Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Kanchanaburi

KrabiThailand

Why You'll Love Kanchanaburi

Hey there! Have you heard of Kanchanaburi in Thailand? It's a gorgeous destination that's nestled in the western part of the country. It's a perfect getaway for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

One of the must-see sites in Kanchanaburi is the famed Bridge Over the River Kwai. This bridge was made famous by the movie of the same name and is an impressive sight to see. You can walk along the bridge and even take a train ride across it to get a better view.

If you're into history, you'll love the WWII memorials and museums, especially the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum. It's an emotional experience, but a necessary one to truly understand the sacrifice of those who were prisoners of war.

Nature lovers will also love Kanchanaburi's lush green surroundings. You can take a hike up to the Erawan Waterfall or walk through the Sai Yok Noi Waterfall. There are also elephant sanctuaries and national parks to explore.

And of course, as with any destination in Thailand, the food is amazing! Don't forget to try some of the local dishes like pad thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice.

Overall, Kanchanaburi is a wonderful destination that has history, nature, and delicious food. It's definitely worth adding to your travel bucket list!

Getting to Kanchanaburi

If you are coming from Bangkok, you can take a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal to Kanchanaburi. Alternatively, you can take a train from Thonburi Railway Station. If you are flying in, the nearest airport is Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. From there, you can take a bus or a taxi to Kanchanaburi.

The closest city to Kanchanaburi is Bangkok, in Krabi.

Travelling from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Kanchanaburi

When to Visit

The best time to visit Kanchanaburi, Thailand is during the cool and dry season from November to February.

Weather and Climate

Kanchanaburi has a tropical monsoon climate with high temperatures and heavy rainfall throughout the year. In the winter months from December to February, temperatures are slightly cooler with highs around 30°C (86°F) and lows of 18°C (64°F). The weather begins to heat up in March and reaches its peak in April and May when temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F). From June to October, the city experiences its rainy season with frequent and heavy rainfall, particularly in September and October. Overall, expect hot and humid weather with occasional rainfall if you're visiting Kanchanaburi.

Costs When Visiting

In Thailand, the currency is the Thai Baht.
Some sample costs when travelling around Kanchanaburi are:

- Street food: 20-50 THB (0.60-1.50 USD)
- Restaurant meal: 100-250 THB (3-8 USD)
- Budget accommodation (hostel): 150-400 THB (4.50-12 USD) per night
- Mid-range hotel: 600-1500 THB (18-45 USD) per night
- Luxury resort: 3000-8000 THB (90-245 USD) per night

Safety Rating

Kanchanaburi, Thailand is generally considered a safe destination in terms of crime rates and safety for women. While there have been instances of theft and scams targeting tourists, these are relatively rare. However, it is important to exercise caution and common sense when traveling in any foreign country.

In terms of racial and LGBTQ tolerance, Thailand is generally regarded as an accepting and diverse country. While discrimination and prejudice may still exist, particularly in more rural areas, Kanchanaburi is a popular tourist destination and visitors are likely to feel welcome and respected.

Local Population

The population of Kanchanaburi, Thailand consists of mainly Thai people, with a small percentage of minority groups such as Karen and Mon. The predominant religion is Buddhism, with a significant Muslim community. The official language is Thai, but many people also speak English, particularly in the tourist areas. In terms of gender breakdown, there is a fairly equal distribution between males and females. As for racial breakdown, the majority of the population is Thai, with a small percentage of people from neighboring countries like Myanmar and Laos.

Things to Do

1. Visiting the Bridge over the River Kwai and the Death Railway.
2. Exploring the Erawan National Park and its seven-tier waterfall.
3. Paying respects at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and Memorial.
4. Riding elephants at the Elephant World sanctuary.
5. Taking a scenic train ride along the River Kwai.
6. Touring the Hellfire Pass Museum and Memorial Walking Trail.
7. Enjoying a traditional Thai massage at one of the local spas.
8. Exploring the Wat Tham Seua (Tiger Cave Temple) and its stunning views.
9. Shopping at the Kanchanaburi Night Market.
10. Exploring historical caves and rock formations at the Phra That Cave and Khao Chon Waterfall.