Kanchanaburi Travel

Kanchanaburi Weather Overview

Kanchanaburi has a tropical climate with three distinct seasons. The weather is hot and humid all year round. Average temperatures in Kanchanaburi vary little. Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot all year with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year. The area is less temperate than some — in the 14th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Kanchanaburi, the hottest months are April, May, and then March. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally mid April where highs are regularly around 101.3°F (38.5°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 77.9°F (25.5°C) at night.

Check the below table for the general idea of Kanchanaburi weather throughout the year.

By train

For some, the idea of traveling the route of the old "death railway" to Kanchanburi is appealing, and using the train for at least one way of the journey is something we'd recommend, although the trip from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is more pretty than dramatic. For real dramatic scenery, try a day trip from Kanchanaburi to Nam Tok and back. One important point to remember is that regular trains to Kanchanaburi and beyond leave from Bangkok's Thonburi train station, rather than the main station of Hua Lampong.

Also note that there are two train stops in Kanchanaburi town. The main station is near the center of town, while there is a second stop at the bridge on the Kwai Yai river. Try to find out which on is closer to where you're staying, as they are more than 3 kilometers apart.

There are at least two trains a day between Thonburi to Kanchanaburi. Around holidays and special events, there are sometimes additional trains (and some of these may leave from Hua Lampong). The trip to Kanchanburi takes around three hours and costs 100 Baht (2.60 USD).

By bus

Buses are the faster but less scenic option for getting to or from Kanchanaburi. You can get buses to Kanchanburi from either the Southern Bus Terminal or the big Northern Bus Terminal at Mor Chit. The travel time to or from the Southern Bus Terminal is right around two hours, while Mor Chit will take about 30 minutes longer. Note that buses to or from Mor Chit are less frequent, about every two hours or so. All buses arrive or depart Kanchanaburi from the same bus terminal in the center of town. Expect to pay around 120 Baht (3.12 USD) for a bus.

Kanchanaburi, a little town located in the west of Thailand, may not be as popular as Bangkok or Chiang Mai. However, if you want to experience the local culture and food, Kanchanaburi should not be missed. the culinary scene may not be as sophisticated as in Thailand’s metropolises, but the true taste of the nation is revealed in every dish. Here are 7 of the best restaurants to try.

On’s Thai Issan

On’s Thai Issan offers an amazing array of meat-free regional food and a cooking school. It’s possible to choose three dishes from the menu to learn to make. Don’t worry if you’re no Gordon Ramsay, the teacher here is patient, friendly, and a master in the kitchen.

Address: On’s Thai Issan 268/1 Maenamkwai Road, Ban Tai, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Zeb Zeb

Dining in Zeb Zeb is a chance for travelers to immerse themselves in Kanchanaburi’s regional culinary culture. Locals occupy most of the tables here, with tourist faces a relatively rare occurrence beneath the timber pagoda dining hall. Unlike the other tourist restaurants featuring fancy design and fusion dishes, real Thai food is served here in a shabby, rickety wooden hut. Famous dishes like papaya salad, crispy pork and spring rolls are offered at wallet-friendly prices. And in case you find it all a little too spicy, fresh veggies are served for free.

Address: Zeb Zeb, 16/27 Donruk Road, Kanchanaburi,Thailand

Meat & Cheese

Meat & Cheese offers a change from Thai cusine. If you fancy an Italian pizza or an all-American steak give it a try. From t-bone to fillet, all crispy and caramelised on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside, to cheese-topped pizza and fries, Meat & Cheese has it all. And if you still want to add a dash of the old Siam to your meal, try the steamed bass served piping from the grill.

Address: Meat & Cheese, Mae Nam Khwae Road, Kanchanaburi, Thailand

The Hut

The Hut is a local restaurant that offers Western cuisine like garlic bread, nuggets, spaghetti and steak at great prices. A world apart from upscale chain restaurants, The Hut is a small, welcoming venue with just six tables, providing a relaxed atmosphere for friends and families to chill in while enjoying tasty dishes. While The Hut might be celebrated for its laid-back vibe, the food and friendly staff are sure to leave an impression!

