I will take you on a trip to Kanchanaburi – Thailand. It is one of the must see places of Thailand and just a 3 hours drive from Bangkok. It’s famous for its history and the beautiful nature that surrounds it. During the second world war the Japanese that occupied Thailand used prisoners of war to build a railway to Myanmar (Burma). More than 100.000 people lost their lives due to sickness & starvation while constructing the “death railway”.
Nowadays there are still signs of the horrible events that took place all along the railway. WWII memorials can be found at different places in Kanchanaburi as well as an impressive war cemetery. Be sure to check out the movie “The Bridge Over the River Kwai” if the above interests you.
I decided to visit Kanchanaburi because of the interesting history and the Erawan Waterfalls. I stayed there for 2 nights in May and still regret not having stayed longer. There is just so much to see and experience…
My trip in short:
I left Bangkok at noon and after a 3 hour taxi drive I arrived at my hotel in Kanchanaburi. The taxi was about 2500 Baht but it was very convenient. If you are looking for a more authentic way to travel you can also take a train or minivan. Make sure you check the train schedule well in advance though!
The hotel was nothing short of marvelous. I stayed at U Inchantree, located at the river and just a short walk from the bridge over the river Kwai. The rooms were a bit tiny but that didn’t really matter. The views and pool were amazing! I liked every second of my stay.
On the second day I went to the Erawan National Park, home to one of the coolest waterfalls in Thailand. It consists of 7 levels and it takes about a good hour to get to the highest level. The first levels are easily accessible but after the third it gets a bit harder, steps turn into rocks and walk paths become streams of water. Temperature rising? Just slide down to one of the lower levels and take a relaxing swim in one of the cool pools. It doesn’t matter who you are with or what your travel plans are. When you get the chance to visit this awesome place you have to go there! You definitely won’t regret it.
Some information & tips about the Erawan Waterfalls:
- Cost: 300 Baht
- 1,5 hours from Kanchanaburi
- Open from 08:00 till 16:00
- Get there by bus, scooter or taxi
- Wear a bikini or swim shorts
- Take a towel
- Wear hiking shoes
- Use mosquito repellent
That evening I had the best ribs ever! Whut?! in Thailand? Yes in Thailand! I also couldn’t believe it. Whether you stay at U Inchantree or any other place in Kanchanaburi, you have to visit Kee ree Tara… A restaurant close to the death railway bridge and at the river Kwai itself. The food and atmosphere were excellent.
After a good rest I resumed my journey to Koh Samui. More about that later 😉 Have you also been to Kanchanaburi? Share your thoughts below and help fellow travellers to have an amazing experience! Check out my Instagram account for more pictures!