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Home > Explore Thailand > Kanchanaburi
Over the years, the magnificent landscape and the charming beauty of Kanchanaburi have transformed it into a major tourist attraction. Some of the prominent tourist spots include several well-known waterfalls, caves once inhabited by Neolithic man, pristine national parks, tranquil rivers, virgin forests, and reservoirs. Together, they offer an intriguing experience for first-time as well as repeat visitors. Whether it’s fishing, rafting, canoeing, mountain biking, bird-watching, star-gazing, golfing, elephant and jungle trekking, or even living in bamboo rafts, Kanchanaburi takes pride in offering them all.
Attractions
General Information
Magnificent landscape and the charming beauty of Kanchanaburi
According to most historians, the ancient town of Kanchanaburi was originally located near Ban Lat Ya, a small village situated approximately 16 kilometers to the north of the present town. The site has been recorded in Thai history as an important invasion route through which the Burmese armies entered Thai Kingdoms.
Kanchanaburi, a largely mountainous terrain, covers an area of approximately 19,473 square kilometers and is the third largest province in Thailand after Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima. Situated approximately 129 kilometres to the west of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi shares a border with Myanmar to the west, Tak and Uthai Thani provinces to the north, Suphan Buri and Nakhon Pathom provinces to the east, and the Ratchaburi province to the south.
To the north and the west of Kanchanaburi, the terrain is comprised mainly of mountains and high plains, with the Thanon Thongchai Range acts as a natural border between Thailand and Myanmar. The range is the source of Kanchanaburi’s two most important rivers Maenam Khwae Noi and Maenam Khwae Yai, which meet to form the famous Maenam Mae Klong. As a result, several of Thailand’s largest Namtok (waterfalls) and most extensive wildlife sanctuaries are found in this area of Thailand.
Over the years, the magnificent landscape and the charming beauty of Kanchanaburi have transformed it into a major tourist attraction. Some of the prominent tourist spots include several well-known waterfalls, caves once inhabited by Neolithic man, pristine national parks, tranquil rivers, virgin forests, and reservoirs. Together, they offer an intriguing experience for first-time as well as repeat visitors. Whether it’s fishing, rafting, canoeing, mountain biking, bird-watching, star-gazing, golfing, elephant and jungle trekking, or even living in bamboo rafts, Kanchanaburi takes pride in offering them all.
The city of Kanchanaburi is located at the point where two tributaries, the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai meet and form the Maenam Mae Klong. This is the location of the notorious Death Railway and the Bridge over the River Khwae, one of the famous World War II sites immortalized in both print and film.
In economic terms, Kanchanaburi has been contributing over 10 per cent to the national growth, annually. Important industries include sugar, agricultural products and jewelry. Tourism has become another important source of income for the locals as Kanchanburi is known to receive the highest number of visitors, each year, among the kingdom’s western provinces.
Residents of Kanchanaburi are predominantly engaged in agricultural activities. Most of the locals are of Thai ancestries who live in harmony with a notable number of Mon and Karen minorities. Folk music and primitive dances dating back at least 500 years are still performed here today.
Erawan National Park (Image will be on the left) – Refer other destination pages
The national park is 65 kilometers from Kanchanaburi along Route 3199. The park, covering 550-square-kilometers, is the site of the seven-tiered Erawan waterfall, one of Thailand’s most remarkable waterfalls. The second tier has a pool, which is ideal for swimming and is particularly picturesque. However, the most popular activity in the park is trekking. Bungalow accommodations, camping facilities and daytime food markets are easily available.
Shelters and camping facilities are available for tourists in the park. Admission is Bt200 for adults and Bt100 for children. For more details, please contact the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Bangkok at Tel. 0 2562 0760 or go to ‘www.dnp.go.th’ or call Erawan National park at Tel. 0 3457 4722, 0 3457 4234
Visitors may take a bus which departs from the Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal to the waterfall every 50 minutes from 8 a.m. to 5.20 p.m. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Tham Kaeo Sawan Bandan
It is a strange, complex of caves located in Tham Kaeo Sawan Bandan Meditation Centre near a small mountain. Each cave has a specific name based on their characteristics; such as Tham Badan with knee-leveled water, Tham Phopu Ruesi, Tham Kaeo Morakot, Tham Keao Sawan Bandan, and Tham Kaeo with stalactites and stalagmites that glitter like the powder of diamond when sunlight shines on them.
Dressing appropriately and wearing comfortable shoes are a must. Some of the caves have a sloping stone mound and some caves require you to kneel down and crawl through the stone holes. It takes at least six hours to visit all the caves.
To get there, take the route Sangkhla Buri-Three Pagodas Pass and turn right at Km. 16 near the roadside shelter. Drive along the dirt road for about 800 metres before you turn right. Go on for 200 metres until you arrive at the meditation centre where the cave is situated. Tourists can ask for more information about the cave from the monks who reside in the meditation centre area.
