Kanchanaburi sits in the west of central Thailand and makes for an intriguing place to visit due to its dark history.
Fewer people realise that its natural beauty alone justifies the trip. The region brims with abundant waterfalls, caves, lakes and hot springs, which you can explore in its national parks.
Kanchanaburi hosts seven impressive national parks. Erawan National Park is probably the most beautiful, largely because of the spectacular Erawan Falls. Seven levels of falls cascade into the main pool, feeding into many scenic and refreshing swimming spots. If you only have time for one park, make it Erawan. But if you have the time, head to Srinakarin for the Huay Mae Khamin waterfalls – it’s well worth it.
Buddhist Temples
Phrabhavanaviriyakhun, the famous Buddhist monk, was born in Kanchanaburi. Near the temple Wat Tham Phu, a series of shrines in a limestone cave system honour The Buddha, with each statue representing a different facet of his life. The area is also home to several other beautiful temples worth visiting, including Kuan Yum, Wat Tham Mungkorn Thong, and Wat Tham Khao Noi – the most noteworthy among them.
World War II Sites
During World War II, the Japanese established a prisoner-of-war camp in the Kanchanaburi region. As a result, you’ll find many WWII-related sites here that especially appeal to history enthusiasts. Be sure to visit the World War II Museum and Art Gallery, the Thailand–Burma Railway Centre, and the JEATH War Museum. A hike through Hellfire Pass is well worth doing too – and of course, so is seeing the well-known Bridge Over the River Kwai.
Whether you’re into swimming, sightseeing, hiking, wildlife, visiting Buddhist temples or exploring WWII history, the Kanchanaburi region offers a diverse and exciting experience. You can reach it easily from Bangkok, and day trips are possible – however, we recommend staying longer. There are some beautiful places to stay, including the unique The FloatHouse River Kwai Resort.
Chat with our consultants to include a visit to Kanchanaburi in your next Thailand holiday.
