Kanchanaburi Travel Guide: First, let's dispel the common misconception that there's nothing to see in the area besides the Bridge on the River Kwai. While it's true that only the bridge, museums, and the war cemetery are within walking distance, the rest is several kilometers away. However, there are numerous bus and train connections available. Alternatively, countless taxi drivers and travel agencies offer their services. Surrounded by mountains and forests, with nearby national parks and magnificent waterfalls, Kanchanaburi has much to offer. During World War II, the Japanese occupied the area and forced their prisoners to build a railway line connecting Thailand with Burma (Myanmar). This railway line, now sadly nicknamed the "Death Railway," is still in operation (the Thonburi–Namtok section). Several museums commemorate this painful chapter of history. Kanchanaburi, Thailand's third-largest city, and its surroundings boast incredible natural treasures. Nature lovers can enjoy numerous hikes and tours, spend time on elephant backs, discover waterfalls and the Erawan or Sai Yok National Parks, experience agritourism, go rafting, kayaking, travel the Death Railway, visit temples, or sail on the River Kwai. It's well worth spending several days in Kanchanaburi and the surrounding area. There are countless sights and activities. The night market, for example, is worth seeing and offers not only clothing, CDs, and other products, but also many food stalls. Accommodations are often located directly on the riverbank and offer beautiful views. The only minor disturbances are the occasional noises from bars and boats converted into dance or karaoke clubs, as well as the loud engines of speedboats. The Thailand you experience here is unique: more rural and greener. You can find all the information you need about getting around in Kanchanaburi in our section "Getting Around in Kanchanaburi".

Accommodation in Kanchanaburi: Finding accommodation in Kanchanaburi is incredibly easy. Mae Nam Kwai Road, which leads to the bridge over the River Kwai, offers a wide variety of budget-friendly guesthouses. Some even offer rooms directly on the river. You can easily find a room on this road, even without a reservation. This is Kanchanaburi's backpacker district, where budget hotels are very common, while guesthouses are more expensive. More luxurious accommodations are usually located a bit further away. In the province, just outside Kanchanaburi, you can find very cozy bungalows nestled in nature and/or right on the river. Find accommodation in Kanchanaburi. Choose a destination: Amphawa Ayutthaya Bang Saphan Bangkok Buriram Cha Am Chachoengsao Chaiyaphum Chanthaburi Chiang Dao Chiang Khan Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Chonburi Chumphon Dan Sai Hat Yai Hua Hin Kalasin Kamphaeng Phet Kanchanaburi Khao Lak Khao Sok Koh Chang Koh Jum Koh Kood Koh Lanta Koh Larn Koh Lipe Koh Mak Koh Phangan Koh Phayam Koh Phi Phi Koh Samet Koh Samui Koh Sichang Koh Tao Koh Wai Krabi Lampang Lamphun Loei Lopburi Mae Hong Son Nakhon Pathom Nakhon Phanom Nakhon Ratchasima Nakhon Si Thammarat Nan Nang Rong Nong Khai Pai Pak Chong Pattaya Phang Nga Phang Nga Phayao Phetchabun Phetchaburi Phitsanulok Phrae Phuket Prachuap Khiri Khan Pranburi Railay Ranong Ratchaburi Rayong Roi Et Samut Songkhram Sangkhlaburi Sattahip Sukhothai Surat Thani Surin Tak Trang Trat Ubon Ratchathani Udon Thani all categories from 300 THB to 500 THB from 500 to 1000 THB from 1000 to 2500 THB from 2500 to 5000 THB plus 5000 THB // Grey The prices that are not available in the city selection ("All prices" are always available) function findAccommodationCategories(citySelect) { var option=citySelect.options[citySelect.selectedIndex]; var price=parseInt(option ? option.getAttribute("data-price") : 0,10) || 0; var categories=citySelect.form.elements["categories"]; if(!categories) return; for (var i = 0; i < categories.options.length; i++) { var val = categories.options[i].value; categories.options[i].disabled = !(val == "all" || val == "-" || (Math.pow(2, parseInt(val, 10)) & price)); } } (function() { var forms = document.querySelectorAll("#form-accommodations form"); var form = forms[forms.length - 1]; if (form && form.elements["cities"]) findAccommodationCategories(form.elements["cities"]); })(); My Recommendations I am often asked which accommodations I recommend in Thailand. Here are my recommendations for Kanchanaburi. Natee The Riverfront Hotel in Kanchanaburi (8.8/10) Book now More details Good Times Resort Kanchanaburi in Kanchanaburi (8.7/10) Book now More details River Kwai View Hotel in Kanchanaburi (8.2/10) Book now More details The River Kwai Bridge Resort in Kanchanaburi (8.0/10) Book now More details Bamboo House Resort in Kanchanaburi (7.9/10) Book now More details Bure Homestay in Kanchanaburi (9.3/10) Book now More details Pong Phen Guesthouse in Kanchanaburi (7.9/10) Book now More details arrow_circle_right View all accommodations in Kanchanaburi

Practical information about Kanchanaburi: There is a wide range of accommodation available in all price categories, especially in the mid-range (300 to 500 THB). Cheaper rooms without air conditioning (not essential in Kanchanaburi) or with shared bathrooms, etc., are also easy to find. Most guesthouses, bars, restaurants, massage parlors, 7-Eleven stores, and laundromats are located on Mae Nam Kwae Road, which leads to the bridge. If you wish to travel to Kanchanaburi by train, you will need to go to Thonburi Station in Bangkok. Alternatively, many buses or minivans depart from Bangkok's South Station to Kanchanaburi. Minivan tickets can be booked online here for approximately 150 THB.

