Introduction

Northern Mae Nam Khwae Road (the quieter side)

While located within steps of many restaurants, travel offices, museums and the Death Railway Bridge, these places are well removed from the loud nightlife found further south. Apart from No. 25 Hostel and Sabai@Kan, all of these have riverside locations as well. The main disadvantage of this area is that you’ll be up at the northern end of town and it’s five kilometres from here to the old town, war cemetery and bus station.

Southern Mae Nam Khwae Road (the party side)

This area covers Kanchanaburi’s most tightly packed collection of guesthouses located near the city’s longest strip of bars, including some seedy ones. Apart from Thai Guesthouse, every one of these places has a riverside location. Thanks to a ban on live music after midnight, late-night noise isn’t as much of an issue as it used to be.

West of the river

Located within walking distance of the nightlife strip across the Sud Jai Bridge, these two tried-and-true flashpacker spots are both good choices if you want a quiet night’s sleep without straying too far from the action.

Rongheabaoy Road

Featuring a few old-style guesthouses along with a newer flashpacker option, this narrow riverside lane is strategically located between the old town, the war cemetery and Mae Nam Khwae Road.

Downtown on the river

Surprisingly few places to stay are found along the old town and riverside streets in downtown Kanchanaburi, around two to three kilometres south of Mae Nam Khwae Road. We really like this area, and dirt-cheap Nita Rafthouse is a fine low-budget choice.

Further afield

Quite a few upscale resorts are found several kilometres outside of Kanchanaburi town and one exceptional option is listed below. You’ll find several more places to stay—such as the midrange Float House River Kwai; flashpacker-range Sai Yok River House; and budget Yayei Homestay—along the way from Kanchanaburi north to the Sai Yok area.