Are you looking for a Kanchanaburi Itinerary for your next trip to Thailand? First, we’d like to say that it’s quite surprising that not a lot of people have visited Kanchanaburi! It is such a beautiful province in Thailand and it’s a shame that compared to other provinces, it is not as popular! But here you are, set to visit this amazing province!
With its rich historical background and beautiful natural wonders, it’s no doubt that Kanchanaburi should be Thailand’s next top tourist destination! And we want to help you explore the province yourself. With this itinerary, we made sure to highlight the best places in Kanchanaburi to help you understand just how much this province has to offer!
Here is a 3-day itinerary you can follow in your Kanchanaburi trip!
Day 1: Kanchanaburi Historical Tour
A lot happened in Kanchanaburi during WWII like the construction of the Burma Railway which claimed thousands of lives of the prisoners-of-war. Although this horrid past had pained the people of Kanchanaburi, they continue to preserve the remnants of those who perished. Today, we can visit the actual railway sites as well as museums that commemorate those who have departed.
To truly understand the history behind Kanchanaburi, we recommend you visit some of the historical sites as well as the war museum. And here are the places we suggest you visit first!
Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
The first thing to do early in the morning, when the sun is not yet too hot, is to visit the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery which holds the names 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 Thanon Sangchuto, Tambon Ban Tai, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand
Opening hours: 8 AM to 5 PM, daily.
Entrance Fee: FREE.
On’s Thai Issan for Lunch
On’s Thai Issan is a very popular vegetarian restaurant that specializes in Thai Issan food. You’ll be able to find a variety of dishes like masaman, green curry, and panang. On, the owner of this restaurant, is well-beloved for being friendly and kind as well as her great cooking class that you can try out too! That’s why a lot of tourists come back to this restaurant every time they visit Kanchanaburi.
It’s a few blocks away from the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and Death Railway Museum. If you are looking for a great place to eat during lunch, this is the best place to go for authentic Thai Issan and vegetarian food!
Location: ลขที่ 77/9 Mae Nam Kwai Rd. ถนน Thamakam, ท่ามะขาม Ampur Mueang Kanchanaburi District, 71000, Thailand
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 9 PM, daily except Wednesdays (Opens at 9 AM).
Death Railway Museum
After visiting the War Cemetery, you can head on to the Death Railway Museum which is 2 minutes away. In this museum, you’ll learn more about the conditions that the prisoners of war were in during the construction of the Burma Railway. You’ll find memorabilia of that time in the form of photographs, sculptures, and actual equipment used by the POWs. Some images may be too disturbing for children and for some adults so please be mindful.
Location: 73 Jaokannun Road, BanNua, Amphoe Muang, Kanchanaburi
Opening Hours: Always open.
Entrance Fee: FREE
JEATH War Museum
Next is the JEATH War Museum, located on the grounds of Wat Chai Chumphon. This 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
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, daily.
Entrance Fee: THB30 or $1 per person.
River Khwae Bridge
To end your first day in Kanchanaburi, you can visit the River Khwae Bridge. 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. It’s best to visit this bridge during sunsets as the sunsets here are believed to be very beautiful!
Location: ข้ามแม่น้ำแควใหญ่ Tha Ma Kham, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 6 PM, daily.
Entrance Fee: THB40 or $1.17 per person.
JJ Night Market
In the evening, you can visit the JJ Night Market in Kanchanaburi. If you’re looking for unique souvenirs like vintage clothing and accessories, this is the place for you! You’ll find a lot of shopping options here from clothes to jewelry to electronics. However, this night market is especially popular for its many food options you can find here that are delicious and affordable! You can definitely spend your evening exploring this night market. This is definitely every foodie’s heaven!
Location: 2GMF+FR3, Ban Tai, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand
Opening Hours: 5 PM to 10 PM, daily.
Entrance Fee: FREE
Day 2: Kanchanaburi Nature Trip
Kanchanaburi has some of the most beautiful National Parks in Thailand! On your second day in Kanchanaburi, you should definitely visit these National Parks to see the beauty for yourself! You can also visit the nature reserves here which are fun and educational at the same time!
