2-Day Kanchanaburi Itinerary | Explore Death Railway & Epic Waterfalls
The cozy town of Kanchanaburi in southwest Thailand makes a perfect getaway from Bangkok or a weekend holiday with the family. A 2-day Kanchanaburi itinerary gives tourists enough time to explore top sites at a leisurely pace, which is highly recommended. Kanchanaburi is home to some of Thailand’s most historic and famous landmarks, like the Bridge Over the River Kwai, as well as some of the most stunning scenery in Erawan National Park.
Getting Around Kanchanaburi
Driving yourself either by car or motorbike is the easiest way to get around Kanchanaburi town. Tourists who don’t have vehicles in town can get a lift on orange and yellow songthaews (covered pickup trucks) anytime from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and motorbike taxis and tuk tuks also are available. Bicycles can be rented at a few different locations as well. To go out of town to Sai Yok National Park and Erawan Falls, guests can take the train, hire a driver or join a tour group, which generally can be arranged through any hotel or local tour agency.
FIND KANCHANABURI BEACHFRONT RESORTS & MOUNTAIN VILLAS
Kanchanaburi Itinerary Day 1 | Explore Kanchanaburi History
Kanchanaburi may be small in size, but its historical impact is enormous. The town maintains several quality museums and landmarks that detail the horrific history of the Thai-Burma Railway construction, as well as Thailand’s role in World War II. A chilled-out day soaking in the details is a good way to get a feel for Kanchanaburi.
- JEATH War Museum – photographs and artifacts at this museum depict what life was like for prisoners of war who worked on the Death Railway. JEATH War Museum is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Admission for foreigners is 30 THB (1 USD).
- Bridge Over the River Kwai – though a reconstruction, this bridge symbolizes the original bridge that was built at the cost of more than 100,000 lives. Visitors can cross the bridge for free and explore the riverfront, which is a good spot to grab lunch, a cold drink and a breather under a shade tree.
- Thai-Burma Railway (Death Railway) – visitors can experience a ride on nearly 50 miles (77 kilometers) of the original 258-mile (415-kilometer) long Thai-Burma Railway. The roundtrip train trip takes about two hours and crosses some of the most scenic territory in all of Thailand. Passengers can buy tickets for the train tour at Tha Kilen Station, which is about an hour’s train ride from Saphan Kwae Yai Station in Kanchanaburi town.
- Arts Gallery and War Museum – neighboring JEATH War Museum and River Kwai Bridge, the Arts Gallery and War Museum contains a private collection of World War II art, weapons and gems. The museum is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Tickets are 40 THB (1.30 USD) for foreigners.
- Hellfire Pass Memorial – visitors can walk through a corridor of the railway that was carved through a boulder by Australian and British soldiers. The section earned its name because 700 of 1,000 soldiers who worked on the project died during its 12-week construction.
FIND KANCHANABURI BEACHFRONT RESORTS & MOUNTAIN VILLAS
Kanchanaburi Itinerary Day 2 | Enjoy Waterfalls & Ancient Castle Grounds
After an intense day of learning Kanchanaburi’s history, travelers should be ready for a laid-back day in the jungle. An early morning start to the northern region of Kanchanaburi is advised to get the most out of hiking and sightseeing in two national parks and on the grounds of a historic castle.
- Erawan National Park – with seven excellent hiking trails and a seven-tiered waterfall with swimming pools, Erawan National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Thailand. Families can spend hours monkeying around and picnicking at Erawan Falls, and spelunkers will enjoy several well-marked caves in the area. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Entrance fees for foreigners are 300 THB (10 USD) for adults and 200 THB (6.50 USD).
- Sai Yok National Park – adventurists will love the trek through Sai Yok Yai Water Fall, where wooden footbridges lead guests through rugged terrain alongside three flowing tiers of water. Trekkers also will find numerous caves and interesting wildlife along the way. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Entry fees for foreigners are 300 THB (10 USD) for adults and 200 THB (6.50 USD).
- Prasat Mueang Sing Historical Park – visitors will want to block out about an hour of time to explore this ancient Buddhist castle near Tha Kilen Station. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entry fee for foreigners is 100 THB (3 USD).
