Cheap Kanchanaburi Hotel

Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park

2008-11-08T00:38:00.000+07:00

Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park

Covering over 500 sq.km, Erawan National Park is surrounded by stunning scenery and houses the famous Erawan waterfall. The park is covered with 75% forest and if you're lucky you might just catch a glimpse of an elephant, wild monkey or even an eagle!

If you're unlucky you might come across one of our king cobras or pythons!

The whole area around the park is highlighted by some beautifully decorated pavilions which house gift shops, cafes and restaurants.

You can tour around the park in your own car but the best way to see the whole grounds is to take one of the park's own buses.

The driver will take you through each section, giving you excellent photo opportunities as well as getting "up close and personal" with several animals, most notably the giraffes who will "invade" the bus for some food...great fun!

Bowls of food to feed the animals can be bought from the main entrance for just a few Baht.

At the centre of the park is the central pavilion restaurant and show arena.

The restaurant itself sits overlooking a lake and is a good spot for a cold drink before heading off to see one of the many daily animal shows.

Visit: www.kanchanaburisafaripark.com

Kanchanaburi - Muang Sing Historical Park

2008-11-08T00:37:00.000+07:00

Kanchanaburi - Muang Sing Historical Park

Close to Sai Yok Noi waterfall, Muang Singh Historical Park covers two areas, Sai Yok Noi (Small) and Sai Yok Yai (Big). The park features the remains of two Khmer temples dating back to the 13th century.

Muang Singh - the "Lion City" was declared a historical park in 1987 and has become one of Kanchanaburi's more popular attractions.

Muang Sing dates back to time of King Rama I (1782-1809), built as an integral part of his defences against the invading Burmese army.

Covering an area of over 700,000 sq.m, the southern wall runs parallel with the River Kwai.

The main temple is at the centre of the park, next to the remains of the second ruin, with the lesser monuments are scattered around.

The style of the temples, known as "Bayon" style, are in honour of ancient Khmer Kingdom during the 12th century reign of King Jayavarman. An inscription on one of the stones depicts Prince Kumara and his father naming over 20 cities.

Kanchanaburi - Sangkhlaburi District

2008-11-07T00:39:00.001+07:00

Kanchanaburi - Sangkhlaburi District

Directly bordering Myanmar (Burma), Sangkhlaburi district is in the far north-west corner of Kanchanaburi Province. Home of the famous Three Pagodas Pass, the area has a strong Burmese cultural influence!

Sangkhlaburi has played an important role in the history between Thailand and Burma and also has the longest wooden bridge in the country!

Three Pagodas Pass

Known as "Phra Chedi Sam Ong" in Thai, Three Pagodas Pass links Sangkhlaburi on the Thai side with Pyathonzu just over the border into Myanmar (Burma).

Over the course of history, the pass has been the route into Thailand for invading Burmese armies as well as traders and Buddhist Monks from India.

The three pagodas themselves, believed to have been built in the 4th century, are fairly small but hold great sway with the locals as peace symbols.

During World War II, the infamous Death Railway was built through the pass by the allied prisoners of war.

Several hill tribes live in the area including the Karen, Mon and Burmese, who are neither Thai or Burmese nationals.

There have been several confrontations between the Karen and the Mon tribes for control over the years, but now the Myanmar authorities remain in control of the border region.

Visitors are allowed to visit the Burmese border town of Pyathonzu with a special one-day pass, issued at the border.

Great items can be bought for souvenirs including wooden carvings, ornaments, jade and textiles.

Kanchanaburi - Huai Khamin Waterfall

2008-11-07T00:39:00.000+07:00

Kanchanaburi - Huai Khamin Waterfall

Arguabley the most spectacular waterfall in Thailand! Although only reachable by four-wheeled drive or boat from Sri Nakarin Dam, it's certainly worth the extra effort! The water tumbles into Sri Nakarin Lake and has deep pools, excellent for swimming.