Erawan National Park and Waterfalls
The most popular National Park in Kanchanaburi is the Erawan National Park. It is a breathtakingly beautiful park in the province. 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
Opening Hours: 8 AM to 4:30 PM, daily.
Entrance Fee: THB300 or $8.70 per person.
Pook Restaurant (No. 6) for Lunch
Another great restaurant that serves home-cooked food is the Pook Restaurant. This restaurant is easily accessible from Erawan National Park. It serves delicious food and prices here are quite affordable too! You’ll find grilled chicken, beef, and pork options as well as vegetarian options too! So, if you’re going hiking at Erawan, you don’t have to worry about where to eat!
Location: 94FV+WGX Unnamed Road Tha Kradan, Si Sawat District, Kanchanaburi 71250, Thailand
Opening Hours: 6 AM to 7 PM, daily.
Our Land – A Nature Conservation Effort
You can also choose to visit Our Land, a conservation project located in Mueang Kanchanaburi District. This conservation area aims to protect and reestablish wildlife through sustainable means. It also aims to educate about the importance of wildlife and nature and how we can help conserve it in our own little ways. This is a fun and educational site for you and your family if you visit Kanchanaburi. You do, however, need to book in advance as required by Our Land.
Location: Wang Dong, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71190, Thailand
Opening Hours: Always Open.
Entrance Fee: Contact Our Land to know more about their rates through this form.
Elephants World
Also in the Mueang Kanchanaburi District is the Elephants World conservation area which is an animal rescue facility that aims to protect the lives of elephants. There are over 30 elephants in this facility that are taken cared of by the staff. Elephants World offers a uniquely immersive experience that involves learning and having fun with the elephants! They have different programs catered to your desires. You could stay here in the morning, the whole day, or overnight!
Location: 90, Wang Dong, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71190, Thailand
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 4 PM, daily.
Entrance Fee: THB2260 or USD66 per adult and THB1370 or USD40 per child.
อำไพโภชนา (Ampai Seafood) for Dinner
Ampai Seafood is a Thai-Chinese restaurant that serves family-style, home-cooked meals for reasonable prices. This is one of the most popular Chinese restaurants in the area for both locals and tourists. They serve fried pork ribs, Hainan Vermicelli noodles, shrimp and other types of seafood, and many more! This is the best place to eat after your visit to Elephants World!
Location: 49/332-334 หมู่7 Khlong Luang Rd, ตำบลคลองสอง Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM, daily.
You might also like this article: Thailand Cost of Travel for Travelers on a Budget in 2023!
Day 3: Temples and Sightseeing
Chong Kai Allied Cemetery
The first thing to do on your third day in Kanchanaburi is to visit Chungkai Cemetery or Chonk-Kai Cemetery which 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
Opening Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM, daily.
Entrance Fee: THB30 or $1 per person.
Khrua Lin Chang for Lunch
Khrua Lin Chang is a frequented restaurant by locals and tourists alike because of its awesomely delicious Thai food! Not only that, the atmosphere is pretty cool and comfortable too which makes dining a breeze. Prices are affordable here but the place does get crowded especially during peak hours, so make sure to come early so you’ll get to have your food on time too! The closest landmark is the Chong Kai Allied War Cemetery.
Location: 2G58+6GH, ทางหลวงจังหวัดหมายเลข 3228, Ko Samrong, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand
Opening Hours: 11 AM to 6 PM, every day except Monday.
Wat Tham Suea
Next, head on to the Tiger Cave Temple, locally known as Wat Tham Sua, which 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!
Location: Muang Chum, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi
Opening Hours: Always open.
Entrance Fee: USD0.30 per person.
Wat Ban Tham and the Heavenly Dragon Cave
After the first temple, you can head on to another unique temple which features a flight of stairs that looks as if it has been spit out of a dragon! After climbing the stairs, you’ll go through a tunnel that was designed to look like the body of a dragon on the outside! Then, you’ll find a stunning view at the top. This temple requires a lot of physical effort so be prepared to take a hundred steps!
Location: XH9G+HVW, Khao Noi, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi 71110, Thailand
Entrance Fee: FREE but donations are appreciated.
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 5 PM.
