The Thai province of Kanchanaburi is a medley of past and present. It houses some of the horrifying yet awe-inspiring remnants of the Second World War, which are some of the top places to visit in Kanchanaburi. One can travel through time by visiting some of the war memorials and museums. In fact, you can retrace history by going back as far as the Neolithic civilization and witness the artifacts recovered from the excavation sites. Apart from the dark yet rich history, it is the scenic beauty of the majestic landscapes that make the province visit-worthy. The thundering natural waterfalls and the soothing hot springs attract tourists from near and far.
About Kanchanaburi
The town of Kanchanaburi is located 130 kilometers away from Bangkok and is a popular escape for those hoping to lose the crowd. The thriving tropical wilderness in the protected areas is a literal breath of fresh air. It offers the tourists to weave through the complex network of caves, witness the diverse wildlife, and revisit history. The Kanchanaburi province offers varied sights, numerous activities, and memorable experiences. Nature lovers would be as excited as history buffs and Kanchanaburi embraces them all.
Places To Visit In Kanchanaburi
Amongst the many places to visit in Kanchanaburi, the following are some of the popular destinations that one must put on their list if they are visiting the province:
1. Death Railway Bridge
The Death Railway Bridge or Bridge on the River Kwai is one of the most famous places to visit in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. It has often been referenced in films and literature. The landmark was constructed by the Dutch, American, and British prisoners of war captured during WWII. It is named so since numerous men died while the bridge was being constructed. The Japanese supervised this project with the hope that the rail connection could aid their soldiers fighting in Burma. Tourists can cover sections of the bridge on foot or by rail and collect trinkets from the local markets around the area.
Must Read: 9 Best Things To Do In Kanchanaburi For An Enchanting Thai Excursion
Thailand Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle
Experience thrilling adventure sports, enjoy Thai cuisines, or pamper yourself with a relaxing spa. Book Thailand holiday packages on TravelTriangle and enjoy the beauty of the beaches of Krabi, Phuket, and Ko Samui.
2. Hellfire Pass And Memorial Museum
The Hellfire Pass constitutes a stretch of the 500-meter long path carved through rock. Nearly 1000 POWs dug their way by hand to lay Hellfire Pass. During the 12-week digging period, 70% of the POWs died in deplorable conditions. Grab an audio headset narrating the history of the Hellfire Pass and relive the angst of the forced laborers. The Memorial Museum retells their story through the medium of tools, photographs, and artifacts. The Hellfire Pass and Memorial Museum are maintained by the Australian Government.
3. Erawan National Park
The Erawan National Park is a soothing contrast to the jarring remnants of the war. The majestic seven-tiered Erawan Falls reward the visitors with a treat to the eyes. The lush greens against the aqua-hued waters make the Erawan National Park a beauty to cherish. As you trudge through the National Park, you will see king cobras, gibbons, and elephants in their natural habitat. For the more adventurous kind, the Tham Phra That Caves is a must-visit.
Suggested Read: Kanchanaburi Forest Reserve: A Guide To Spend Your Next Trip At This Paradise In Thailand!
4. Elephant’s World
The elephants at the Elephant’s World are survivors of abuse and have been rescued from various illegal and unethical practices. At the Elephant’s World, you get to interact with them in the purest form, through empathy. You get to offer your services to the humongous creature and care for it. You could cook food for them, walk them, or even give them a bath in the river; all of that without causing any harm to the elephant.
5. JEATH War Museum
JEATH (Japan, England, Australia/America, Thailand, and Holland) – POWs of these allied powers were imprisoned and tortured at the prison camp situated on the grounds of Wat Chai Chumphon. It is an exact replica of the war jail camps set up during WWII. Visitors can relive the past through the accounts narrated by the prisoners or their family members. The bunks and other authentic articles each have a story to tell. The museum is maintained by monks.
Suggested Read: Kanchanaburi Travel Guide: A Handy Note On A Quaint Historical Town In Thailand
6. Saphan Mon
The world’s longest wooden bridge, Saphan Mon is significant in itself. It connects the main town to villages. It is the home to Thai, karen and mon settlement. At the other side of the bridge, there is a market where you can buy souvenirs.
7. War Museum And Art Gallery
If you want to brush off the history and culture of Thailand, then, visit this place. It is a private museum built by a jewelry entrepreneur. Apart from offering war paintings that the nation hs fought, the museum also showcases some personal collections like those of stamp and coins.
How To Reach Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is connected to Bangkok and neighboring provinces by roads and rails.
By Road: Air-conditioned and non-AC buses ply from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal towards Kanchanaburi. These buses depart after every 15 minutes and take about 2 to 3 hours to reach the destination.
Another way to get to Kanchanaburi by road is by boarding a minibus from the Khaosan Road, Bangkok, to get to the location within 2 hours.
By Rail: In addition to the buses, trains depart from the Thonburi Train Station (Bangkok Noi Railway Station) for Kanchanaburi. These trains travel twice a day.
Places To Stay In Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi has many lodging options ranging from high-end luxury hotels to budget hotels. Some of the highly recommended hotels are:
1. Dheva Mantra Resort
Image Source
The Dheva Mantra Resort is around 8 kilometers away from River Kwai and is centrally located. The colonial style resort offers spacious rooms, picturesque gardens, and a sprawling pool to beat the heat.
Website
Suggested Read: 10 Places Near Thailand For Your Fun-Filled Day Trips With Friends & Family
2. Bamboo House
The Bamboo House offers two lodging options – raft houses and bungalows. While the bungalows are the regular run-of-the-mill accommodation, it is the raft houses that enjoy great popularity. The raft houses float right on the river offering stunning views.
3. Pong Phen Guesthouse and Bungalows
Image Source
The 2-star accommodation is pocket-friendly option at the walking distance from the War Cemetery. The quality of the food served at the hotel is exceptional.
Website
Suggested Read: 5 Best Nude Beaches In Thailand That One Cannot Afford To Miss
4. Royal River Kwai Resort & Spa
The Royal River Kwai Resort houses spacious rooms with cozy decorations. The sprawling pool offers a break to those looking to escape the heat. Additionally, the riverside location makes this scenic hotel a value for money option.
5. Mida Resort Kanchanaburi
Image Source
With multiple river-facing rooms, the Mida Resort offered stunning views. You could request to set up a luxury tent by the river as the resort’s waterfall lulls you to sleep.
Further Read: Nightlife In Thailand: 7 Best Thailand Bars And Clubs That’ll Evoke Your Inner Party Animal
Kanchanaburi serves a slice of anthropogenic history with the sides of nature’s beauty, the contrast of the gruesome and the marvelous. Thus, it is definitely a place worth a visit. Book your trip to Thailand with Traveltriangle and have a great time as you take a tour of the places to visit in Kanchanaburi.
Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Kanchanaburi
What is Kanchanaburi famous for?
Kanchanaburi is famous for the Death Railway bridge.
Is Kanchanaburi worth visiting?
Yes, Kanchanaburi is definitely worth visiting.
How do I get to Erawan waterfall?
You can reach Erawan waterfall by bus. Take the bus 8170 from Kanchanaburi bus station and get down at Srinakarin market which is 1 km away from the waterfall.
Looking To Book An International Holiday?
Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.
People Also Read
Places To Visit In Chiang Mai Places To Visit In Bangkok Places To Visit In Krabi
Gaurav is an entrepreneur by profession and an avid Yoga enthusiast. He loves to explore and know about Varied traditions, arts and colourful cultures of people at different places around the world. He loves to spend time in nature and to read books.
