Kanchanaburi

Why Kanchanaburi? A green river region with the famous bridge over the River Kwai, waterfalls and floating raft houses.

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What to do in Kanchanaburi?

For each activity you get up-to-date availability and prices — so you book ahead at the best rate.

• CultureBridge over the River Kwai & Death RailwayWalk the infamous WWII bridge and ride a stretch of the Death Railway along the cliffs.
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• CultureHellfire Pass MemorialA moving museum and walking trail at the railway's most brutal cutting.
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• NatureErawan Falls (7 tiers)Emerald turquoise pools you can swim in, climbing through the jungle.
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• NatureBathe & feed elephants (ethical)Wash, feed and walk alongside rescued elephants at a no-riding sanctuary - the highlight for many.
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• AdventureRiver Kwai raft-house overnightSleep in a floating bamboo bungalow and swim straight off your deck.
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• NatureSai Yok National Park & waterfallWaterfalls, caves and dense jungle along the river.
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• FoodFloating riverside restaurantsDinner on the water with the river drifting past.
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• CultureWat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple)Hilltop temple with a huge golden Buddha and valley views.
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Getting there & around

Minivans from Bangkok's Mo Chit and Southern (Sai Tai) terminals are the fastest (about 2.5-3 hours). The slow, scenic option is the train, which lets you ride a stretch of the original Death Railway - the leg clinging to the cliff along the Wampo viaduct is the memorable bit. Once there, the town is spread along the river, so rent a scooter or use Grab/local songthaews; Erawan and the more distant sights really need a scooter, a hired driver or a day tour.

Where to stay

The signature experience is a floating raft house - a bamboo bungalow moored on the river, from rustic backpacker rooms to comfortable resorts. Many cluster upstream near the bridge and out towards Sai Yok. The backpacker strip runs along Mae Nam Khwae road with cheap guesthouses, bars and tour desks. For quiet, look further up the valley towards the national parks.

History & nature highlights

Give the war history the time it deserves: the bridge over the River Kwai itself, the excellent Thailand-Burma Railway Centre museum, the moving Allied war cemetery across the road, and further out the Hellfire Pass memorial walk. For nature, the seven turquoise tiers of Erawan waterfalls (about 90 minutes away) are the star - bring water shoes, the higher pools are the prettiest. Choose a genuine no-riding elephant sanctuary if you visit one.

Food & the evening

Dining here is relaxed and riverside - floating restaurants and raft-house terraces serving fresh river fish, tom yum and cold Chang as the sun drops behind the hills. The Mae Nam Khwae backpacker street has the liveliest (still mellow) bar scene and a small night market for cheap eats. This is not a party town; the appeal is precisely the calm.

Where to stay in Kanchanaburi?

Compare prices from several providers for this place in one click.

Recommended: 1–2 nights

Plan on 1-2 nights for the bridge, the Erawan waterfalls and a night in a raft house on the water.

Nearby

BangkokCentral Thailand

AyutthayaCentral Thailand

SukhothaiLower Northern Thailand

Frequently asked questions