• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-837811012615
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "thailand/kanchanaburi-province/kanchanaburi",
  "destination": "Kanchanaburi",
  "title": "kanchanaburi",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Kanchanaburi",
  "region": "Southeast-Asia",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "country": "Thailand",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Kanchanaburi

Thailand

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Erawan Waterfall in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Erawan Waterfall in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Overview

Beyond its hectic modern center and river views, Kanchanaburi (กาญจนบุรี) has a dark history, paid tribute to at excellent memorials and museums. During WWII, Japanese forces used Allied prisoners of war (POWs) and conscripted Asian laborers to build a rail route from Thailand to Burma (Myanmar). The harrowing story became famous after the publication of Pierre Boulle’s book The Bridge Over the River Kwai, based very loosely on real events, and the 1957 movie that followed. War cemeteries, museums and the chance to ride a section of the so-called "Death Railway" draw numerous visitors to Kanchanaburi.

Lonely planet’s trusted travel insurance provider

Dreaming of Kanchanaburi? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

LEARN MORE

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your Thailand trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

Treasures of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket

12 days / 11 nights

highlights

  1. 1Experiencing Bangkok’s enchanting floating markets and thrilling railway market on a guided tour
  2. 2Embracing the agricultural lifestyles of Thailand’s Chiang Mai region with community farmers
  3. 3Touring and, often, tasting the outputs of Phuket's pineapple, coconut, and rubber groves
from $2,815

per person

book this tripsee trip details

Explore more trips

  • Adventures in Paradise: Southern Thailand's Island Oases
    Thailand

    10 days / 9 nights

    Adventures in Paradise: Southern Thailand's Island Oases

    FROM $2,800

    per person

    See Trip Details

Must-see attractions

Explore all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-721826212488
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "thailand/kanchanaburi-province/kanchanaburi",
  "destination": "Kanchanaburi",
  "title": "kanchanaburi",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Kanchanaburi",
  "region": "Southeast-Asia",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "country": "Thailand",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-187377006405
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "thailand/kanchanaburi-province/kanchanaburi",
  "destination": "Kanchanaburi",
  "title": "kanchanaburi",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Kanchanaburi",
  "region": "Southeast-Asia",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "country": "Thailand",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Kanchanaburi

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-204886512505
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "thailand/kanchanaburi-province/kanchanaburi",
  "destination": "Kanchanaburi",
  "title": "kanchanaburi",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Kanchanaburi",
  "region": "Southeast-Asia",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "country": "Thailand",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}