Exploring Kanchanaburi

So you've done Bangkok, traveled north to Chiang Mai and ventured south to Phuket.  But have you considered Kanchanaburi?

Kanchanaburi is a province in central Thailand, located to the west of Bangkok adjacent to Myanmar where rivers Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai meet.  For most visitors, the main attraction is the Bridge over the River Kwai, the start of the infamous World War II death railway, as well as many related museums.  The Bridge aside, Kanchanaburi is home to waterfalls, national parks and stunning scenery.  There is a huge range of things t see and do including rafting, canoeing, mountain biking, elephant and jungle trekking or bamboo rafting. You can do it all in Kanchanaburi.

Its riverside, laid-back vibe makes it one of the most beautiful provinces in the country and a perfect spot for those who wish to get away from Bangkok for a little while.

In north and west Kanchanaburi the Thanon Thongchai mountain range acts as a natural border between Thailand and Myanmar.  The Maenam Khwae Noi (Little Kwai River) and Maenam Khwae Yai (Big Kwai River) form the famous Maenam Mae Klong and feed three Thailand’s largest reservoirs.  The most defining natural attraction is the Three Pagodas Pass that winds through the Thanon Thongchai mountain range from Thailand to Myanmar.

How to get to Kanchanaburi

You can reach Kanchanburi by bus - line 81 leaving from Bangkok's Southern bus terminal, by train - from Bangkok Thonburi Train Station, by minivan - departing from near BTS Victory Monument, by car - a 3-hour drive along Hwy 4 (Phet Kasem) from Bangkok until it meets Highway 323, or by limousine taxi - typically from 3,000-3,500 baht.  You may also arrange a tour through your hotel in Bangkok.

Kanchanaburi has many hotels and resorts to choose from, depending on where you want to stay and your budget.