Dustman

Kanchanaburi is a province located in the west of Thailand, where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai Rivers converge into the Mae Klong River, spans the northern banks of the river and is a popular spot for travellers. Its location at the edge of a mountain range keeps it much cooler than the other provinces of central Thailand. Kanchanaburi has a tropical savanna climate. Winters are dry and very warm. Temperatures rise until April, which is very hot with the average daily maximum at 38.2 °C (100.8 °F). The monsoon season runs from May through October, with heavy rain and somewhat cooler temperatures during the day, although nights remain warm.

Things to do in Kanchanaburi are highly varied, with activities covering nature, local and World War II history, water sports, and of course a good night market. It’s a small city that feels more like a town. Being set on the River Kwai Yai, it’s got a sleepy atmosphere where you can’t help but feel relaxed throughout your visit.

What to see in Kanchanaburi?

Erawan Falls is a major attraction of the Erawan National Park, located around 52 km northwest of Kanchanaburi. It’s named after a white, 3-headed Hindu elephant god, due to the white spray from the falls. There are 7 tiers of emerald-green pools, all easily accessed via stone steps. You can rent a life jacket to swim in the pools. Small fish might nibble at your feet, but it’s a painless experience.  The Erawan Falls are worth visiting even if you aren’t planning to swim, thanks to the majestic cascades and surrounding greenery. It’s a good idea to bring some drinking water as the trek to the upper falls can be challenging.

The River Kwai Bridge is right in the heart of Kanchanaburi. Its name comes from a mispronunciation of “Khwae”, thanks to the Hollywood epic The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957). While the film is fictional, history buffs will love the bridge, which was twice damaged by the Allies in World War II.  You can walk across the bridge, with trains still crossing multiple times daily. There are alcoves to stand in while the train passes, which can feel quite exhilarating. There are plenty of restaurants and bars on the northern side of the bridge as well, from where you can admire the architecture as the river flows by.

Kanchanaburi is known for the Death Railway, built during WWII. The line crosses over the River Khwae Yai via the Death Railway Bridge. Displays at the JEATH War Museum honor the prisoners of war who died building the bridge. The Thailand–Burma Railway Centre explores the wider history of the railway. Nearby, thousands of Allied soldiers are buried at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.

Night Market Kanchanaburi opens daily at around 6 pm., serving a wide range of local cuisine at affordable prices. Located close to Kanchanaburi Railway Station, it’s a great market that mainly caters for locals and tourists looking to sample authentic Thai dishes.

More information on Kanchanaburi can be found at Tourism Authority of Thailand

https://www.tourismthailand.org/Destinations/Provinces/Kanchanaburi/222