Kanchanaburi Attractions Travel Guide

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Discovering the cultural richness of Thailand is just the beginning of your adventure, there are so many wonderful surprises in each en every corner of this region. I can't stop pondering the beautiful scenery that serves as a backdrop of what is definitely an exciting and complete destination, boasting a huge array of sporting possibilities, from golfing to hiking to jungle trekking. [more]

Experience Kanchanaburi's favorite sights as others see them. Let our visual picture tour of Kanchanaburi help you choose the best places to visit in Kanchanaburi:

Kanchanaburi is all about nature intertwined with history you will never run out of activities and sights to see. Is the perfect location to visit some of the most amazing National Parks bustling in wild life, beautiful rain forests and mountains. The region is divided by two mayor rivers and give birth to the Nations most incredible waterfalls like Erawan waterfall, mysterious subterranean caves like the Lawa Cave and as if this was not enough to amuse you, you have museums, memorials, floating restaurants and an array of cultural performances.

Not to mention cruising under the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai, where history dresses the shores and is carved into the rocks, is an astonishing preamble to what you will discover in their museums. Try boarding the death railway or take a bamboo barge along the river, go jungle trekking on the back of a gentle giant. And why not dare to touch a tiger… This and much more awaits for you in Kanchanaburi. Take a look at some of the places you can visit:

Kanchanaburi Town Gate

It is possible to see the remains of the original Town Gate, built in 1831 during the reign of King Rama III, located where the Rivers Kwai Yai and Kwai Noi meet on Lak Muan Road.

City Pillar (Lak Muang)

Ancient Town of Kanchanaburi

Ruins of what was the original site of the city of Kanchanaburi can be found at Tambon Lat Ya, is just 18 Km from today's city. The site is part of the historical battle between the Thai and the Burmese people during the Ayutthaya period to the early Rattanakosin period. The ruins of Pa Lelai temple, Mae Mai temple, Khun Phaen temple and Nang Phim temple can be visited.

Kanchanaburi Cultural Center

Located 14 km from down town on the Sai Yok route is Kanchanaburi's Cultural Center. Exhibits ponder the ancient way of life, arts and music of region, important contribution to Thailand's heritage. The center is located in the Kanchanaburi Teacher's College. Open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Bridge over the River Kwai

Immortalized by several movies and books, the bridge is a historic monument from WWII linking Burma and Thailand as part of the Death Railway built by POWs during the war. A daily train runs the historic route from Kanchanaburi to Nam Tok Railway Station. The natural beauty of the area is only surpassed by the dark stories surrounding the construction of the railway, vividly depicted in the museums and memorials where more than 6,000 bodies rest. One can walk the bridge but taking the train creates a lasting impression. There are several museums and memorials around this area, the exhibits are all worth seeing and can easily take a full day.

There are actually two rivers Kawai; the Kwai Noi and The Kwai Yai, both rivers come down from the Tenasserim Range natural border with Burma. The two rivers meet in Kanchanaburi and form the Mae Khlong River that continues all the way to the Gulf of Thailand.

Don Rak War Cemetery

Known also as the Kanchanaburi War Museum, is located across from the Railway Station on Saengchootoe Road. The remains of prisoners of war from England, Holland and other allied countries are honored here. Their lives were lost during the construction of the Death Railway.

Chonk Kai War Cemetery

This cemetery is located about two kilometers from the city center, over the banks of the River Kwai Noi in the POW camp of Conk Kai. More than 1700 graves neatly arranged in rows, between beds of flowers, are the remains of dead soldiers.

JEATH War Museum

The JEATH (Japan, England, Australia, Thailand and Holland) Museum was built in 1977. The memorial honors the POWs and brings out the atrocities and terrible living conditions inflicted on the prisoners. The main hut made of bamboo bunks is a replica of the actual bunks and has a striking photography display, with actual photos taken at that time. It also displays artifacts connected with the construction of the Death Railway.

Location: Located inside Wat Chai Chumphon on Wisuttharangsi Road, near the TAT office on Saen Chuto Road.
Opening hours: Open daily from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm.
South of down town Kanchanaburi, on the riverside, within walking distance of most hotels.

Ban Kao Neolithic Museum

The museum was built near a Neolithic burial site discovered by a Dutch POW during the construction of the Death Railway. They have an interesting display of many artifacts made of stone and animal bones, utensils and remains of the stone age inhabitants, a 4000 years old settlement in the on the shores and caves of the Kwai River.

