Kanchanaburi, Thailand: A Bridge Between Past And Present

Away from Bangkok's hustle and bustle lies the captivating province of Kanchanaburi. This place is ideal for those exploring beyond the capital; Kanchanaburi is your go-to destination. Known for its historical Death Railway, famously depicted in the novel 'The Bridge on the River Kwai,' this province offers a rich history and numerous must-see sites. Kampá Tour's guide ensures you have all the practical information to plan your trip and maximize your experience in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.
 

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)Updated on 05-11-2024

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1. Where Is Kanchanaburi?

Located 129 km (almost a 4-hour drive) west of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi province is where the Kwae Noi and Kwae Yai Rivers converge to form the Mae Klong River. This predominantly mountainous region borders Myanmar to the west. The Thanon Thongchai Range acts as a natural boundary between Thailand and Myanmar, offering diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, Neolithic caves, national parks, tranquil rivers, and reservoirs.

2. Why Is Kanchanaburi Famous?

Kanchanaburi is best known for the infamous World War II Death Railway to Burma (Myanmar) and the Bridge over the River Kwai, immortalized by Pierre Boulle’s novel and David Lean’s Oscar-winning film. The film, released in 1957, stars Alec Guinness, Sessue Hayakawa, Jack Hawkins, and William Holden, and tells the harrowing story of Allied POWs forced by the Imperial Japanese Army to build the Burma Railway from 1942 to 1943. Its release brought worldwide attention to Kanchanaburi, drawing tourists eager to see the historic bridge, which is still occasionally used by local trains.

Beyond its historical significance, Kanchanaburi offers a serene escape from Bangkok's hustle and bustle. The region's rivers, caves, waterfalls, and natural wonders provide a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking tranquility.

3. How To Get There

Getting to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok offers several choices: trains, buses, taxis, or minibusses. Since there's no airport in Kanchanaburi, direct flights aren't available.

• By train

Taking the train is an economical and convenient way to travel from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi. Two trains depart daily from Thonburi Station, also known as Bangkok Noi Station, which serves only Kanchanaburi and Nam Tok, making it a quiet location.

Thonburi Station is located in the west of Bangkok and is not near a Skytrain or metro station, so taking a taxi or Grab is the easiest way to get there. The train ride from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi takes about 3 hours. There is only one class—the third class—with open windows allowing you to admire the surrounding landscapes from hard benches.
 

• By bus or minivan

To travel from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, taking the bus is a convenient option. The journey typically lasts about 3 hours, with frequent departures throughout the day. Most buses start from Bangkok South Bus Terminal, though some depart from other stations like Mochit Bus Terminal. The first bus departs at 5 a.m., and the last one leaves at 7:30 p.m..

For added convenience, consider asking your hotel to assist with purchasing tickets.

4. When Are The Best Times To Visit? 

• November to February: This is the best time to visit Kanchanaburi, as the weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for tourist activities.
• March to June: Temperatures rise significantly during these months, sometimes reaching up to 38 degrees Celsius. The heat can make exploring less comfortable for some travelers.
• July to October: This period is marked by frequent rains in Kanchanaburi, which can disrupt tourist activities and make visits less appealing for some visitors.

5. What To Do And See For A Complete Bisit? 

• The Bridge on the River Kwai

Kanchanaburi is home to the famous Bridge on the River Kwai, part of the infamous "Death Railway" built by Japan during World War II. This 250-mile rail line, running from Ban Pong in Thailand to Thanbyuzayat in Burma, was a brutal project involving prisoners of war and forced laborers.

The original bridge, bombed by the Allies in 1945, has been partially rebuilt, with its original parts on display at the War Museum.

Made famous through films and books, the bridge attracts tourists with a pedestrian bridge and a tourist train. Each year, the River Kwai Bridge Festival commemorates the Allied bombing with a spectacular sound and light show.

• Death railway

In 1942, during World War II, the Japanese did everything they could to control Burma and gain access to the Indian Ocean. To achieve this goal, they compelled 60,000 Allied prisoners of war and 100,000 Asian civilians to construct a 415-kilometer railway linking the country to Thailand. Initially estimated to take three years by engineers, the construction was completed in a record time of just one and a half years! Approximately 90,000 civilians and 16,000 Allied prisoners of war tragically perished due to exhaustion, starvation, and disease during the construction. This dark history has led to the railway being nicknamed 'the railway of death'.

Today, the railway operates on the Bangkok-Namtok-Kanchanaburi route. Two trains depart daily, with a journey time of 3 hours and 45 minutes. Alternatively, passengers can opt for a shorter two-hour train journey between Kanchanaburi and Namtok, which passes over the famous bridge and viaduct.

• The World War II Museum

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, which is located near the Bridge on the River Kwai, this museum showcases artifacts and images from the conflict. Exhibits include a helicopter, an airplane, a steam engine, period helmets, Japanese motorcycles, and photographs. This visit provides travelers with a deeper understanding of the harrowing ordeal prisoners face during the railway's construction.

• Khao Pun Cave Temple

Khao Pun Cave Temple, nestled in the green hills of Kanchanaburi, features several natural caves adorned with Buddhist temples. Accessible via a long marked path from the Khwae Noi River, visitors enter a fascinating illuminated labyrinth filled with Buddha statues, creating an astonishing atmosphere.

At the exit, a room from a former Japanese war hospital displays the history of prisoners of war. The journey from Kanchanaburi to this temple can be made by land or river.
 

• Erawan National Park 

Away about 70 km, which is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Kanchanaburi, Erawan National Park covers 550 km² and is home to various animal and plant species, including primates, elephants, tapirs, hares, wild boars, and felines such as tigers and panthers, as well as 120 species of birds.