Address: The Hut, 260/2 Maenamkwai Road, Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Blue Rice Restaurant by Apple & Noi

Travellers often find the heady mix of Thai spices and seasoning hard to handle. However, if you want to make your own Thai food, they are essential to your dishes, just as the cookery classes with the masterful chefs at Blue Rice will demonstrate. You will be given a chance to go to local market and explore the different ingredients and street foods on offer, while those not so keen on trying their hand at the stove can settle in for a range of classic Thai treats served with a perfect view of the river bank.

Address: Blue Rice Restaurant by Apple & Noi, Ban Nuea, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi, Thailand, +66 623 245 879

Paris Kan

As the name suggests, this restaurant has at least a dash of the Francophone. Indeed, the chef is from France but don’t worry, he can also cook delicious Thai food. There are around 20 choices on the menu in total, half of which hail from Europ, steak and fries for example, while the remaining portion is Southeast Asian through-and-through, massaman curry, pad Thai. The waiting time may be a bit long, but the food really is worth it.

Address: Paris Kan, 232/4, Mae Nam Kwai Road, Kanchanaburi, Thailand, +66 34 512 572

Mangosteen Cafe and Books

This charming little place is closely related to the Mangosteen Garden Restaurant. Actually the two are related by marriage, one run by the husband and the other by the wife. Mangosteen Cafe and Books provides stable WiFi and a relaxing place to read to its diners, along with a cooling air-conditioning system, some great scenery and a whole range of mouth-watering Thai staples.

Address: Mangosteen Cafe and Books, 13 Maenamkwai Road, Tambon Ban Tai, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi, 71000, Thailand, +66 636 396 536

Most backpackers still opt for one of the cheap guesthouses clustered along the river and nightlife towards the southern end of Mae Nam Khwae Road. Families or anyone who likes their peace and quiet may be better off toward the northern stretch of Mae Nam Khwae Road, or just across the bridge on the west side of the river. Those looking for more local flavour could stay downtown along the river or on Rongheabaoy Road, while travellers with vehicles might consider settling in further afield.

Here are 8 best places to stay in Kanchanaburi:

8. The Nine Guest House

Located mere steps away from Kanchanaburi railway station – which makes getting to this hotel very easy – The Nine Guest House is a great place to stay in Kanchanaburi for fans of convenience.

The rooms are simple and unfussy but still boast some traditional Thai design details, which is a nice touch. There’s an onsite restaurant as well as a lush tropical garden to relax in.

As for the immediate area, the Death Railway Museum is just a couple of minutes’ walk away, plus the famous River Kwai Bridge itself is within walking distance. You could always rent a bike from the guesthouse and pedal your way there.

7. Natee The Riverfront Hotel Kanchanaburi

Featuring an outdoor pool that boasts views out across the famous river, Natee The Riverfront Hotel Kanchanaburi is a firmly upmarket option when it comes to accommodation in Kanchanaburi.

The rooms here are stylish and sleek; some feature hot tubs and amazing views of the surrounding natural scenery.
In terms of location, you’ll find this large, contemporary hotel is within easy walking distance of Kanchanaburi railway station, and also not too far from the River Kwai Bridge and the JEATH War Museum. Though expensive compared to some other options, this hotel is a little more high-end.

6. The Zeit River Kwai

When it comes to luxury and style, The Zeit River Kwai boasts rooms designed with a minimalist feel, polished concrete floors, a neutral color palette, and ultra-modern, design-led bathrooms.

Just 700 meters from the River Kwai Bridge itself, as well as right on the doorstep of a variety of eating and drinking options, this stylish hotel also comes with its own on-site restaurant, which serves up a breakfast every morning. There’s also a terrace which is right on the riverfront, plus a pool which is perfect for when you want a refreshing dip to cool off from the heat.

5. Canaan Guesthouse

Just a three-minute walk from Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal, Canaan Guesthouse isn’t exactly located in the center of all the action that Kanchanaburi offers in terms of culture – like the River Kwai Bridge and museums – but it’s still got a pretty good setting.

