The Bridge On The River Kwai, Kanchanaburi: Definitive Guide
Busker playing violin on the Bridge on the River Kwai, Kanchanaburi, Thailand.
The Bridge on the River Kwai is an historically important site that explores the atrocities committed during the construction of the Siam-Burma Death Railway. My own visit and subsequent research really opened my eyes to the horrors associated with that infamous railway line.
Visiting The Bridge on the River Kwai, made famous in the 1957 movie of the same name, and the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery encourages one to contemplate the intolerable treatment Allied prisoners of war, Thais, Burmese and Malayans suffered under the Japanese Imperial Army while constructing the WWII Burma Railway.
I'd encourage anyone interested in history, war or the human condition to visit the Bridge on the River Kwai, now a popular tourist attraction in the town of Kanchanaburi, should they have the good fortune to travel to Thailand.
With so much to see you’ll want to be able to travel to Kanchanaburi quickly and affordably. You’ll also want to know the best places to stay that are close to the action and within your budget.
Extensive research, in addition to my experience traveling to Kanchanaburi and photographing the River Kwai Bridge, has enabled me to construct a really helpful guide that should enable you to make the most of your own Kanchanaburi adventure.
Let’s explore the history of the River Kwai Bridge, its depiction in the epic war motion picture film and other attractions worth visiting in and around the town of Kanchanaburi in western Thailand. Please, read on!
“Do not speak to me of rules.
This is war! This is not a game of cricket!”
Table of Contents:
Where Is The River Kwai?
Known locally as Kwae Yai, Khwae Yai or Khwae Noi the River Kwai is located in western Thailand, quite close to the border with Myanmar.
Making sense of these names can be tricky for anyone who doesn’t speak Thai.
My own research indicates that the word Kwae means branch when referring to a river.
The Big and Little Kwae meet and join at the town of Kanchanaburi where they form the Mae Klong River which flows into the Gulf of Thailand.
Train driver crossing the Bridge on the River Kwai near Kanchanaburi, Thailand.
How To Get To The River Kwai Bridge
Here’s a photo I made while walking along the River Kwai Bridge, squeezing up against the railing as a train passed slowly over the tracks.
The River Kwai Bridge is located near the town of Kanchanaburi, 129 kilometers or 80 miles northwest of Bangkok.
There are five options by which you can reach the River Kwai Bridge from Bangkok.
By bus from Bangkok.
By train from Bangkok.
A guided minivan tour.
By taxi.
Hiring a car, though my preference would be to also hire a driver.
Bangkok to River Kwai Bridge by Bus
Frankly, other than traveling by donkey or other such antiqued forms of transportation, bus is my less favorite mode of travel.
Nonetheless 12 Go Asia operates a daily bus from 12Go Station to the River Kwai Bridge.
There’s now a 2-hour Express fare for around USD $4:50 one-way that would be worth checking out.
The bus departs from the Southern Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) located at Borommaratchachonnani Road in Bangkok.
You can get to Sai Tai Mai by Taxi from Victory Monument BTS train station for less than 200 Thai Baht.
Just be aware that it’s recommended that you arrive at the check-in counter 30 minutes before departure time and that a valid photo ID may be required.
The bus will probably drop you off less than a 5 minute walk away from the bridge.
Bangkok to River Kwai Bridge by Train
The twice daily rail option from Thon Buri station in Bangkok to Kanchanaburi takes 2 hours 39 minutes.
There are a number of seating options available, including 1st and 2nd class births for those who like to put their feet up.
Prices for a basic 3rd class seat range from around USD $2 to $6 one way.
A second class air-conditioned seat comes in between around USD $8 and $12 while a first class air-conditioned birth will cost between USD $25 and $32.
The River Kwai Bridge station is only about a 200 meter walk to the bridge.
Bangkok to River Kwai Bridge by Minivan
You can travel from Bangkok to the River Kwai Bridge by minivan. Expect the trip to take around 3 hours 20 minutes.
