Kanchanaburi Travel Guide

How to get to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok

• Train: There are trains running from Thonburi Railway Station, it takes 3-4 hours ride and costs 100 THB per person.
• Bus/Van: You can take bus or van from Southern but Terminal in Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, the travel time is around 2-3 hours and costs approximately 150 THB per person.
• Car: If you have a car or travel with friends who can drive, it should take around 2.5 hours since the distance is 150km.

• Bride over the River Kwai

  This is an iconic bridge in Thailand and one of the most famous landmarks of Kanchanaburi. It’s a great photo spot with stunning river views.

• Death Railway & Hellfire pass

  The Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum tells the story of the railway’s construction during WWII. The reason it’s called Death Railway is because of the tragedy death of the worker who built this railway during WWII.

• Erawan National Park

  One of Thailand’s national park famous for the seven-tiered waterfall and one of the famous hiking and camping location. The national park open from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Entrance fee: ฿300 (foreigners), ฿100 (Thai residents).

• River Kwai Jungle Rafts & Floating Hotels

  Some hotels in Kanchanaburi are floating hotels surrounded by nature. It’s a great experience for those who are seeking some unique stays. These kinds of hotels usually don’t provide electricity. And some of them offer a bamboo raft activity during high water season, it’s an adventure activity that allows you to explore the river.

• Safari Park Open Zoo

  This one is a Family-friendly destination with giraffe feeding, safari tours, and elephant programs. You can both take the zoo bus to go through every area of the zoo, or in some areas you can drive your own car and enter them.  You can feed giraffes and zebras or attend the animal shows. You can even walk the tiger or feed milk to them too.

Food destination in Kanchanaburi

1. Keeree Tara Restaurant (คีรีธารา)

• Why Visit: Iconic riverside restaurant with direct views of the River Kwai Bridge.
• Vibe: Romantic and scenic, ideal for sunset dinners.
• Must-Try: Grilled river prawns, tom yum goong, deep-fried fish with mango salad.
• Tip: Book a table near the river for the best view, especially in the evening.

2. Blue Rice Restaurant

• Why Visit: Famous for its colorful dishes made with natural herbs and flowers, especially their signature blue butterfly pea rice.
• Vibe: Homely atmosphere surrounded by gardens, a hidden gem loved by foodies.
• Must-Try: Blue rice with massaman curry, herbal drinks, traditional Thai desserts.
• Tip: Go during the day to see the vibrant garden and colors in natural light.

3. Meena Café (มีนาคาเฟ่)

• Why Visit: Trendy café overlooking lush rice fields with mountain views in the background.
• Vibe: Instagram-worthy, relaxing, and modern rustic style.
• Must-Try: Thai fusion dishes, iced coffee, mango sticky rice served café-style.
• Tip: Visit late afternoon for golden-hour photos over the rice paddies.

4. The Village Farm to Café

• Why Visit: A farm-to-table concept with fresh, organic ingredients sourced directly from their own farm.
• Vibe: Natural and cozy, perfect for health-conscious travelers and families.
• Must-Try: Organic salads, homemade bread, farm-raised chicken dishes, and fruit smoothies.
• Tip: Pair your meal with a walk around the farm for a complete experience.

5. Library Café

• Why Visit: A stylish café and bakery that’s popular among locals and Bangkok visitors alike.
• Vibe: Modern, air-conditioned, with a wide menu of Thai, Western, and fusion dishes.
• Must-Try: Cheesecakes, burgers, Thai curries, and specialty coffee.
• Tip: Great spot for brunch or an afternoon break between sightseeing.