Srinagarindra Dam
It is the largest rockfill dam with a clay core in Thailand, situated on the Khwae Yai River, approximately 4 kms. from Namtok Erawan in the north of the Khwae Yai River. This multi-purpose dam is crucial for irrigation, flood damage relief in the Mae Klong Basin, electricity generation, and fishery. The place above the dam ridge has some amazingly attractive sights.
Srinagarindra Dam is 70 km. from the provincial city on Highway 3177 (Kanchanaburi-Si Sawat). Accommodation for tourists is provided at the dam. For further details, please contact the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), at Tel. 0 2436 6046-8. For accommodation and cruising restaurants, please contact Tel. 0 3457 4001 ext. 2455, 2457.
Sai Yok Elephant Village
Located at Mu 3 Ban Lum Phueng, Tambon Lum Sum offers a 30-minute nature trek on an elephant along with some spectacular rafting. There is a daily elephant show from 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. To get there, from Kanchanaburi, take the Sai Yok – Thong Pha Phum route for some 30 minutes to around Km. 45, or take a train and get off at Wang Pho Station. Open daily from 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. For a group visit, do get in touch before the date of arrival. Tel. 0 3459 1255, 0 3459 1102, 08 1878 9979.
The Nine-Army Battle, Historical Park
Built by the Royal Thai Army, the park is located at tambon Chong Sadao, approximately 40 kilometers from the town on Highway No. 3199. It was built to commemorate the great battle under the command of King Rama I to defend the kingdom against the invasion by King Bodawpaya of Burma in 1795. Thais know this event under the name of the Nine-Army Battle. The park is a center for historical research and conservative tourism that also provides information on the great battle. A sand table displaying battlefields and diagrams depicting the battle strategy are on display. The park is open daily from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Call 0 3458 9233-5 ext. 51015 for more information.
Kanchanaburi Safari Park
The Safari Park is located approximately 40 kilometers from town along the Kanchanaburi-Bo Phloi route. It is home to numerous African and Asian mammals, including giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers and bears that dwell in beautifully landscaped environs. Visitors can either drive their private car to explore the park or use the bus service provided by the park. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission fee is 300 baht for adults and 150 baht for children. Call 0 3453 1888, 0 3453 1999, 0 3450 0089 or fax. 0 3450 0088 for further information.
Local Product
Wunsen Tha Ruea (Glass Noodle)
This product is renowned for its superior, matchless quality, available on Saeng Chuto Road.
Preserved mango
Exotic, tasty, inexpensive, high quality, preserved mangoes are a popular souvenir for fruit lovers. Moreover, preserved mangoes are a good source of secondary income for housewives in Kanchanaburi Province.
Kanchanaburi Gems, Kanchanaburi Province
Gem mines have operated for a long time in Kanchanaburi. Particularly in Amphoe Bo Phloi, rich veins have been found of Black Spinel as well as the blue gem which the Kanchanaburi people call ‘Phloi Bo’. Cut and polished, Phloi Bo is very beautiful, hard as diamond; it ranges in color from light to deep blue. Kanchanaburi mines also yield gems of various colours such as yellow, purple, indigo-green and gray. Besides, a very beautiful and expensive gem ‘Phet Ranti’ is found in Ranti Stream of Amphoe Sangkhla Buri.
As for Sapphires (Phloi Phailin), which originate in volcanic lava, they are considered to be the birthstone of people born in September, and symbolize truth and stability. Black Spinel, usually found in the same veins, is not quite as hard as Sapphire. However, Black Spinel is considered to be another perfect gem because of its matchless combination of hardness, beauty, glitter and durability.
Aside from visiting gem mines and enjoying the jewel’s intricate manufacture, visitors can pay homage to Luang Pho Nin, a 19 m tall Buddha image constructed only with precious gems. The revered Luang Pho Nin was made from 40 tons of Black Spinel. This Buddha image is enshrined at Khao Wong Chindaram Temple, Moo 1, Ban Bo Phloi, around KM 30 on Hwy 3086 (Kanchanaburi – Bo Phloi – Nong Prue).
Another Buddha statue made of gems, Luang Pho Phloi Phailin, is housed at Nong Yang Chang Temple in Amphoe Bo Phloi. The Buddha statue is 133 cm high and is made from 130 kg of gems donated by local people and merchants. The size of the statue’s lap is 25 inches (Buddha images are measured in terms of the size of the lap).
Furthermore, the high quality jewels are from mines scattered in Bo Phloi district. Some are on display at the Bo Phloi jewel exhibition centre while others can even be purchased from several shops in the district.
Coconut Jelly
The most notable souvenir from Kanchanaburi, coconut jelly is undeniably delicious, unique, refreshing and exotic. They are normally available at most of the shops in the city, but the most well-known outlet is Wimon shop on Saeng Chuto Road. Serve chilled.
