it is an interesting contrast to the immaculately kept Allied graveyard next door.
Chung-Kai War Cemetery

Around 2km to the south of town on the far bank of the Kwai Noi River, this cemetery occupies the former site of Chung-Kai POW camp. Some 1,750 POWs are buried here, most of whom died in the hospital. The cemetery is at the original site of the base camp hospital and a church that was built by the ... read more
Japanese War Memorial

This small memorial is on the Kwai Yai River near the WWII museum. An annual service is held here in remembrance of those who died.
Wat Tham Mongkon Thong

The Cave Temple of the Floating Dragon has no floating dragon, but does have a resident floating nun. A string of about half a dozen floating nuns have served time here -- a few still live here and can be seen walking (not floating) around the compound. Although performed in front of ... read more
Wat Thum Khao Poon

This wat is built near eight caves that you can wander through when the monks are not using them as meditation rooms. They feature both stalactites and stalagmites but many have been broken so tourists won't hurt themselves. Various formations in the caves have been said to resemble either a ... read more
Organised trips

Every man and his dog runs a tour company or at least acts as a middleman for one in Kanchanaburi, and although travelling around in the back of a songthaew with a dozen other travellers may not be the most exciting way to explore the province, it is certainly the cheapest. These trips, as ... read more
The Tiger Temple

We suggest you consider carefully whether you wish to visit the Tiger Temple. Regardless of the many rumours circulating about this place, in our opinion, a dozen or so tigers (which are now breeding) belong in the care of trained personnel in a natural environment -- not in a quarry under the care ... read more
Sai Yok Noi Waterfall

This large and conveniently situated waterfall sits on the north side of Route 323, around 45km west of Kanchanaburi. The main falls, running over a sizeable limestone head, are icy cold and popular for a splash or a frolic, though the setting is a little contrived compared to the more isolated ... read more
Wang Badon Cave

This cave is 1km to the east of Sai Yok Noi falls and is reached via a 1.5km-long trail running through a predominantly bamboo forest. The cave has a very narrow opening, but broadens out into substantial chambers inside -- you will need a torch. At the base of the hill holding the cave's entrance ... read more
Tham Krasae

While the cave here is nothing amazing the access along a viaduct of the Death Railway provides spectacular views over the surrounds, with a river sliding by well below you. The train stops here to allow passengers to jump off, take a look around and buy various touristy knick-knacks. But if you ... read more
Prasat Muang Singh

Prasat Muang Singh, or Sanctuary of the City of the Lion, is the westernmost Khmer site so far unearthed and has been dated to the 12th or 13th century. Sitting on the banks of the Kwai Noi River, this complex is believed to have once been a large trading centre and probably also acted as an ... read more
Hellfire Pass

This is one of the most outstanding museums in Thailand and should be considered a must-see for any visitor to Kanchanaburi. Set above a particularly gruesome section of the Death Railway, Hellfire Pass was a cutting that was said to glow in a hellish colour under torchlight. The cutting is a ... read more
Massage at Suan Nanachaat

Massages are offered at little shops all along Maenam Kwai -- you won't have to walk for long before hearing the call of 'Massage, massage!' For a little more luxury though, head out of central Kanchanaburi to Suan Nanachaat, Kanchanaburi's first real day spa. Set in elegant gardens affording views ... read more
Kayaking

Paddling through the swampy waters of the River Kwai is undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience Kanchanaburi's laid-back charm. Aside from the waves created by passing longtail boats, the river is calm and perfect for relaxed paddling. Kayaking close to shore, you'll likely see brilliant ... read more
Cooking Classes

One of the best ways to gain an understanding of Thai culture is through learning about its cuisine, and Kanchanaburi provides a wonderful environment for taking a Thai cooking course, particularly if your travels won't take you to Chang Mai. Courses generally start with a tour of a local wet ... read more
The Monkey School

Like elephant trekking and the Tiger Temple, this attraction revolves around the chance to get close to some of Thailand's most beloved animals. There is a slight conservation angle here, as some of the monkeys have been rescued and are being rehabilitated. The monkeys perform a variety of tricks, ... read more
Erawan National Park

One of the most famous national parks in Thailand takes its name from the Thai word for the mythological Hindu three-headed elephant Airavata. The triple cascade at the top of the famous seven-tiered waterfall is said to resemble the elephant's head, and every weekend hundreds of visitors arrive to ... read more
Death Railway Bridge

The main drawcard for visitors to the Death Railway Bridge is its notoriety thanks to the popular book by Pierre Boulle and subsequent US movie, The Bridge Over the River Kwai. Many are actualy a tad disappointed by their visit, as the bridge is not really that spectacular to look at. Even so, ... read more
JEATH War Museum

JEATH War Museum is set in a bamboo replica of the longhouses where Allied POWs during WWII were forced to stay. The JEATH (Japan, England, Australia, America, Thailand and Holland) Museum contains a moving photo and art collection displaying the atrocious conditions under which the POWs existed. A ... read more
World War II Museum

Museum, art gallery, family shrine and much more! This bizarre museum is worth spending a few hours exploring to make sense of all the strange historical interpretations. All manner of objects, from guns and swords to Buddha amulets and human remains, are on display. Next door a smaller building ... read more