Kanchanaburi travel blog — The fullest Kanchanaburi travel guide for a great trip on a budget for the first-timers

Crossing this river is a bridge bearing the historic value River Kwai Bridge. This bridge is present in Pierre Boulle’s novel and David Lean’s film of the same name (won 7 Oscars), built in 1943 and “suffering” many bombs by the Allies during World War II but still stands. Awesome!

Burma Railway

Traveling to Kanchanaburi without checking in Burma Railway is not called visit Kanchanaburi! Most of the foreign or indigenous tourists want to see this train line with their own eyes.

Burma Railway, also known as Death Railway. This railway was invested by Japan in World War II and also served the war. There are many stories of thrilling and mysterious history involving this place, so if you are too attentive to visit, do not forget to listen to the guide “narrative”.

Rock Valley Hot Spring

The next destination is Rock Valley Hot Spring, where you can spend half a day soaking in mineral water pools and green tea, rose water, chocolate …

Erawan National Park

Another highlight in this area is Erawan National Park. Here you will find seven beautiful waterfalls but the most beautiful is the Erawan Falls. At these waterfalls you can swim, relax and enjoy the wonderful scenery here.

Read more: Exploring Erawan Waterfalls — A super stunning destination near Bangkok.

Hellfire Pass Memorial and Museum

One of the most famous areas of the “Death Railway” is the Hellfire Pass, which passes through a 1.200 meter long mountain. During the World War II, the Japanese brought 250.000 Asian laborers here and more than 60.000 war prisoners from Australia, Britain, the United States and the Netherlands, forcing to build railroads across the mountain under terrible conditions. Many Allied prisoners of war and Asian workers died here, and the memorial of Hellfire Pass was built to remember that dark age. Here you can imagine the horrific life of those who worked here along a 4-kilometer path. In addition to the memorial, there is also a small memorial museum that you can visit to learn more about the area’s history.

Taweechai Elephant Camp

In Kanchanaburi, you will see with your own eyes the Thai mascot under the very cute image of being raised at the Taweechai Elephant Camp. Not only see them with your own eyes, but you can also touch them with your own hands without any fear. The elephants are so cute and friendly and gentle as the Thai people.

We were so lucky when arrived just in time for the elephants to be bathed., so the owner allows we bathe with the elephants. Very interesting! Remember to try it.

Visiting the old town and enjoy food

Playing a lot is also hungry. We stopped by Kanchanaburi’s old town for sightseeing and hunting food. Most restaurants in Kanchanaburi serve a variety of cuisines including Thai and international dishes, especially the center of Kanchanaburi town.

These suburban dishes also are the same as in Bangkok, including traditional Thai dishes, fragrant – delicious – tonic – cheap and spicy! If you don’t like to eat spicy food, remember to tell them to give some chili or not. In Kanchanaburi, there is no lack of eateries or restaurants from cheap, budget to luxurious, you can free to choose with the price you can afford. Well, besides food there are many more drinks. We recommend you buy a few bottles of drinks at street vendors along the roadside, sounds a bit “not very hygienic” but actually drink like that to feel the rustic aftertaste of this country.

In addition, you can watch the sunset on Kwai, Tiger Cave Temple and visit the JJ night market in the evening.

Kanchanaburi blog: Activities in Kanchanaburi

Due to the rugged terrain in Kanchanaburi, it will be ideal for outdoor recreational activities. If you don’t like sitting in one place, you can choose to cycling, hiking, climb a mountain or take a boat on the River Kwai. You can rent a kayak and downstream from Kanchanaburi on the river. No need to rush, you can leisurely to see everything and enjoy the natural landscape here. If you are not passionate with kayaking, you can also choose a long-tail boat.

If you want to make a trip through the forest, it will take a day or more. Forget the comfort if you join this trip. And don’t forget to rent an experienced guide to help you explore this journey. Note that this journey has only simple meals and you will even have to sleep in a local tribe along the way.

Shopping in Kanchanaburi

Like most towns in the provinces of Thailand, Kanchanaburi features a central market where you can buy anything from groceries to household appliances. Visitors can also buy fashionable clothes and other fashion accessories. In addition, there are handicraft items in central markets, night markets and craft villages in the town.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Bangkok you can refer to

• Bangkok City & Temples Tour by Tour East
• Classic Bangkok Tour: Floating Market, Elephant Village, Asiatique, & More by AK Travel
• Bangkok Old City Half Day Tour
• Bangkok Landmarks Day Tour: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chao Phraya River & More
• Bangkok Sky Train (BTS) One Day Pass
• Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link (ARL) Ticket
• [Sale] Private Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfers (BKK) for Bangkok, Pattaya & More by Oriental Holiday
• Shared City Transfers between Bangkok and Pattaya by Oriental Holiday
• Private City Transfers between Bangkok and Pattaya, Ayutthaya, Hua Hin & More
• Shared City Transfers between Bangkok and Pattaya by Oriental Holiday
• Private City Transfers from Pattaya to Bangkok, Hua Hin, Koh Samet & Koh Chang
• [SALE] BTS Skytrain Rabbit Card
• Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Bangkok Hop-On-Hop-Off Sightseeing Boat
• [SALE] Chao Phraya Princess Cruise
• [SALE] 4G Sim Card (Thailand Pick Up) for Thailand
• 4G SIM Card (BKK Airport Pick Up) for Thailand (Unlimited Data)
• 4G Pocket WiFi (Bangkok and Phuket Airports Pick Up) for Thailand
• 4G Portable WiFi for Thailand from Uroaming (Unlimited Data)

Are you looking for more Bangkok travel guide and top things to do in Bangkok: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Bangkok travel blog — The fullest Bangkok travel guide blog for a budget trip to Bangkok (BKK) and Thailand: Thailand blog — The fullest Thailand travel guide for a budget trip to Thailand for the first-timers.