When you are planning for a full-fledged Bangkok holiday, do not miss to include a day trip to Kanchanaburi. This is a quaint and spectacular town, known since the times of WWII. The town is beautiful and serene with plethora of diverse attractions, that allure every soul. Adorned with an iconic bridge on River Kwai, War Cemetery, War Museum, floating market and Tiger temple; this place is a must-visit from Bangkok and this handy Kanchanaburi guide features every minute detail, you need to know for an engaging excursion to this place. Let this Kanchanaburi travel guide help you on your journey through the gorgeous town.
Essential things you need to know about Kanchanaburi
How to reach Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi in Thailand is 140 kms from Bangkok and takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to reach. One can reach Kanchanaburi from Bangkok by train, bus or taxi
By train: There are two trains that depart from Thornbury station, Kanchanaburi to Bangkok , one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The train journey is exciting, refreshing and fun. The Kanchanaburi train travels over the famous bridge on the River Kwai.
By bus: Luxury and public busses ply from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal Sai Tai Mai and the Northern Mo Chit bus terminal to Kanchanaburi in Thailand, every day. It takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to reach the destination.
By taxi: Taking a private taxi from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is the most expensive yet flexible option. One can stop en-route and visit other tourist attractions, that are located on the way.
Best time to visit Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit Kanchanaburi is from November to February. This is one of the best seasons, when the temperature is neither too hot nor too cold. Days are comfortable and soothing for excursions. Summer months should be avoided as they come up with excessive heat and humidity.
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Places to stay in Kanchanaburi
There are many beautiful hotels and resorts in Kanchanaburi, which offer best of facilities, services and hospitality. If you don’t want to return to Bangkok, the same day, you can check out X2 River Kwai Resort, Good Times Resort, Away Kanchanaburi Dheva Mantra Resort & Spa, Royal River Kwai Resort & Spa and Boutique Raft Resort.
Tourist attractions in Kanchanaburi
1. Tiger Temple
Location: Lum Sum, Saiyok District Kanchanaburi 71150, Thailand
Tiger temple, also known as Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua Yanasampanno, is a Theravada Buddhist temple, and among the finest Kanchanaburi attractions. Considered as one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kanchanaburi, this forest temple and wildlife sanctuary was founded in 1994 and comprises of Indochinese tigers. The tigers are worshipped here and the monks live happily with them, round the clock. One can visit this place, experience the excitement, click photos and create memories of lifetime.
Opening hours: 12 noon to 4:30 pm.
Tickets: INR 1333/person
2. Jeath War Museum
Location: Ban Tai, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand
One among the famous attractions in Kanchanaburi is Jeath War Museum. Founded in 1977, this museum is situated in the basement of a temple, located at the confluence of Khwae Yai and Khwae Noi rivers. This museum features the history and artefacts related to the historic Death Railway in Thailand. There are two sections inside the Jeath War Museum. One part features the history of construction of Death Railway while the other showcases paintings, sculptures, weapons and tools made by the prisoners of WWII.
Opening hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Tickets: INR 20/night
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3. Erawan National Park
Location: Tha Kradan, Si Sawat District, Kanchanaburi 71250, Thailand
Exploring the wilderness of Erawan National Park is among the most thrilling things to do in Kanchanaburi. With Tenasserim Hills as the backdrop, Erawan National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in Thailand. Featuring Erawan Falls, located right at the heart of the national park; this place is a perfect piece of heaven for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Surrounded by mixed deciduous trees, one can spot animals like sambar deer, Indochinese serow, lar gibbon and wild elephants along with plenty of common to endangered birds like Khaji pheasant, black-naped monarch, blue-whistling thrush and crested serpent eagle.
Opening hours: 8 am to 4:30 pm
Tickets: INR 888/person
4. Bridge on the River Kwai
Location: Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Now, this is the iconic landmark of Kanchanaburi. No Kanchanaburi guide is complete without mentioning about the Bridge on the River Kwai. This is a historic railway bridge built on the River Kwai, by the prisoners and slaves of WWII, by Japanese forces. This is a must visit, when you are exploring Kanchanaburi.
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5. Floating Market
Location: Lat Ya, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71190, Thailand
One of the beautiful attractions of Kanchanaburi is the floating market. Here the sailors sell their stuff on the boats, while floating on the River Kwai. This is a vibrant and colourful market, always buzzing with tourists and sellers. From fresh fruits, flowers to souvenirs and knick knacks, one can pick anything from the floating market, after a strong bargaining session.
Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm
6. Thai Burma Railway
Location: Kwaiyai Rd, Tambon Ban Tai, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand
Thai Burma Railway or Siam Burma Railway was a 415 metres long railway network, constructed between Ban Pong, Thailand, and Thanbyuzayat, Burma. It was built during WWII, by Japanese prisoners and slaves. But unfortunately, lacs of prisoners and labourers died during the construction project, hence the Thai Burma Railway is also known as Death Railway.
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7. Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
Location: 284/66 Sangchuto Rd, Tambon Ban Tai, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand
Locally known as Don-Rak War Cemetery, this is the main war cemetery, built in fond memories of Japanese prisoners, who suffered untimely deaths during the construction of Death Railway. Approximately, 6,982 prisoners were buried here and presently this place is maintained by Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm
Tickets: INR 66/person
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8. Tham Phu Wa Temple
Location: Nong Ya, Kanchanaburi, Thailand
You must not leave Kanchanaburi without seeing Tham Phu Wa Temple. Not only beautiful architecture, detailed and intrinsic Khmer and Lop Buri art work and serenity of the place make it popular, but its location inside a spectacular limestone cave, make it one of the most stunning places to see in Kanchanaburi.
Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm
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Read this detailed Kanchanaburi guide? Hope these Kanchanaburi travel tips give you a complete insight into this amazing place, so that you can include Kanchanaburi as a part of your Thailand vacation with Travel Triangle.
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A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.
