Things to Do in Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi, located in western Thailand, is a captivating destination that offers a blend of history, nature, and adventure. One of the most notable attractions is the Bridge over the River Kwai, a poignant reminder of World War II, immortalized in film and literature. The nearby Death Railway and Hellfire Pass further underscore the area's historical significance. If you are a nature enthusiast, one of the top things to do in Kanchanaburi is to explore the stunning Erawan National Park, renowned for its emerald-green, multi-tiered waterfalls.
Another must-visit is the Sai Yok National Park, home to serene waterfalls, caves, and hot springs. For a unique experience, you can take a boat ride on the River Kwai or stay in one of the floating raft houses. With so much to see and do, Thailand tour packages include Kanchanaburi as a highlight where you can experience its rich history and natural beauty.
Top things to do in Kanchanaburi
1. Swim in emerald-green pools
Kanchanaburi offers some amazing activities, and one of the top things to do is to swim in the emerald-green pools of Erawan Waterfall. Located in Erawan National Park, this stunning waterfall has seven tiers, each with crystal-clear pools perfect for a refreshing swim. The turquoise water surrounded by lush greenery creates a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere.
Location: About 65 kilometers from Kanchanaburi town
Timings: From 08:00 AM to 4:30 PM
2. Visit River Kwai Bridge
This historic bridge, built during World War II by Allied prisoners of war, symbolizes the sacrifices made during the war. Walking across the bridge offers a unique perspective of the structure and the surrounding scenic views of the river. Nearby, you can visit the JEATH War Museum, which provides a deeper understanding of the bridge's history and the harsh conditions faced by the workers.
Location: Tha Ma Kham, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi
Timings: Early morning or late afternoon
3. Enjoy at Erawan Falls
Erawan Falls is a stunning seven-tier waterfall located in Erawan National Park. Each tier has beautiful emerald-green pools where you can swim and cool off. The falls are surrounded by lush greenery, making it a perfect place for nature admirers and photographers. As you hike up the trail to the higher tiers, you will find quieter pools and small caves to explore. Along the way, you might see monkeys and various birds, adding to the adventure.
Location: About 65 kilometres from Kanchanaburi town
Timings: 08:00 AM- 4:30 PM.
4. Discover Sai Yok National Park
This beautiful park is famous for its stunning waterfalls, caves, and lush forests. One of the highlights is Sai Yok Noi Waterfall, which is easily accessible and perfect for a refreshing dip. The park is also home to Sai Yok Yai Waterfall, a larger and equally beautiful waterfall. In addition to the waterfalls, you can explore the Lava Cave, which has impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Location: Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand
Timings: 07:00 AM- 05:00 PM
5. Visit Mahawangchang Elephant Camp
This camp offers a wonderful opportunity to interact with elephants in a natural setting which is one of the amazing things to do in Kanchanaburi. You can enjoy activities such as bathing and feeding the elephants, and even going on a gentle ride through the lush jungle. The camp focuses on ethical treatment and care of the elephants, ensuring they are well-treated and happy. You can also learn about the elephants' history, behaviour, and the conservation efforts being made to protect them.
Location: 198/1 หมู่ 6, Wang Krachae, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi
Timings: 07:00 AM- 04:00 PM
6. See Kanchanaburi from the river at a paddleboarding school
Paddleboarding on the River Kwai is one of the top things to do in Kanchanaburi that offers a unique perspective of the area's beautiful landscapes. As you glide along the calm waters, you can enjoy views of lush greenery, historic sites, and local wildlife. It is a peaceful and relaxing way to explore the river, away from the crowds. In some paddleboarding schools, you will get all the necessary equipment and safety instructions.
Location: Near River Kwai in Kanchanaburi town
Timings: Early morning to late afternoon
7. Discover Kanchanaburi temples and shrines
These sacred sites offer a glimpse into Thailand's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. One must-visit temple is Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple), known for its impressive golden Buddha statue and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Another notable site is Wat Ban Tham, featuring a dragon-shaped entrance and a stairway that leads to a hilltop offering panoramic views. This is one of the memorable things to do in Kanchanaburi where you to experience the serene and spiritual side of Kanchanaburi, with opportunities to admire beautiful architecture.
