10 Best Things to Do & Places to Visit in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Kanchanaburi, Thailand, is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. As a seasoned traveler and local expert, I’ve explored every corner of this gem, and I’m excited to share the best things to do in Kanchanaburi.

Nestled just a few hours from Bangkok, this province is home to the iconic Bridge on the River Kwai, a symbol of WWII’s brutal history, but that’s just the beginning. From breathtaking waterfalls like Erawan and Sai Yok to the Death Railway and its historical significance, Kanchanaburi offers a deep dive into Thailand’s past while providing plenty of natural wonders to explore.

Whether you're into adventure tourism or simply soaking up the tranquility of the River Kwai, this destination caters to every type of traveler. For nature enthusiasts, the nearby Erawan National Park offers lush greenery, crystal-clear waters, and hiking trails. If you're a history buff, visiting the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre and War Cemeteries will provide a poignant look into the region's WWII history.

In this guide, I’ll help you uncover Kanchanaburi’s hidden gems, making sure you don’t miss the best experiences that this remarkable province has to offer. Get ready to plan your ultimate trip to Kanchanaburi and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Best Things to Do & Places to Visit in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

It has only 30,000 inhabitants and its history does not go back thousands of years.

Its surroundings are not exceptionally beautiful, nor are its buildings striking. But Kanchanaburi has something … In addition to its great symbol, the bridge that inspired a novel that was adapted into one of the most legendary films of all time, its atmosphere is cool, making it one of the most popular excursions from Bangkok .

During the day it is a sleepy city, rocked by the calm waters of the River Kwai , while at night it shows us its liveliest side, with several night markets, restaurants, bars and pubs for (unfortunately) everyone and everything. Although without a doubt, the best time of day is at sunset, especially if you enjoy it from one of the places we are going to recommend.

→ There is a tour from Bangkok to Damuan Saduak Floating Market and the River Kwai that will save you the planning. Or you can join a 1-day historical tour of the must-sees of Kanchanaburi.

what to see and do in Kanchanaburi

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But let's stop chattering and go see what its biggest attractions are, or in other words, the best things to see and do in Kanchanaburi in a couple of days:

1. The Bridge over the River Kwai

It is undoubtedly the main attraction and the one that put Kanchanaburi on the map. But the reason has nothing to do with its beauty or its importance, but with the story behind a film … We are obviously talking about “The Bridge on the River Kwai” , directed by David Lean in 1957, awarded with 7 Oscars and considered a masterpiece of war cinema.

It tells the story of a group of prisoners of war forced to build a railway line connecting Thailand to Myanmar in record time during WWII. This journey became known as "The Railway of Death." But we must say that neither the plot is real (the historical context is) nor the place where it was filmed was this (it was shot in Sri Lanka).

Bridge over the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi

The metal bridge we see today is not the original one, as it was blown up several times during the war. But it is still very photogenic and exciting to walk on, especially if you catch one of the trains that regularly make this journey on the way to Nam Tok (after 06:02, 10:30 and 16:21 or before 07:05, 14:43 and
17:28).

On the other side, a modern Chinese temple awaits you , with a gigantic statue of Guan Yin, the goddess of mercy, which honestly doesn't fit in at all. But the best photos of the bridge are taken from its small pier.

If you want an alternative plan, you can also cross it from the water by renting a kayak , a paddle board or on a scenic motor boat tour (known as a longtail boat due to its similarity to the traditional boats of the Thai coast) that makes some interesting stops on a tour of the River Kwai. You can book the boat tour online or go to the pier at the foot of the bridge and negotiate directly with the boatman there.

paddle surfing on the river Kwai in Kanchanaburi

The Death Railway

This was the name given to the project carried out by the Japanese to build a railway line linking Ban Pong (Thailand) and Thanbyuzayat (Myanmar) during World War II that could facilitate transport between the occupied territories.

For this purpose they used prisoners of war who had fallen into Japanese hands during the campaigns in Southeast Asia (mainly British, Australian, Dutch and Americans), in addition to an overwhelming number of Asian civilians .

The feat was accomplished in record time, with limited resources and in extreme conditions, taking the lives of 90,000 civilians and 12,000 Allied prisoners.

