Do you want to spend a refreshing day outside Bangkok city? Then definitely visit Kanchanaburi. A day at Kanchanaburi can provide you a very cool and calm experience. Enjoy views of amazing Erawan falls, mountains, and River Kwai and the famous bridge over it built during world war II.
How to get to Kanchaburi from Bangkok
By Bus
Bus is the recommended way if you are planning for a day trip to Kanchanaburi. Public buses to Kanchanaburi will start it’s journey from mainly two places in Bangkok. Buses depart from Sai Tai Mai terminal bus station and Mini Bus Terminal (Chatuchak) within Bangkok city to Kanchanburi. Buses are available every hour starting from 5 AM. Duration of the journey will be around 2.5 hours. You can buy your tickets at the counters at bus station directly or you can even purchase on reliable online platforms.
Cost: As of 2026, a one-way bus ticket costs from 100 Baht to 130 Baht.
Return buses are also available almost every hour from Kanchanaburi to Bangkok. The last bus departs from Kanchanaburi terminal at 7 pm.
Pro tip: There are several bus or mini-bus companies that serve Bangkok to Kanchanaburi route. As of writing, the Win Happy bus company with smiley logo does a better job. Every bus has almost similar infrastructure, but Win Happybuses leaves from the terminal on time without any delays compared to other bus companies like Kanchanaburi express and so on.
Online bus booking platform: 12go.asia/en/travel/bangkok/kanchanaburi
By Train
Trains are available only twice a day which makes it difficult for many to plan around the schedule. One train at 7.45 AM and another train at 13.55 PM, departing from Thonburi station in Bangkok. It is recommended to stay at least 1 night in Kanchanaburi to cover few important places if you take train.
Places to visit in Kanchanaburi
Erawan Waterfalls
Erawan falls is situated within the Erawan National Park with lush greenery. It is one of the popular falls in the Thailand. Falls was named after white three headed elephant Erawan in the Hindu mythology. Emerald green ponds formed due to the waterfall are treat to watch.
There are seven tiers to this beautiful waterfall. A person with a moderate level of ditness can easily go up all the way to the top without apmuch difficulty. For elderly people or people who has any difficulty in climbing, they can definitely climb up the first four tiers since they all have well maintained steps and paths. Every level of this cascading atefall offers a different dimension of this flowing beauty. There are benches at few tiers, if not atleast some place you can sit down for relaxation. So relax and enjoy the view of the waterfall before you proceed to the next tiers.
Ensure that you do not take any plastic bottles or food beyond the second tier of erawan falls. If not, you will end up paying the fine.
Erawan falls is the best way to start the exploration around Kanchanaburi. Frequent buses are available from Kanchanaburi bus terminal to Erawan. You can easily locate the bus to Erawan with the Erawan written at the front of the bus or you can ask any local in the bus terminal to locate the bus. The ticket cost is 60 Baht for the journey.
The 70km journey from Kanchanaburi to Erawan will take around 1 hour and 15 mins. As you get closer to the Erawan, you will be greated with the scenic views of mountains, forest and calm river. The natural scenary during the journey is a bonus. The bus will stop closer the foot of waterfall, which requires you to walk 500 metres or you can take a buggy cart to the foot of waterfall. If you can walk, then you should. The calmness and fresh air around the place will heal you.
Bridge over River Kwai
River Kwai bridge is another attraction you should visit if you are love a scenic river view or a hidtory buff. It stands as a testament for a sorrow tale during World war II but over a beautiful Kwai river. During world war II, Japanese forces occupied Thailand and built this railway bridge as part of huge railway network. A lot of south east asians worked on this construction and several thousands of workers and allied soldiers died due to disease, malnutrion and brutal treatments.
Kwai bridge is not too far away from the Kanchanaburi bus terminal. You can take a songthaew towards Kwai bridge by walking few minutes to the main road and get down closer to the bridge and walk to reach the Kwai bridge. Take a stroll along the bridge from one end to another and leisurely enjoy river views as well. Best time to visit would be evening or early morning to avoid Sun burning you.
If you are coming back to Kachanaburi fro mErawan by bus in the evening, get down at a bus stop closer to the Kwai bridge and walk towards it. This is the recommended way to save you time and execute your perfect iternary.
Kwai Bridge Railway Station
Kwai bridge railway station is in near proximity to the famous Kwai bridge. Take a leisurely stroll along the railway station to get greeted by few old train engines parked near the station. If you have a knack for cool old trains, then you will love this nostalgical bonus.
Where to eat
If you are around Kanchanaburi bus terminal, you can try ready to eat meals in nearby seven eleven stores. Also, there are small restaurents near the bus terminal.
Also, if hunger strikes you when you are near Erawan falls, there are plenty of shops where you can have the meals closer to the location where bus drops you at Erawan.
Is one day trip to Kanchanburi worth it?
Yes, a much calmer and nature filled Kanchanaburi deserves a visit from everyone. If you are not short on time, stay one night there and extend your visit.