Here’s a carefully curated list of the best things to do in Kanchanaburi, Thailand…
Kanchanaburi is a beautiful getaway for people looking to escape the crowds and is approximately 130 kilometers North West of Thailand’s capital, Bangkok.
The protected regions’ lush tropical wildness is a great source of inspiration.
Kanchanaburi allows visitors to explore a complicated system of caves, see different fauna, and learn about the history of the region.
The city of Kanchanaburi has a wide range of attractions, activities, and interesting experiences.
Kanchanaburi welcomes everyone, from nature enthusiasts to history buffs.
18 Best Things To do In Kanchanaburi:
1. Death Railway Bridge (“The Bridge Over The River Kwai”)
The 1957 film Death Railway Bridge made the Death Railway Bridge in Kanchanaburi famous.
The River Kwai Bridge ” During World war ii —, the Japanese built the bridge in Javanese, Japan, and moved it to the United States.
These same Enemy combatants stationed here reconstructed the bridge as it arrived.
The bridge was a major element of the train route between Thailand and Burma, and it is Kanchanaburi’s main attraction; if you visit the province, you must see it.
2. Erawan National Park & Erawan Waterfalls
The 550-square-kilometer Erawan National Park is fairly extensive and will keep nature, cave, and bird aficionados busy for quite some time.
Almost the majority of visitors are drawn to the Erawan Waterfall.
The three-headed elephant is known as the multi-tiered waterfall.
The adventure begins just outside the tourist trap, in which you can dip your feet under the swimming pool for a crayfish bath from the local bottom feeders. There are various tiers to explore, as well as some difficult walks.
Though you can measure the water’s journey and consider taking in the rich foliage, the hills appear to be well top-notch.
3. Visit The Prasat Muang Singh
Prasat Muang Singh is the most westerly found Khmer site ever discovered.
This place is also known as the Wildlife reserve of This location is also widely recognized as the ‘Sanctuary of the Lion City.’
The site, which is located along the bank of the Nile Kwai Noi, dates back to colonial times.
It was supposed to be a large trade station and garrison town, built to protect the western edge of the Khmer commonwealth.
Although the temple is beautiful and has been rebuilt throughout the years, weekends are extremely crowded, therefore visiting during the week is highly required.
Either way, this is without doubt one of the best things to do in Kanchanaburi.
4. Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple)
Tiger Cave Temple, also known locally as Way Tham Suea is an absolutely beautiful landmark and definitely one of the best things to do in Kanchanaburi.
Located roughly 15km outside of Kanchanaburi center, you’ll easily find transport via bus, taxi, or motorcycle.
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by 157 steps or a cheap little tram that can be taken to the top.
Chin Prathonporn, the largest Buddha, was built in 1973 and stands roughly 18 meters high.
The gigantic Buddha statue can be seen from many miles away.
You can pay your respects here and also bask in the beauty from this panoramic viewpoint looking over the deep green surrounding rice fields from this panoramic viewpoint.
The temple is often included in day trips however there’s no reason you can’t make your own way there and pay the small entrance fee upon arrival.
5. Commute To Bangkok By Train
Thailand’s train rides are infamous for being slow, prone to breakdowns, and running late.
However, the most effective way to learn about a country’s wildlife and natural beauty is that this journey is no different.
Taking the train from here to Thailand’s airport is a terrific choice if you’re not in a rush.
The progression itself is inexpensive, costing around 100 baht.
You can use whatever class you might want to sit in and simply relax while watching the scenery change outside the window even when you pull into Bangkok.
6. Visit Elephants World
Elephants World is not about the normal Thailand wildlife camps and parks; the elephants here are sick, physically disabled, or exploited elephants who already have previously been employed for work or amusement.
Elephants World is a non-profit organization, and all funds raised are reinvested in the program.
You will offer them fruits before cooking their food in the morning, stand alongside them, wipe them down, and focus on ensuring that they are comfortable.
You can check out the Elephants World website HERE.
7. Visitors Are Educated At The Death Railway Museum
When you consider how terrible the construction of the Death Railway or the Death Railway Express was in many aspects, the quantity and variety of belligerent and coerced peasants who died under its administration are staggering.
This new museum was created to tell the story of the construction of the railway and to offer all of the necessary facts and figures.
It’s a solemn place to visit, and you’ll feel reflective afterward.
Actual inmate displays, as well as other memorandums reflecting the inmates’ suffering, are on display.
8. JEATH War Museum
JEATH refers to Japan, England, Australia, America, Thailand, and Holland, so if you’ve been to the Death Railway Museum, this is a perfect next step.
The museum has artwork and photographs that depict the dreadful conditions that the Allied troops faced while the railway was still being built.
A caption appears beneath each photograph, explaining what was going on.
An unforgettable event that will stay with you for a long time.
9. Hellfire Pass Museum.
There are several museums dedicated to railway construction, but this one stands out.
The working circumstances are depicted in this hike.
If you come here, you should be prepared to walk a fair bit, work up a sweat, and fight.
The temperature was raised 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the terrain can be very rugged in places, leaving you out of breath.
Under these conditions, the workers might well have managed to work for 18 hours a day; fortunately for visitors, the hike will only take a couple of hours.