*The line known as the "Death Railway" passes through Krasae Cave*

2. JEATH War Museum

Next to the bridge, attached to a temple and on the site where the first wooden bridge over the river was built, is this museum where original WWII artifacts are exhibited . These are objects that were recovered in the surroundings of Kanchanaburi after the Japanese surrender and that in some way show the horrors of those years.

The exhibition does not have a clear narrative thread that helps you get into the story, but there are some interesting pieces , such as a jeep or an old car that the Japanese used to travel from one camp to another, banknotes issued by Japan to the countries they had occupied, as well as weapons, bombs, military suits, etc.

There are other war-related museums in the city, but this one is the most popular and interesting.

Price: 50THB

what to see in Kanchanaburi JEATH War Museum

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3. War Cemetery

Or rather, cemeteries, because in Kanchanaburi there are two cemeteries that hold the bodies of some 7,000 men who lost their lives here during the Second World War. They were prisoners of war from the Allied side (POWs), mainly Dutch, English, New Zealanders and Australians (who formed the ANZAC corps), captured by the Japanese, held in forced labour camps and exposed to conditions so extreme that there were deaths every day.

DonRak Cemetery is the most centrally located, just a few steps from the train station, while Chungkai Cemetery is a couple of kilometres outside Kanchanaburi . Both are open to the public free of charge and it is worth stopping for a few minutes to reflect on the tremendous horrors of war.

DonRak War Cemetery in Kanchanaburi

4. Night markets

There are not just one but several places where markets with food stalls are set up at night. The main one is the Night Market , which is set up every night next to the train station, very varied and a favourite with tourists. A second one is located on the other side of the famous bridge (it is known as the Concentration Camp Market ) which is much less lively and frequented by a handful of locals. Also, along the main road "River Kwai Rd" you will see small concerts, hotpot places, street stalls, etc. And finally, on Fridays there is the Floating Night Market , which is not actually floating but is located in an area near some docks next to the river.

But the one you can't miss if you have the chance is the Saturday Market , one of the biggest I saw in all of Thailand, with apparently 600 stalls of all kinds. From typical food to desserts, from cacti to vintage clothing... It is located at the foot of the Skywalk, and is probably the event of the week for the Kanchanaburi people who rent blankets and picnic tables for 50 baht to enjoy the concerts and some time with family or friends.

Remember to get the Revolut card ( with a €10 promo ), the best option to avoid commissions when paying and withdrawing money abroad

Saturday Night Market Kanchanaburi

5. Skywalk

It is an elevated walkway with a glass floor at a height of 12 metres and with some, I suppose, interesting views. I say I suppose because when I wanted to go up it was extremely hot and I lost all desire. The best time to go up is at sunset , for aesthetic reasons (that's when the sky turns a precise shade of pink) and for health reasons (you'll avoid dying of sunstroke).

Price: 60 THB, they give you shoe covers so you don't scratch the floor.

what to do in kanchanaburi skywalk

6. A swim in the River Kwai

What I didn't want to miss under any circumstances was a refreshing swim in the mythical River Kwai. There are several river beaches with cheap restaurants, tables, sun loungers and umbrellas, with a much more local vibe than any resort in the city. I also had the cheapest beer of the whole trip there, an extra plus.

If you fancy a fairly authentic plan and want to get away from the luxuries of your hotel, head to one of these beaches: Chuk Don Beach (which I went to) and Had Sai Nam Jued Tha Lo , a little further away. We'll leave you their exact location on the map at the end of the article.

things to do in Kanchanaburi Chuk Don Beach

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7. Charming cafes (and excellent coffee)

From a beer and a barbecue to a specialty coffee in a modern cafe . These are the contrasts of Thailand. And all over the country, these designer cafes are spreading like mushrooms, with quality coffees and even some that roast the beans themselves. Here are some of my favorites in Kanchanaburi (but just so you know, there are and will be many more):

MAS Coffee | Roastery : where I tried one of the best coffees in my entire fucking life. The place is super nice and the coffee is not expensive either.
Davenport Cafe : Located in the Zeit Hotel but open to the general public, it is located next to the river and has an extensive lunch and breakfast menu.
Rainforest Cafe Kanchanaburi : A little far from the centre, it is an oasis of greenery in the middle of a dry land. Suitable for teleworking.
W Story Cafe Kanchanaburi : Located on an elevated area, it offers beautiful panoramic views of the river. Ideal for watching the railway pass by.
Gravité Coffee and Rooms – I didn’t try it but when I passed by it had a pretty cool little garden.
Knock knock cafe-kanchanaburi : small place where they only offer coffee, but it's really tasty.
Z2 Kanchanaburi : next to the river, with a somewhat posh atmosphere but a good place to relax.
Mulberry Mellow : A very popular site, with large garden areas, leafy trees and a relaxing atmosphere.
Sky Blue Coffee : I only had an iced coffee, which wasn't amazing either, but I stayed a while on their terrace next to the river.

