Just 130 kilometers away from Bangkok is the beautiful province of Kanchanaburi in Thailand! The province is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand with foreigners flocking in to get a sight of this natural wonder. You’ll know just how coveted this province is with locals wanting to escape the chaos of city life and visit Kanchanaburi!
Kanchanaburi holds part of history in its hands as this province was once a site for the atrocities of the Japanese occupation during the second world war. Though, this gruesome past did not stop the people of this province to bounce back and flourish as evidenced by the beauty that engulfs the area!
There’s so much to do in Kanchanaburi which will make you tear up in both inspiration and appreciation, so without further ado, here are the eight best things to do in Kanchanaburi, Thailand!
1. Death Railway
Visiting Kanchanaburi should begin with the Death Railway Bridge a.k.a Burma Railway. This bridge is a historical icon that has made its way to Hollywood! After being featured in the movie, “Bridge over the River Kwai” in 1957, the Death Railway Bridge became so popular with tourists that it has become an important landmark in Kanchanaburi.
Originally, this bridge was built by the Japanese during the second world war but was then reassembled by the Prisoners of War. It is notable as the only steel bridge amongst the timber bridges that the Japanese have ever built in Thailand.
Location: 73 Jaokannun Road, BanNua, Amphoe Muang, Kanchanaburi
Entrance Fee: FREE
Opening Hours: Always open.
2. Erawan National Park
Erawan National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful park located in Kanchanaburi. The nature here is simply stunning with green, lush trees surrounding the area, birds singing in the background, and most especially, the picturesque Erawan Waterfall! The ambiance here is quite peaceful and romantic which is why it is popular with couples. There are activities to do here aside from frolicking like going to a free fish spa or swimming on a hot day!
Location: Tha Kradan, Si Sawat District, Kanchanaburi
Entrance Fee: THB300 or $8.70 per person.
Opening Hours: 8 AM to 4:30 PM, daily.
3. Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery holds the tale of the thousands of lives lost during the construction of the Burma Railway. Here you’ll find the names of the 6,982 out of 12,000 Prisoners-Of-War who were Australian, British, and Dutch nationals. This is one of those places that may seem a bit eerie to visit on a vacation but is very important as part of educating ourselves about Thailand’s history.
Location: 284/66 Sangchuto Rd, Ban Tai, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi
Entrance Fee: FREE
Opening Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM, daily.
4. Hellfire Pass Museum
Hellfire Pass is probably called as such since the temperature here can reach up to 40 degrees celsius! Regardless, Hellfire Pass Museum is definitely worth a visit since the hike up to this museum is one that will transport you back to the hardships of the Prisoners-Of-War who were forced to live and do labor in this area.
The Hellfire Pass was considered to be the deadliest point of the Burma Railway which might have been one of the major causes of deaths of the 100,000 POWs and laborers here. The museum is located just above the pass and is filled with memorabilias of this tragic past.
Location: 207 Tha Sao, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi
Entrance Fee: FREE!
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 4 PM, daily.
5. JEATH War Museum
JEATH War Museum, located on the grounds of Wat Chai Chumphon, is another museum that will take you back in time to when the world was at war. In this case, you’ll be able to really get a feel of what it is like being in a Prisoner-Of-War camp as this museum is an exact replica of it. Here, you’ll find different artworks and photographs depicting the gruesome conditions of the prisoners during the construction of the deadly Burma Railway.
JEATH stands for Japan, England, Australia/America, Thailand, and Holland.
Location: Ban Tai, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi
Entrance Fee: THB30 or $1 per person.
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, daily.
6. Sai Yok Noi National Park
If you’re up for a waterfall adventure fit for a king, then you should definitely visit Sai Yok Noi National Park. This national park isn’t just well-known by tourists and locals alike but it also captured the heart of King Rama V when he visited the site! The waterfall’s magnificence can also be heard through Thailand’s poems and songs which makes your visit even more worthwhile as soon as you see it for yourself! You do have to take a short hike so prepare your shoes for it!
Location: Sai Yok district, Kanchanaburi
Entrance Fee: THB300 or $8.70 per person.
Opening Hours: 7 AM to 5 PM, daily.
7. Wat Tham Sua
The Tiger Cave Temple, locally known as Wat Tham Sua, offers exquisite scenery that you definitely wouldn’t want to miss! This temple is located atop a hill with stunning views and beautiful architecture. Here you’ll find two towers, an orange pagoda, and a Chinese tower that come together to form a sight to behold, but the most stunning feature in this temple is the 18-m tall Buddha that seemingly guards the temple grounds!
The Wat Tham Sua is stunning in photographs but it’s only when you visit the sight that you’ll really get to see how beautiful this temple is!
Location: Muang Chum, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi
Entrance Fee: $0.30 per person.
Opening Hours: Always open.
8. Thai Burma Railway Center
If you want to learn more about the history surrounding the Burma Railway, then you should definitely visit the Thai Burma Railway Center! This may not have the beautiful scenery and chill vibe we typically look for in an attraction but it is definitely one that will move your soul.
The exhibits in this museum are from the prisoners which include letters detailing the hardships they went through. Video presentations also feature footage and images from that gruesome time which will humble anybody that watches them.
Location: Chao Khun Nen Rd, Ban Nuea, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi
Entrance Fee: THB150 or $4.50 per person.