Skywalk in Kanchanaburi
The perfect way to end the day is to go to the Skywalk over the River Khwae! This short bridge is made of glass which is thrilling and exciting, and visitors will get an awesome panoramic view of the area! This is a great spot for photographs too! However, this might not be for people who are afraid of heights. So, if you are, then you must come here prepared to face your fear!
Location: ท่าน้ำหน้าเมืองกาญจนบุรี ตัวอำเภอ Ban Tai, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 5 PM.
Entrance Fee: THB60 or USD1.75 per person.
Kanchanaburi Night Market
Lastly, if you still have time for one more activity, we recommend you to visit the Kanchanaburi Night Market! Who doesn’t love night markets, right? It’s the best place to buy souvenirs that do not break the bank plus there are varieties of food stalls and food options too! Kanchanaburi Night Market is no different! You can go on a food trip here or simply relax before you head back to the realities of life! The best part about this night market is that it closes at 4 AM so you can definitely kill time here if you have nothing else to do!
Location: 2GCM+F5P, Unnamed Road, Ban Tai, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand
Opening Hours: 5 PM to 4 AM, daily.
Kanchanaburi Itinerary Map Overview
Additional Attractions to Visit in Kanchanaburi
Sai Yok National Park
The second National Park you can go to 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
Opening Hours: 7 AM to 5 PM, daily.
Entrance Fee: THB300 or $8.70 per person.
Khuean Srinagarindra National Park
The third and last National Park you can go to on your second day in Kanchanaburi is the Khuean Srinadarindra National Park. Here lies the Srinagarind Dam which features 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!
Location: Mae Kra Bung, Si Sawat District, Kanchanaburi
Opening Hours: 6 AM to 5 PM, daily.
Entrance Fee: THB300 or $8.70 per person.
Additional Food Options
Zab Zab
Another popular restaurant that serves authentic Thai food is Zab Zab or Zeb Zeb. This is one of the most beloved restaurants the area because food here is not only delicious but also affordable! Despite the affordable prices, the quality of ingredients used are not compromised. It’s also pretty near to the Death Railway Museum and the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and is another great option for lunch!
Location: 16/27 Donruk Road, Kanchanaburi,Thailand
Keeree Tara
This Bali-style restaurant will leave you in awe as you dine in by the river banks of Kwai Yai River. The view here is astonishing day or night, paired with the delicious array of food served here. This restaurant is especially stunning in the evening when the lights are out and reflected on the river. However, one of the highlights here is the sunset accompanied by beautiful folk songs.
Location: 431 1 River Kwai Rd, Ban Tai, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand
Opening Hours: 11 AM to 11 PM, daily.
Loft Restaurant and Bar
Another restaurant that overlooks the beautiful River Kwai is the Loft Restaurant and Bar. It is a romantic restaurant that is serenaded by talented musicians perfect for a dinner date! The food here is excellent with different options from a variety of cuisines so you’ll be able to satisfy your cravings no matter where it is from the world. This is also a perfect place to dine no matter what time of the day it is. Prices are a bit on the higher end though but the ambiance and the friendly staff makes it all worth it!
Location: 433 Maenamkwai road, ซอย 5 ท่ามะขาม Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand
Opening Hours: 5 PM to 11 PM, daily.
Baan Mook 5
Baan Mook 5 is a highly-rated restaurant because of its affordable prices with big serving sizes! This is the best place to go to if you’ve finished your hiking in one of the National Park like Erawan because there is no doubt that you’ll get hungry! This is a family-friendly restaurant so you and your kids will definitely find food that you like here!
Location: Erawan Waterfall ร้าน5 Tha Kradan, Si Sawat District, Kanchanaburi 71250, Thailand
Opening Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM, weekdays. 7:30 AM to 6 PM, weekends.
ครัวชิดกระชัง (Amphoe Tha Muang)
Amphoe Tha Muang is a riverside restaurant that serves fantastic seafood meals! This restaurant is quite small but you best believe that the food here is worth the money! Prices are cheap too but the quality is great! They have vegetarian options as well as meat options. This restaurant is perfect for the whole family. The only downside is that they are only open during the weekends!
