About Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi sits where the Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai rivers meet and is best known for the Death Railway of the Second World War. Prisoners of war and forced labourers built the line, and that history is the focus of the Thailand–Burma Railway Centre, the JEATH War Museum and the large war cemetery in town. The iron bridge over the Kwai is the best-known spot, but this is also a relaxed river town with floating guesthouses, night markets and simple riverside restaurants. By train you can ride across the wooden viaduct past the cliffs at Tham Krasae. Outside town lie Erawan National Park with its tiered waterfalls and the Hellfire Pass memorial. Plan an overnight stay so you can experience the town without the day-trippers. The waterfalls are at their best shortly after the rainy season, when the flow is strongest, while early morning is the best time to avoid the crowds at the bridge.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to February: dry and pleasant for the river, walks and waterfalls. March to May is very hot; in the rainy season (June to October) the waterfalls are at their most powerful but trails can be muddy. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by bus from the Southern Bus Terminal or by train from Thonburi (about 2 to 3 hours); the town and the bridge lie on the river. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Kanchanaburi
- Bridge over the River Kwai The iron bridge symbolises the Death Railway; walk across it or view it from the river.
- War cemetery and museums The JEATH museum and the cemetery tell the story of the prisoners of war.
- Train ride over the viaduct The ride along the river across the wooden Tham Krasae viaduct is a scenic highlight.
- Erawan National Park A park with several tiers of waterfalls for swimming; it is busy at weekends.
Kanchanaburi on the map
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