Does that sound like a long time?
It’s because the actual time you spend in the minivan will depend upon the following:
How many passengers accompany you
How many pick up points there are in Bangkok
Where your own pick up point is in the queue
Likewise prices may vary depending upon the operator, booking agent and the level of comfort on offer.
You might be able to snare a seat for as little as $10 each way.
What’s more you’ll likely be dropped off less than 5 minutes walk away from the bridge.
Bangkok to River Kwai Bridge by Taxi
The drive to the River Kwai Bridge should take around 1 hour 50 minutes depending, of course, on the traffic you encounter.
The time of day, day of the week and weather conditions you experience will all play into how long it takes, as will the location of your accommodation in Bangkok.
It’s always worthwhile checking with your tour operator or hotel before confirming arrangements.
You should expect to pay between USD $43 to $57 for a one-way trip by taxi.
Bangkok to River Kwai Bridge by Car
If I had my time again, I’d spend the money and organize a private car and driver for my trip to the River Kwai Bridge.
The reasons for this attitude can be summarized as follows:
It was a very long day, much of it spent in an uncomfortable and hot minibus.
My opportunities for photography, the very reason I travel, were significantly reduced by us stopping at other sites that I really wasn’t all that interested in.
It’s possible to hire a car and drive yourself from Bangkok to the town of Kanchanaburi. Not that I’d want to do it.
Bangkok traffic can be an absolute nightmare. While it can be an adventure driving in a foreign country, I’d prefer to arrive in Kanchanaburi and return back to Bangkok without all that stress.
You might expect the trip to take up to 2 hours in reasonable traffic. Depending upon the size of the car you hire and how many passengers accompany you you’d need to add USD $11 to USD $17 for fuel.
There’s a wide variation in car hire pricing in Bangkok, so it’s best to shop around. But please remember that getting around Bangkok isn’t always easy and can be stressful and time consuming.
Be careful to ensure that the car pick up and drop off point isn’t too far away from the airport or your hotel.
Personally I’d hire a car and driver. Depending upon where I was going I might also hire a guide, not so much to tell me about the places I’m visiting, but to assist me in exploring opportunities to make photos.
Your hotel should be able to organize a car, driver and, if required, a suitable guide for your own trip to the Bridge on the River Kwai.
If you can afford it I think it’s the best option.
Having said that there’s something romantic about taking the train. I think it would be a great experience and I’d probably purchase one of the first class seating options for at least one leg of the trip.
My Visit to the Bridge on the river Kwai
My visit to the Bridge on the River Kwai was part of a day-long tour out of Bangkok. As I occasionally run my own photography tours it’s important for me to check out how most tourists experience such places.
For most folks that means a schedule based around the following:
Heading down to a large, hotel breakfast and then waiting around for the day’s tour to begin.
Getting picked up and shepherded into a bus.
Being led around by a tour guide rattling off more information than you could possible hope to remember.
Being bundled into large, overly priced gem or carpet outlets.
Eating huge meals, perhaps twice a day, including dinner which is often served at the time of day that’s really well suited to outdoor photography.
Attending organized events and performances.
Repeating this schedule, day after day, for most of the tour.
While this kind of tour certainly works for some folks, it’s not for everyone. It may be that a smaller, more boutique experience is a better match for you.
From a photographer’s point of view there are pretty obvious problems with a large tour group following a standard daily timetable.
If I want to know dates, linages and building dimensions I'd prefer to consult an appropriate resource, either before or after I visit the site.
I'm there to experience and photograph a location, not to stand attentively while some walking, talking guide book drones on.
When I run a tour I provide all the relevant information, including photography tips and post processing workflows, in specially tailored eBooks and videos that customers can dip in and out of whenever they feel the need.
Even though I’d signed up for a boutique tour for my visit to The Bridge on the River Kwai it was hardly a 5-star experience.
