Best known in the West for being home to the Bridge on the River Kwai, the picturesque town of Kanchanaburi sits on the border with Myanmar. During World War II, Allied prisoners and slave laborers from across Southeast Asia were forced to build a bridge across the mighty river; toiling in inhuman conditions, thousands died - commemorated by an extensive cemetery and the JEATH Museum.
Today, Kanchanaburi is pleasant and comfortable, located near a series of waterfalls and scenic national parks, and home to a number of diverse ethnic minorities. Notable sights include a train ride over the deadly Burma Railway, the source of much suffering during World War II and outdoor adventures along the Mekong and the area outside Kanchanaburi.
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Visit the JEATH War Museum with a curator. JEATH stands for Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand and Holland, representing the nationalities of the prisoners of war (POWs) who were forced to work on the Death Railway. This impressive memorial and tribute was established to show actual items that were connected with the construction of the Death Railway by POWs between 1942-1943.
Visit a Mon village and spend time in a school teaching English, exchanging details with the students about your lives (with the help of your expert guide as translator). As this school exists outside the Thai schooling system, it is usually open even when the normal school year is over.
Outdoor activities abound in Kanchanaburi’s fertile, rugged landscape. Options for the adventurous traveler include rafting on the River Kwai, a tributary of the mighty Mekong; kayaking; elephant trekking; and hiking to the seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall and the Tharn Pratat cave, with its dramatic stalactites and stalagmites.
Board a local train that will take you over the bridge and other parts of the “Death Railway,” one of the Burma Railway’s more direct sobriquets.
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Spend 4 luxurious days getting acquainted with Thailand’s busy capital and surrounding quieter areas. Kanchanaburi is only a 2-hour trip from the bustling city but feels a world away. The well-preserved ancient ruins of Ayutthaya are a must-see in addition to Bangkok’s fantastic cultural and historical sites.
Idyllically located on a scenic stretch of the River Kwai around 15km from Kanchanaburi, the resort consists of 12 floating wooden villas along with a floating bar and restaurant, all with direct river views. All villas come with free WiFi and also boast a television and DVD player. Float House also offers in-room dining and massage. The resort is perfectly located for river tours and visits to the famous Bridge over the River Kwai.
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