Looking for a slice of Thailand that’s a bit off the beaten path? Look no further than Kanchanaburi! Nestled amidst natural wonders and rich history, this gem offers a refreshing escape from the more popular destinations like Bangkok and Phuket. Having explored its hidden treasures ourselves, we’ve compiled a list of 6 great things to do in Kanchanaburi. Ready to explore one of Thailand’s hidden gems?
1. Take a dip at Erawan Falls
Discover the beauty of Erawan Falls, located in Erawan National Park. With its seven tiers of turquoise pools, it’s a top spot for bathing and relaxing. Starting at the visitor center, you can dip your toes in the first pool and even enjoy a free fish spa. Be prepared to feel tons of fish nibbling on your toes and feet! It’s scary at first, but once you get used to it it makes the experience even more fun. As you explore further, be prepared for some uphill climbs, but trust us, the views are totally worth it. The hike itself is quite manageable, especially if you take the time to explore each pool along the way. Feeling tired? Just take a plunge in the first pool you come across to relax for a bit!
Our favorite tiers include Wang Nam Tok (second fall), Pha Nam Tok (third fall), and Buar Mai Long (fifth one), each offering something special. One pool has the clearest waters, another one has a very nice waterfall, and the last one is just incredible all around. We went all the way up to the seventh pool, but this one wasn’t as special as we’d hoped. We only recommend going all the way up if you’re doing it for the hike and exercise, not for the pools. The sign at the top (“You are the conqueror”) was cool, though!
To beat the crowds, aim to arrive early at the park’s opening time of 8 AM. Tourist buses start to arrive between 9 and 10, with a peak around noon. It’s definitely a special feeling to have a whole pool (almost) entirely to yourself! Entry costs 300 baht per person (about € 8), plus a small fee of 20 baht for bringing your scooter. If you come with a tour or bus, this fee is probably included in your ticket.
Good to know
Make sure to grab a life jacket at the visitor center, as you won’t be allowed to swim without one. Life jackets cost 20 baht for the first 2 hours.
2. Sleep under the stars at The Three Bubble Houses
One of our most magical moments in Thailand was our stay at The Three Bubble Houses. That’s why we had to include it in this list of 6 great things to do in Kanchanaburi. Nestled by the tranquil Kwai Noi river, these transparent bubbles offer a unique opportunity to sleep amidst nature. Waking up to the sunrise and the melody of birdsong is truly unforgettable. The bubble has airconditioning, amazing views, and… even a private jacuzzi! On top of all that, the staff are super friendly and really aim to please. The resort has everything you need, from food and drinks to providing amazing experiences like bamboo rafting. You never have to leave this amazing place! If you’re looking for a unique and romantic getaway, spending a night in these bubbles is an absolute must-do in Kanchanaburi.
▶️ Read all about The Three Bubble Houses.
3. Visit the Death Railway Bridge
The Death Railway Bridge, famously featured in the movie ‘Bridge on the River Kwai’, stands as the most famous sight in Kanchanaburi. Although much of the present structure is not original, it serves as a poignant reminder of the harrowing history of the Burma Railway. The railway was constructed by the Japanese during World War II to connect Thailand and Myanmar (formerly Burma). Despite its grim past, today the bridge welcomes tourists with a vibrant atmosphere, offering opportunities to walk, cycle, or even ride the train across its historic span.
4. Explore Wat Tham Suea
Sitting atop a hill in Kanchanaburi, Wat Tham Suea, also known as the ‘Tiger Cave Temple’, is a must-see attraction in the area. As you climb the stairs to reach the top, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Kanchanaburi, its vibrant rice fields, and the serene river below. Although the rice fields weren’t at their best during our time there, it was such a cool view! You’ll also find the largest Buddha Image in Kanchanaburi, an 18 meter high statue. When we visited, it was under construction, but it was still really impressive to see!
For a tranquil and crowd-free experience, we suggest visiting in the morning, before 10 AM. Since the place is pretty huge, it is not necessary to be among the first to enter. You’ll find plenty of “people-free” spots if you arrive early enough. Admission is free, but we recommend making a donation at the top. In addition to that, it is necessary to cover your shoulders and knees. They do have a place at the entrance that rents sarongs in case you forget!
Pro tip
Don’t forget to check out Wat Tham Khao Noi, right next to Wat Tham Suea. This Vietnamese Pagoda is also really impressive and definitely worth visiting!
5. Stroll through the JJ Night Market
Night markets are a common sight throughout Thailand, and Kanchanaburi is no different. During our visit, we explored JJ Night Market, a cozy market filled with food and souvenir stalls. It still has that authentic feel to it, which makes it one of our favorite markets in Thailand. Most of the signs and menu are only available in Thai, so we had to ask what everything was A LOT. This really made the whole experience so much better. Additionally, it forced us to try out new things, too! So much fun. We tried some crab spring rolls, sushi, chicken skewers, a vegetable omelet, and Thai crispy pancakes. Everything was delicious! The best part? We enjoyed the entire evening for less than € 10. Definitely worth a visit if you ask us.
Good to know
While food is a big part of this fun and cozy market, you do have other stalls here too. Most of them are clothing stalls, so if you’re in the market for a new shirt: this is the place!
6. Climb to the top of Wat Ban Tham
Another temple that cannot be missed in Kanchanaburi is Wat Ban Tham, also called the ‘Dragon Head Cave Temple’. What makes this temple unique is that you have to step into a dragon’s mouth to reach the main cave. To get there, you first have to climb over 700 steps to get to the 200 meter high entrance. Quite exhausting, but so worth it! We won’t spoil the surprise inside the cave, you’ll have to experience it yourself. During our visit, we had the place all to ourselves, except for a friendly monk.
Looking for more Thailand inspiration?
Sleeping under the stars at The Three Bubble Houses
9 best things to do in Bangkok
Top 5 (night) markets in Chiang Mai
6 temples in Bangkok you cannot miss
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