The 15 Best Things To Do In Kanchanaburi, Thailand

The picturesque town of Kanchanaburi is located in Kanchanaburi Province. Despite being just a 1.5-hour drive from Bangkok, it’s worlds away from Thailand’s capital thanks to its beautiful setting and laid-back vibe.

Kanchanaburi also has a strong connection with WWII and a devastating history. As such, you’ll find various museums and historical sites here. There are also plenty of other activities on offer, such as kayaking along the River Kwai and visiting the Tiger Cave Temple.

In this post, we’ll cover the best things to do in Kanchanaburi. We’ll also include other information such as where to stay, how to get around, and popular tours!

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The Best Things To Do In Kanchanaburi, Thailand

1. Ride on the Thailand-Burma Railway

Kanchanaburi is a charming town but it has a dark history. Located along the River Kwai, this town is home to the Thailand-Burma Railway (also known as the Death Railway).

During WWII, the Japanese wanted to build a railway line between the two countries. To build the bridge in record time, they brought in 330,000 forced workers including allied POWs and local slaves. Unfortunately, these workers were kept in horrific conditions and it’s estimated that at least 100,000 people died.

Despite its dark history, the railway line itself winds through breathtaking jungle scenery. On this train journey, you can cross the River Kwai Bridge and head over the Wang Po Viaduct while taking in the views.

This day tour from Bangkok is a popular option for those who are short of time in Thailand. Not only will you ride along the Death Railway, but you’ll also get to visit the JEATH War Museum and Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.

2. Walk along the River Kwai Bridge

The River Kwai Bridge is perhaps one of the most famous attractions in Kanchanaburi. This impressive steel bridge serves as a reminder of the atrocities that occurred here during WWII.

Also known as ‘The Bridge On The River Kwai’, this bridge was built by POWs as it’s part of the Death Railway. The first wooden bridge was built here in 1943, with the steel version being completed later that year! The bridge’s location meant that it was bombed frequently and unfortunately, POWs had to make these repairs.

Today, this bridge offers a much more peaceful atmosphere and is a great place to enjoy the area’s beauty.

We got here around 7 am and saw a train travelling over the bridge which was an experience in itself. It was also really quiet, so we could walk along the bridge without the crowds. Just make sure you check departure times to ensure your safety!

While exploring the town, we’d highly recommend visiting Kanchanaburi War Cemetary. During WWII, it’s thought that at least 100,000 people died, and some of these were buried in this cemetery.

Over 5,000 Commonwealth casualties of WWII are buried or commemorated here, as well as nearly 1,900 Dutch war graves. Walking through the cemetery and seeing the ages of POWs here was a harrowing experience, especially as many of the individuals were younger than us!

The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery is open Monday to Friday (8 am – 5 pm) and Saturday (8 am – 12 pm). Just be mindful that there may be snakes in the cemetery so watch your footing!

You could also head to Chungkai War Cemetery which is under a 10-minute drive from Kanchanaburi. In total, there are over 1,700 Commonwealth and Dutch burials here. Chungkai War Cemetery is permanently open. Again, just keep your eye out for snakes.

5. Visit the JEATH War Museum

The JEATH War Museum is one of the best places to visit in Kanchanaburi. This museum opened in 1977 and its name is an acronym of all the warring countries that were involved in the railway. These are Japan, England, Australia/America, Thailand, and Holland.

The JEATH War Museum focuses on the awful living conditions of POWS who were used to build the Death Railway. It displays various original photographs, illustrations/drawings, letters, war relics, and personal effects. Some of these were donated by former POWs.

There’s even an unexploded Allied bomb here which was dropped to destroy the bridge.

The JEATH War Museum is open Monday to Sunday, 8 am – 6 pm. Just be aware that a lot of the information is in Thai so the Google Lens app may come in handy! Allow at least 30-40 minutes for your visit.

6. Take a trip to Erawan National Park

Although there are plenty of things to do in Kanchanaburi, we highly recommend heading out to Erawan National Park, one of Thailand’s most beautiful national parks.

