กาญจนบุรีThe Bridge over the River Kwai, Erawan's waterfalls and a sobering war history.
Kanchanaburi lies two hours west of Bangkok where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers meet. It is best known for the Bridge over the River Kwai and the Death Railway that Allied prisoners of war and Asian labourers were forced to build for the Japanese army in 1942–43. Museums, cemeteries and a clifftop railway now tell that history with care.
It is also one of the most beautiful provinces in the west. Erawan National Park's seven-tiered waterfalls spill into turquoise pools, rafts float on the Khwae Noi, caves and temples dot the limestone hills, and the railway itself still runs along a wooden viaduct above the river. Riverside guesthouses, floating restaurants and a laid-back backpacker street make the town a pleasant base for a few days.
Come between November and February for cool weather and the strongest waterfalls, and in late November or early December for the Bridge Week sound-and-light show.
- Currency
- Thai baht (฿ · THB)
- From Bangkok
- About 2 hours by train from Thonburi, or 2–3 hours by minivan
- The Bridge
- Bridge over the River Kwai, 3 km from the town centre
- Erawan Falls
- About 65 km from the town, open daily; entry ฿300 for foreigners
- Best season
- November to February
- Bridge Week
- Late Nov–early Dec: light-and-sound shows and fairs
Top things to do in Kanchanaburi.
19 places we chose and described by hand. Open any of them, with photos, hours and directions, in the catalogue below or in the app.
Places to visit
- Bridge over the River Kwai Tha Makham
The famous steel bridge of the Death Railway: walk across it, or ride a train over it.
- Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (Don Rak) Don Rak
A solemn, well-kept cemetery of nearly 7,000 Allied prisoners of war.
- Thailand–Burma Railway Centre Don Rak
The best museum on the Death Railway, with detailed, humane exhibits.
- Hellfire Pass Memorial & Museum Sai Yok
A hand-cut railway cutting and a moving museum, 80 km from town.
- Erawan National Park Erawan
Seven tiers of turquoise waterfalls and swimming pools in the forest.
- Death Railway Train to Nam Tok Kanchanaburi to Nam Tok
Ride the original line across the Wang Pho viaduct, hugging the cliff above the river.
- Sai Yok Noi Waterfall Sai Yok
A wide, easy waterfall beside the Death Railway, near Nam Tok station.
- JEATH War Museum Town
A bamboo-hut replica of a POW camp, with photographs and relics.
Restaurants
- Floating Raft Restaurants Riverside
Thai classics and river fish on rafts over the Khwae River.
- Saengchuto Night Market Town centre
Saturday evening walking-street food, snacks and souvenirs.
- Mae Nam Khwae Road Cafés Town centre
The backpacker strip of cafés, bakeries and international restaurants.
Activities
- Bamboo Rafting on the Khwae Noi Khwae Noi
Float quietly down the river on a bamboo raft.
- Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Visit Kanchanaburi province
Meet rescued elephants in a natural setting, with no riding or shows.
- Cycling Kanchanaburi Town Town
Pedal along the river to the bridge, cemeteries and temples.
Hotels & stays
- River Raft Guesthouses Riverside
Floating bungalows on the Khwae River, with swimming from your deck.
- Riverside Resorts River Kwai
Garden resorts with pools and views of the river and hills.
- Budget Guesthouses on Mae Nam Khwae Road Town centre
Cheap rooms and dorms in the town's traveller hub.
Shopping
- Bridge-side Souvenir Stalls Tha Makham
Railway memorabilia, T-shirts and snacks beside the bridge.
- Kanchanaburi Fresh Market Town centre
The town's daily market for produce, snacks and everyday goods.
Explore all 692 places in Kanchanaburi.
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From the Thailand Guide app’s catalogue: OpenStreetMap places with traveller notes from Wikivoyage and photos from Wikimedia Commons. Photos marked “Representative” show the same kind of place, not this exact one. Neighbouring islands and day-trip areas may be included. “Open now” uses listed hours in Thailand time; confirm hours and access before travelling.
Best time to visit Kanchanaburi.
The best time to visit Kanchanaburi is November to February. Kanchanaburi is hot and humid year-round. November to February is the most comfortable and brings strong waterfalls after the rains. March to May is very hot. The rainy season from May to October turns the landscape green, but rivers swell and some roads and raft houses are affected.
Approximate long-term monthly averages in °C and millimetres of rain. These are planning notes, not a weather forecast.
Kanchanaburi travel tips.
A place of remembrance
The bridge, cemeteries and museums commemorate enormous suffering. Dress and behave respectfully, and avoid posing for light-hearted photos at memorials.
Temple etiquette
Cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes before entering halls, keep your head lower than monks and Buddha images, and never climb on or pose disrespectfully with statues.
Erawan etiquette
Fish in the pools nibble your skin. Don't feed them, and don't use soap or sunscreen lotion in the water. Wear sturdy shoes and expect to get wet.
Ethical elephants
Choose sanctuaries that let elephants roam freely and don't offer rides or shows.
Keep your cool (jai yen)
Staying calm and smiling solves most problems in Thailand; raised voices lose face for everyone.
Plan Kanchanaburi on your phone.
Save places, see what is open now, check the weather forecast, and browse all twenty guides in the free Thailand Guide app. Works offline.