Location: located on the bank of the Kwai Noi River approximately 35 kilometers from the city.
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Contact: Call 0 3465 4058 for more information.

Thai-Burmese Railway Center

This interactive museum dedicated to the historic preservation and research of the Death Railway gathers a great collection of memorabilia from WWII. The railway ran for 415 Km from Ban Pong (Thailand) to Thanbuyuzayat (Burma). For more information call 0 3451 2721 or visit their website at www.tbrconline.com
Location: Adjacent to the Don Rak Cemetery
Opening hours: Opens daily from 9 am to 5 pm

Three Pagodas Pass

The three pagodas are located at the border between Thailand and Myanmar, near the town of Sangkhlaburi, 4 hours away by bus. The view from the river is impressive especially at night. If you decide to see Kanchanaburi from the water there are several places where you can charter a boat or you can join a tour. The Three Pagodas marked the invasion route for the Burmese army during the Ayutthaya period (1350 - 1767) and now is a thriving market center. Fabrics, wood handcrafts are among the things to bargain for. The border is open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. A permit or visa is required to cross the border; the visa can be obtained from the Sangkhla Buri Immigration Office for a fee.

Hellfire Pass

The infamous pass whose name was given by the POWs, is a stretch of 1000 m series of mountain cuts through solid rock and thick forest, was done with minimal equipment and completed within six weeks, thousands perished in the construction. The pass is about 500 m long and 26 m deep.

The 4 km walking trail follows the railroad remains through the 110m Konyu cut, the trail winds up and around the pass. At the far end of the cut there is a memorial plaque honoring the fallen soldiers. There are several other memorials following the trail, also has a small museum displaying maps, models and photography from the time is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Located just about 70 km from Kanchanaburi on route number 323. Buses going to Thong Pha Phum or Sangklaburi will go there.

Kanchanaburi Monkey School

Monkeys are trained to pick coconuts, dive and play basketball among other skills. The show is amazing! Most of the monkeys were rescued from illnesses and given a new life. The show starts on demand, so there is never a long wait to see it.

Location: Located on highway 3228 on the way to Khao Pun Cave.
Opening hours: Opens daily from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Kanchanaburi - Safari Park

This is a wonderful experience particularly for kids; touring around an open zoo allowing them to interact with animals is an excellent learning opportunity. The park runs a bus around the park or you can use your rental but the bus tour is also narrated. Curious giraffes will come to your window for whiff of the cargo or a taste of your munchies. The park also has a good restaurant overlooking a lake, an amphitheater with great animal renditions and pavilions with shops and cafes. Great venue to spend a fun day!

Open daily: 9.00am - 6.00pm
Location: The Park is located 40 km from down town on the way to Bo Phloi.

Somnuk Elephant Camp

The beloved giant mammal is an intrinsic part of Thai's society, culture and life. Taking an elephant trek through Thailand's natural vastness is a must. The trek takes you to national parks like Erawan, Kwai River bamboo rafting and there is a lot of interacting with these gentle animals especially when you help them bathe in natural ponds in the middle of a virgin jungle! What can be more exiting! Johnny Weissmuller would turn green of envy. The camp also offers one or two night adventures with accommodations.

198 Moo 6, Wanggrajaa, Sai Yok, Kanchanaburi, Thailand 71150
Tel: 034 565131 and 081 9424256
www.kanchanaburielephantcamp.com
The meeting point for transfers is Kanchanaburi Adventures Travel Shop, located on River Kwai Road.

Sai Yok Elephant Village

Located right on the river bank, upriver from Wang Pho Bridge an elephant chow offers 30 minute jungle treks on the back of well kept elephants. They also have shows and animal renditions at 8:30 am and 4:00 pm

Location: Mu 3 Ban Lum Phueng, Tambon Lum Sum
Driving Directions: From Kanchanaburi take the Sai Yok - Thong Pha Phum road for about 30 minutes.
Train: Take the train to Wang Pho Station
Business Hours: Open daily from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Tel: 0 3459 1255 or 0 3549 1102

Wat Kao Pun & Kao Pun Cave

This temple is located on a cave about 5 km from Kanchanaburi on Highway number 3228. Within the temple grounds there is a hidden network of underground passages leading to a system of caves. Beautiful Buddha images amidst stalactites and stalagmites formations glow with mystical light. The Hindu-Buddhist images all in different gestures placed strategically in the multi chamber cave filling it with a magical aura make the visit worthwhile.