My hotel was the first pick up point. That little minibus, with inadequate air conditioning, spent the best part of an hour stopping off at a number of other hotels before our trip to Kanchanaburi actually began.
After a few stops on the way we finally arrived at the Bridge On The River Kwai in bright afternoon light.
Unfortunately, as there were other places to visit included on the day’s itinerary, we were only given a relatively short period of time to take in the atmosphere and make our photos at the two key sites we visited in Kanchanaburi.
Some guides are excellent, others not so much. Our guide seemed to spend most of her time on the bus.
She had basic English so I guess her roll was simply to communicate a few relevant points of information about each location and to tell customers what time they needed to be back on the bus.
Frankly that approach works for me, as all I want to do is make photos. However, most folks on a guided tour expect a little more interaction.
Given that, I’m not sure that sitting next to the driver and away from customers, for the entire duration of the return journey, was a good policy.
This was actually a pretty inexpensive tour, which I’d think was probably designed for a young backpacker market. However, it was marketed to a more discerning and older demographic.
Frankly, because I’d established a very good relationship with the hotel where I was staying, I was offered the opportunity to take the tour for free.
If I had come along as a paying customer I wouldn’t have been overly disappointed, given the price charged.
Buddha statue framed by the Bridge on the River Kwai, Kanchanaburi.
How To Photograph The Bridge On The River Kwai
As a photographer my focus and primary concerns evoke around making great photos. That’s not always easy during the middle of the day.
The quality, direction and, sometimes, color of the light you’re working under are usually crucial to the success of your photos.
Nonetheless, the reality is that you have to do the best you can with the conditions you face on the day.
I always work really hard to maximize my time so as to make great photos and, when I run my own tours, I do my best to schedule the day around the needs of my customers.
The photo at the top of this post was made under harsh light during the middle of the day. The bright sunlight cast strong shadows and dappled light over the scene.
What’s more, after a quick visit to the Death Railway Museum, I was barely given time to walk along the length of the bridge before it was time to return back to our minibus for the return trip to Bangkok.
I really had to make the most of the limited time available to me.
One way to manage scenes of really high dynamic range is to produce black and white photos. That’s because, in almost all cases, folks are more accepting of high contrast black and images.
As you can see I applied one other technique for this image of a beautiful Buddha statue which I photographed through the framed support structure of the River Kwai Bridge.
By aiding a sepia treatment to the image I’ve introduced color back into the black and white image which, perceptually, seems to reduce the contrast of the scene.
The sepia treatment is also useful as it emphasizes the nostalgic feel associated with this kind of scene.
In each case I had to use quite a few tricks, in both exposure and post processing, to produce an acceptable result that remained true to how I felt on location.
But it would have been so much easier and, coincidentally, far less crowded if I'd been there early or later in the day photographing under more sympathetic light.
The trick, therefore, is to do all you can to be where you need to be at a time of day that produces the best results.
Unfortunately, that's not going to happen by signing up to an average (non-photography) tour.
Mind you I’m aware of some very successful photography group leaders who keep a similar timetable to larger, traditional tours.
Why?
It’s easier for them and, they’d argue, most of their customers prefer to eat their evening meal at the same time everyone else does.
This is actually a fair point because, while folks might like the romance associated with the idea of photographing until after the sun has set, they may not appreciate having to eat their evening meal at either 5pm or 10pm.
Of course a winter tour others more civilized sunrise and sunset times. But, given the travel you may have to do to get to several locations in a single day, you may still find yourself chasing the clock.
Photography, like life, is a game of compromise.
For me, when I’m making photos, a decent meal is always appreciated. But I’m happy to forgo a meal, or eat a picnic on location, so as to be able to maximize my opportunities to create beautiful, life affirming photos.
Why Was the River Kwai Bridge Important?
The bridge over the River Kwai, also known as Bridge 277, was of significant strategic importance to the Japanese war effort.
With Singapore, Malaya and Burma captured the Japanese High Command in Tokyo ordered the then 50 miles of railway west of Bangkok be extended another 250 miles through the jungle to Burma.