Erawan National Park was founded in 1975 and covers approximately 550 sq km (212 sq miles). The highlight of any visit to this park is Erawan Falls, an impressive 7-tiered waterfall, boasting beautiful emerald green ponds. It’s a popular swimming spot although the fish do tend to nibble!

Due to the limited number of hiking trails in the park, wildlife-viewing opportunities are limited. However, Erawan is home to many species, including elephants, gibbons, deer, wild boar, and macaques. There are over 100 different bird species here too, such as the crested serpent eagles and great hornbill.

This popular day tour from Bangkok is a great option for those who are short of time. On this 14-hour tour, you’ll explore both Kanchanaburi and Erawan National Park. Entrance fees are also included. Alternatively, you can book this full-day tour on Viator.

7. Enjoy a longtail boat ride along the River Kwai

There’s no better way to explore the River Kwai than by taking a longtail boat ride. As you cruise along, you can take in the views, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and even learn about the local area from your captain.

Not only that, but some tours will make stop-offs along the way! You’ll find that a few longtail boat tours will see you visit some of Kanchanaburi’s attractions including the JEATH War Museum and Wat Tham Khao Pun.

There are various companies to choose from so shop around for the best deal. You can opt for a short tour (20-30 minutes) or something longer, whichever works better for your time and budget.

Alternatively, you can enjoy a more luxurious river cruise but these will set you back more cash. There are some fantastic multi-day packages on offer too, but again, expect to pay for the experience.

8. Marvel at the Giant Rain Tree

There’s no shortage of things to do in Kanchanaburi, but there’s a natural wonder just waiting for you on the outskirts of town. Around a 30-minute drive from Kanchanaburi, you’ll find the Giant Rain Tree.

Also known as the Monkey Pod Tree, this tree is 20 metres (65 feet) tall and is nearly 52 meters (170 feet) in diameter. It’s thought to be over 100 years old and is famous for its huge canopy.

Only when standing underneath the Giant Rain Tree can you appreciate its huge size and sprawling branches. There’s a circular path around the tree where you can snap some fantastic photographs!

The Giant Rain Tree is located in the Royal Thai Army’s Division of Veterinary and Agriculture. Opening hours on Google suggest the tree is open every day, 8 am – 5 pm. However, some reviews state that it’s possible to visit this natural attraction afterwards.

9. Try local cuisine at Kanchanaburi Night Market

If you’re looking for things to do in Kanchanaburi at night we’ve got the perfect place! Those who love indulging in the local cuisine should head to Kanchanaburi Night Market (also known as JJ Night Market).

Here, you can try a variety of delicious foods from the various vendors. These include a variety of Thai dishes and snacks such as noodles, spring rolls, rotis, and stuffed pancakes. There are so many local dishes to try and they are very affordable – great for budget backpackers. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert too!

However, it’s not only the food that draws travellers in. JJ Night Market has so much to offer, ranging from clothing to small souvenirs. You can even pick up electronics and toys so there’s something for everyone.

Kanchanaburi Night Market is typically open every day, from 5 pm to around 10 pm.

10. Visit the Tiger Cave Temple

Visiting the Tiger Cave Temple (also known as Wat Tham Suea) is one of the top things to do in Kanchanaburi Province. Now, Thailand isn’t short of temples but there’s something special about this place.

Wat Tham Suea is one of the area’s most famous temples and is home to the largest Buddha image in Kanchanaburi. Named Chin Prathanporn, this impressive Buddha image was built in 1973 and is approximately 18 metres (59 feet) high. Not only that, but the temple’s architectural style is beautiful.

Just be aware that the walk-up is tiring as you’ll need to climb up over 150 steep stairs. Alternatively, there’s a tram which will take you to the hilltop. Just make sure you take time to appreciate the views! Food and souvenir stalls are also found here.

The Tiger Cave Temple is typically open daily, 8 am – 5 pm. It’s around a 20-minute drive from the town centre and there’s parking on-site.