The edges of the falls are dense jungle where you can often spot wild elephants, tigers and deer.

Memorial Park

To honour the Princess Mother's 90th birthday in Oct. 1990, the large park area is surrounded by decorative sculptures and has a giant spring at the entrance.

You can get a spectacular view of the dam from all around the park. In total, the park covers over 1,500 sq. km, made up of of limestone hills, forest and the lake.

Regular boats cruise up and down the lake between the Memorial Park and the waterfalls.

Kanchanaburi - Bars & Pubs

2008-11-06T00:40:00.000+07:00

6Kanchanaburi - Bars & Pubs

Kanchanaburi has numerous places to get a "cold one" or two! There are (too) many small shop-front bars along the River Kwai Road, most of which disappear quicklly. For a more relaxed atmosphere, the more established places around offer good compnay, plenty of stories and more often than not satellite TV.

See below details of recommended bars & pubs...

Bar & Pub Owners - Add Your Listing Here

Recommended Bars & Pubs

Red Kangaroo / Four 9's - Sang Chuto Road
Opposite River Kwai Hotel in the heart of town. Air-Con bar with satellite TV, cold beer and some great stories!

Rascals - River Kwai Road
Come join the fun at Rascals. Top food, proper UK nosh, all sports events, great tunes, great crack - Say no more!

No Name Bar - River Kwai Road
Get Shit-Faced On A Shoestring' they say. Breakfast, pies, burgers, chips, Thai food, cold beer, cool cocktails, wine, pool table & big screen TV. Relax & Enjoy!

Fine Thanks Beer Garden - River Promenade
Very popular spot, at the end of the "River Promenade", a large outdoor beer garden.

Spread Eagle - River Kwai Road
Traditional Thai bar-beer with sofas and chairs and good company!!

Bar & Pub Owners - Add Your Listing Here

Kanchanaburi - National Parks

2008-11-06T00:38:00.000+07:00

Kanchanaburi - National Parks

Kanchanaburi Province is blessed with some specatacular National Parks and nature reserves, highlighting the rugged, natural beauty of the landscape. Getting "back to nature" is easy in Kanchanaburi, with natural spring pools for swimming, walking routes and some very interesting wildlife.

Some of the waterfalls within the parks are among the best anywhere in Asia.

Sai Yok National Park - click here

Erawan National Park - click here

Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park - Nong Prue District

Known locally as "Tham Than Lot", the relatively small park (54 sq.km) is a nature lovers delight! Forest, waterfalls and several caves are ready to be explored and there is a 2.5 km nature trail which follows the stream through Than Lat Yai and Than Lot Noi caves.

Regular buses from Kanchanaburi town take about 2 hours to arrive in Nong Plue District. From the bus station in Nong Plue, taxis can take you to the park entrance.

Sri Nakarin Dam

In Si Sawat District, close to Erawan National Park, this impressive hydro-electric power plant sits on the River Kwai. On the top level of the site is the lake, an excellent spot to fish or just relax.

Srinagarindra National Park - Si Sawat District

Just a short distance further north from Erawan National Park, Srinagarindra National Park covers over 1,500 sq.km. getting to the park is not that easy, as the last 40km is over a mud road which can only be taken by motorbike or 4x4. The best way to get to the park is by a chartered boat from Tha Kradan Pier.

All the hassle of getting to the park are worth it once you get here! The main highlight is Huai Mae Khamin Waterfall, but also worthwhile are boat trips on the reservoir which offer some spectacular views and not forgetting a trek through the forest and bamboo groves.

Kanchanaburi - Clubs

2008-11-05T00:41:00.001+07:00

Kanchanaburi - Clubs

Kanchanaburi has a few clubs/discos if you feel the need to dance! Mainly centred around the River Promenade, the latest dance tunes can be heard pumping out along the river. As well as the more high-tech clubs, there are a few live music venues dotted around, mainly featuring cover bands and local musicians.

See below details of recommended clubs...