FIND KANCHANABURI BEACHFRONT RESORTS & MOUNTAIN VILLAS
Discover more hotels & villas in Kanchanaburi
Mida Resort Kanchanaburi (SHA Certified)
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The cozy town of Kanchanaburi in southwest Thailand makes a perfect getaway from Bangkok or a weekend holiday with the family. A 2-day Kanchanaburi itinerary gives tourists enough time to explore top sites at a leisurely pace, which is highly recommended. Kanchanaburi is home to some of Thailand’s most historic and famous landmarks, like the Bridge Over the River Kwai, as well as some of the most stunning scenery in Erawan National Park.
Getting Around Kanchanaburi
Driving yourself either by car or motorbike is the easiest way to get around Kanchanaburi town. Tourists who don’t have vehicles in town can get a lift on orange and yellow songthaews (covered pickup trucks) anytime from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and motorbike taxis and tuk tuks also are available. Bicycles can be rented at a few different locations as well. To go out of town to Sai Yok National Park and Erawan Falls, guests can take the train, hire a driver or join a tour group, which generally can be arranged through any hotel or local tour agency.
FIND KANCHANABURI BEACHFRONT RESORTS & MOUNTAIN VILLAS
Kanchanaburi Itinerary Day 1 | Explore Kanchanaburi History
Kanchanaburi may be small in size, but its historical impact is enormous. The town maintains several quality museums and landmarks that detail the horrific history of the Thai-Burma Railway construction, as well as Thailand’s role in World War II. A chilled-out day soaking in the details is a good way to get a feel for Kanchanaburi.
- JEATH War Museum – photographs and artifacts at this museum depict what life was like for prisoners of war who worked on the Death Railway. JEATH War Museum is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Admission for foreigners is 30 THB (1 USD).
- Bridge Over the River Kwai – though a reconstruction, this bridge symbolizes the original bridge that was built at the cost of more than 100,000 lives. Visitors can cross the bridge for free and explore the riverfront, which is a good spot to grab lunch, a cold drink and a breather under a shade tree.
- Thai-Burma Railway (Death Railway) – visitors can experience a ride on nearly 50 miles (77 kilometers) of the original 258-mile (415-kilometer) long Thai-Burma Railway. The roundtrip train trip takes about two hours and crosses some of the most scenic territory in all of Thailand. Passengers can buy tickets for the train tour at Tha Kilen Station, which is about an hour’s train ride from Saphan Kwae Yai Station in Kanchanaburi town.
- Arts Gallery and War Museum – neighboring JEATH War Museum and River Kwai Bridge, the Arts Gallery and War Museum contains a private collection of World War II art, weapons and gems. The museum is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Tickets are 40 THB (1.30 USD) for foreigners.
- Hellfire Pass Memorial – visitors can walk through a corridor of the railway that was carved through a boulder by Australian and British soldiers. The section earned its name because 700 of 1,000 soldiers who worked on the project died during its 12-week construction.
FIND KANCHANABURI BEACHFRONT RESORTS & MOUNTAIN VILLAS
Kanchanaburi Itinerary Day 2 | Enjoy Waterfalls & Ancient Castle Grounds
After an intense day of learning Kanchanaburi’s history, travelers should be ready for a laid-back day in the jungle. An early morning start to the northern region of Kanchanaburi is advised to get the most out of hiking and sightseeing in two national parks and on the grounds of a historic castle.
- Erawan National Park – with seven excellent hiking trails and a seven-tiered waterfall with swimming pools, Erawan National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Thailand. Families can spend hours monkeying around and picnicking at Erawan Falls, and spelunkers will enjoy several well-marked caves in the area. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Entrance fees for foreigners are 300 THB (10 USD) for adults and 200 THB (6.50 USD).
- Sai Yok National Park – adventurists will love the trek through Sai Yok Yai Water Fall, where wooden footbridges lead guests through rugged terrain alongside three flowing tiers of water. Trekkers also will find numerous caves and interesting wildlife along the way. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Entry fees for foreigners are 300 THB (10 USD) for adults and 200 THB (6.50 USD).
- Prasat Mueang Sing Historical Park – visitors will want to block out about an hour of time to explore this ancient Buddhist castle near Tha Kilen Station. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entry fee for foreigners is 100 THB (3 USD).
FIND KANCHANABURI BEACHFRONT RESORTS & MOUNTAIN VILLAS
Discover more hotels & villas in Kanchanaburi
Mida Resort Kanchanaburi (SHA Certified)
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