Sights and activities in Kanchanaburi: The Kanchanaburi region is one of Thailand's most interesting places. From the historic city with its famous Bridge on the River Kwai and memorial museums, to the numerous national parks, the Death Railway, and the Three Pagodas Pass, all the way to Sangkhlaburi, there are diverse landscapes and sights to discover. At the end of this page, you will also find a list of recommended tours, excursions, and activities that you can do in or from Kanchanaburi. Click here to view them.

Places you absolutely must visit in Kanchanaburi: River Kwai Bridge (สะพานข้ามแม่น้ำแคว My rating: 5/5) or Death Railway Bridge, whose reputation comes from the film "The Bridge on the River Kwai" (My rating: 5/5). With its magnificent waterfalls, it is one of the most beautiful national parks in Thailand. Probably the most beautiful. Wat Tham Sua (วัดถ้ำเสือ My rating: 5/5) Temple on a small hill, about twenty kilometers from Kanchanaburi. It has a giant Buddha and offers a 360-degree view of the landscape. Death Railway My opinion: 5/5 Train line from Thonburi (Bangkok) to Nam Tok, unfortunately famous for the conditions of its construction during World War II. Wat Ban Tham My opinion: 5/5 or Dragon Temple with its grand staircases leading to a large dragon's mouth. Giant Tree My opinion: 5/5 This majestic, hundred-year-old rain tree is located about 20 kilometers outside the city of Kanchanaburi and is undoubtedly one of the must-see places in Kanchanaburi! You feel so small under its shade. Wat Metta Tham Photiyan My opinion: 5/5 This very young temple, which is constantly being expanded, is located about 20 km from the city of Kanchanaburi. The carved wooden statues of the Chinese goddess Guan Yin are impressive. Kanchanaburi Night Market My opinion: 3/5 In Kanchanaburi, as elsewhere in Thailand, the night market is a nice place to eat street food in the evening and, why not, mainly to buy clothes. It takes place every day of the week near the train station. Kanchanaburi Skywalk (สกายวอล์คเมืองกาญจนบุรี) My opinion: 5/5 stars. This 12-meter-high skywalk with a glass floor is located in the city of Kanchanaburi at the confluence of three rivers and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area with the rivers and mountains in the background. The best time to visit is late afternoon, just before sunset.

Other places worth seeing in Kanchanaburi: Huai Mae Kamin Waterfalls (★★★★★) Less well-known than the Erawan Waterfalls, 40 km away, and somewhat more difficult to reach due to the lack of bus service, the Huai Mae Kamin Waterfalls are at least as beautiful, easier to access, and significantly less crowded. JEATH War Museum (★★★★) It displays pictures and artifacts from World War II. Hellfire Pass (★★★★) – a pass carved into a massive rock face by prisoners and laborers during World War II for the Burma railway. This section, whose construction claimed tens of thousands of lives, is no longer in use. A memorial museum has been built near the pass. Wat Sa Long Ruea (★★★★) – This elegant, regal temple is located just over a kilometer from Kanchanaburi city, near the border with Suphanburi province, and can therefore be visited from both cities. Wat Tham Pu Wa (★★★★) – This temple is located about 20 kilometers from Kanchanaburi. It is particularly interesting for its large, two-story cave with stalagmites and stalactites, as well as Buddha statues. Wat Thipsukhontharam Big Buddha: This temple, about 50 kilometers from Kanchanaburi, boasts a magnificent park with the largest standing bronze Buddha statue in Thailand, which stands 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 a true hidden gem of Kanchanaburi province. According to local tradition, women are forbidden from entering the area beyond the bridge leading there. Sai Yok Noi Waterfall: Approximately 60 kilometers from Kanchanaburi, there are numerous waterfalls, including the two most important: Sai Yok Yai and Sai Yok Noi. Crystal Cave: Although the name refers to only one cave, there are several Crystal Caves located about 12 kilometers from Kanchanaburi. However, only the largest cave is easily accessible. They owe their name to the crystals that have naturally formed on the walls. Wat Tham Khao Laem (★★★★): The Khao Laem Cave has contributed to the fame of this temple, but it is expected to remain closed for several more months (February 2020). The beautiful ordination hall, however, is still worth seeing. Wat Tham Mangkon Thong (★★★) This temple is known for its floating nun, a ritual that has evolved into a spectacle and can be controversial in a Buddhist temple. A visit, especially to the cave, is nevertheless interesting. Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park (★★★) This historical site is the westernmost Khmer relic in Thailand. While not the most beautiful in the country, it is still worth a visit and can be easily combined with other sights in the province. Suk Jai Floating Market (★★★) is a nice night market on the banks of the River Kwai. While not a true floating market, it is still a pleasant place for dinner. It takes place once a week in the center of Kanchanaburi. Wat Tham Khao Pun (5 stars) This temple is known 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. Wat Tham Khao Noi (5 stars) is a Chinese temple located next to Wat Tam Sua. The hot springs of Wat Wang Khanai (5 stars) are situated within a temple complex and offer welcome relaxation after visiting Wat Ban Tham, the Crystal Caves, Wat Tham Suea, and the neighboring Wat Khao Noi. However, don't expect lush natural scenery—the area is rather barren.