Club Owners - Add Your Listing Here

Recommended Clubs

Glitzy Disco - River Kwai Hotel
Attached to the River Kwai Hotel, very popular local night spot with all the latest dance tunes. Just outside is the beer garden when you need a bit of fresh air!

Discovery Night Club - River Promenade
Probably the best known club in the area. Discovery is a modern dance club with different themed nights every day of the week. Weekends especially can be full-on!

Guitar House - River Promenade
Live music place along the "River Promenade".

Club Owners - Add Your Listing Here

Kanchanaburi - Shopping

2008-11-05T00:41:00.000+07:00

Kanchanaburi - Shopping

Kanchanaburi is a great place to pick up a few bargains, certainly a lot cheaper than shopping in Bangkok! In town there are several department stores which have all the usual, everyday bits you need, plus there are specialist shops selling local products.

At the railway and bus stations there are superb night markets selling just about everything at ridiculously low prices - depending on your bargaining skills...!!!

Kanchanaburi - Shopping

Birdland Books - River Kwai Road
Kanchanaburi's largest used book stores! In the heart of the tourist area books available in numerous languages. Also has a shop in Sangkhlaburi.

Night Market - Kanchanaburi Railway Station
Clothes, shoes, collectables, souvenirs, DVD's, CD's. Just about anything you want you will find it here!

Night Market - Kanchanaburi Bus Station
Clothes, shoes, collectables, souvenirs, DVD's, CD's etc. etc. (see above)

Kan Superstore - Kanchanaburi Town Centre
Standard department store with all the usual items plus a decent supermarket.

Tesco Lotus - Sang Chuto Road (By taxi - 10 mins)
Large megastore, an all-in-one shoppers paradise. Includes a KFC, Dunkin Donuts, Dairy Queen and Swensens Ice Cream!

Kanchanaburi - Tours

2008-11-04T00:42:00.000+07:00

Kanchanaburi - Tours

Kanchanaburi is more than just "The Bridge". Sightseeing tours around the province can offer you the chance to discover the "hidden" Kanchanaburi. Along with a large variety of tours and sightseeing excursions, there are also golfing tours and other sports & activities.

Please see below for recommended tour operators.

Kanchanaburi - Recommended Tour Operators

Good Times Travel - Discover Kanchanaburi...!
We are proud to announce that The Kanchanaburi Guide has teamed up with Good Times Travel, one of Kanchanaburi's oldest and most respected agencies. Guided sightseeing tours, tailored to your your own individual requirements...(Website)

Toi's Tours - Discover Kanchanaburi...!
We are proud to add Toi's Tours to the Kanchanaburi Network. A Thai / European company, Tois Tours offers great programs, sightseeing and guided tours all over the province...(Website)

Golfing Tours - Tee-Off over the River Kwai...!
Our partnership with Easy Golf Thailand has been very successful and continues to grow. Discover some of Asia's finest golf courses whatever your level of experience and even combine sightseeing tours from Bangkok with a few rounds of golf!...(Website)

Sai Yok Noi WaterFall Kanchanaburi

2008-11-04T00:36:00.000+07:00

Sai Yok Noi

This waterfall is at the end of the "Death Railway" line, terminating at Nam Tok station.

The countryside and the landscape are among one of the most beautiful places in the province and in the shade of the trees, temperatures are comfortable!

While taking in the surroundings you can enjoy some excellent food from one of the small restaurants which surround the park area.

The entrance to the main park features displays of original photographs depicting scenes of the construction and then susequent bombing of the railway.

There are several areas where the railay used to run through with memorial plaques, old photgraphs and even a couple of old locomotive engines which you can climb.

The best time for a visit is in the rainy season when the water levels rise and you can swim in the pools, but even during the hot seasons a day trip is highly recommended.

There is local bus service from town every half an hour from 6.45 a.m. - 6.00 pm, the trip takes about 2 hours.

