In Thailand, the sun shines bright and hot. Especially in Kanchanaburi, a province west of Bangkok whose borders touch those of Myanmar. It is in Kanchanaburi where you can find the River Kwai. Yes, that River Kwai of the movie The Bridge on the River Kwai.
When I first learned that we were going to Kanchanaburi, I was elated. I love history, love slow, experiential travel. Love seeing with my own two eyes what I’d only heard and read about. Of course, once I learned of our itinerary, I did some more research and read up on more material surrounding Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai.
How to get to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok
There are a lot of ways to get from Bangkok, Thailand to Kanchanaburi—buses, trains, and private cars if you want to get there faster by driving. Apparently, Kanchanaburi is a popular weekend destination for locals and tourists.
We went there by taking the daily train that runs through Thonburi Station in Bangkok. It’s called the Death Railway, stretching from Nong Pla Duk Junction Station in Ratchaburi to Nam Tok Station in Kanchanaburi.
The train ride lasts for a couple of hours or so, traveling through different towns and stopping at various stations. It can be dull for some, but it’s also a fantastic place to slow down and observe your surroundings.
One of the best things about the train ride is all the vendors who come up and peddle their wares—mostly food. While Thonburi Station is located across a market that sells all sorts of delicious food that you can take out and bring on board the train, be sure to leave some space (and budget!) for the food they’ll sell on the train. You’ll definitely find something you’ll want to try, and if not, the smells will be tantalizing enough to buy, even if you have done nothing but eat in the last few hours.
Things to know about the Death Railway
- The train trips from Thonburi Station to Kanchanaburi run daily. The first train (Local Train No. 257) leaves at 07:50, and the afternoon train (Local Train No. 259) departs at 13:55. If you miss the train, you may have to book a bus or find another way to get there instead.
- The third-class train service doesn’t have reserved seats. When you get on board, depending on when you travel, it may be full. You’ll have to share a seat with someone, which is pretty fun, because you get to meet different travelers that way.
- Going back to Bangkok can be more tiring. At least, that’s what we were told. They said the afternoon train is hot, sticky, and tiring. However, when we took the train back to Bangkok, we found the ride pleasant enough. Maybe we were lucky then, because the weather was cool and windy, and it was starting to rain.
River Kwai Attractions in Kanchanaburi
If you’re a history buff, you’ll find a lot of historical attractions surrounding Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai.
Walk along the River Kwai Bridge.
The bridge is one of the highlights of Kanchanaburi, if not The Highlight, aside from the river itself. It’s a historical place, perhaps made even more famous by the movie The Bridge on the River Kwai. The bridge and railway lines were projects by the Japanese, who forced prisoners of war to complete the construction despite unfavorable conditions in the difficult terrain. As a result, thousands of POWs lost their lives.
The Allied Forces bombed the bridge in 1944, but the bridge was rebuilt and now stands as a monument to the historical events and the lives that were lost. Today, you can ride the train over it or cross the bridge on foot, standing on the platforms at the sides while you look out over the River Kwai.
Visit the JEATH War Museum.
The JEATH War Museum features various artifacts and photos that show the living conditions of the prisoners of war around the time of the original bridge construction. If you’re curious about the Death Railway, the bridge, and the historical events during that time, the museum will offer you a lot more insight. The building itself used to be a detention hut during World War II.
Pay your respects at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and the Chinese War Cemetery.
The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery is the main cemetery for the prisoners of war and the victims during the building of the Death Railway. It’s a somber yet serene place, beautifully maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Nearby is a large Chinese cemetery, which houses some of the graves of the Chinese workers who suffered from the beatings, spoiled food, and torture that the Japanese inflicted on them.
Other attractions in Kanchanaburi
My trip to Kanchanaburi was part work, part pleasure, so that I couldn’t go around so much. I did, however, learn of some other attractions that I’d love to visit someday.
- River Kwai Skywalk – a newly opened attraction which features a 144-meter-long and 12-meter-high skywalk that lets you see where the Kwai Noi and Khwae Yai rivers run alongside each other—two different colors that don’t mix.
- Tiger Cave Temple – a temple located on top of a mountain, surrounded by rice fields, that features Thai, Chinese, and Japanese mixed architecture in its buildings and pagodas.
- Erawan Waterfall – a stunning blue-green waterfall on a limestone mountain range in Erawan National Park
- Mallika City – a retro town with all the nostalgia of yesteryears, mimicking how the Siamese people along the Chao Phraya River lived during the reign of King Rama V.
- Wihan Phra Phothisat Kuan Im – a stunning Chinese temple along the banks of the River Kwai
Experiential travel in Kanchanaburi
Experiential travel allows you to do more than sightseeing by simply visiting a place. Experiential travel is tactile, hands-on.
