Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi (กาญจนบุรี) is a city at the confluence of the Rivers Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai.

Kanchanaburi Halal Travel Guide

For most visitors the main sight of interest is the Bridge over the River Kwai, as the start of the infamous World War II Death Railway to Myanmar (now Myanmar), as well as the many associated museums. There is an increasingly thriving backpacker scene taking advantage of the chilled-out riverside vibe for those who want to get away from Bangkok. Kanchanaburi is also the gateway to the surrounding province of the same name. More foreign visitors are discovering why Thais know it as one of the most beautiful provinces in the nation with its easily accessible waterfalls and national parks.

Orientation

Orienting yourself in Kanchanaburi is very easy. The primary street, Saeng Chuto Road, runs the length of town from north to south, connecting the River Kwai Bridge and the train station, and the bus station. Running parallel to this, closer to the river, is Mae Nam Kwae Road where most of the guest houses and the local bar scene can be found.

• Tourist Authority of Thailand - Distributes a useful free map of the city and province.

Prominent Mosques in Kanchanaburi

While the province is not dotted with numerous mosques, a few stand out for their significance:

Kanchanaburi Central Mosque: Situated in the heart of the town, this mosque is one of the main places of worship for Muslims in the region. With its elegant design and peaceful ambiance, it serves as a spiritual sanctuary for locals and visitors alike.

Thong Pha Phum Mosque: Located further north in the Thong Pha Phum district, this mosque is another prominent place of worship. The surrounding area, with its natural beauty, adds to the serenity of the mosque.

Travel to Kanchanaburi

Travel on a Bus in Kanchanaburi

BKS public buses (line 81) leave from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Taling Chan สายใต้ตลิ่งชัน), which is far west in the suburb of Thonburi. In Kanchanaburi and there are two separate but nearby bus terminals, with 1st class buses departing from an office off Saengchuto Road, and 2nd class buses from the larger terminal one block east.

• 1st class buses leave Bangkok every 15 minutes from 05:00-22:30, take about 2 hours, and cost 180 Baht, including a bottle of water.
• 2nd class buses (new route) leave Bangkok every 20 minutes from 03:30-19:00 and take about 2 hours. Cost 130 Baht. (They now claim that there is no 2nd class bus going to Kanchanaburi, yet there is, but they charge the same price as for the 1st class bus.
• 2nd class buses (old route) leave Bangkok every 15-30 minutes from 04:00-18:00 and take about 3 hours.

There are also tourist shuttle vanes directly to/from Khao San Road, departing Kanchanaburi at 13:30 and 18:30.

There are also some buses leaving less frequently from Bangkok's Northern Mor Chit bus terminal (note: not the same as Mor Chit BTS station, and not within walking distance of it, although a standard 50 Baht motorbike taxi ride is available. It's called "Mo Chit 2"). Here are the times (approximate):

First-class bus with toilet (3 hours, 122 Baht): 06:00, 11:00, 14:30.

Second-class bus with no toilet inside (not sure about time and price, times are probably the same): 05:00, 07:00, 09:30, 12:30, 17:00.

Bus rides may be variable or cancelled (for example, with 14:30 being last of the day.) But there are vans available at the bus station leaving even when you're told there's no way to get there by bus! It may pay to talk to the information desk about this. Price is around 120 Baht, about 2 hr.

From Nakhon Pathom and there are direct buses (2nd class only) every 15 to 30 minutes between 04:00 and 18:00, which take two hours. Alternatively, you can hop off a 1st class bus when it passes by Nakhon Pathom, but double-check with staff to ensure the route allows this and they know your plans.

From Sangkhlaburi to Kanchanaburi, you're spoilt for choice:

• Air-con VIP buses leave at 08:45, 10:45, and 14:30 and take 4 hours.
• Air-con shuttle vanes leave at 06:30, 07:30, 11:30, 13:00, 15:30 and take 3.5 hours.
• Standard buses leave at 06:45, 08:15, 10:15, 13:15 and take 5 hours.

By train

Trains leave Bangkok'sThonburi Train Station at 07:45 and arrive at Kanchanaburi at 10:20, with another at 13:45, arriving at 16:35. You may be interested in buying a ticket all the way to the River Kwai Bridge, since these two trains are the only ones which cross the bridge each day. 100 Baht for foreigners (Oct 2022).

Be warned that reaching Thonburi Station from Khao San Road is harder than it looks. Tuk-tuk drivers will try to charge you outrageous rates, and walking involves crossing two bridges and looping back. The best way is probably to take the passenger boat from Phra Arthit Pier to connect with a cross-river ferry that reaches the Thonburi Railway Pier. Then walk or take the open shuttle van from there. You can also walk a bit away from Khao San Road and find a metered taxi that will not rip you off. The fare should be about 70 or 80 Baht from Khao San on the meter.