Successful completion of this project would enable the following:
Improved lines of communication between the occupied capitals of Bangkok and Rangoon (Yangon).
Quicker and easier movement of troops and materials.
A land route into India, deemed safer than directly confronting the British navy.
Due to the importance of the Death Railway to the Japanese war effort primary structures like the River Kwai Bridge attracted numerous Allied bombing raids during WWII.
“I’d say the odds against a successful escape are about one hundred to one. But may I add another word, Colonel?
The odds against survival in this camp are even worse.”
The Bridge On The River Kwai Facts
At 130 meters (425 feet) long and 27 meters (90 feet) in height the River Kwai railroad bridge still features the original arched sections which were constructed during WWII.
The two sections featuring trapezoidal trusses were built by Japan after the conclusion of WWII, to replace sections destroyed by Allied aircraft, as war reparations.
The Burma Railway was also called the Death Railway.
The Burma Railway was built to support the needs for improved communications to service the large Japanese military presence in Burma.
Approximately 13,000 prisoners of war died and were buried along the railway.
It’s said that between 80,000 and 100,000 civilians, mostly forced labour, died during the construction of the infamous Burma Railway.
Two construction crews, one from Burma (Myanmar) the other from Siam (Thailand), worked simultaneously until meeting each other on October 17, 1943 near Konkoita in Thailand.
Begun in June 1942 the 263 mile (424 km) long line was operational by December 1943.
Built at the rate of half a mile a day it’s said that the Burma Railway cost the life of one man for each and every sleeper along the track.
Life was so difficult that, to survive, prisoners learned how to extract vitamin rich yeast from urine.
This level of ingenuity was extended to the construction of basic surgical instruments fashioned from folks and combs.
Similarly secret radios were cobbled together from razor blades and wire.
Extraordinary!
Does the River Kwai Bridge Still Exist?
Even though the film was made in Sri Lanka the actual River Kwai Bridge does exist and remains in use carrying local passenger trains between Bangkok and Nam Tok.
In an effort to break Japanese supply lines the US Air Force and British RAF bombed the River Kwai Bridge on at least ten occasions.
In 1945 the British army destroyed 25 miles (40 km) of track thereby preventing the Japanese Imperial Army’s attempt to connect Bangkok with Rangoon (Yangon) by rail.
Today you’re able to walk or ride a train across the bridge. I found walking over the bridge to be a poignant experience and I was grateful for the opportunity to do so.
Death Railway Museum, alongside the Bridge on the River Kwai, in Kanchanaburi.
The Bridge On The River Kwai Film Facts
The Bridge on the River Kwai is a classic 1957 British-American war film based upon the 1952 novel Le Pont de la Rivière Kwai by Pierre Boulle.
The film was directed by David Lean and starred William Holding, Jack Hawkins and academy award winner Sir Alex Guinness.
It was the highest grossing film of 1957 in the USA, Britain and Canada.
The film is fictitious but borrows from the building of the actual Death Railway between 1942 and 1943.
The movie was actually filmed in Sri Lanka.
The famous bridge portrayed in the film was specially constructed for the film near the town of Kitulgala in the west of Sri Lanka.
Columbia almost stopped production after realizing that, after 3 weeks of filming, there was no white woman and no love interest in the film.
The bridge depicted in the film was purpose built from locally sawn timber and constructed by local labor, human and elephant, at a cost of USD $52,085.
That’s a relatively modest amount given the film’s USD $2 million dollar budget.
The Famous Whistle Tune
Composed in 1914 by military band conductor, Kenneth Alford, the Colonel Bogey March features throughout the film.
During World War II British soldiers adapted the tune by adding lyrics which were not particularly complementary to Adolf Hitler or other high ranking members of the Nazi regime.
Anticipating that these rather rude lyrics would cause problems with censors director David Lean decided to have actors whistle the tune instead.