There are a number of restaurants and cafes in the vicinity, plus the historic Kanchanaburi Town Gate is within easy walking distance. It isn’t too far to Pak Phraek railway station, where you can catch the train to the River Kwai Bridge station.

Canaan Guesthouse is a cute and cozy place to stay, with the feel of a homestay and an onsite restaurant, too.

4. Royal River Kwai Resort & Spa

If you are looking to splash out on your trip to Kanchanaburi, you may want to consider a stay at the Royal River Kwai Resort and Spa. That said, this hotel actually isn’t very central at all – in fact, it is around eight kilometers west of Kanchanaburi and its cultural sights.

Tours can, of course, be arranged from the hotel. It boasts polished, wood-paneled rooms boasting flat-screen TVs and private patios. There is a complimentary breakfast on offer, as well two restaurants – one of which features a riverside terrace. There’s evening entertainment, an outdoor pool and – of course – a spa — all the things you could want from a hotel.

3. Princess River Kwai Hotel

Set on the banks of the famous river that runs through Kanchanaburi, Princess River Kwai Hotel is not very close to town.

Being several kilometers to the northwest, you might want to arrange your own transport or even join an organized tour to see the sights of the town, including the JEATH War Museum and – obviously – the renowned River Kwai Bridge itself.
Catering to those who do drive themselves, there’s free parking available at Princess River Kwai Hotel, plus complimentary breakfast. The rooms on offer here are casual but contemporary, boasting flatscreen TVs and air-conditioning. Guests can also dine at the onsite restaurant or jump in the outdoor pool.

2. U Inchantree Kanchanaburi

This offering is mere minutes from the River Kwai Bridge by foot, as well as all the other sights nearby – the Kwai Bridge railway station, JEATH War Museum, plus a number of restaurants, bars, and cafes.

That said, guests will find a cool bar on site – complete with a suspended, riverfront terrace – where you can enjoy an evening drink, plus an upscale open-air restaurant, too.

As well as a gym and complimentary breakfast, other great things about this place include its contemporary rooms, which feature rain showers and a modern, decidedly design-led style. This hotel is not just a great choice for location, but for how cool and stylish it is.

1. Good Times Resort

This Kanchanaburi hotel is stacked with amenities that make it a convenient place to stay. There’s an outdoor pool for a refreshing dip after a day of learning and exploring, and an open-air restaurant where the free breakfast is served up daily.

Massage services are available and so is motorbike rental. The rooms are chilled and unfussy, with flatscreen TVs and private bathrooms – plus you could upgrade and get your own balcony to chill out on. Not far at all from some restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as Kanchanaburi railway station, this hotel is two kilometers from the River Kwai Bridge.

Peppered with a wealth of natural and historical attractions, Kanchanaburi features a host of sightseeing opportunities no matter where you go. World War II memories have a prominent presence in the city area, with a number of museums and war memorials dedicated to the many lives lost during the Japanese occupation. But a trip to Kanchanaburi can certainly be more than a war remembrance, as it offers an endless number of recreations and natural excursions. Erawan National Park, with picturesque waterfalls and caves, offers a delightful escape closer to the city centre. Thong Pha Phoom is an oasis filled with natural wonders. Discover a range of experiences from natural hot springs to waterfalls to mountain-hugged water reservoirs and an abandoned mine with a scenic viewpoint of the verdant landscapes around the Thai-Burmese border. Further northwest is Sangklaburi, a wild jungle town with untouched rural life and a pleasant down-to-earth vibe.

Bridge over the River Kwai (Kwae)

This reconstructed iron-rail bridge has become the immortal symbol of the Death Railway’s 414-km stretch. Linking the two sides of the Kwai Yai River, the bridge is perhaps the most photographed landmark in Kanchanaburi and has attracted travellers from all corners of the world. The one standing today is actually a reconstruction of the original bridge built by the Allied POWs under the Japanese army, which was bombed and destroyed in 1945 after being in use for 20 months.

Set against a scenic backdrop of the river, the bridge is still used today. You can walk on it and cross over to the other side of the river, but be careful of trains (twice a day) and motorcycles sharing the narrow path. It’s a good idea to drop by the JEATH War Museum before you actually head to the bridge, to learn about its history and stories behind the construction of the Death Railway.