MAS Coffee in Kanchanaburi

8. Wat Tham Suea Temple (Tiger Cave Temple)

I had it on my list and my idea was to visit it after the beach, but after the beer and with the tension at rock bottom, I completely forgot about it. And it is recognized as one of the most spectacular temples in Kanchanaburi ! So when we returned to the city, a year later, we couldn't miss the opportunity and off we went.

It stands out for its enormous statue of a seated Buddha (the largest in the city) completely gilded, placed on a small hill that is reached by climbing 157 steps . The complex has other structures and temples of diverse architecture, such as the Chinese-style pagoda Wat Tham Khao Noi or the chedi Wat Tham Suea, which has an internal staircase that will allow you to ascend to its highest part for spectacular views.

Tiger Cave Temple Kanchanaburi

On the way, if you have time, you can stop at the Giant Raintree , a gigantic tree that is more than 100 years old and whose extraordinary dimensions have made it a very popular attraction among Thais. Or the Wat Ban Tham , a temple inside a cave with a curious entrance in the shape of a dragon's mouth.

It is not the only cave that houses small Buddhist shrines in the surroundings of Kanchanaburi, others are Wat Tham Khao Pun (30 THB and one of the stops on the scenic boat tour) with the nearby Chedi Thong Wat Tham Khao Pun from where you have great panoramic views of the entire area, Wat Tham Mangkornthong or Wat Tham Phu Wa (which looks a little fake).

what to see in Kanchanaburi Giant Tree

Kitchen & Household

9. Old paper mill

Who wouldn't like an abandoned factory? If not, you'd better move on to the next point, but if you're one of those geeks who is passionate about abandoned buildings and ruined factories , or you like photography , you'll love this place.

This is a huge old paper mill , opened in 1938 (apparently the second in Thailand) and which still preserves the original machinery . On special occasions they organize events in the esplanade in front and may even open their doors, but for now we will have to settle with seeing it from the outside and photographing its interior through the broken windows.

What to see in Kanchanaburi Old paper factory

10. Enjoy the sunset in one of the places on the riverbank

One of the highlights of the day will be finding a nice spot on the banks of the River Kwai (on the right side, so you have the sun in front of you), ordering a nice cold Chang and watching a movie-like sunset.

The one I recommend and probably the best in all of Kanchanaburi is Tongkan Café , with several covered lounges, gardens and the best: a floating platform with spaces where you can sit and soak your feet while you eat or have a drink. Others I noted were By De River , Dedthodsaphak Restaurant , Keeree Tara or Keereetara Riverside (these last ones are a bit fancy).

Sunset at Tongkan Cafe in Kanchanaburi

Excursions from Kanchanaburi

There are several interesting attractions in the area around Kanchanaburi that will make you consider staying an extra night. The list is extensive and varied: waterfalls, caves, historical sites, ancient ruins and even a swamp where you can stay in a floating cabin. We tell you about the day trips from Kanchanaburi.

We did all these excursions on our own by renting a motorbike (except for the Hellfire Pass, which was a bit further away). The distances are not huge and the roads are in very good condition. There are several motorbike rental agencies on the main street (I recommend RCR, with prices from 250-300THB per day).

✓ Erawan National Park

One of the most visited national parks in Thailand, especially due to its relative proximity to Bangkok and its accessibility. Many locals take advantage of their days off to take the car or the direct train to this place.

Although the park covers a larger area, what you come to see here are its waterfalls and natural pools , divided into 7 levels , on a route of approximately 2.5 km on foot. Getting to the first levels is easy, while from the fifth the path becomes somewhat steeper.

I must say that I visited them during the dry season (in March) and they did not look like the photos in all the catalogues. Nevertheless, I was able to take a few dips (and sweat to get to the top). Here we tell you more about how to visit Erawan National Park .

