A small town that punches above its weight, Kanchanaburi is the perfect destination for visitors to Thailand who want to experience Thai life at a slower pace. Less than 3 hours from Bangkok, it’s easy to get to and boasts historic temples, WWII history, stunning countryside, and of course, its famous riverside ‘floating’ hotels that are a draw in and of themselves. Located within the region known as Thailand’s wild west, the town boasts more than just attractions in its modern city center. It’s also home to beautiful national parks and other accessible nature if you’re looking to escape the hectic city life for a while.
Kanchanaburi is, of course, most famous for the legendary Bridge Over the River Kwai and other WWII sites such as the Death Railway and the Hellfire Pass, and while these are definitely worth a visit, you don’t need to be a military history buff to make the trip here. Kanchanaburi has much more to offer for every type of traveler.
The town is the ideal base for exploring rural Thailand and is blessed with numerous waterfalls and mountains, and temple fans will be in their element with the town being home to several stunning examples of the classic Thai wat. Or you can, of course, just come here to kick back, relax by the river, or take a calming bamboo raft through the water to experience the town from a different perspective. After a long tiring day exploring temples, ruins, and other historical sights, take the opportunity to while away your evenings in the town’s many laidback riverside bars and restaurants. At night, though, the riverside comes to life with karaoke bars and disco clubs, so be sure to bring your dancing shoes to explore the town’s unique nightlife vibe.
Map of Your Itinerary Route 