BEST Things To Do In Kanchanaburi & Places Of Interest

Kanchanaburi is one of Thailand’s provinces and lies about 123 km west of Bangkok. Whilst on my Merdeka Ride, I visited a few attractions in Kanchanaburi.  

I’ve not covered the entire province but I have some suggestions on which places you should go to.

Erawan Falls

It takes about an hour to hour and a half to walk to the top of the falls. There are 7 levels and after the 5th level the main path finishes and it becomes very rugged.

I was climbing up wooden steps with some of the steps missing, clambering over slippery rocks and walking across planks of wood. The entrance fee is THB300 for foreigners (200THB for children) and yes, it’s expensive but worth the money.

The water looks clearer at a higher level, and there are more fish at lower levels. If you don’t like crowds like me, go early! I was the first person here on the weekend (about 7.45 AM) and I must say I enjoyed my time here!

• Location: Map Link
• GPS Coordinates: 4.368759, 99.143994

River Kwai Bridge

The Bridge Over the River Kwai formed part of the Burma-Thailand Railway. The railway was built 1942-1943 by Allied Prisoners of War for the Japanese. The Japanese used the railway to transport supplies from Singapore to the front line in Burma. The railway was known as the Death Railway because some 200,000 South East Asians and some 61,000 Allied Prisoners of War died constructing the railway.

It is about a 2-hour drive West of Bangkok Thankfully, the bridge has not been commercialised. On the South side of the bridge is a few street vendors within a prisoner of war camp. Perhaps some of the vehicles and the tower are authentic but it is largely a simulation. You can buy the usual t-shirts, baseball caps, etc. at a couple of the vendors, who are non-pushy and very welcoming.

You can walk from one side to the bridge to the other, I think 24/7. There are certainly no gates or the bridge or a charge. You can take a train journey on a section of the railway and across the bridge.

Location: Map Link

GPS Coordinates: 14.040964, 99.503735

Giant Monkey Pod Raintree

The 100 years old tree is so amazing and beautiful. It is said to be at 20-meter high from the top to the ground with 15-meter perimeter. Its bush is 25.87-meter wide, and the diameter of the shade is 51.75-meter long

I didn’t have much time to spend as I were on the way to the north of Thai. It would have been so wonderful to sit under the tree to admire the branches spreading across the area. I can see some locals relaxing with their children & family. Worthwhile to make a visit to see this magnificent tree.

Location: Map Link

GPS Coordinates: 13.955532, 99.526876

Wat Tham Sua

As I’ve visited many Buddhist temples in Thailand, I must say Wat Tham Sua in Kanchanaburi is one of the most impressive temples I’ve been. The main highlight of this temple is the giant Buddha and stunning views of the surrounding fields and rivers. Read more about it here.

LHM Motorcycle Museum

The LHM Motorcycle Museum in Kanchanaburi province showcases a vast collection of motorcycles of Japanese and a few Western brands since the end of World War II. The museum is owned by the Lo Heng Mong motorcycle shop in Tha Maka district, which has been in the business for more than five decades. Read more here.

If you run into any problems whilst being in Thailand and need assistance, you can contact Thailand Tourist Assistance Center.

Conclusion

Kanchanaburi is a lovely province and it’s not far from Bangkok city, If you like history and nature, this place is a must-go if you’re in Thailand.

Have you been to kanchanaburi? How was your experience? Did you like it?