11. Head to the Hellfire Pass

Those who don’t mind heading out of Kanchauri should visit the Hellfire Pass. This 500-metre (1,640-foot) pass is part of the Death Railway and is also known as Chong Khao Kad.

Due to the area’s terrain, the railway needed to cut through the mountain which only created further horrific conditions for POWs. Although the pass was completed in just six months, many lives were lost.

Today, the Hellfire Pass is no longer in use. Instead, you’ll find the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre here. This museum will take you through the site’s history and memorialise the victims.

You can also admire photographs and tools here before walking along the original rail bed. There are two walking routes in this area, with the easy route being around 1 km (0.6 miles) round-trip.

The drive to Hellfire Pass from Kanchanaburi takes between 1-1.5 hours. The centre is typically open daily, between 9 am – 4 pm.

12. Go Paddleboarding on the River Kwai

There’s no shortage of Kanchanaburi attractions to visit. However, if you’re looking for a laid-back activity, why not go paddleboarding along the scenic River Kwai?

Paddleboarding is a relaxing activity but it can be difficult to get right, especially for first-timers. However, if you take a lesson with an experienced guide you’ll be paddling along in no time!

This paddleboarding class lasts for between 1.5-2 hours. On this lesson, you’ll have a private instructor who will teach you the basics and all taxes and fees are included.

After learning the technique, you’ll paddle along the River Kwai while taking in the views! This class is suitable for all skill levels and ages and it’s very affordable, making it a great option for those on a budget.

Not only will you get to learn a new skill but you’ll be able to appreciate Kanchanaburi from a whole other angle!

13. Admire the Ruins at Prasat Muang Singh Historical Park

Prasat Muang Singh Historical Park is one of the province’s most historic sites and was once an outpost of the ancient Khmer Empire. It served as a military stronghold and was most likely a relay point for trade.

Also known as Lion City, it’s estimated that the history of this place dates back to between 857 and 1157.

You’ll find two main monuments here as well as other structures. The site’s principal shrine is called Prasat Muang Sing and is located in the park’s centre. Here, you’ll find various statues, including those of the goddess Prajnaparamita and the eight-armed Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.

The ruins here are truly beautiful so allow yourself plenty of time to explore! You can also scan a QR Code to get information about the site.

Prasat Muang Singh Historical Park is typically open daily, 8 am – 4:30 pm. It’s around a 30-minute drive from Kanchanaburi and there’s plenty of parking on-site.

14. Head to Mallika City

Next, we have Mallika City, a truly unique place to visit. Also known as the ‘city of culture and lifestyle’, Mallika reflects life as it would have been during the reign of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V (between 1873-1910 A.D.).

Due to the abolition of slavery, life for the local people and former Siamese slaves was very different during this time, especially as slaves now led a life of self-sufficiency.

Those visiting Mallika City can appreciate traditional houses (including the Ruen Thai House), local customs, clothing, cooking, and local traditions. Highlights include Reuan Hmoo, Reuan Khaha Bodi, the Cooking Kitchen, the Jasmine Kitchen, and the City Tower.

Visitors can also appreciate a dinner and show where you’ll sample the local cuisine and enjoy a traditional performance. These shows typically last for an hour.

Mallika City is open daily, from 9 am – 6 pm and is around a 24-minute drive from Kanchanaburi.

15. Take a day trip to Sai Yok National Park

If you’re looking to spend time in nature, head to Sai Yok National Park. This popular park covers an impressive 958 sq km (370 sq miles) and is known for its caves, waterfalls, and historical sites.

The main attractions of Sai Yok National Park include the Khwae Noi River, Sai Yok Lek Waterfall, and relics from the WWII Death Railway. You’ll also find various caves in this park including Lawa Cave and Dao Daung Cave.

The park’s most popular attractions can be found near the visitor centre. You can access the majority of them on foot and the majority of trails are well-signposted so you don’t need a guide.