The main attraction is the seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall, also known as 'Sadong Mong Lai', celebrated as one of Thailand's most beautiful waterfalls. Spanning about 1500 meters in total, each tier offers a unique beauty. As you ascend, the water becomes increasingly clear. The final tier features crystal-clear emerald-blue water, resembling a natural swimming pool.

• Treetop Adventure Park Kanchanaburi

Treetop Adventure Park Kanchanaburi offers a unique experience for adventure lovers in the forest. Located at 118 Moo 8, Tha Sao, Sai Yok, Kanchanaburi, this park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for thrill seekers.

The adventure platforms are connected by a network of installations on tall trees, providing a seamless transition from one experience to the next. Rope bridges, Tarzan swings, flying skateboards, tightrope courses, and giant zip lines promise hours of fun for all ages.

In addition to the thrills, you can observe a wide variety of birds and immerse yourself in the rich natural environment.

• Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park

Located about 45 km from Kanchanaburi town, the vast Khmer complex spans 736,000 m². Built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, it has been recognized as a "historical park" since 1987. Originally, this complex served as a military outpost and a trade staging post for the Khmer Empire along the Mae Nam Khwae Noi River.

Opposite the main entrance gate stands a tower ("prasat") dedicated to Shiva, built during the same period as the famous temples of Angkor in Cambodia. The highlight of this complex is Prasat Muang Sing, which features statues of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, with his eight arms, and the goddess Prajnaparamita, as well as numerous sandstone sculptures.

• Wat Tham Sua

Tham Sua Temple, known as the “Tiger Cave” in Thai, is a Buddhist site perched on a hill. Accessible since 1971 via a picturesque staircase of 157 steps, lined with “nagas” (dragon snakes), or by a funicular, the sanctuary offers a variety of attractions. Highlights include Chin Phrathanporn, an imposing 18-meter-high and 10-meter-wide Buddha statue covered in gold leaf, and a mysterious cave decorated with tiger portraits. Don’t miss the 69-meter-high chedi (stupa) and the breathtaking view from the top floor, showcasing mountains dotted with rice fields.

• Wat Ban Tham

Located on the banks of the Mae Klong River, approximately 9 km from Kanchanaburi, the 'Dragon Temple' captivates with its uniqueness. A colorful iron staircase, erected in 1995, guides visitors through the beast’s mouth, leading to a vast cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, housing the 14th-century Buddha statue Luang Po Yai Chinnarat from the Ayutthaya period. From this cave, another staircase ascends to the top, where a golden stupa offers breathtaking views of the Mae Klong River and the dense vegetation, a well-deserved reward after climbing about 700 steps.

• The Giant Rain Tree in Kanchanaburi

Located about twenty kilometers from the city center, the Giant Rain Tree is situated in the Thai Army Stud Farms in Dan Makham Tia District. On Google Maps, it’s identified as "Giant Raintree," though the on-site sign reads "Giant Monkey Pod Tree."

This Saman tree (Giant Rain Tree) is truly impressive with its massive trunk, 15 meters in diameter, and branches extending 20 meters high. Its wingspan of over 25 meters gives it the appearance of a giant parasol.

• Elephant Sanctuaries

Elephant sanctuaries offer a unique experience for those visiting Thailand. In Kanchanaburi, several of these sanctuaries, such as Ganesha Park, Elephants World, and Elephant Heaven, work to protect these majestic animals. They offer jungle tours, ranging from half-day to multi-day, to meet these endangered pachyderms. Scheduled activities include preparing and serving their food, walking alongside them, and taking mud baths.

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• Relaxing in the hot springs 

Location: Hindad Sub-district, Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi Province

Opening hours: 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

The Hindad Hot Springs in Kanchanaburi, discovered by Japanese soldiers during World War II, now feature concrete ponds for relaxing baths and are a popular tourist attraction.

The hot springs are divided into three ponds, each offering different temperatures:

• The warmest and deepest pond: Ideal for relaxing and relieving muscle pain.
• The second pond: Connected to the first, it is less warm and less deep, perfect for natural foot immersion.
• The small pond: Suitable for children and those who prefer less warm and shallow water.

• Pak Phraek Walking Street

Pak Prak, a historic village in the heart of Kanchanaburi, comes alive on weekends with its bustling market. This ancient community features early 20th-century buildings that blend Chinese, European, and Thai styles, providing a unique glimpse into local history. These sites witnessed interactions between locals and events during World War II, offering captivating stories often missing from conventional museums. 

6. Recommended Tour Route Bangkok To Kanchanaburi

• Day 1: Bangkok - Damnoen saduak - Floating markets - Kanchanaburi

From Bangkok, start with a convenient day trip to the floating markets of Mae Klong and Damnoen Saduak. Then, head to Kanchanaburi to visit the World War II Memorial and the famous Bridge on the River Kwai. Enjoy a train ride along the Death Railway before spending the night in Kanchanaburi.

• Day 2: Kanchanaburi – Erawan Park

After breakfast, visit the famous Erawan Waterfall, renowned for its multiple levels and caves adorned with rock paintings. Swim in its crystal-clear waters and observe the diverse wildlife in the national park.

Our last words

A visit to Kanchanaburi, Thailand, feels like stepping into the pages of a novel or diving into a movie, especially with the famous Bridge on the River Kwai. This destination enriches your trip to Thailand. If you're short on time, adding Kanchanaburi to your Bangkok itinerary diversifies your experience without long journeys. The city offers a unique blend of history and nature, ensuring unforgettable memories.

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