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Things to Do in Kanchanaburi

Erawan Waterfall

The Erawan Waterfall was really an impressive series of seven waterfalls each with its profound shape and character of its own. The waterfalls typically all over the limestone cliffs resulting in colorful pools and shimmering rock formations collaging with the scenery. Mixed deciduous forest covers over 80% of the park with big swathes of bamboo. Tigers, elephants, sambar deer, gibbons and many more dwell in these regions. The park also offers the visitors to camp among the green landscapes of the fall.

Location: Located in the Tenasserim Hills and can be accessed by an easy 2 km trek.

Things to Keep in Mind: Beware of monkeys who may snatch the belongings while taking a dip.

Timings: The waterfall can be accessed between 8 AM to 05:40 PM

Sai Yok National Park

Home to limestone mountains and cascading waterfalls is the Sai Yok National Park. The 958 square kilometer park has some of the rarest animals in the world. Named after the same waterfall, this beautiful place is known for its numerous sights.

Highlights: The park can be explored independently or you can have tour guides. And while it is not naturally crowded, you can expect to see some people around. It is here that you can take long tail boat hire or go for riverside viewpoints. The smallest mammal in the world, hog-nosed bat can be seen here.

You can also see bat-cave at this place or enjoy watching barking deer, water monitors, elephants, sambar deer and other animals. For staying, opt for park bungalows and a campground. There are several floating restaurants where you can enjoy delightful Thai meals.Location:Sai Yok National Park.

Price: 300 Baht

Elephant's World Kanchanaburi

Elephants are cute, aren’t they? But sadly, they are an endangered species in many parts of the world. That’s why, Elephants’ World has decided to protect these animals who giving people a rendezvous with the lovingly species.

Highlights: This is a non-profit organization that reduces animal abuse, favors human-animal interaction and at the same time promotes quality time with the animals. During a day program, one can work for the elephants, plant and prepare their food, feed them with fruit and sticky rice or even enjoy scrubbing them in the river. Other plans, particularly the overnight ones include several day program activities, along with overnight accommodation next to the River Kwai.

During this stay, people also get to walk elephants to the forest and get to relax along with countryside. The mahout program is for those who truly love elephants and want to be in close contact with the nature while experiencing Thai culture.

Location: Wang Dong, Mueang Kanchanaburi District.

Price: 1000-1500 Baht

The Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum

World War had caused such enormous destruction around the world. And Thailand wasn’t spared as well. One of the areas include Hellfire Pass, which is the name of railway cutting on former Death Railway or Burma Railway.

The place was built through forced labor during the World War II. The pass is called Hellfire pass because of the sight of emaciated prisoners who worked endlessly to build the pass.

Highlights: The highlight is the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, which is designed to pay tribute to those who lost their lives and worked forcibly for the construction of pass. The museum concept had its origins when former prisoner of War Tom Morris convinced that the Australian Government that the section should be preserved as a historical site.

Today, that place is run by the Australian government and one can walk through the railway track, listen to audio tour and see the world through eyes of a war.

Location: Hellfire Pass

Srinakarin National Park

Srinakarin National Park, established in 1975 is one of the best places for a rendezvous with the wild. The IUCN category II national park is a part of the Kanchanaburi Province and Western Forest Complex Protected area. 1,532 square kilometers is the area of this park. Srinagarin Reservoir created by Khwae Yai river is located right in the middle of this place.

Highlights: The main attraction of this National park is the Huay Mae Khamin waterfall, with seven levels. The waterfall starts from the east of the park. There are other natural attractions as well. The park is quite famous for its numerous cave systems, including prehistoric cave paintings and Buddha images. In this national park, you can expect to see evergreen and deciduous trees along with animal species like leopard cat, squirrels, bats, civet, slow lories, kingfishers, barbets and peafowl birds.

Location: Kanchanaburi.