This national park is also home to a wealth of wildlife including elephants, gibbons, deer, slow loris, and the very rare Kitti’s hog-nosed bat. Plenty of bird species call this park home too including the oriental pied hornbill.

Sai Yok National Park is under a 1.5-hour drive from Kanchanaburi.

Helpful Information For Visiting Kanchanaburi

How to get to Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is in a relatively central location, just a 1.5-hour drive from the capital of Bangkok. From here, you can catch trains and buses to Kanchanaburi, with the journey taking around 2.5 hours.

It’s also possible to travel from Ayutthaya which is around a 2.5-hour drive away, although public transport will take longer. We travelled to Kanchanaburi from Chiang Mai by overnight sleeper bus. The journey took between 12-13 hours and tickets were affordable (costing around £24 each).

For the best prices, we recommend booking through 12Go Asia. This is the platform we used throughout our travels in Southeast Asia and we never had any issues!

Alternatively, you can visit Kanchanaburi on a day trip from Bangkok. This historical day tour is a fantastic option for those short of time. However, we’d highly recommend spending a few days here if you can!

How to get around Kanchanaburi

Although there are plenty of things to do in Kanchanaburi, the town itself is relatively small. If you stay in a central location, you can easily visit the town’s most popular tourist attractions (those that are located centrally anyway).

The main thing to consider with Kanchanaburi is that public transport is extremely limited. The majority of train and bus services only run in and out of the town so you’ll need to keep that in mind.

However, there are plenty of songthaews, taxis, and tuk-tuks in Kanchanaburi. These offer a convenient and affordable way to get around. You’ll also find motorbike taxis in the area!

For those who want more convenience, why not hire a bicycle or scooter? A bicycle is best for travellers who don’t have experience hiring a scooter as the roads can be quite chaotic. If you want to travel further out of Kanchanaburi, a scooter will be more beneficial.

The best time to visit Kanchanaburi

You can easily visit Kanchanaburi year-round. However, it’s best to visit between late October and February, when temperatures are pleasant and there’s less rainfall.

We visited Kanchanaburi in December and had a fantastic time. The weather was pleasant and temperatures weren’t too hot, meaning we could easily wander around and explore.

The rainy season in Kanchanaburi falls between May and October, with September typically encountering the most rainfall. The average monthly rainfall at this time of year generally falls between 150 mm – 199 mm (5.9 inches to 7.8 inches). As such, you can expect to get wet!

Although the climate stays fairly consistent throughout the year, the months of March, April, and May tend to be much warmer. Average highs can reach 37.5°C (99.5°F), sometimes even higher, which can make exploring the town unpleasant. For those planning to visit at this time of year, make sure you pick a room with air conditioning.

Visiting Kanchanaburi by tour

You certainly won’t be short of things to do in Kanchanaburi. Many of these popular attractions can be visited independently, which is how we tend to explore. However, if you want to learn about the area’s history, then heading on a guided tour is a great way to do so!

Here are some popular tour options for Kanchanaburi:

• From Bangkok: Historical Day Tour to River Kwai – This 10-hour tour includes a visit to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre and you’ll learn about the area’s history from Allied POWs.
  
• From Bangkok: Erawan Park & Kanchanaburi Tour – This small-group tour from Bangkok will allow you to visit Erawan National Park and Kanchanaburi. It also includes entrance fees.

• From Bangkok: Death Railway & River Kwai Bridge Private Tour – On this private tour you’ll visit various popular attractions. Entrance fees, lunch, transport, and train tickets are all included.

Where To Stay In Kanchanaburi

Although Kanchanaburi is relatively small, there are plenty of places to stay. Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel along the river or an affordable guesthouse, there’s something for every traveller.

Here are some of our accommodation recommendations:

Budget: Home of River Kwai

The home of River Kwai is one of the most affordable properties in Kanchanaburi. This homestay is in a great location and offers a shared kitchen, indoor play area, 24-hour front desk, and bicycle rental service.