The film’s composer, Malcolm Arnold, incorporated the Colonel Bogey March quite brilliantly into the film’s Oscar-winning score, thereby cementing the tune’s place in history.
“Madness. Madness.”
Bridge On The River Kwai Quotes
There are lots of great quotes from the film, a few of which I’ve sprinkled throughout this post.
One of my favorites pieces of dialog occurs between Colonel Saito, the camp commandant from the Japanese Imperial Army, and the head of British POWs, Colonel Nicholson.
Colonel Saito: “Do you know what will happen to me if the bridge is not ready in time?”
Colonel Nicholson: “I haven’t the foggiest.”
Colonel Saito: “I’II have to kill myself. What would you do if you are me?”
Colonel Nicholson: “Well I suppose if I were you, I’d have to kill myself.”
I love this little interplay between the film’s two major antagonists for its sheer matter of fact irony and dry English whit.
Beautifully restored yellow Mercedes Benz in the Death Railway museum in Kanchanaburi.
Places To Stay In Kanchanaburi
There’s a fairly wide variety of places to stay in and around Kanchanaburi, including a number of excellent options within easy walking distance of the Bridge On The River Kwai.
With backpacker, mid level and high end options available you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a bed at a price range that meets your budget.
Here’s the best options I’ve found.
Luxury Hotels in Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi has a few luxury hotels positioned in tranquil riverfront locations.
Dheva Mantra Resort & Spa
The colonial-style Dheva Mantra Resort & Spa offers spacious rooms, a large pool, gorgeous gardens and a spa.
It’s a lovely place to stay offering free WiFi and parking.
You’ll find the Dheva Mantra Resort about 5 miles or 8 km from Kanchanaburi’s town centre and the River Kwai Bridge.
X2 River Kwai Resort
The X2 River Kwai Resort features beautiful views of the Kwai Noi River, an outdoor pool and an in-house restaurant.
Ultra-modern in style it’s well suited to those seeking chic accommodations.
Just be aware that the X2 River Kwai Resort is around from the River Kwai Bridge.
The good news is that, in addition to free WiFi, resort guests have access to free bicycle hire.
Mid-Range Hotels in Kanchanaburi
Felix River Kwai
You’ll find the Felix River Kwai in a great location and within walking distance of the Bridge on the River Kwai.
Red roofed buildings offer spacious rooms situated among palm filled gardens.
The Felix River Kwai offers two swimming pools and spa.
U Inchantree Kanchanaburi
About a 5 minute walk from the River Kwai Bridge the U Inchantree Kanchanaburi is located on the North bank of the Kwai Yai River.
This contemporary lodge-style resort features an outdoor pool and free WiFi. Situated close to shops and restaurants this boutique hotel promises cozy rooms and friendly staff.
You might want to confirm this, but my research indicates that guests have access to their rooms for 24 hours. That sounds great for folks arriving late in the day.
Bridge Residence Hotel
Offering large, modern rooms with comfy beds and flat screen TV’s the Bridge Residence Hotel is located within easy walking distance of the River Kwai Bridge.
Kanchanaburi Budget Level Accommodation
Xanadu 2008
On the banks of the River Kwai the Xanadu 2008 offers air-conditioned cottages and a swimming pool set in tidy gardens.
Good Times Resort
You’ll find the Good Times Resort round 20 minutes walk from the River Kwai Bridge.
Air-conditioned rooms, a pool, friendly staff and Thai cooking classes make this an interesting budget option.
Thai Garden Inn
Located between Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai Bridge the Thai Garden Inn accommodates guests in air-conditioned wooden bungalows.
I met someone who was staying there. They told me they enjoyed their stay and liked the inn’s location between town and the bridge.
Things To Do in Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Kanchanaburi was once the site of Neolithic civilizations, evidenced by artifacts of ancient societies and burial sites that have been excavated in the area.
There’s a lot to see in the town of Kanchanaburi and, if you have the time, a few days spent exploring the surrounding region is advised.
