Australian travel blogger Paula Morgan has now turned her attention to Thailand and launched a new blog called Thailand Awaits, which provides travelers with information about the many sights of Thailand.

Paula's latest Thailand adventure took her to Kanchanaburi. Her complete Kanchanaburi travel guide, with detailed information on how to get there, accommodations, and sights, can be found on her blog, "Thailand Awaits".

Detailed instructions for traveling to Kanchanaburi can be found on the blog “Thailand Awaits”.

Things to see in Kanchanaburi.

River Kwai

The River Kwai, also known as Mae Klong, is a major tourist attraction in Kanchanaburi. Visitors can take a boat trip on the river and admire the beautiful scenery.

The Death Railway, also known as the Burma Railway, was built during World War II by prisoners of war and forced laborers from Japan and Myanmar. It is an important part of Kanchanaburi's history and today a major tourist attraction visited by almost all visitors to the city.

Bridge over the River Kwai

The Bridge over the River Kwai is the most famous landmark in Kanchanaburi. It was part of the Death Railway and is now a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can cross the bridge and learn more about its history.

Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum

Hellfire Pass is a section of the Death Railway, carved through massive rock by prisoners of war and forced laborers. Today, the pass is a memorial site with an excellent museum, built by the Australian government, that tells the story of the pass and commemorates the victims of the railway's construction. You can take a guided tour, learn more about the history of the pass, and then walk along the original tracks. To visit Hellfire Pass, it is recommended to take the train to Nam Tok station.

After paying your respects at one or more monuments, it's time to explore some of Kanchanaburi's other attractions.

Erawan National Park

Erawan National Park is located about an hour from Kanchanaburi. The park is famous for its beautiful waterfalls, including the seven-tiered Erawan Falls. You can hike to the top tier and swim in the many pools along the way.

Arrive early and allow about two hours if you plan to hike to the top waterfall. If you'd like to swim in some of the waterfalls, you can easily spend half a day there.

Wat Tham Suea – Tiger Cave Temple

Wat Tham Suea, one of Kanchanaburi's most spectacular temples, is an absolute must-see. Known as the "Tiger Cave Temple," this place is more than just a religious site; it combines nature, history, and art.

There are two staircases leading up to the site. Before climbing, take the stairs leading from the parking lot towards Kanchanaburi – they are a bit easier on the legs. If you have limited mobility, a small cable car will take you to the top for under 20 baht (round trip).

Once you reach the top, you will be greeted by an impressive, 18-meter-high Buddha decorated with gold leaf.

Beyond the typical temple atmosphere, Wat Tham Suea captivates visitors with its unique charm, featuring intricate carvings and relics. From the summit, a breathtaking panorama unfolds, encompassing the surrounding mountains and expansive rice paddies.

We made an offering there and received the monk's blessing. If you've never done this before, I highly recommend it. This unique experience will stay with you for a long time.

About the author: Paula Morgan has been traveling to Thailand since the mid-1990s and is enthusiastic about the people, the culture, and of course, the food. She visits the country as often as possible and is planning a longer stay for 2024.