Price: 2500 Baht onwards

Khao Laem Reservoir

If you are visiting Thailand, then a boat ride on this gigantic place is a must! Formed in the 1980s, when a dam was constructed, the Khao Laem Reservoir is one of the most visited places in the world. It is true that the villages here had to be emptied and now they are submerged, but the natural beauty of this place is undeniable!

Highlights: The ride is using Thai styled boats the place itself is quite beautiful. The calm of early mornings will hug you as you ride through the reservoir. The should be discovered alongside Khao Laem National Park, which has stunning gentle cascade flowing through the forest, has several birds and lodging, camping options for anyone who is looking forward to enjoy an adventure. The sunset views of this place are truly impeccable. Must for couples and families.

Location: Sangkhlaburi.

Price: 500 Baht for six people

Saphan Mon

440 meters long wooden bridge, the largest in the world defines Saphan Mon. This iconic bridge connects main town and serves as home to Thai and Karen, along with mon settlement. The buildings and shops on the Mon side aren’t really different, but significant in the sense that they represent a different community.

Highlights: At the Mon end of the bridge, you will typical find souvenir market where you can get beautiful shirts and dresses. The highlight is the walk uphill, where you can visit the main Mon market. A part of this bridge had collapsed a few years ago and a floating bamboo bridge was built right afterwards. But the government doesn’t plan on building it if the floating bridge breaks. So, you might want to check it out before it’s gone forever. The stunning place is perfect for architecture and sight-seeing.

Location: Sanghkhlaburi

War Museum And Art Gallery

Experience Thai culture, its rich history and dwell into the wars that the nation has fought with the Art Gallery and War Museum. Established by Mr. Aran Chansiri, a jewelry entrepreneur, this a private museum that houses a number of exhibits. It was founded in 1995.

Highlights: This place is known for a number of exhibitions, including parts related to World War II, the River Kwae Construction and jewelry trade. Overall, it is divided into 7 parts, including wall paintings of the Thai and Burma wars, along with collectibles, such as coconut graters, mortars, guns, swords and porcelain.

It also includes personal collectibles such as stamps, coins, banknotes, stuffed dead animals, musical instructions and other items. There’s also a model of captive houses in World War II, with exhibitions on lifestyles during this period. Clothing and exhibiting items of Thai Women and paintings of Miss Thailand are also here. One can also see other items such as vehicles of Japanese soldiers in this place.

Location: Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi.

Timings: 8 am to 6 pm

Don Rak War Cemetery

Also known as Kanchanaburi War Cemetry, Don-Rak is a main prisoner of war cemetery that’s designed for the victims of Japanese imprisonment who died while building the Burma Railway. The place is maintained by Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Highlights: The place is a tribute to the men who were forced to work at the Hellfire place and were prompted to do things even when they were in emaciated conditions. Consequently, a number of them died due to different kinds of illnesses. The place has 1896 Dutch War Graves, 11 graves from India and over 6980 Prisoners of wars have been buried at this place.

This mostly includes British, Australian and Dutch people. Across the side road, one can find the Thailand Burma Railway museum, which is dedicated to these people, these prisoners who had built it. The memorial cites the names of different prisoners so that people can keep them alive in their hearts.

Location: Kanchanaburi

Three Pagodas Pass

You might get vivid images in your mind when you think about this place. But honestly, this place is like nothing that you can imagine! The pagodas are originally just piles of rock, which are petite. But if you notice this place, you will actually be astounded by the surrounding regions and how the pass itself plays an important role in the history and culture of Thailand.

Highlights: These pagodas commemorate the tragedy of Death Railway and at the same time, they pass both Thailand and Myanmar’s border. People from both countries can now pass the border view this route.

This place is popular with tourists as well, because you can easily obtain a one day visa from Thai side and visit Payathonsu. From the Burmese section, you can buy wooden furniture, textiles and other items. Note that this is just a temporary border checkpoint and only allows for day trips between the countries.

Location: Tenasserim Hills