Location: Mae Nam Kwae Road

Death Railway

Stretching 414km across western Thailand and into Burma, the Death Railway is a standing testimonial of a story that many wish had never happened. Started in 1942 by Allied POWs, under the orders of the Japanese army, the construction was finished 16 months later, three years and eight months short of the original timeframe. It cut through some of the most rugged terrains – limestone cliffs and craggy mountains – resulting in over 100,000 deaths due to sickness, malnutrition and exhaustion. This rail route linked Thailand’s Ban Pong (Ratchaburi) with Thanbuyuzayat, Burma, to carry supplies across into India.

You can trace the Death Railway route by hopping on the train at Tha Kilen Station (near Prasat Muang Singh) to the terminal station at Nam Tok (Sai Yok Noi Waterfall). This 77-km section passes through the most beautiful section of the Death Railway – as it crosses over the wooden viaduct hugging the cave-ridden cliff – and some of the most picturesque countryside in the country. The journey takes two hours.

Location: Kanchanaburi City to Sai Yok

Erawan Waterfall

Erawan Waterfall is recognized as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand. Located in the Tenasserim Hills in Kanchanaburi Province, some 200 km northwest of Bangkok, Erawan has seven separate tiers and is part of a national park of the same name. Besides the waterfall, the park hosts a handful of limestone caves offering plenty of exploration opportunities to visitors.

The entire length of the seven tiers span approximately 1,500 m through the thick rainforest of the park. Each of the steps has its own name. The access to the first waterfall – named Hlai Keun Lung, is relatively easy, as you can get there on a flat trail, directly from the visitor centre’s car park. The highlight of this first waterfall is the great number of fish swimming in the ponds formed by the smooth limestone sculpted by the water. The fish are rather curious and will swim around your legs. It can be disconcerting at first but you soon get used to it.

Opening Hours: 07:00 – 16:30

Location: at Erawan National Park, some 200 km northwest of Bangkok

Hellfire Pass Memorial

Put your experience of the Death Railway in perspective by heading over to Hellfire Pass Memorial. This 500-metre long, 26-metre deep cut through solid boulders is notorious for claiming the most lives. In the 12 weeks of construction, 700 out of 1,000 Australian and British soldiers died. Walking down the old jungle-fringed railway track on the way to Hellfire Pass and Museum, the deafening silence envelopes you. Visit the museum, co-sponsored by the Australian and Thai governments, and learn the moving stories of those whose lives were lost in what is deemed to be one of the darkest pages in World War II history.

Opening Hours: 09:00 – 16:00 daily (museum)

Location: On Highway 323, between Sai Yok and Thong Pha Phoom Districts

JEATH War Museum

Before heading over to the Bridge over the River Kwae, it’s a good idea to stop by this museum first for a bit of history and stories behind the construction of the infamous Death Railway. The museum is housed inside the exact replica of the Prisoners of War’s bamboo huts, built on the original site of the first wooden bridge across the river.

The dark, cramped interiors display a collection of photographs from the days when the construction took place (1942-1943) and the living conditions that the POWs were forced to endure, accompanied by real accounts of the event by the POWs themselves as well as their relatives, friends and writers of that time. These stories help bring a context to the scene where the reconstructed bridge now stands, and you will appreciate the sight a little more, rather than just say ‘oh, it’s a bridge’ like those who haven’t taken the time to learn the history.

Location: Inside Chai Chumphon Temple, about two km south of the Bridge over the River Kwae on Pak Praek Road by the river (near the TAT office on Saeng Chuto Road)

Kanchanaburi Allied War Cemetery (Don Rak)

Amidst the sound of traffic and ongoing life is the final resting place of those who lost their lives during the construction of the Death Railway. The second you step inside, complete silence pervades. The name plaques of nearly 7,000 Allied POWs are spread neatly across the cemetery’s landscaped grounds. Out of some 100,000 labourers who died during the construction of the Death Railway, 16,000 were Allied POWs, the rest were Thai and Asian forced labourers. Smaller and less visited, the Chung Kai Allied War Memorial (across the river, three km south of the Bridge over the River Kwai) houses the graves of 1,740 Allied POWs. Both are maintained by volunteers.