Nature lovers will be particularly pleased after exploring nearby national parks that offer the following:
Spectacular waterfalls
Extensive cave systems
Diverse wildlife including monkeys, gibbons and birdlife
Grave sites at the beautifully maintained Kanchanaburi War Cemetery in Kanchanaburi.
Visiting The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
I made this warm tone sepia photo at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery the main prisoner of war cemetery established for victims of Japanese imprisonment who died building the Burma Railway.
Notice how I’ve concentrated attention on the two foreground gravestones, while placing them in the context of a large, significant and extremely well tendered cemetery.
Known locally as Don-Rak War Cemetery the site is beautifully maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and, to my mind, should not be missed by anyone visiting the Bridge On The River Kwai.
Designed by Colin St Clair Oakes the cemetery holds the remains of 6,981 POWs most of whom are Australian, British and Dutch. The remains of American servicemen were repatriated to the USA.
Allied personnel who were unfortunate enough to be captured by the Japanese and sent to work on the Death Railway were kept under squalid conditions and faced the following outcomes:
Forced labor
Frequent beatings
Starvation rations
Poor medical treatment
Medical experimentation
Murder
I met an Aussie couple at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. Like me they’d come to Kanchanaburi on a guided minivan tour.
The young woman’s grandfather was buried at the cemetery and she was there to locate the grave and pay her respects.
Given the day was somewhat of a pilgrimage for her, and a major reason for making the trip to Thailand from Australia, I felt sorry for her given the lack of time allocated for our visit to the cemetery.
I noticed how upset she’d become when she realized she was unlikely to find her grandfather’s grave within the allotted time. I ran around in the heat for a while trying to help her and her husband out.
Fortunately she located the grave and paid her respects before the bus moved on. It ended up being a very emotional, though far from ideal experience for her.
Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
284/66 Sangchuto Road, Tambon Ban Tai
Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi, Chang Wat
Kanchanaburi
Chong Kai War Cemetery
A major basecamp and former POW camp on the Burma-Siam Railway the Chong Kai War Cemetery holds the graves of more than 1,700 POWs.
Also known as Chonk Kai Cemetery this now peaceful site on the banks of the Kwai Noi River also contained a hospital and church built by Allied prisoners of war.
The cemetery holds the remains of 313 Dutch and 1,426 Commonwealth prisoners of war, many of whom died at the hospital.
About 1.2 miles or 2 km south of town the Chong Kai War Cemetery is beautifully landscaped and well worth a visit.
By doing so you’ll be able to pay your respects to some of those poor souls who gave their lives during this most terrible conflict.
Luxury River Kwai Boat Cruise
For a fully immersive, upmarket experience you might like to try an RV River Kwai Cruise with MekongBoat.com
I’m taking about a 4 or 7 day tour on a double deck, 120 foot long open air colonial style boat that allows you to explore rural Thailand from Bangkok all the way to Kanchanaburi.
With only 10 outside facing cabins accommodation features teak lined rooms, baths and showers, air-conditioning and big picture windows.
The cruise promises à la carte meals and an itinerary that includes the following:
Elephant and tiger encounters
Swimming under waterfalls
Morning and afternoon land excursions to temples, historic sites and Khmer ruins
River sights previously unreachable by other means of transport
River Kwai Long-Tail Boat Cruise
It’s possible to hire a long-tail boat and cruise along the River Kwai. You may even be able to include stops at the Chong Kai War Cemetery and the Kao Pun Cave as part of a one hour River Kwai tour.
Check with your hotel for the most up to date details on costs and where to start your long-tail boat cruise.
Jeath War Museum
Don’t expect a happy experience visiting the Jeath War Museum.
Designed as an exact replica of an actual prisoner of war camp the museum features bunks, photos and written accounts from former prisoners of war, their family members and authors who interviewed POWs.
If you’re wondering about the rather unique name of the museum I can assure you that it’s not a typo.
In fact Jeath is derived from the first or last letter of each of the following countries.