How to get There
Travelling to Kanchanaburi
By car :
Route 1: A 2-hour drive along Highway No.4 (Phetkasem) via Nakhon Chaisi Province, Nakhon Pathom Province, Ban Pong, Tha Maka and Tha Muang (of Ratchaburi Province) to Kanchanaburi.
Route 2: Drive along Highway No. 338 from Bangkok to Nakhon Chaisi Province then switch to Highway No.4 to Kanchanaburi.
By Bus:
Non air-conditioned buses leave Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal daily every 15 minutes from 4 a.m. until 8 p.m. The trip takes about 3 hours. Call 02 434 5557-8 for more information.
First class air-conditioned buses (blue color) leave Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal daily every 25 minutes Call 02 435 5012, 0 2435 1199 or 02 884 6249 or visit www.transport.co.th for more information.
There are also buses leaving frequently daily for Kanchanaburi from Nakhon Pathom. The journey takes up to 1.5 hours. From Ratchaburi and Suphan Buri Bus Stations, there are several buses leaving directly to Kanchanaburi. The trip takes some 2.5 - 3 hours.
By Train
Ordinary trains leave Bangkok’s Thon Buri Railway Station (Bangkok Noi Station) daily. Only 3rd class seats are available. The journey takes approximately 3 hours. For more information, call Thon Buri Railway Station at Tel. 02 411 3102 or Kanchanaburi Railway Station at tel. 034 511285.
The weekend special train leaves Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) at 6.30 a.m., returning at 7.55 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and on public holidays. The trip usually includes several stopovers at Phra Pathom Chedi (Nakhon Pathom), Death Railway Bridge, and a transfer (by minibus) to Phrasat Mueang Singh Historical Park, etc.
There are also special steam trains operating between Kanchanaburi and Wang Pho.
For more information, call the State Railway of Thailand at tel. 1690, or 02 223 7010, 02 223 7020 or visit www.railway.co.th.
Travelling around Kanchanaburi
Although the city of Kanchanaburi is accessible on foot, the trip requires strenuous efforts.. Bicycles, motorcycles and cars are common means of transportation. Bicycles and motorcycles can be rented from shops, guesthouses and hotels located along Maenam Khwae Road. Visitors can capture the city’s atmosphere along their way to see the Bridge over the River Khwae, the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, the waterfront Song Khwae Road area, and the JEATH War Museum. For visitors who enjoy driving, cars can be rented on a daily or weekly basis at several outlets on Saeng Chuto Road and around the Song Khwae Road area.
The two major routes used to explore Kanchanaburi’s attractions are Highway No. 323 and Highway No. 3199. Highway No. 323 runs parallel to Maenam Khwae Noi to Sangkhla Buri District (approximately 230 kilometers from the city) via Sai Yok, Thong Pha Phum, and Vajiralongkorn Dam while Highway No. 3199 follows the Khwae Yai River to Sri Nakharin Dam (69 kilometers away from the city).
Travelling Between Districts
Transportation between the districts is made convenient by regular buses. Major destinations include Bo Phloi, Tham Than Lot (Than Lot Cave), Namtok Erawan, Namtok Sai Yok Yai, Thong Pha Phum, Sangkhla Buri, the Bridge over River Khwae and the War Cemetery. They are mostly non-air conditioned buses which leave every 20 minutes and take up to 2 hours. Others have their own fixed itineraries. For details call Kanchanaburi Bus Station at 0 3451 1182.
Traveling around Kanchanaburi by train is also quite convenient. It is inexpensive, reliable and offers a more panoramic view of the area. The route from Kanchanaburi to Namtok Station near Namtok Sai Yok Noi Waterfall is recommended for visitors wishing to explore the notorious historic railway. Trains leave Kanchanaburi Railway Station 3 times daily and stop at the Bridge over the River Khwae, Tha Kilen (near Phrasat Mueang Singh Historical Park), Tham Krasae, Wang Pho and ends at Namtok Railway Station. For more information, call Kanchanaburi Railway Station at tel. 0 3451 1 285.
Alternate trips to out-of-town attractions
There are ferry services across Maenam Mae Klong that cost 5 baht per person. You even have the option of bringing your motorcycle or bicycle on board in order to explore the other side of the town. Regular boat services are also available to several tourist destinations..
From the Pak Saeng Pier in Tambon Tha Sao, visitors can hire a boat ( with a capacity of 10-12 people) to visit the Lawa Cave and Namtok Sai Yok Yai. The 1-hour boat ride to Namtok Huay Maekhamin starts from the Tha Kradan Pier, 12 kilometers from Sri Nakharin Dam.
Visitors are advised to check with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Office at 034 511 200 and 034 512 500 or email tatkan@tat.or.th for transportation details during public holidays and weekends.
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