Sai Yok Yai

Flows directly into the River Kwai, the natural beauty of the area has been celebrated in Thai literature and is one of the most famous waterfalls in Asia.

The best known caves, Tham Lawa & Tham Daowadung have impressive stalactites and stalagmites, plus if you have good eyes you might catch a glimpse of the world's smallest mammal, the hog-nosed bat which, when fully grown, reaches a weight of just two grams!

Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum

2008-11-03T00:36:00.003+07:00

Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum

The Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, co-sponsored by the Australian and Thai governments, is located on the site of the cutting and has superb interactive displays telling the story of the construction.

Visitors can walk down the valley and see the actual cutting of Hellfire Pass. Although the tracks have long since disappeared, the route of the cutting can be clearly seen.

Every year there is a ceremony at the pass to remember those who suffered, primarily aimed at the Australian POW's.

In 1992 a time capsule was buried by surviving ex-POW's and will be opened after 50 years!

Ban Kao National Museum

2008-11-01T18:59:00.000+07:00

This national museum is located 35 km from Kanchanaburi town it also overlooks the Kwai Noi River. The museum was constructed beside a Neolithic burial site discovered by an Allied Prisoner Of War during the construction of the Death Railway. About 4,000 years ago Neolithic man lived, roamed and hunted there beside the Kwai River, sheltering beneath rock overhangs or in nearby caves. The Baan Kao museum houses skeleton remains, pots, axe heads, jewellery made from animal bones and other artefact dating from that time.

Opening hours: 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Admission fee: 20 Baht
The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

KANCHANABURI (RIVER KWAI) - BUS SERVICE

2008-10-31T21:13:00.000+07:00

DESTINATIONS (Air Con.)	BUS No.	FARE (Baht)	DISTANCE (km.)	Time (hour)	Departure time
Bangkok 1^st Class (40 Seats)	9981	122	149	3	□ Kanchanaburi - Bangkok 04.00 - 19.00
					□ Bangkok - Kanchanaburi 05.30 - 22.30
					Departure every 20 mins / Take 2 hours
Bangkok 2^nd Class (47 Seats)	9918	95	149	3	□ Kanchanaburi - Bangkok 03.50 - 18.50
					□ Bangkok - Kanchanaburi 05.10 - 21.30
					Departure every 20 mins / Take 2 hours
Sangkhlaburi (V.I.P. Bus)	8203	121	220		□ Kanchanaburi - Sangkhlaburi Dep. 09.30, 13.30, 15.30
Sangkhlaburi (V.I.P. Bus)	8203	121	220		□ Sangkhlaburi - Kanchanaburi Dep. 08.45, 10.45, 14.30
Sangkhlaburi (Aircon. Van)	8203	100	220		□ Kanchanaburi - Sangkhlaburi Dep. 07.30, 11.30, 16.30
Sangkhlaburi (Aircon. Van)	8203	100	220		□ Sangkhlaburi - Kanchanaburi Dep. 06.30, 07.30, 11.30 13.30, 15.30
DESTINATION (Non-Air Con.)	BUS No.	FARE (Baht)	DISTANCE (km)		Departure Time
Bangkok	81	42	129		□ From 04.00 - 18.30 (Every 15 mins/Takes 3.5 Hrs.)
Nakhon Tathom	81	25	67		□ From 03.00 - 18.30 (Every 15 mins/Takes 1.5 Hrs.)
Ratchaburi	461	31	100		□ From 05.10 - 18.20 (Every 15 mins/Takes 2.0 Hrs.)
Suphanburi	411	30	98		□ From 05.00 - 17.45 (Every 20 mins/Takes 1.5 Hrs.)
Bo Ploy	325	18	50		□ From 06.00 - 18.30 (Every 25 mins/Takes 1.0 Hr.)
Tham Than Lod	325	28	97		□ From 06.15 - 18.30 (Every 20 mins/Takes 2.0 Hrs.) □ Bus stop at "BAAN NONG PRU" and takes MINI-BUS to the cave
Erawan Waterfall	8170	25	65		□ Kanchanaburi - Erawan From 08.00 - 17.20 (Every 50 mins/Takes 1.5 Hrs.) □ Last bus back at 16.00
Sai Yok Noi Waterfall	8203	23	60		□ Kanchanaburi - Sai Yok Noi From 06.00 - 18.30 (Every 30 mins/Takes 1 Hr.) □ Last bus back at 17.00
Sai Yok Yai Waterfall	8203	35	104		□ Kanchanaburi - Sai Yok Yai From 06.00 - 18.30 (Every 30 mins/Takes 2 Hrs.) □ Last bus back at 16.30
Thong Phaphoom	8203	50	147		□ Kanchanaburi - Thong Phapoom From 06.00 - 18.30 (Every 30 mins/Takes 3 Hrs.) □ Last bus back at 16.00
Sangkhlaburi (Take 5 hours)	8203	80	220		□ Kanchanaburi - Sangkhlaburi Dep. 06.00, 08.40, 10.20, 12.00 □ Sangkhlaburi - Kanchanaburi
Wat Tham Mung Korn Thong	8191	5	7		□ Kanchanaburi - Dan Makham Tia From 08.30 - 17.30 □ Dan Makham Tia - Kanchanaburi From 07.00 - 04.00 □ Every 30 mins/Takes20 mins (Get off on the way)
War Cemetary River Kwai Bridge	Orange Mini-Bus No.2	5	5		□ Take from the second traffic light in front of the "FOCUS OPTIC" shop From 06.00 - 19.00 □ Every 20 mins/Takes 10 mins