Japan
England
Australia/USA
Thailand
Holland
Open daily between 8:30am and 4:30pm the Jeath War Museum is located on the grounds of Wat Chai Chumphon on Ban Tai in Kanchanaburi.
Colorful mural at the quirky Death Railway Museum in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.
Kanchanaburi War Museum
This location features some interesting, if not quirky memorabilia. Not known for its historical accuracy the Kanchanaburi War Museum includes a number of artefacts and relics from WWII.
Old Japanese vehicles, helmets, uniforms and photos are on display as well as images showcasing ancient battles between Siam and Burma.
I photographed of an old military vehicle, the beautifully restored yellow Mercedes Benz and this very colorful mural at the Kanchanaburi War Museum. As you can see there’s quite a few interesting items on display.
As far as that old military vehicle with the mannequins inside, I’m not sure why it was covered in dust.
Is the intention to promote the notion of authenticity in this old relic, or is the place just don’t cleaned all that often?
Located right next to the Bridge on the River Kwai the museum does offer great views of the famous bridge.
Wat Thawornwararam
Wat Thawornwararam, also known as Wat Yuan, is a classic Chinese style cemetery situated right next door to the War Cemetery.
It’s a pretty place with pagodas, statues and a rock garden on display. A sunrise visit is recommended, particularly if you position yourself so that the wat is illuminated with golden light.
Stray dogs tend to roam around the site. While probably not dangerous it’s wise to stay away from them, particularly if you’re visiting very early or late in the day.
Thailand-Burma Railway Centre
The Thailand-Burma Railway Centre provides information on the Japanese invasion of South East Asia by showcasing POW relics and artifacts.
The Beata Mundi Regina
The Beata Mundi Regina is a small Catholic Church, funded and built by private donation in 1955, that honors Dutch soldiers who died during the construction of the Death Railway during WWII.
It’s a good place for prayer and contemplation for those having visited the nearby War Cemetery.
Wat Thewa Sangkharam
Wat Thewa Sangkharam is a large site with many statues and temples. Expect to spend an hour or more to see everything this site has to offer.
Classified as a Royal Monastery the lovely main ceremonial hall is lovely and worth exploring.
Giant Tree Kanchanaburi
Believed to be over 100 years old the giant Rain Tree in Kanchanaburi has become quite popular providing visual delight and a cool retreat from the hot tropical sun.
It’s an impressive sight with an equally impressive set of statistics.
The trunk measures 49 feet or 15 meters in circumference.
The tree reaches an impressive 66 feet or 20 meters in height.
Its branches spread 85 feet or 26 meters in diameter.
The popularity of the tree is such that several hundred people often head out to see it on the weekends.
Unfortunately the popularity of this lovely, natural attraction has come under pressure and, in response, a raised walkway has been constructed around the base of the giant tree.
Time will tell whether the platform serves its purpose without interfering with the sites natural beauty.
One thing’s for sure, it’s not as photogenic as it once was.
Kanchanaburi Night Market
Also known as the JJ Night Market you’ll find the Kanchanaburi Night Market located in the northwest corner of the town’s railway station.
The market features several noodle bars and snack stalls. It’s fun to wander around a sample a few local delights.
Memorial at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.
Thailand Burma Railway Centre
The Thailand Burma Railway Centre, also known as the Death Railway Museum, showcases a diverse range of poignant personal accounts, photographs, artifacts and videos which are well worth viewing.
It’s a well curated exhibit that provides an excellent overview of the history of the Death Railway and the brutal conditions suffered by the POWs and forced laborers who built it.
Open 9am till 5pm daily you’ll find the Thailand Burma Railway located at 73 Chao Khun Nen Road, Kanchanaburi.
Riverside Promenade
The Riverside Promenade is a pleasant place to relax and enjoy the sunset over the opposite bank of the River Kwai.
A series of cafes and restaurants further enhances the ambience in this very atmospheric locale.
