Many of Bangkok’s tourist attractions are steeped in history and tradition, but it can also be interesting to learn about Thailand’s more recent history. The city of Kanchanaburi offers such an opportunity. Kanchanaburi is a small city about 125 kilometers (78 miles) west of Bangkok, known as the “Bridge on the River Kwai” city, made famous by the book and movie of the same name. The bridge is part of the Death Railway, built by prisoners of war and forced laborers during World War II. The city also has several cemeteries and museums related to World War II. The highlight is the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, which explains how the track was built and what it means to be one of the slave laborers.
Another reason to visit Kanchanaburi is to discover the province of Kanchanaburi, known for its stunning natural beauty with its many national parks, lakes, caves and waterfalls. Erawan Falls in Erawan National Park is one of the attractions of this region. We’ll tell you the best ways to travel from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi so you can get there in the way that suits you best.
Flights from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi
Many popular places in Thailand can be reached by plane from Bangkok, but not Kanchanaburi. Since it is a short distance from the Thai capital, you can only get there by car or train, as this small city does not have an airport.
Trains from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi
While it’s not the fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, many will tell you that traveling by train is the best option. You can enjoy some comfort as you watch the big city disappear and give way to the lush green landscapes of Kanchanaburi Province.
There are two trains daily, one at 7:50 AM and the other at 1:55 PM. Travel time should be 2.5 hours, but delays are common and 3 hours is typical. There are also two trains per day that run on the reverse route, from Kanchanaburi to Bangkok, departing at 7:19 and 14:48.
Trains cross the River Kwai but the bridge is about 3 km (almost 2 miles) further on the Kanchanaburi Railway so you will need to buy another ticket to go a bit further out of town if you want to cross the bridge by train You can also buy a ticket in Bangkok , which covers the whole way so you don’t have to get off the train. The end of the Death Railway is at Nam Tok, 80 kilometers (50 miles) outside the city.
Trains from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi do not depart from Bangkok Central Station, but from the small Thonburi Station, which can be a bit difficult to find. From Khao San Road, it is best to go to Phra Arthit Port, take a passenger boat and take a ferry across the river to Thonburi Station Port. From there it’s just a few minutes walk or take a minibus to the station.
Traveling by train is cheap, quite comfortable and allows you to see a lot of scenery right after leaving Bangkok. Without a doubt, this is one of the best ways to travel from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, although there are other options that might interest you.
Bus from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi
Bus on the way to Kanchanaburi © tateyama / Shutterstock, Inc.
Bangkok to Kanchanaburi buses depart from two locations in the capital: Bangkok South Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) and Mo Chit North Bus Terminal. There are first class (with bathroom and air conditioning) and second class buses. First class tickets typically cost 15% more than second class, so if your budget allows it, it’s worth spending a little more to travel more comfortably. The duration of the journey is between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the type of bus and the route taken.
Vans are slightly more expensive than trains and buses, but they also run to Kanchanaburi from the north and south bus terminals and depart frequently, making them a convenient and affordable option.
Bangkok to Kanchanaburi sightseeing minibuses
Although slightly different from the vans we mentioned above, minibuses also run between Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. If you head to one of the many travel agencies or tour operators on Khao San Road, you will find plenty of options and this is where many of the services on offer begin. If you want to keep your peace of mind, at your hotel in Bangkok you can ask them to book a van trip in your name to pick you up from the same hotel and take you back when you return.
Taxi from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi
Taxis in front of Hua Lamphong Train Station © pratan ounpitipong / Shutterstock, Inc.
A taxi from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is, as you can imagine, the most expensive option for this trip, but also the most flexible. The journey from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi takes approximately 3 hours. Traveling by taxi allows you to stop at various points of interest along the way before reaching your final destination, but be sure to let the driver know that he or she is to wait for you to continue your journey.