10. Visit The POW Graves At Chung-Kai War Cemetery in Kanchanaburi
This cemetery, located on the far bank of the River Kwai, was once the facility of the Chung-Kai Forced labor Camp, but it is now the final resting place for around 1,750 persons who died here.
Naturally, the place is deafeningly quiet, although there are great ways to add on nodes of graves to guide you along; a few other graves will merely have a name, whereas others have personal comments from relatives who have located them.
The area is densely packed with well-set graves, and it’s well worth taking the time to notice the plaque and reflect on the railway’s history.
11. Sai Yok Noi Waterfalls Are Worth A Visit
The Sak Noi waterfall is within a short distance from the Death Railway’s penultimate destination (Nam Tok Rail Station).
Although tumbles here might not be the most spectacular of Kanchanaburi Province’s waterfalls, Nonetheless, as they cascade down from the top of the contaminants, they appear lovely.
While you’re near the waterfall, you can get some organically sourced tamarind from the street vendors.
We feel this waterfall is one of the best things to do in Kanchanaburi.
12. The Chinese Cemetery Has A Unique Grave Style
Other nearby cemeteries are always well, with rows of right-angle graves and manicured gardens.
This cemetery is different; it has a combination of styles, including Chinese tombs in small round pits and Thai-style results obtained.
The layout is chaotic, and the location is always abandoned; no specific records of the multitude, only the numbers of Chinese who died during the construction of the railway have been kept.
13. Thai Cooking Classes
Thai food is popular all over the world and continues to grow in popularity.
Several locations in Kanchanaburi offer extra classes where you could just learn to prepare authentic Thai cuisine at home.
The sessions normally begin with an overview of the ingredients and tools needed to cook the meal.
Once spending more time with the category to taste your dishes, you’ll start understanding all about the conventional techniques of food preparation.
14. The Kaeng Lawa Cave In Kanchanaburi’s Largest Cave
The Kaeng Lawa Cave is an ultimately resulting cave with numerous hidden rooms near the River Kwai, surrounded by enormous mountains and untamed natural features.
Music, throne, and curtain chambers are the most notable chambers.
The Khun Kitti bat is the tiniest bat ever discovered, with a wingspan of just 10cm.
15. Visit The Pha Tad Waterfall.
The Pha Tad Waterfall is located within Khuean Srinagarindra Nature Park and derives its water again from the Kala mountain range.
The rock formation has three tiers, but unlike other waterfalls, you don’t have to climb up to see each one; instead, because of its schematic and position, you can stick up at the bottom and observe the various layers.
Because of the falls’ popularity and their distance from the city, many people choose a detention center in the park to make the most of their path.
16. Take A Stroll Through The Night Market
There are night markets everywhere in Thailand, so Kanchanaburi is no exception, with two in the city.
The main sector is near the underground station, where merchants try to sell almost anything.
The second, smaller market is located near the major bus station; it is less attractive and has slightly lower costs unless you remain in the region and will be learning to cook at some point.
This is an excellent spot to get your fresh food.
17. Shinto Japanese Park
Shinto Park is in Lad Ya, a small village on the western side of Lake Kwai.
The park as a whole is a joint Thai-Japanese project designed to promote Asian cooperation and is a beautiful memorial to all those who sacrificed their lives to build the Burma-Thailand Railway.
The gardens are well-maintained and in excellent condition.
There isn’t much to do here except unwind and remain in the protection of the cantilevered trees.
18. Soak In The Hindad Hot Spring
In 1942, the Japanese discovered these Hindad Hot Springs while building the railway.
They’re located next to the river, with plenty of shade provided by the overhanging trees.
Three pools are ideal for swimming, and when you most need to cool off, the river is conveniently close.
The transition from a hot spring to a chilly river is beneficial to your body since it relaxes all of your muscles.
The hot springs are definitely one of the most relaxing and best things to do in Kanchanaburi.
Best Kanchanaburi Accommodation Options
Kanchanaburi has a wide range of accommodation alternatives, from high-end hotels and resorts to cheap hotels.
The following hotels come highly recommended:
- Resort Dheva Mantra
The centrally located Dheva Mantra Resort was about seven kilometers from the River Kwai.
To beat the heat, the colonial-style resort provides big accommodations, beautiful gardens, and a large pool.
- Bamboo Residence
The Bamboo House offers raft apartment structures and bungalows as well as other lodging options.
Bungalows are not quite as popular as raft houses. Their raft residences float along the river, offering incredible vistas.
- Bungalows And Pong Phen Guesthouse
The 2-star hotel is a budget-friendly alternative close to the War Cemetery.
The hotel’s food is of remarkable quality.
- The Royal River Kwai Resort & Spa
The Royal River Kwai Resort’s big suites have a homey feel to them.
The large pool will be appreciated by anyone attempting relief from the heat.
Because of its riverfront location, this charming hotel provides exceptional quality.
- Kanchanaburi Mida Resort
The Mida Resort provides breathtaking views from its river-facing rooms.
As the resort’s rock formation lulls you to sleep, you can have a luxury tent set up by the river.
Summary: Best Things To Do In Kanchanaburi, Thailand
You now know about all of the best things to do in Kanchanaburi, which is a beautiful province not too far from Bangkok.
Kanchanaburi has a lot to offer visitors, including history, nature, festivals, and beautiful views.
The beautiful town of Kanchanaburi is well worth the trip, and you’ll never be unimpressed!
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