Ban Kao National Museum
The Ban Kao National Museum is located along the banks of the Kwai Noi River, around 22 miles or 35 km from Kanchanaburi.
The museum showcases skeletons, bone jewelry, axes, tripod pots and shell ornaments excavated from the area.
Built on the grounds of a Neolithic burial site, itself discovered by an Allied prisoner of war, the Ban Kao National Museum is one of the most important prehistoric archaeological sites in Thailand.
If you’re interested in human evolution you should enjoy your trip to the Ban Kao National Museum.
Elephants World
Given all the emotionally charged historical sites in and around Kanchanaburi it’s probably a good idea to rejuvenate by spending some time in nature. A visit to the wonderful Elephants World is one highly recommended option worth considering.
Just 19 miles or 30 km from Kanchanaburi the unique Elephants World promises a remarkable experience with lots of hands on, close up contact with elephants.
This full day, totally immersive experience looks amazing and I’m definitely going to add it to my itinerary next time I visit Kanchanaburi.
If you want to know what convinced me check out this video on the Elephants World home page.
ElephantsWorld
90/9 Moo 4, Ban Nong Hoi,
Amphoe Mueang, Tambon Wang Dong,
Kanchanaburi 71190, Thailand
Erawan National Park
Another fantastic natural location, situated 40 miles or 65 km close to Kanchanaburi is the Erawan National Park.
Named after the 3 headed white elephant of Hindu mythology it’s here where you’ll find the 7 tiered cascade known as Erawan Falls.
The falls are a serene location surrounded by lush vegetation and limestone mountains.
The picturesque emerald green colored pools are a popular spot for a swim and it’s possible to take a scenic hike to the top of the falls.
There’s loads of wildlife in the park including the following:
Elephants
Gibbons
King cobras
Wild boar
Barking deer
Sambar deer
Great hornbill
Crested serpent eagle
Monitor lizards
Tham Phra That Cave
For a completely different adventure you could check out the stalagmites and stalactites in the huge Tham Phra That Cave.
544 meters in length the entrance to the cave is 15 meters wide and 8-10 meters high. The first of the cave’s five chambers is around 40 meters high.
One of the fascinating features of the cave is that most of the sandstone rocks inside the cave are translucent and shaped like relics of the Buddha.
You’ll find the Tham Phra That Cave 12 km northwest of the Erawan Falls visitor center.
Erawan National Park is open daily from 8am till 4:30pm.
Khuean Srinagarindra National Park
The Khuean Srinagarindra National Park is located along the Khwae Yai River around 71 miles or 115 km from Kanchanaburi.
Less crowded than the popular Erawan National Park this peaceful location features the following attractions:
The beautiful Srinagarind Dam
Huay Mae Khamin waterfalls
Caves with stalagmites and stalactites
Leopards, bats, civets and slow lorises
Hellfire Pass and Memorial Museum
Hellfire Pass is located about 50 miles or 80 km from Kanchanaburi along Highway 323. It’s a 500 meter long portion of rock that 1,000 prisoners of war dug out, through hard manual labor, to pave the way for the infamous Death Railway.
During the 12 weeks it took to dig the pass several hundred men died.
You can walk the old railway track into the jungle and visit a memorial museum honoring those who died. Expect the trek to take 4 or 5 hours.
The Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum was established by the Australian government to honor Allied POWs.
Artifacts
Tools
Photos
Multimedia displays
Audio headsets are available and recommended to maximize the experience at the Memorial Museum at Hellfire Pass.
Conclusion
If ever you have the good fortune to visit Thailand I’d recommend at least a full day be allocated to Kanchanaburi.
Not only will that give you time to visit the Bridge on the River Kwai, the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and one or two museums but you might also be able to fit in a quick visit to Erawan National Park.
Ideally you’d have a few days in the area, particularly given the time taken to travel to and from Bangkok. That would give you time for one for more national parks, an greater exploration of the River Kwai and, perhaps, a full day at Elephants World.