Other recommended sights in Kanchanaburi include the Death Railway Museum, which uses videos, photos, interviews and models to illustrate the construction of the railway and the harsh working conditions; the War Cemetery (Don Rak), where almost 7,000 prisoners who died during the construction of the railway to Burma are buried; Wat Tham Mangkon Thong, known for its floating nun and its cave; and the sprawling cave temple Wat Khao Tham Phun An.

Tours in and around Kanchanaburi: This selection includes tours, excursions, and activities in Kanchanaburi that I have personally tested or that have been tested by trusted individuals, as well as offers from agencies and websites known for their reliability and quality. Kanchanaburi Countryside E-Scooter Tour (English): This 1 hour and 20 minute e-scooter tour takes you through the rural surroundings of Kanchanaburi. You'll pass rice paddies and farms, reach a café in an exceptional location, visit a Chinese temple, and finally arrive at the famous Bridge over the River Kwai. Details & Booking. Kanchanaburi Countryside & Old Town E-Scooter Combo Tour (English): This 3-hour e-scooter tour combines two offerings: the Countryside Rice Paddies Tour and the Old Town Tour of Kanchanaburi. Details & Booking: E-Scooter Tour in Kanchanaburi Old Town (English-speaking tour) This 1 hour 40 minute e-scooter tour takes you through Kanchanaburi, along both banks of the river. A unique tour to experience local life and the city's history. Details & Booking: Kanchanaburi: Erawan Waterfalls, Death Railway, and Bridge on the River Kwai (English-speaking tour) Private day trip with a local guide to the three main attractions of Kanchanaburi province: Erawan Waterfalls (one of Thailand's most beautiful waterfalls), a ride on the Death Railway, and a boat trip to the famous Bridge on the River Kwai. Departure from Bangkok or Ayutthaya is possible. Details & Booking: Activities and Excursions in Kanchanaburi

Other sights in Thailand: Khao Wang Thong Cave: This is the most famous cave in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, where the Khanom district is located. The interior, with its stalagmites and stalactites, is impressive. Bats also live there. More information about Khao Wang Thong Cave can be found here. Raksa Warin Hot Springs: The water has a natural temperature of 65°C. There are pools that form a spa, which is free for visitors to use. Across the road, the Siam Spa offers a full range of spa treatments. More information about Raksa Warin Hot Springs can be found here. Libong Stone Bridge: This natural rock formation, which looks like a real bridge, is one of the sights on Koh Libong. And it's very photogenic! View details about the Libong Stone Bridge in Ban Tha Din Daeng district. This fishing community in Khao Lak, nestled between the sea and mangroves and offering access to a pretty, often serviced beach, lets you immerse yourself in the local life of Phang Nga province and the richness of its surroundings… arrow_circle_right View details for Ban Tha Din Daeng community