Opening Hours: Daily

Location: Saeng Chuto Road, opposite train station

Prasat Muang Singh Historical Park

A cultural highlight not far from the city centre, this popular archaeological site features four 13th-Century Khmer-style ruins and an ancient human burial site. The main ruin is an ancient temple built from laterite stones and set on a rectangular base, with a corn-shaped prang standing at its epicentre. The temple is surrounded by four cloister walls and four entrance gates with stone-carved lintels. Archaeological evidence suggests heavy Khmer influences in the area and that the temple was built as a place of worship for Mahayana Buddhists.

Strolling around the grounds of Prasat Muang Singh can be extremely hot, as there are few shaded areas where you can take a rest. However you can rent a bicycle and explore the ruin site on two wheels. Enjoy the beautiful panoramas of the Kwae Noi River from the front of the temple.

Opening Hours: 09:00 – 16:30 daily

Location: Sai Yok District, about 43km. from Kanchanaburi

Sai Yok National Park

At the end of the Death Railway’s 77-km line, another journey begins. From Kanchanaburi City, the railroad track runs along the Kwae Noi River, passing through the ‘deadly curve’ – believed to be the most scenic section of the Death Railway – before culminating at the Nam Tok (Waterfall) Terminal Station, where Sai Yok Noi Waterfall is located. North of Sai Yok Noi, along the old rail route, explore a range of attractions that together comprise Sai Yok National Park, including Sai Yok Yai Waterfall, Lawa Cave, Daowadueng Cave, Kaew Cave and Hellfire Pass Memorial.

Location: At the end of the Death Railway line (Nam Tok Terminal Station)

Tiger Temple (Wat Pa Luang Ta Bua)

This controversial landmark has garnered fame amongst an international crowd. Known for its thriving tiger sanctuary, Tiger Temple shelters more than 60 Indochinese tigers and cubs on its ground. After paying a hefty entrance fee, you can watch the tigers going about their daily routine from a distance. There are also several photo opportunities with the tigers. To get real close to them though, you will be required to pay a higher fee.

For the curious mind, a visit to this temple may prove to be an interesting experience. Many travellers, however, walk away feeling ‘ashamed’, as the tigers, they say, ‘appear drugged’ and unresponsive. So, it’s up to you to decide whether or not to support this religious establishment’s ‘wildlife conservation’ activity.

Opening Hours: 10:00 – 16:30

Location: On Highway 323, about 38km from Kanchanaburi City

Wat Tham Khao Noi

Sharing the same hilltop location with Wat Tham Sua, Wat Tham Khao Noi has a towering multi-tier Chinese-style pagoda and intricate sculptural details. The temple was built by a Chinese abbot in 1883 and has been a place of worship for Mahayana Buddhists since. Inside the monastery, the principal Buddha image sits alongside Chinese dieties. This theme continues as you ascend the spiral staircase to the seven-tiered centre piece pagoda, which embodies the concept of the seven levels in heaven. From the top of the hill, look out to an all-encompassing view of the countryside as well as the adjacent Wat Tham Sua.

Location: Tha Muang District, 5km from Mae Klong Dam

Wat Tham Sua

Not to be confused with the Tiger Temple (Wat Pa Luang Ta Bua), Wat Them Sua (Tiger Cave Temple) is an architectural wonder. The temple is set atop a hill, fronting the Mae Klong Dam and backed by a vast expanse of rice fields.
Climb up 157 steep steps to get to the top, where the giant golden Buddha image rests inside a semi-circular ‘aura’ dome. The main chapel features ornate, multi-tier gables and door arches, built on an octagonal base – a peculiar layout only found at this temple. Another highlight is the ‘Ket Kaew’ pagoda, featuring multiple built-in niches along its polygonal sides. Sharing the same hilltop but not directly accessed from Wat Tham Sua is Wat Tham Khao Noi. From afar, this ‘temple hill’ looks simply stunning.

Location: Tha Muang District, five km from Mae Klong Dam