Location: Throughout Kanchanaburi province
Timings: From early morning until late afternoon
8. Learn about the history of the Death Railway
The Death Railway, also known as the Thailand-Burma Railway, was built during World War II by Allied prisoners of war and Asian labourers under harsh conditions. A visit to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre provides detailed exhibits on the railway’s history, construction, and the lives of those who built it. You can also visit the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum and walk along the Hellfire Pass, where the workers endured gruelling conditions.
Location: 73 Chao Khun Nen Rd, Ban Nuea, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi
Timings: 09:00 AM- 04:30 PM
Book Now: Kanchanaburi Death Railway Tour
9. Discover JEATH War Museum
This museum is dedicated to the history of the Death Railway, which was built during World War II by Allied prisoners of war and Asian labourers. JEATH stands for Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand, and Holland – the nationalities involved in the construction of the railway. At the museum, you can see photographs, artefacts, and exhibits that tell the story of the prisoners' harsh conditions and the immense challenges they faced.
Location: 2GR4+H36, Ban Tai, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi
Timings: 08:00 AM- 06:00 PM
10. Visit Wat Tham Khao Pun
This unique temple is set inside a series of caves, which house various Buddha statues and intricate carvings. The caves are cool and shaded, offering a peaceful environment for meditation and reflection. The temple's entrance is marked by a large dragon statue, and a climb up the stairway leads to a large cave filled with Buddha images. Wat Tham Khao Pun also offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside from its location.
Location: XGX3+W9R 8 วัดถ้ำ 8 ถนน 8 ถนน หมู่ 3 Nong Ya, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi
Timings: 09:00 AM- 07:30 PM
Highlights: These pagodas commemorate the tragedy of Death Railway and at the same time, they pass both Thailand and Myanmar’s border. People from both countries can now pass the border view this route.
This place is popular with tourists as well, because you can easily obtain a one day visa from Thai side and visit Payathonsu. From the Burmese section, you can buy wooden furniture, textiles and other items. Note that this is just a temporary border checkpoint and only allows for day trips between the countries.
Location: Tenasserim Hills
Highlights: The place is a tribute to the men who were forced to work at the Hellfire place and were prompted to do things even when they were in emaciated conditions. Consequently, a number of them died due to different kinds of illnesses. The place has 1896 Dutch War Graves, 11 graves from India and over 6980 Prisoners of wars have been buried at this place.
This mostly includes British, Australian and Dutch people. Across the side road, one can find the Thailand Burma Railway museum, which is dedicated to these people, these prisoners who had built it. The memorial cites the names of different prisoners so that people can keep them alive in their hearts.
Location: Kanchanaburi
Highlights: This place is known for a number of exhibitions, including parts related to World War II, the River Kwae Construction and jewelry trade. Overall, it is divided into 7 parts, including wall paintings of the Thai and Burma wars, along with collectibles, such as coconut graters, mortars, guns, swords and porcelain.
It also includes personal collectibles such as stamps, coins, banknotes, stuffed dead animals, musical instructions and other items. There’s also a model of captive houses in World War II, with exhibitions on lifestyles during this period. Clothing and exhibiting items of Thai Women and paintings of Miss Thailand are also here. One can also see other items such as vehicles of Japanese soldiers in this place.
Location: Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi.
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
Highlights: At the Mon end of the bridge, you will typical find souvenir market where you can get beautiful shirts and dresses. The highlight is the walk uphill, where you can visit the main Mon market. A part of this bridge had collapsed a few years ago and a floating bamboo bridge was built right afterwards. But the government doesn’t plan on building it if the floating bridge breaks. So, you might want to check it out before it’s gone forever. The stunning place is perfect for architecture and sight-seeing.
Location: Sanghkhlaburi
Highlights: The ride is using Thai styled boats the place itself is quite beautiful. The calm of early mornings will hug you as you ride through the reservoir. The should be discovered alongside Khao Laem National Park, which has stunning gentle cascade flowing through the forest, has several birds and lodging, camping options for anyone who is looking forward to enjoy an adventure. The sunset views of this place are truly impeccable. Must for couples and families.
Location: Sangkhlaburi.