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 4 PM, daily.
9. Chungkai Cemetery
Chungkai Cemetery or Chonk-Kai Cemetery is a peaceful resting place for over 1,700 Prisoners-of-War during WWII. It is located near the Kwai Noi River banks and was originally where a church, as well as a cemetery, were founded around the prisoners’ time. A great number of those buried here died at a hospital near the cemetery. By now, we can conclude that Kanchanaburi really puts effort into remembering these lost souls and we should take part in it too.
Location: Tha Ma Kham, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi
Entrance Fee: THB30 or $1 per person.
Opening Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM, daily.
10. Khuean Srinagarindra National Park
The Srinagarind Dam is what you’ll want to see at Khuean Srinagarindra National Park! It has beautiful cascading waterfalls that look so soft and fluffy. If you’re looking for a place that doesn’t really get too crowded then you should visit this National Park! Aside from the astonishing waterfall, there are cave systems that you might want to explore.
Plus, the park has teeming wildlife that includes bats, leopards, lorises, and more! This is the perfect place to unwind and relax amongst the beautiful lush nature!
Location: Mae Kra Bung, Si Sawat District, Kanchanaburi
Entrance Fee: THB300 or $8.70 per person.
Opening Hours: 6 AM to 5 PM, daily.
11. Prasat Muang Singh National Park
Magical is an understatement when describing the ancient ruins in Prasat Muang Singh National Park! Originally built between 857 and 1157, these religious temples served as the final outpost of the Khmers. Visiting Prasat Muang Singh will make you feel like you are in another world! These ruins translate really well on photographs as earth tones really are quite unique! You can also view the museum which features artifacts and relics!
Location: Sing, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi
Entrance Fee: THB100 or $3 per person.
Opening Hours: 8 AM to 4:30 PM, daily.
12. Ban Kao National Museum
The Ban Kao National Museum is a different kind of museum in Kanchanaburi. It showcases archaeological artifacts that date back to about 4,000 years ago during the Neolithic period! This museum located on the banks of Kwai Noi River displays the remains of prehistoric skeletons, bone jewelry, shell ornaments, pots, axes, and many more! It was founded at a Neolithic burial center site which was actually discovered by an allied Prisoner-of-War.
Location: 164 Ban Kao, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi
Entrance Fee: THB30 or $1 per person.
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 4 PM, Wednesdays to Sundays only.
13. Mallika City
Looking for a change of atmosphere after visiting the war museums in Kanchanaburi? Make your way to Malika City! This area is a recreation of the village of Mallika which gives you a glimpse of life from many years ago when people needed to learn how to be efficient, self-sufficient, and versatile when it comes to their ways of life and in trades.
You’ll find an ancient market here that sells anything from souvenirs to clothes to traditional Satang dishes. You’ll also get to see an ancient type of money when you buy your admission ticket! Mallika is simply a vibrant village that will make you realize how beautiful the simplicity of life was back then!
Location: 168, Sing, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi
Entrance Fee: BHT250 or $7.30 per person!
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM, daily.
14. Tham Krasae Bridge
The Tham Krasae Bridge looks like one of those bridges in the game, Temple Run! This bridge is also part of a train station which is where the trains usually stop. It’s because the view here is simply anxiety-inducing but despite this, it is what makes this bridge quite beautiful. The scenery you’ll get to see from this point is stunning and is a perfect backdrop for a lunch date!
You can also visit a cave located just a couple of minutes up the road. This cave is believed to have been where Japanese soldiers used to take refuge when the railways were still being built.
Location: Unnamed Rd, Lum Sum, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi
Entrance Fee: FREE!
Opening Hours: Always open.
Conclusion
It is no doubt that the history of Kanchanaburi is still deeply remembered by the people here. That is why most of the attractions are related to the World War II events that have really left a deep mark on people’s hearts. Yes, most of the attractions mentioned did not really feature the typical vacation spots we usually find in other places in Thailand, but perhaps that is what makes Kanchanaburi unique in its own way!
Kanchanaburi boasts of its deep-rooted connection to its past that has helped shaped its future today. Despite the tragedies that the people have faced, they still continue to move forward with a smile on their faces. And that is why we should visit Kanchanaburi! It continues to tell the stories of those who have fallen so that their memories as well as the memories of pain and grief will serve as lessons that we should all strive for peace, always!
Remember to check out Thailand’s Tourism Authority for updates on COVID-19 Restrictions and other information with regard to your travels to Thailand!
If you liked this article, check out our other articles featuring other places in Thailand like Chiang Mai, Nham Khiao, and Bangkok. Don’t worry, Thailand isn’t really an expensive travel destination because $60 is enough for a day in Thailand, so if you want to know how, read our blog where we talked about Thailand’s Cost of Travel this year!
What other places in Thailand do you want us to talk about? Connect with us through our social media accounts and let us know!
Follow Us
Budget Itinerary’s goal is to help cost-savvy travelers with all their needs on their journey around the world! That’s why we’re calling out to you to help us help our readers! Do you have a product or service that you’d like to feature on our page?
Message us and let’s talk about what we can do together!
Business Inquiries
Whether you’re a business or tourism board, we can always help bring added online exposure and value to your brand. See our media kit and read why you should work with us!
Got files or photos to send? Email us at collab@budgetitinerary.com
0 Comments