12 Things to do in Kanchanaburi

The interesting things to do in Kanchanaburi makes Thailand a must visit country for many tourists. You can visit the Bridge on the River Kwai which allows you to some stunning waterfalls. But if you want to be closer to nature just visit the Hellfire Pass and Memorial Museum where people honor 700 of those men who had died during the 12 week digging period. The Jeath war museum was designed to replicate the actual prison and witness the harsh realities of life.

And you will find the resting place of all the prisoners who died during the construction of Death Railway. One can also get a chance to see the geographically important site called the Three Pagoda Pass which marks the Thai Burmese Border. For experiencing beauty at its peak one can see the Erawan National Park where the water runs down the mountain in the serene setting.

Here are some of the best things to do in Kanchanaburi:

01

Exploring Kanchanaburi by Train

Want to ride the death railway? It is safe, it’s just named that way. The notorious Thailand-Burma ‘Death Railway’ starts from Kanchanaburi and reaches to Nam Tok. The journey takes about two hours and is considered one of the most scenic, most popular train rides around the world.

Highlights: Perhaps, one of the most beautiful highlights of this journey is the fact that it not just showcases the loss of life that had been experienced during the wars between Burma and Thailand, but also that it shows the extraordinary feat of engineering behind the construction of the pass.

The construction of the pass will provide you an illuminating introduction towards the history of this railway. This is a good trip during which you can also pass the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum. The exploration trip will also bring you closer to South Asian cultures.

Location: Kanchanaburi

Must Know: Places To Visit In Pattaya For Free

02

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.

Don-Rak War Cemetery

Image Credits : David McKelvey

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

03

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.

War Museum and Art Gallery

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

04

The Tiger Temple

A sanctuary for wild animals, Tiger Temple is a Theravada Buddhist Temple which was founded in 1994. The temple has several Indochinese tigers and features a number of other birds and animals. The place had been accused for mistreating tigers but in 2015, it was cleared of these allegations.

Highlights: Monks here walk tigers. The place is known for its different concept of animal conservation, as humans and wildlife lives lose together. Here, one can find newly discovered species of Malayan Tigers as well. Apart from Indochinese tigers, the place has a Bengal Tiger named Mek. Currently, there are over 150 tigers at the place.

A number of these may include cross-breed tigers or hybrids as well. Along with tigers, this place also houses a number of birds and other animals. Several new steps are now being taken for protection of Tigers at this temple and forest sanctuary.

Location: Saiyok District.

Price: 100-200 Baht

05

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.

Image Credits : Wasin Waeosri

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

06

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

07

Sai Yok National Park

Image Credit : Pictures of a pair of wandering travel mice

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

08

Wat Tham Sua

Image Credit : Wikipedia

Located about 8 kilometers northwest of Krabi is the Wat Tham Seua or the Tiger Cave Temple which is known for its limestone cave and sprawling beauty. The entrance to the park has a shiny, stunning pagoda which can be explored before the temple group. A loop trail through the forest takes one to the central sanctuary of this place.

Wat Tham Sua

Highlights: You will have to take 1237 steps in a gruelingly steep climb, which is difficult but worth it. Those who are fearless and reach the top will get to see the 600 meter Karst peak and are rewarded with this stunning statue of Buddha. One of the main attractions here is the glided stupa. Of course, you will also find attractive panoramic views and spectacular natural beauty all around. On a clear day, you might even be rewarded with the stunning picture of the sea.

Location: Krabi

09

Srinakarin National Park

Srinakarin National Park, established in 1975 is one of the best places for rejuvenating with your loved one's in Thailand. 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.

Srinakarin National Park

Location: Kanchanaburi.

Price: 2500 Baht onwards

10

The Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum

Image Credit : Wikipedia

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.

Image Credits : Wikipedia

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

11

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.

Elephant's World Kanchanaburi

Location: Wang Dong, Mueang Kanchanaburi District.

Price: 1000-1500 Baht

12

Three Pagodas Pass

Image Credit : Wikipedia

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

Kanchanaburi Top Attractions

Places To Visit In Kanchanaburi

Explore Kanchanaburi

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