- Bamboo rafting on the River Kwai. What other way to spend a relaxing day than lazily floating down the idyllic River Kwai? It’s a fun way to unwind, see the sights, and engage in some physical activity. (CDR Adventure)
- Bathing elephants at the elephant sanctuaries. We’ve seen petting zoos where you get to feed baby goats and sheep farms where you can try your hand at shearing wool. But did you know you can bathe an elephant? Some elephant sanctuaries come with whole-day programs that let you learn all about elephants—from preparing their food to bathing them and more. (ElephantsWorld.)
- Ziplining, tree-swinging, and other outdoor adventure thrills. This one is for the thrill-seekers and anyone else who wants to add a little bit of excitement in their lives. Places like Tree Top Adventure Park in Thailand allow you to explore breathtaking jungle views through various activities like Tarzan swings, rope bridges, flying skateboards, and more.
- Kayaking on River Kwai. Here’s another unique adventure for you—exploring River Kwai on the river, instead of around it. You can rent a kayak, learn how to paddleboat, or even go on a kayak trip to see some of the most scenic routes around the River Kwai.
Where to eat and drink in Kanchanaburi
Local markets in Kanchanaburi
West of the train station is one of Kanchanaburi’s main night markets. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat—from grilled meats, grilled bananas, tapioca balls stuffed with pork and peanuts, and the famous mango sticky rice.
Alternatively, you can also check out the Chukkadon Market located in the Chuakkodon are of Kanchanaburi. You’ll find food stalls serving tradition Thai food, such as Tom Yum soup, Pad Thai, fried catfish, and more.
Other markets in Kanchanaburi:
- JJ Night Market
- Suk Jai Floating Market
Riverside restaurants in Kanchanaburi
- Krua Chukdon: a large, top-notch restaurant near Chukkadon Market
- Blue Rice Restaurant: a restaurant targeting travelers and serving chili pastes made from scratch and in-house juices (Note: You can also enroll in a cooking class here.)
- Krua Khun Paen: a streetside eatery that’s good for large groups and serves delicious salads
Other restaurants in Kanchanaburi
- The Jolly Frog: a budget guesthouse that serves affordable, delicious breakfasts and also good dinner meals
- Mella Rossa: an Italian restaurant serving wood-oven pizza, gnocchi, steaks, and more
- Gravite: a hipster coffee place that also serves Thai craft beer
Our experience at the Royal River Kwai Resort & Spa
We stayed at the Royal River Kwai Resort & Spa, a paradise tucked away in an idyllic corner of the river. How I loved the sunrises there! We’d get up early and walk along the riverside, marveling at the sky that would slowly come to life with a myriad of colors.
Some of the things I loved best about Royal River Kwai Resort and Spa:
- The rooms! We stayed in the deluxe rooms, which were cozy, comfortable, and smelled really nice. I know they have suite rooms and even houses that you can rent out, especially if you’re traveling with a group.
- The food! I am such a huge fan of Thai food and will forever sing the praises of the flavors that burst in your mouth when you take a spoonful. And don’t get me started on their breakfast buffet that serves such a wonderful variety of dishes. They’ve got everything from assorted pastries to eggs cooked as you like them to fresh fruit to filling meat dishes and a lot more! (And refillable coffee just the way you want it—like long black for me.)
- The views! I talked about the riverside’s stunning views, but the other areas around the resort make the stay just as relaxing and worthwhile. They’ve got a pool and pool chairs where you can lounge. They have lush gardens and little huts where you can laze around for the whole day. And you can also try their spas and other amenities and their riverside restaurant.
Other Kanchanaburi hotel stays
If you’re looking for other accommodation options around Kanchanaburi, you can check out the following hotels and resorts:
- Felix River Kwai – a riverside garden retreat featuring spacious rooms and a homey ambiance among redwood pavilions
- The Xcape River Kwai – a modern, stylish space that offers curated experiences for those who are looking for adventure or a place to relax
- U Inchantree Kanchanaburi – a boutique resort with a peaceful riverside retreat feel
- Teakwood Villa – a contemporary hideaway home surrounded by quiet forests and lush gardens
Is Kanchanaburi worth the trip?
Kanchanaburi is a great place for vacationers, history buffs, and those who want a quiet getaway amid nature. During our stay, we saw a lot of families touring the bridge and surrounding areas and staying in the resorts for a few days. There are backpackers taking a side trip before moving on to the next province. There are also students and young office workers taking day trips during weekends and holidays.
I enjoyed my trip, and I’d love to go back to explore the place, visit the temples, and see the other historical spots I didn’t get to see.