Price: 300THB (+ 20THB for the motorcycle)

Erawan National Park Thailand

✓ Krasae Cave and Death Train

This is a high but shallow cave where a statue of Buddha is worshipped . What makes this place really interesting is that here you can see one of the most complex sections of the Death Railway. This route is still used today and if you are lucky, you can see the train passing through it on the way to Nam Tok.

Krasae Cave Kanchanaburi

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✓ Mueang Sing Historical Park

This is one of the few examples of ancient Khmer-style temples in eastern Thailand, dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. The complex has several enclosures, although only the main one is worth seeing, which bears a distant resemblance to the temples of Angkor. If you have already been to Ayutthaya, Sukhothai or Buriram, this archaeological site will not be of much interest to you.

Price: 100THB (+ 20THB for the motorcycle)

Mueang Sing Historical Park excursion from Kanchanaburi

✓ Hellfire Pass

We have already seen that during World War II, the Japanese sought to build a railway route connecting Thailand to Burma (Myanmar) to facilitate the transport of supplies and troops, and this route involved construction through difficult terrain, including mountains and dense forests. And Hellfire Pass is perhaps one of the worst stretches…

The name itself gives us a hint of the hell it was, due to the brutal circumstances under which it was built, with prisoners of war and Asian civilians forced to work in extremely difficult conditions , often for long hours and using basic tools.

This historic site includes a museum , several trails that wind through the pass, and commemorative plaques detailing the history of the site, giving visitors a chance to remember the sacrifices of those involved in its construction.

Hellfire Pass Kanchanaburi

✓ Srinagarindra Reservoir

If we go up the River Kwai, about 70 km from Kanchanaburi, we will reach the Srinagarindra Dam , an impressive dam 140 metres high by 610 metres wide which, in addition to generating hydroelectric power, allows the level of the river to be controlled and prevent flooding. Incidentally, it is named after Princess Srinagarindra, the mother of King Rama IX.

The size of the reservoir created by the dam, considered the largest in Kanchanaburi province, and its surroundings, surrounded by mountains and forests, make it a popular ecotourism destination for weekend getaways.

There are several floating accommodations of various categories around the reservoir, we spent a night in the Sweet Home Floating House and it was heaven!

Srinagarindra Lake Thailand

What NOT to do in Kanchanaburi

Unfortunately, in the vicinity of Kanchanaburi there are several so-called " elephant sanctuaries " that offer programs for and by tourists where you can see elephants, feed them, bathe them, etc., which are not cheap. Without going into too much detail on the subject, because we are not experts, whenever you find attractions where you interact with animals, you will be promoting their exploitation .

In the case of these activities with elephants, which are apparently harmless, the poor animals are forced to take mud and water baths twice a day, always with different people to whom they are not at all accustomed, and following completely unnatural routines for them with no other alternative.

Keep in mind that elephant centres are businesses that adapt their programmes to tourism. In the past, tourists wanted to ride them, so we rode them; now they want to take care of them, so we feed them and bathe them. But it is still a business with which to make money.

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Useful information for visiting Kanchanaburi

To help you plan your trip to Kanchanaburi, here is some practical information that will surely be of great use to you:

✓ How to get to Kanchanaburi

From Bangkok, our favourite option is to take the train . They leave from Thon Buri station twice a day (at 07:45 and 13:55) and cost 100THB. These times have been maintained over the years, but it is worth checking. The train to Kanchanaburi takes about 3 hours and the final destination is Nam Tok. You can buy the ticket on the day a few minutes before leaving. The return times are at 07:05 and 14:43.

Kanchanaburi train schedules

Buses leave from different stations: Mo Chit, Pinklao, Southern Bus Terminal, etc. You can check the schedules and book on the website 12go.asia or go directly to the station on the same day.

In my case, from Kanchanaburi I went south to Surat Thani. To do so, I recommend booking a night train in advance from Nakhon Phatom (1.5 hours from Kanchanaburi) or Ban Pong (40 minutes) which costs around 700THB in second class with air conditioning.

✓ Where to sleep in Kanchanaburi

There are quality hotels and hostels at good prices, although the ideal would be to find a small hotel or guesthouse on the riverbank. Some recommendations are:

The Zeit
Raintree Boutique
Good Times Resort
Inchantreedoopool

Here are our recommendations of things to see in Kanchaburi and what are its main attractions. Have you been to this city in Thailand? What did you like the most?

Things to do