++ Note ++

Wat Kao Pun & Kao Pun Cave

2008-10-31T19:00:00.001+07:00

The Kao Pun Wat and the cave are located about 5 km from town at highway 3228. Some boat tours stop there for a visit. Inside the cave are several Hindu and Buddha images in some rooms. Behind the temple on the way to the river is a big Buddha located from where you can have a fantastic view of the river valley.

Jeath Museum

2008-10-31T11:16:00.000+07:00

The museum was built by a monk of Wat Chai Chumpol in the form of a replica of Allied POW's quarters in a Death Railway detention camp - a long bamboo hut with earthen floor, like a henhouse. Raised narrow bamboo bunks lining the two walls, serving as the living space.
JEATH is the acronym of the nations involved in the Death Railway construction, namely :
Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand and Holland.

On the walls are enlarged reproductions of photos taken during the railway construction and also paintings of the atrocities inflicted on the POW's. There are also collections of World war II Artifacts found in the area, including the blown-out shell of the bomb that was supposed to have downed the Bridge Over the River Kwai.

Kanchanaburi Monkey School

2008-10-31T06:59:00.001+07:00

The Kanchanaburi Monkey School trains 17 monkeys and 1 gibbon. All of the monkeys have been rescued - some were found in poor health conditions. Now they get trained to harvest coconut, dive, play basketball. Just to name few of their skills. Monkey School is located on the way to Khao Pun Cave on highway 3228 and turn left at the level crossing.

Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Admission fee: 150 THB

Thai-Burmese Railway Centre

2008-10-30T20:58:00.001+07:00

The TBRC is an interactive museum dedicated to the history of the Thailand-Burma Railway. The Death Railway runs once 415 km from Ban Pong (Thailand) to Thanbuyuzayat (Burma). The museum is located next to the Don-Rak War Cemetery.

Opening hours: daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Admission fee: 60 Baht

War Museum at the Bridge

2008-10-30T18:58:00.000+07:00

The private sector Museum that collects lots of World War II Stories, such as war instruments, photographs, uniforms, etc. It is located on the bank of Kwai River nearby the Bridge on the River Kwai. Inside the building is also an Art Gallery on 2nd and 3rd floor. The paintings on the second floor relate ancient battles between the Thais and Burmese, while third-floor murals tell Thai history and provide portraits of prime ministers and other important political figures. This private museum also features Khmer-style woodcarvings, a pair of elaborate Burmese Buddhas, and excellent paintings of Chinese deities.