Kirdkao Observatory

For the stargazer in you go to the Kirkdao Observatory, where a whole area has been arranged complete with observation domes and telescopes. The rural area is ideal… away from the city lights and the clarity of the air makes it outstanding!

Location: Tambon Lum Rang, Amphoe Bo Phloi
Contact: 08 1927 4140

Wat Tham Mongkon Thong

Also known as Temple of the Golden Dragon for the giant Dragon heads marking the entrance to the stairs that takes you to the cave. The limestone mountain provides exceptional views of the area in addition to the beautiful sculptures and the cave.

Location: 5 km south of the city center.

Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua

Wat Pha Luang is also known as the Tiger Sanctuary, tigers roam freely in a large parcel of land all protected by monks. If you want to have an up-close picture with a tiger this is the place to do it! But not without risk, word is that some tourists have been attacked in the past, I don't think it is true but… How daring are you? To get there from Kanchanaburi you can take bus # 8203 to Sai Yok at the bus station or you can take a cab.

Kanchanaburi - Sai Yok Road
Tel: + 66- 3453 1557
Open daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

Prasat Muang Singh

This important archeological site located about 43 Km from Kanchanaburi City is believed to have been an important trade center as well as defense post. The best preserve part is the center temple called Khmer Prasat Muang Sing (Tower of the City of Lions). The city must have been inhabited from approximately the 12th to 14th centuries. The massive city walls are made of rectangular laterite, approximately 800 meters in width, 1,500 meters in length and 5 meters in height. The massive complex built in Khmer architectural style from the late lopburi period, is laid out following the universal order of the world. The central building represents the domain of the gods (Mount Meru) and was separated by 7 moats and ramparts representing the mountains and seas surrounding Mount Meru.

The onsite museum displays 2,000 year old artifacts, including temple carvings, pottery, religious statues as well as bronze utensils and tools from the Neolithic time. The grounds are beautifully arranged with flowers and trees; it has a museum and restaurants. The ruins sit on a narrowing point of the Kwai Noi River causing the waters to flow faster strategically located for defense and should not be missed.

Public transportation; buses and trains can be taken from Kanchanaburi to Tha Kilen railway station and continue on foot for 1.5 km or hire a tuk tuk. Trains depart Kanchanaburi at 6:00 am, 11:00 am and 4:30 pm. Returning at 6:20 pm, 1:51 pm and 4:31 pm. The trip takes about 1 hour.

Location: Located 43 km out of Kanchanaburi on the bank of the Kwai Noi River on Highway 323.
Opening hours: Opens daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Contact: Call 0 3459 1122 or 0 3459 1334 for additional information.

Wat Wang Wiwekaram

This unusual temple has strong influences from Indian and Burmese architectural styles. It is located about 9 Km away from town, south of Khao Laem reservoir. The chedy of "Luang Pho Uttama" is highly respected by the locals.

Wat Tham Mankhon Thong

Wat Tham Mankhon Thong or Temple of the Floating Dragon is just about 4 kilometers from town on the bank of the Kwai Noi River, is a well known temple; due to the incredible past performances of the floating female Buddhist nun (?) There is a small museum where a variety of ancient objects excavated in the area are on display. A long stairway from the museum takes you to the cave temple, the stairway sides are masterfully carved in form of a dragon (There is the dragon again). To visit the whole cave you will be crawling from chamber to chamber until one reaches the hill top. What an exhilarating adventure! We did not care that we never saw the floating dragon, I believe there is no dragon, but the temple is said to be inhabited by a Buddhist female nun that performs amazing yoga katas floating on the water, but we never saw her either! But the museum and cave really make up for it.

Getting there is not easy since there is no sign in English so the best way to get there is to hire a Tuk tuk.

Wat Ku Tao

Located in down town Kanchanaburi, the Chedi was built in 1613 shaped like miniature guards decorated in color porcelain. The five guards represent five Buddhas.

Giant Tree

A large one hundred year old tree can be seen near the Veterinary and Agricultural Division 1. The Jamjuree Tree or Silk Tree has a shade diameter of 180 feet. The branches extend at least 100 feet out, to surround the trunk it would take 10 adults holding hands.

Mon Bridge (Uttamanuson Bridge)

Also know as Uttamanuson Bridge, is the longest wooden bridge in Thailand, the bridge links Sangkhla Buri and Mon Villages, has a length of 850 mt crossing over the Songkaria River. It is a magnificent advantage point to see the meeting of 3 rivers; Bikli, Ranti and Songkaria.