Although basic, the rooms have plenty of amenities including air conditioning, clothes storage, and a flat-screen TV. You’ll also have use of a shared kitchen. This property also has fast free WiFi.

Mid-range: Good Times Resort Kanchanaburi

Good Times Resort Kanchanaburi is another popular property. It’s located right along the river and offers charming rooms, some of which offer scenic garden and lagoon views.

This resort has plenty of fantastic facilities too including an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, bar, garden area, and tour desk. The resort also offers airport transfers and a car rental service is available.

Luxury: The Parrot Inn Kanchanaburi

The Parrot Inn Kanchanaburi is one of the more luxurious properties here. This deluxe villa sleeps 6 people so is a great option for large groups/families. However, it’s located further out of Kanchanaburi.

The Parrot Inn is set along the river and boasts a beautiful terrace. It has three bedrooms, living rooms, a well-fitted kitchen, on-site parking, and free WiFi. You’ll also have free bikes to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kanchanaburi

How many days do I need in Kanchanaburi?

We’d recommend spending at least 2 days in Kanchanaburi. This will give you enough time to visit the main attractions, including the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre and Kanchanaburi Night Market.

Those who have an additional day or two should spend time exploring the surrounding area. You could take a trip out to Erawan National Park, Sai Yok National Park, or Mallika City among other destinations.

What is a good budget for Kanchanaburi?

We’d recommend a budget of at least £30-£40 per person per day in Kanchanaburi. This will be enough for basic accommodation, a few attractions, and traditional Thai food (as street food at the local market is very affordable).

The majority of Kanchanaburi tourist attractions are very affordable. Even some of the tours offer fantastic value for money! For those who have a bit more cash, there are plenty of luxurious hotels in the area.

What is Kanchanaburi famous for?

Although charming now, Kanchanaburi has a brutal history. It’s where you’ll find the Bridge over the River Kwai and the notorious Death Railway, meaning this place has a strong connection with WWII.

This town may have a brutal and horrific history, but Kanchanaburi is now a must for any Thailand itinerary. It’s also famous for its peaceful vibe, natural beauty, and historic attractions.

Is Kanchanaburi worth visiting?

There are so many fantastic things to do in Kanchanaburi so it’s certainly worth visiting. Whether you have an interest in history, natural attractions, or outdoor activities, there’s something for every traveller!

As Kanchanaburi is close to Bangkok, it’s also an easy destination to include on your itinerary. Not only that, but you can learn about the area’s history as well as try out some outdoor activities.

Where to go after Kanchanaburi

Where you go next will all depend on where you’ve already travelled to!

If you’ve not visited Thailand’s capital city then Bangkok should naturally be your next destination as it’s around a 1.5-hour drive away. There are so many incredible attractions waiting for you here, ranging from beautiful temples to authentic local markets.

Alternatively, you can head north to Chiang Mai. This city is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand and for good reason. Whether you’re looking to indulge in the local cuisine or visit an ethical elephant sanctuary, there’s something for everyone!

While exploring the north, we’d also suggest spending time in Chiang Rai and Pai. Both destinations offer a laid-back atmosphere where you can relax and simply kick back.

If you’re looking for something a bit different then you could always head south. This is where you’ll find some of the country’s most popular beach destinations.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Kanchanaburi

There are so many tourist attractions in Kanchanaburi. Whether you’re looking to visit the local war museums, explore the nearby national parks, or indulge at the local night market, there’s something for everyone.

Although small, there’s a lot to see in Kanchanaburi so allow at least 2 days for your visit. Hiring a scooter will offer you plenty of flexibility when it comes to getting around. However, you can easily visit the main attractions on foot (at least those that are located in town anyway).

If you have any questions about things to do in Kanchanaburi, please contact us via Facebook, Instagram, or in the comments!

Here are some other Asia guides that you may find helpful:

• Travelling From Thailand To Cambodia
• The Ultimate 3-Week Vietnam Itinerary
• Spending 4 Days In Kuala Lumpur

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