Kanchanaburi Holidays

Kanchanaburi holidays offer incredible riverside scenery, flawless national parks and a fascinating war history. Take a train ride on the Thai-Burma railway line to Hellfire Pass and visit the bridge over the River Kwai to learn about Kanchanaburi’s WWII history.

Located less than three hours from bustling Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is set in the Thai countryside, surrounded by mountains and forests. The town lies on the confluence of the Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai Rivers and is best known for its turbulent war history, made famous by the book and film, The Bridge over the River Kwai. You can visit Kanchanaburi’s Thailand Burma Railway Centre and JEATH museum to learn about the 415 kilometre railway, built by the Japanese between 1942 and 1943 to transport troops and supplies. Over 102,000 Asian labourers and mainly British, Australian and Dutch prisoners of war died in the process.

Visit Kanchanaburi for war history and pristine nature

Today, you can walk across a reconstruction of the notorious steel bridge over the River Kwai and visit the nearby Kanchanaburi War Cemetery to pay your respects. Ride a section of the so called Death Railway, which passes over the bridge and winds through lush countryside and the Wang Po viaduct to Nam Tok. From there, visit the Hellfire Pass Museum and walk this sheer rock section of the line, which workers were forced to construct with hand tools and dynamite. Stop at the Australian memorial and listen to the excellent audio guide. Afterwards, relax at a riverside restaurant back in Kanchanaburi or visit nearby cave temples like Wat Tham Khaopoon.

Kanchanaburi is also known for its stunning natural wonders, which include nearby Sai Yok National Park, home to caves and hot springs. Don’t miss Erawan National Park, which has a seven tiered waterfall with topaz water and bathing pools. For more nature, take a jungle trek to unique hill villages such as those belonging to the Mon Tribe, an ethnic group that originates from Mongolia. Our River Kwai Float House tour includes a stay at a floating hotel and a visit to the Mon Tribe. Want to explore more of Thailand’s treasures? Combine a trip to Kanchanaburi with beach escapes in Hua Hin or Pattaya. Our Contrasting Thailand tour takes in the capital and Kanchanaburi, as well as southern gem Phuket and an elephant sanctuary in Khao Sok National Park.