Price: 500 Baht for six people
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Highlights: The main attraction of this National park is the Huay Mae Khamin waterfall, with seven levels. The waterfall starts from the east of the park. There are other natural attractions as well. The park is quite famous for its numerous cave systems, including prehistoric cave paintings and Buddha images. In this national park, you can expect to see evergreen and deciduous trees along with animal species like leopard cat, squirrels, bats, civet, slow lories, kingfishers, barbets and peafowl birds.
Location: Kanchanaburi.
Price: 2500 Baht onwards
The place was built through forced labor during the World War II. The pass is called Hellfire pass because of the sight of emaciated prisoners who worked endlessly to build the pass.
Highlights: The highlight is the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, which is designed to pay tribute to those who lost their lives and worked forcibly for the construction of pass. The museum concept had its origins when former prisoner of War Tom Morris convinced that the Australian Government that the section should be preserved as a historical site.
Today, that place is run by the Australian government and one can walk through the railway track, listen to audio tour and see the world through eyes of a war.
Location: Hellfire Pass
Highlights: This is a non-profit organization that reduces animal abuse, favors human-animal interaction and at the same time promotes quality time with the animals. During a day program, one can work for the elephants, plant and prepare their food, feed them with fruit and sticky rice or even enjoy scrubbing them in the river. Other plans, particularly the overnight ones include several day program activities, along with overnight accommodation next to the River Kwai.
During this stay, people also get to walk elephants to the forest and get to relax along with countryside. The mahout program is for those who truly love elephants and want to be in close contact with the nature while experiencing Thai culture.
Location: Wang Dong, Mueang Kanchanaburi District.
Price: 1000-1500 Baht
Highlights: The park can be explored independently or you can have tour guides. And while it is not naturally crowded, you can expect to see some people around. It is here that you can take long tail boat hire or go for riverside viewpoints. The smallest mammal in the world, hog-nosed bat can be seen here.
You can also see bat-cave at this place or enjoy watching barking deer, water monitors, elephants, sambar deer and other animals. For staying, opt for park bungalows and a campground. There are several floating restaurants where you can enjoy delightful Thai meals.Location:Sai Yok National Park.
Price: 300 Baht
The Erawan Waterfall was really an impressive series of seven waterfalls each with its profound shape and character of its own. The waterfalls typically all over the limestone cliffs resulting in colorful pools and shimmering rock formations collaging with the scenery. Mixed deciduous forest covers over 80% of the park with big swathes of bamboo. Tigers, elephants, sambar deer, gibbons and many more dwell in these regions. The park also offers the visitors to camp among the green landscapes of the fall.
Location: Located in the Tenasserim Hills and can be accessed by an easy 2 km trek.
Timings: The waterfall can be accessed between 8 AM to 05:40 PM
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Kanchanaburi Things To Do FAQs
Is Kanchanaburi Thailand worth visiting?
Yes, Kanchanaburi, Thailand, is worth visiting for its rich history and natural beauty. Highlights include the River Kwai Bridge, Death Railway, stunning waterfalls like Erawan Falls, and serene temples. It offers a mix of historical insight and outdoor adventure, making it a memorable destination.
Is 2 days enough in Kanchanaburi?
Yes, two days in Kanchanaburi can be sufficient to see key attractions like the River Kwai Bridge, Erawan Falls, and a few temples. However, if you want to explore more thoroughly, including visiting additional sites like Sai Yok National Park or the JEATH War Museum, you can consider extending your stay.
What is the best time to visit Kanchanaburi?
The best time to visit Kanchanaburi is during the cool season, from November to February. The weather is pleasant and dry, ideal for exploring outdoor attractions and historical sites. You should avoid the hot season (March to May) and rainy season (June to October) for a more comfortable experience.
How to reach Kanchanaburi?
To reach Kanchanaburi, you can fly to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang Airport. From Bangkok, take a bus or train from the Southern Bus Terminal or Hua Lamphong Railway Station, respectively. Alternatively, you can hire a private transfer or rent a car for a more direct route.
What is the best thing to do in Kanchanaburi with family?
One of the best things to do in Kanchanaburi with family is visiting Erawan Falls. The multi-tiered waterfalls offer family-friendly swimming spots, easy hiking trails, and scenic beauty. It is a fun and relaxing way for all ages to enjoy nature and spend quality time together in a picturesque setting.
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