Kanchanaburi Hotels

Kanchanaburi, the small capital of the province, is a popular way station between Bangkok and Chiang Mai not entirely bereft of a few landmarks of some significance. The affable and passive town of just over 30,000 people marks the spot where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers converge into the Mae Klong, the waterway that feeds the formidable Umphang Thee Lor Sue Waterfall in Tak Province.

Within Kanchanaburi town and province, visitors can embark on scenic mountain forest treks, commune with exotic fauna and flora in the confines of national parks like Erawan, Sai Yok, Khao Laem, Khaoen Sri Nakarin and Chaloem Rattanakosin and explore mystical and labyrinthine limestone temple caves. Kanchanaburi’s most famous photo-op, of course, was the inspiration for the novel The Bridge over the River Kwai by Pierre Boulle, as well as the subsequent film that took home seven Academy Awards.

Kanchanaburi's Top 10

Kanchanaburi History

• Kanchanaburi War Cemetery – This cemetery is dedicated to those who died in Thailand during World War II.
• Bridge over the River Kwai – This world-famous bridge was built in World War II and is one of Kanchanaburi’s main attractions.
• Prasat Muang –These Khmer ruins have many Buddhist relics.
• Pra-cha Angrit Cemetery – Dedicated to the British soldiers who died during World War II.
• Wat Tham Mankhon Thong – This temple exemplifies ancient Thai architecture.

Kanchanaburi Art & Culture

• Hellfire Pass Museum – This museum commemorates the Burma-Siam Railway from World War II.
• Mon Tribal Village – Nightly dance shows are the main attractions of this village.
• Thailand-Burma Railway Centre – This museum focuses on the story of the Thailand-Burma Railway.
• Jeath War Museum – Focuses on the history of war in Kanchanaburi.
• War Museum – Small museum that is located near the bridge over River Kwai.

Kanchanaburi Shopping

• Rojjana – Souvenir and dessert shop that is a great place for unique gifts in Kanchanaburi.
• Kanch – This large shopping centre contains many stores for various shopping needs.
• Kanchanaburi Night Market – This is a great place to find unique souvenirs or tasty local snacks.
• Saeng Chuto Road – This road is lined with restaurants that sell many local delicacies.
• Sari Sari – Small store with locally made jewellery and handicrafts.

Gay & Lesbian Kanchanaburi

• Boutique Raft Resort – This gay-friendly resort on the River Kwai offers great views of the historic river.
• Felix Resort – Is a favourite among gay travellers because of its lovely rooms and friendly staff.
• Mida Resort – This resort is gay friendly and attracts a young, trendy crowd.
• Jungle Bar – This gay-friendly bar is a great place to people watch or listen to music.
• MJ’s Bar – The modern décor of this bar in Kanchanaburi makes it a favourite among gay travellers.

Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Sitting at the edge of a mountain range, Kanchanaburi is located on the banks of the rivers Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai. With shopping, outdoor activities and attractions, this remote city is a popular tourist destination that can be found in central Thailand.

Kanchanaburi Attractions

• Tiger Temple
• Death Railway
• Jeath War Museum

Kanchanaburi Activities

• Photograph the Maeklong Dam
• Visit the Bridge on the River Kwai
• Go on an elephant trek in Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi Climate

The best time to visit Kanchanaburi is almost any time of the year. However, during the months of March through May, the average temperatures soar from a comfortable 86°F (30°C) to 104°F (40°C).

There are three seasons in the province: the warm season from February to May, the rainy season from June through October, and the cool season from November until January. The cool season has temperatures that drop to only about 77°F (25°C).

Getting There & Around

Getting to Kanchanaburi is simple with its close proximity to Bangkok. Almost all visitors, regardless of where they are travelling from, will pass through Bangkok on their way to Kanchanaburi, Thailand. As there is no airport in the city nor proper long-distance trains running from Bangkok, reaching the city is best done by bus or taxi.

Upon arrival, the popular picturesque city can be traversed on foot, by car or by taxi. Trains and buses can be used as well to access attractions and areas surrounding the city.

Kanchanaburi Events

The many national parks that dot the Kanchanaburi Province landscape offer innumerable recreational opportunities for the hearty and placid alike.

Hin Dat Hot Springs provide geothermal goodness for sore, over-trekked muscles.

The River Kwai Bridge Festival takes place over two weeks from late November to early December.

Important services take place at Hellfire Pass and the Allied War Cemetery on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.

When To Go

Kanchanaburi swelters throughout the year, with high humidity and temperatures between 65°F (18°C) and 101°F (38°C). For the heat averse, the worst period is from March to May.

The wet season kicks off in late May, winds down in early November and features a minimum of fifteen days of rain per month. September alone brings 9 in (219 mm) of precipitation, on average.

As a result, the best time to visit Kanchanaburi, without question, is in the months of December, and January.

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