Kanchanaburi Travel Guide: The River Kwai and WWII History

Kanchanaburi at a glance

Kanchanaburi is a province and town on the Kwae Noi and Kwae Yai rivers, about 130km northwest of Bangkok. It’s primarily visited for two reasons: the WWII history connected to the Death Railway and the Bridge on the River Kwai, and the natural attractions — waterfalls, national parks, and river scenery — in the surrounding region.

The town itself is relaxed and low-key. Most of the raft house accommodation sits directly on the river. The pace is noticeably slower than Bangkok.

What to see

Bridge on the River Kwai — The steel spans of the original bridge still stand. The round-arched sections are the originals; the square-lattice sections replaced those bombed by the Allies in 1945. You can walk across the bridge (be alert for the daily tourist train crossing). Free access.

JEATH War Museum — A recreation of the bamboo prison camps built by the Japanese, containing documents, photographs, and personal accounts from POWs. Located near the bridge.

Thailand–Burma Railway Centre — The more comprehensive and thoughtfully curated of the two main war museums. Covers the full history of the Death Railway with artefacts, testimony, and context. Worth the ฿140 entrance fee.

Kanchanaburi Allied War Cemetery — 6,982 graves of Allied POWs who died during construction of the railway. Maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Quiet and well-maintained.

The Death Railway — A tourist train runs from the Kanchanaburi station through the scenery to Nam Tok station, crossing the famous Wampo Viaduct built out over the cliff face. The 2-hour journey is the most atmospheric way to see sections of the original line.

Erawan National Park — 65km from Kanchanaburi town. Seven-tiered waterfall with emerald-green pools. Swimming is possible at the lower tiers. The walk to the top takes about 2 hours. Best on weekdays — busy on weekends. Songtheaw from the bus terminal: ฿100.

Practical information

Getting there — Train from Bangkok Thonburi (not Hua Lamphong) at 7:45am, arrives around 10:30am. Return at 2:45pm and 4:30pm. Alternatively, minivan from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai), about 2 hours, ฿120.

Where to stay — Raft houses on the river are the characteristic Kanchanaburi accommodation. Most have basic rooms on floating platforms. Mid-range river resorts also exist. Prices start around ฿500–800 for a raft room.

Day trip to Erawan — Requires an overnight stay in Kanchanaburi or an early bus connection from Bangkok via the Kanchanaburi bus terminal.