How do you get to Kanchanaburi? Travelers usually take a bus or minivan from Bangkok's South Bus Terminal (Sai ​​Tai Mai) or a minivan from the minibus station opposite Mo Chit Bus Terminal to Kanchanaburi. The journey takes about 2.5 hours. You can book your minivan (ticket to Kanchanaburi) online here. If you are coming from Don Mueang Airport, I recommend taking the bus to Mo Chit. This is much more convenient, as the A1 bus drops you off directly opposite the minibus station. From Bangkok, it is also possible to take the train to Kanchanaburi, but from Thonburi Station (not Hua Lamphong). The nearest MRT station is Bang Khun Non (see Bangkok MRT map). Note that you cannot book your train tickets to Kanchanaburi online in advance, but you can easily buy them at the station shortly before departure. [arrow_circle_right] See all travel options to Kanchanaburi

What's the best way to get around Kanchanaburi? Kanchanaburi is easily explored on foot. There are no traditional taxis, but rather songthaews (shared taxis with benches in the back), which can be used as taxis or with a driver. Many local agencies offer this service. Tuk-tuks are also available for short distances. Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle. There are several bicycle rental shops, and many guesthouses and hotels also offer bicycles. For excursions outside the city, if you don't have your own vehicle, it's recommended to rent a songthaew (these are always available at the train and bus stations). It's best to negotiate the timetable and price before starting your journey. Depending on the distance and duration of the trip, the price ranges from 800 THB for a half-day trip to 2,000 or 2,500 THB for a full-day tour to a more distant destination. The price is per trip, regardless of the number of passengers.

Makha Bucha at Wat Tha Khanun Kanchanaburi. This festival usually takes place in March. Arrow_circle_right More about Makha Bucha at Wat Tha Khanun Kanchanaburi

Asanha Bucha at Wat Tha Khanun Kanchanaburi. This festival usually takes place in July. Arrow_circle_right More about Asanha Bucha at Wat Tha Khanun Kanchanaburi

River Kwai Bridge Week: This festival usually takes place in November. More about River Kwai Bridge Week

Other sights in Kanchanaburi: JEATH War Museum (with pictures and objects from World War II), Sai Yok Noi Waterfall (about 60 km from Kanchanaburi, with its numerous waterfalls, including the two most important: Sai Yok Yai and Sai Yok Noi), Wat Tham Khao Noi (a Chinese temple right next to Wat Tam Sua), Hellfire Pass (a pass carved into a massive rock during World War II by prisoners of war and laborers for the railway line to Burma. The section, whose construction claimed tens of thousands of lives, is now closed. A memorial museum has been built near the pass), Wat Sa Long Ruea (an elegant, royal temple in the shape of a barge, just over a kilometer from Kanchanaburi, not far from the border with Suphanburi Province and therefore easily accessible from both cities), Crystal Cave (although the name refers to only one cave, there are several Crystal Caves located about twelve kilometers from Kanchanaburi, but only the largest one is known as the Crystal Cave). (is easily accessible). Its name derives from the crystals that naturally form on the walls. Wat Wang Khanai Hot Springs: These hot springs within the temple grounds offer welcome relaxation after visiting Wat Ban Tham, the Crystal Caves, Wat Tham Suea, and the neighboring Wat Khao Noi. However, don't expect a natural setting with abundant trees—the area is rather barren. Wat Tham Khao Laem: The Khao Laem Cave has contributed to this temple's fame, but it is expected to remain closed for several more months (February 2020). The beautiful ordination hall, however, remains open. Wat Tham Mangkon Thong: This temple is known for its levitating nun, a ritual that is quite controversial in a Buddhist temple, yet makes for an interesting visit, particularly to the cave. Wat Tham Pu Wa: This temple is located about 20 kilometers south of Kanchanaburi. The Huai Mae Kamin Waterfalls are particularly interesting because of their large, two-story cave with stalagmites, stalactites, and Buddha statues. They are less well-known than the Erawan Waterfalls, located 40 km further on, and somewhat more difficult to reach due to a lack of bus service. Nevertheless, they are at least as beautiful, easier to access, and significantly less crowded. The Prasat Muang Singh Historical Park is the westernmost Khmer relic in Thailand. While not the most beautiful place in the country, it is still worth a visit and can be easily incorporated into a tour of other provincial attractions. The Suk Jai Floating Market on the banks of the River Kwai, while not a traditional floating market, is a pleasant place for dinner. It takes place once a week in the center of Kanchanaburi. Wat Thipsukhontharam Big Buddha ★★★★ This temple, about 50 kilometers from Kanchanaburi, boasts a magnificent park with the largest standing bronze Buddha statue in Thailand (32 meters tall). Phra That Bo Ong Chedi ★★★ This small temple, perched on a rock in the middle of a lake and accessible only by boat, is one of Kanchanaburi province's hidden gems. According to local tradition, women are forbidden from entering the area beyond the bridge leading to it. Wat Tham Khao Pun ★★★ This temple is renowned for its fascinating cave system with natural chambers and illuminated passageways. It contains nine caves with Buddhist and Hindu shrines and is considered the most accessible cave temple in Kanchanaburi province and the surrounding area.

How do you ask for directions to Kanchanaburi in Thai? I want to go to Kanchanaburi / Yak pai thi Gaan shanaboori. Where is Kanchanaburi? / Gaan shanaboori yu thi nai?