Don-Rak War Cemetery

2008-10-29T18:55:00.001+07:00

This War Cemetery is also known as the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. It is located opposite Kanchanaburi's Railway Station on Saengchootoe Road. It contains the remains of 6,982 Australian, Dutch and British war prisoners who lost their lives during the construction of the Death Railway.

The River Kwai...

2008-10-29T18:45:00.001+07:00

Kanchanaburi - Us riding an elephant!
Us riding an elephant!
Wow...we only chose to go to the River Kwai as a last minute decision when booking our honeymoon holiday...I'm glad that we did! We didn't actually stay in Kanchanaburi, we were about 70 kms north on the River Kwai...in a great 'resort' there. We got to ride an elephant, pat tigers, bamboo raft down the river etc...very nice! :)

Bridge Over River Kwai and Train Ride

2008-10-29T18:44:00.000+07:00

Kanchanaburi is 129 kilometers west of Bangkok. A mountainous provice, it is the origin of Kwai Noi River and the Kwai Yai River.
This tour take you to the world's renowned Bridge on The River Kwai, was construction during World War II by prisoners of war in 1942. About 10,000 allied soldiers lost their life from huger, deseases, hard labor that the name Death Railway was given to it, The JEATH War Museum where you can see the many historic exhibits and War Cemetery which became the resting place for 6,982 Allied prisoners.

Kanchanaburi Sight-Seeing

2008-10-29T18:43:00.000+07:00




Kanchanaburi is 129 kilometers west of Bangkok.A mountainous province, The world's renowned Bridge over the River Kwai. The Death Railway was a strategic raily built between Thailand and Burma.It was 415 kms long (303 kms- in Thailand and 112 kms in Burma) and passed through the Three Pagoda pass in Sangkhlaburi District. Construction was began on September 16,1942 at Nong Pladuk,Thailand by approximately 30,000 prisoners of war from the afore mentioned countries and more than 200,000 labourers from India,China,Indonesia,Malaysia, Singapore,Burma and Thailand.of these,more than 16,000 PoW's and 100,000 labourers died of many diseases, due to stravation and lack of medical equipment.That the name "Death Railway"was given to it. It is said that the frist survey by the Japanese engineers predicted that it would take at least five years to finish this railway,but the Japanese Army forced the prisoners to complete it in only sixteen months.Thus it was completed on 25 December 1943. Don't miss to visit Tiger Temple or Wat Luangta Bua,where is the new home all animals.The buddist monk feed them,especailly the tiger,freely one a day and can be petting by tourist.

Ram Yoei or dance Yoei

2008-08-16T10:47:00.000+07:00

It is a kind of folk music play more than 500 years. This dance is always during Songkran and New Year holidays. There are male and female players is the form of a circle. The player has a turn to sing their own verses are accompanied by his players who clap their hands in rhythm. Some players take turn to dance with music from the long-drum band. Male players wear round neckshirt with loincloth on the shoulder. Female players dress in costume with Thai Sabai cloth tied around the upper part of the body. The piece is now increasingly popular in Panom Thuan district.

River Kwai bridge week

2008-08-15T10:44:00.000+07:00

This is an annual event in the province of Kanchanaburi office from late November to early December to commemorate the famous introduction of the death penalty for the railway and bridge over the River Kwai during the Second World War. Activities at the fair includes historical and archaeological exhibitions, folk shows, in government offices, the sale of products, entertainment and light and sound presentation.

The ban Nong Khao Fair

2008-08-14T10:42:00.000+07:00

Rates are usually during the Songkran festival in April in Intharam Wat. Tambon Nong Khao. Activities to promote the culture and traditions of the local villagers are pieces of sweet, cloth weaving, games, play, performances, bull races, a beauty queen competition, as well as various forms of entertainment.