Thinking of visiting Kanchanaburi and looking for some must-see spots? This helpful guide is full of inspiring things you can do. I love making the quick trip to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok and I think it really has a lot to offer.
This province, just 120 km from Bangkok, offers moving lessons in war history, beautiful waterfalls and an interesting local culture.
Below we’ll guide you through historic sites, natural attractions, impressive temples and lively night markets, and you’ll discover why locals rate it as one of the most popular spots for a short break.
Kanchanaburi War Sites
Although it’s not the only thing to do in Kanchanaburi Province, I think your visit should include at least one of these important sites.
The Death Railway & Bridge over the River Kwai
The one that attracts most people Kanchanaburi is his involvement in World War 2 and the infamous Death Railway. The name itself hints at its troubling past. Built during World War II, it was an attempt by the Imperial Japanese Army to establish a direct line for supplies from Bangkok to Thailand and Burma (now Myanmar).
The construction of the 415 km railway line was carried out by approximately 240,000 prisoners of war and Asian emergency workers. The purpose of this deadly project was to keep their military mission moving, but at the cost of thousands of lives due to the terribly poor working conditions and scarce resources. As a result, Death Railway is a stark reminder of the human cost of war.
Equally important is the bridge over the River Kwai, an integral part of this railway line. The bridge, made famous in book and film, is not just a bare structure across the river. It stands as a symbol of the remarkable strength displayed by thousands of prisoners who were forced to build it under harsh conditions.
The Intriguing History of Hellfire Pass
There are many museums in Kanchanaburi, however the Hellfire Pass Museum stands out. Named for the largest rock cut carved by captive POWs by hand, hammering away using crude handles and hammers.
Hellfire Pass Museum it commemorates the harrowing experiences of Allied Prisoners of War (POWs) and the Asian laborers who worked with them. These brave souls were forced to build the famous Death Railway under horrific conditions.
You can walk the remains of the original railway line and inside listen to an insightful audio guide recounting testimonies from survivors. It paints a vivid picture of the horrific experiences the POWs endured.
Beautiful temples in Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is not only a place of historical importance but is also a spiritual place with many unique and attractive temples. Two such temples that should be on your radar are Wat Tham Suea and Wat Ban Tham.
Wat Tham Suea
Perched on top of a hill, Wat Tham Suea or the Tiger Cave Temple is famous for its huge golden Buddha statue, 100 meters high, visible even from afar
Climbing the hill with almost 157 steps may seem daunting, but the reward is worth it. Once you get to the top, the view of the surrounding rice fields is magnificent.
Suggestion: Go to Meena Cafe after your visit. Not only do they make great coffee at this Instagram-worthy spot, but there’s an interesting view of the temple from afar. If you only have time for one temple in Kanchanaburi, I would choose this one.
Wat Tham Phu Wa
Wat Tham Phu Wa it’s a surprise package. A beautifully carved temple reminiscent of those in Cambodia hides an elaborate network of caves beneath its surface.
I recommend going down the stairs to discover what lies beneath.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Erawan National Park
One of the must-see sights in Kanchanaburi is the enchanting Erawan Falls, part of Erawan National Park. Named after the three-headed elephant from Hindu mythology, this majestic 7-tiered waterfall is known for its turquoise blue pools and variety of wildlife.
Set aside a full day if you want to make the most of this natural paradise. you can swim in the ethereal emerald pools, picnic in a lush landscape or challenge yourself with a hike to the top. If you’re short on time, a half day is fine, but plan to arrive as soon as the site opens.
Elephant Haven
For those excited to get up close and personal with these gentle giants of the jungle, Elephant Haven in Kanchanaburi is an ethical choice and one of the closest to Bangkok.
The sanctuary is committed to promoting ethical tourism and provides the opportunity to interact with elephants responsibly. You will be able to feed and walk with these incredible creatures, observing them in their natural, peaceful environment. It is not only a fun experience, but also a learning experience, showing visitors the importance of being kind and respectful to animals.
Exploring the vibrant Kanchanaburi Night Market
There are three main night markets in Kanchanaburi that offer a vibrant local experience. Kanchanaburi Night Market, JJ Night Market and River Kwai Bridge Market. An absolute favorite among tourists is the River Kwai Bridge Market. Not only does it offer a rich variety of food, but it also offers a stunning riverside location for a unique dining experience.
Expect an array of delectable Thai street food, traditional handicrafts and an authentic Thai atmosphere.
When one day in Kanchanaburi is not enough
Most people don’t realize how much there is to do in Kanchanaburi, but I think after reading this list, you might understand why I recommend extending your stay in Kanchanaburi beyond the day.
The area offers plenty of relaxing riverside accommodation and the chance to stay on a floating cabin whatever your budget.
A longer stay here is ideal for nature lovers who will find that the national parks offer plenty of hiking opportunities. History buffs can dig deeper into World War II sites.
I think a long weekend is perfect. However, for those with just one day, it’s a challenge worth taking on. Just pick the top attractions and allow yourself to enjoy them instead of trying to see them all.
Paula Morgan has been visiting Thailand for over 20 years and along with the street food and gorgeous scenery she enjoys exploring the inner streets of Bangkok in search of new art. You can find more of her writing about Thailand on her website Thailand is waiting.