Location: ริเวอร์แลนด์เฮ้าส์รีสอร์ท Khao Noi, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi 71110, Thailand
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 8 PM, weekdays only.
Aidin Klin Khao
If you get hungry after your visit to the Wat Tham Suea, you can grab a bite and a glass of juice at Aidin Klin Khao. The food here is delicious but the prices are on the higher end. However, the ambiance here is nice and comfortable and you’ll get to enjoy a stunning view of Wat Tham Suea which makes it all worth it! You’ll also get great service here as the staff and the owner will make sure that you’re being attended to!
Location: หลังวัดถ้ำเสือ ม่วงชุม Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand
Opening Hours: 8:30AM to 6 PM, daily.
Rakkana Noodle and Cafe
The Rakkana Noodle and Cafe isn’t as elaborate as other restuarants are. In fact, this restaurant offers you simplicity at its finest with spacious areas and a stunning view of the rice field. This is definitely a great find in the area. Don’t forget to enjoy your bowl of soup as you enjoy the peaceful view of the rice fields!
Location: 88 Muang Chum, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi 71110, Thailand
Opening Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM, daily.
What is Kanchanaburi famous for?
Kanchanaburi, the third largest province in Thailand, is full of remnants of the past. It was one of the central points of the Japanese occupation during the second world war many years ago and this province still holds dear the memories of the people who perished during those dark times. Despite its past, Kanchanaburi continues to grow and flourish which is prevalent in its efforts to conserve and preserve its history, culture, and traditions.
The well-preserved remnants of the second world war, the Burma Railway, and the commemorations of those who passed away are what make Kanchanaburi popular.
How many days do you need to spend in Kanchanaburi?
Kanchanaburi is the third largest province in Thailand and there are A LOT of things you can do and places you can visit. Typically, a 3-day trip to Kanchanaburi is enough to visit most of the popular sites here. However, you can definitely stay for more than that since three days is simply not enough to cover all of the great places in Kanchanaburi!
When is the best time to visit Kanchanaburi?
The best time to visit Kanchanaburi is from November to February which are the cooler months. Kanchanaburi can get very hot for the rest of the year so to avoid that, it’s best to visit the province during these months. You still have to prepare protection against the heat of the sun as well as rain since the weather can be unpredictable sometimes!
How to get to Kanchanaburi?
From Bangkok
By Train
One of the reasons why people visit Kanchanaburi is to see for themselves the Death Railway which was built by the prisoners of war during World War II and what better way to kick off your trip to Kanchanaburi than to get on a train that passes through the same railway track, right?
With that being said, taking the train from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is one of the cheapest ways to get to the province at THB 100 or USD2.92. The regular train only has third class accomodation though so you should not expect too much. There’s no airconditioning which means windows are open for ventilation and the seats are made of hard wood. Still, it’s a great way to travel to Kanchanaburi for the experience.
You could also try the tourist train which is a slightly better option with airconditioning but it only runs during weekends and on public holidays. The tourist train runs from Thonburi in Bangkok to Kanchanaburi to Namtok for only USD8 per person.
It take 3.5 hours to travel from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi.
By Bus
Another way of traveling to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok is by bus. Simply go to the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok and you’ll find a number of buses that you can ride there. You don’t have to worry about missing one since there are about 20 or more buses stationed at that terminal. Travel time takes 3.5 hours from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi like the train and ticket prices start at USD3 per person.
From Chiang Mai
By bus
Another way to travel from Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi is by bus for USD20. The trip is very long and takes about 12 hours to complete. The bus will pass by Bangkok before arriving at Kanchanaburi so you’ll be in for quite a ride!
There are no direct flights or trains from Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi, so you’ll eventually still have to travel to Bangkok first to catch a flight or train!
Final Thoughts…
Kanchanaburi is not as well-known as the other provinces and cities like Phuket and Chiang Mai but that should not stop us to discover more about this beautiful province in Thailand! There are so much to do here that this itinerary only touches the tip of the mountains of activities to do so we urge you to not take Kanchanaburi for granted!
To learn more about travel rules, regulations, and guidelines in Kanchanaburi and the whole of Thailand, visit the official website of Thailand’s Government!
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