Getting there and away

Train

For a more exotic approach to Kanchanaburi, you can also take the train from Bangkok. Rather than leaving from the main Hua Lamphong station, however, the two daily trains depart from across the river at the Thonburi Station. Costing 100B for a ticket, the trains depart from the Thonburi station at 07:35 and 13:45, and take just over three hours. On weekends and holidays, you can also take a special excursion train from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong station -- the tickets cost 75B, and the train departs at 06:30.

Trains also run daily from Kanchanaburi to the line's terminus at Nam Tok. Primarily a tourist train, the trip is a spectacular run, passing by some stunning riverside scenery. The train leaves Kanchanaburi at 06:07, 10:30 and 16:30. Take a seat on the left hand side of the car (leaving from Kanchanaburi) for the best views. The train also stops at Krasae cave (alight at Tham Krasae) and Prasat Muang Singh (alight at Thakilen).

Bus

Buses from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi depart from both the Southern (Sai Tai Mai) and Northern (Mochit) bus terminals in Bangkok. Buses leave from the Southern Bus Terminal every fifteen to twenty minutes between 5:00 to 22:30 and cost 99B. At two hours, the trip is slightly shorter than from the Northern Bus Terminal. Buses leave from the Northern Bus Terminal hourly, taking just over two hours and thirty minutes, and costing 105B. Buses from both terminals arrive at the same bus station in central Kanchanaburi, from where it's a 50 to 60B samlor ride to the backpacker central of Maenam Kwai.

Buses from kanchanaburi to both the Southern and Northern bus stations in Bangkok leave from the same station in Kanchanaburi.

Sample destinations within Kanchanaburi province include:
Erawan National Park: depart every 50 minutes between 08:00 and 17:20, taking 90 minutes and costing 40B.
Thong Pha Phum: depart hourly between 7:30 and 16:30, taking 2-3 hours and costing 65B.
Sai Yok National Park: depart hourly between 7:30 and 16:30, taking 2 hours and costing 48B. Note where the bus will drop you off is still a few km from the Park Office.
Sangkhlaburi: depart hourly between 7:30 and 16:30, taking 4-5 hours and costing 105B to 169B depending on the class of bus.
Wat Tham Mongkon Thong: departs every 30 minutes between 08:30 and 17:20, taking around 20 minutes.

Sample destinations outside the province include:
Nakhon Pathom: depart every 20 minutes between 06:00 and 17:00, taking two hours and costing 45B.
Ratchaburi: depart every 15 minutes between 06:00 and 17:00, taking two hours and costing 40B.
Suphanaburi: depart every 20 minutes between 06:00 and 17:00, taking 1.5 hours and costing 40B.

Onwards travel without returning to Bangkok
If you want to continue on elsewhere without returning to Bangkok, there are a few options. For destinations south, like Phetburi, Hua Hin, Chumphon and further south, catch a bus to Ratchaburi and change there for the bus you want. For Ayutthaya, Lopburi and other destinations to the north, catch the bus to Suphanaburi and change there.

Minibus services
Perhaps the most convenient option of all are the tourist minibuses, which depart throughout the day from Khao San road. The tickets cost 120B, and the trip takes only two hours. As an added bonus, the minibus will drop you off on Maenam Kwai, among most of Kanchanaburi's guesthouses. However, be warned that the trip can be a little harrowing, as the driver's main goal is to get you to Kanchanaburi fast. Additionally, since the minibuses can become rather cramped, they're not recommended for traveller's with large amounts of luggage (be prepared to hold your backpack on your lap or under your legs).

Getting Around

Arrivals at both the bus and train stations are met by the usual collection of songthaew and samlor drivers all desperate to whisk you off to your guesthouse. Songthaew drivers will ask for about 20B per person (minimum of 4) to take you down to Maenam Kwai or Rong Heep Oil. Samlor drivers can only take 2 but will ask for around 100B down to Maenam Kwai -- expect to get away with 50-60B. Be wary of those who accept commission payments from guesthouses as this practice is not particularly popular amongst most of the guesthouse owners. Remember that many guesthouses will pick you up if you phone them ahead of your arrival.

Public songthaews operate from Saeng Chuto road just up from the bus station. The flat fare is 8B and they run from Tesco Lotus up to the River Kwai Bridge via Maenam Kwai rd. They just go when they're full.

Perhaps the best way to get around is by hiring a bicycle. Many guesthouses now offer bikes (as well as motorbikes) to rent and along Maenam Kwai there are a handful of rental shops. Given that Kanchanaburi is spread out for 5km along the river, it's a brilliant way to see the town and some of the nearby attractions.

Motorbikes are also rented out all over town for between 200 and 300B a day, but, as always, only rent one if you can secure a decent helmet and remember that Thailand is not a good place to try riding a motorbike for the first time.