Return trains leave at 07:25 and 14:48 from the main train station. From the River Kwai Bridge they leave 6 minutes earlier. Riding 3rd class is an adventure in itself, and definitely recommended.

Both train services continue to/from Nam Tok and the current terminus of the Death Railway. The normal trains will charge "farang" (Westerners) 100 Baht in each direction from Kanchanaburi to Wang Pho and the last station before Nam Tok. Thais pay a lot less.

The 10:30 train has a special tourist section, where the Tourist price of 300 Baht gets you air-con, a soft drink, and a certificate of having ridden the Death Railway.

One of least expensive ways to get from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is to take a train from Thonburi to Ban Pong for 14 Baht (same price for Thais and foreigners) and then from Ban Pong take an air-conditioned bus to Kanchanaburi for 40 Baht, a total of 54 Baht.

By car

Kanchanaburi is about 3 hours' drive from Bangkok, via Highway 4 (Phetkasem)from Bangkok until it hooks up with Highway 323, which will take you all the way to Kanchanaburi.

You can catch a taxi to Kanchanaburi and return to Bangkok for the day for around 1,700 Baht. This should include stopping at the bridge over River Kwai and museum, Kanchanaburi township and the local dam and POW cemetery. You may need to pay a bit extra to visit Erawan Falls and the Tiger Temple, which is about an hour out of the town.

By limousine taxi

Bangkok Airport limousines are a comfortable and swift means of travel between Thailand's capitol and Kanchanaburi. Fares in luxury Japanese sedans are typically from 3,000-3,500 Baht.

Travel by minivan in Kanchanaburi

Day trips from Bangkok are commonly sold at Bangkok travel agencies. Typically and these include Toyota shuttle van transport from one's hotel to Kanchanaburi and back (visiting the famous bridge, Erawan National Park, etc., depending on the package), and perhaps lunch and entrance fees. One example: roughly 1,100 Baht for transport, lunch, entrance fees to Erawan National Park, and the famous bridge.

Get around

Kanchanaburi is just a little too stretched out to comfortably walk. Small orange and large yellow songthaews (converted pickups) cruise up and down Saeng Chuto, connecting bus station, train station, and the bridge, and charge a standard 10 Baht. Motorbike taxis and tuk-tuks are also available, with negotiable prices, and some guesthouses offer bicycle rentals. A number of places in town (mostly along Maenam Kwai Rd) rent bicycles for 50 Baht/day, or motorcycles for 150-200 Baht, depending on whether it is an automatic. In the area near good lodgings/guesthouses such as Ploy, you can rent bicycles or motorcycles from Yanee at 197 Maenumkaew Rd. Remember to ask for a map and directions to popular sights.

What to see in Kanchanaburi

World War II

Most of the sights in Kanchanaburi itself are directly related to WWII. The museums are dusty and generally not worth it, except for the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, which gives a good introduction of the Death Railway and its history. There are also two war cemeteries and the most moving of which is the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.

• Bridge over the River Kwai - Saphan Mae Nam Kwae | This iron bridge across the Kwai Yai River is the main attraction for many visitors. Immortalized in the famous movie and novel, it was a part of the infamous Death Railway to Burma, constructed by POWs working for the Japanese in hellish conditions during WWII. Some 16,000 POWs and 90,000 Asian workers (most of them enslaved) died during railway construction. The present iron bridge is the second wartime incarnation (a part of the original can be found in the War Museum), but two central box spans were rebuilt after the war to replace three sections destroyed by Allied bombing.

  You can cross the bridge on foot on the central steel-plated walkway. There are small cantilevered platforms between the spans for better views and avoiding trains. The guardrails are incomplete, so be careful with small children. Off the end of the bridge, you can feed or ride an elephant bare-back at negotiated price of 600 Baht per ride. It's reported that elephant is tethered on a short chain and has to stand in its own waste. Use your judgement.

  The bridge is still in use and there is a station right next to it. Trains run from Nam Tok (the train line's terminus) to River Kwai Bridge station (a little over 2 hours away) and then onward to Kanchanaburi and Bangkok.

  Food and souvenirs are available at the bridge.

  The walk to the bridge is not particularly pleasant (if you fancy a long walk, save it for the less crowded other side of the bridge), but songthaews (10 Baht) run along the primary street (Saeng Chuto Rd) from the centre. You'll know when to get off when you see the railway line cross the road. Then just follow the track.

• Death Railway - ทางรถไฟสายมรณะ | The strategic railway tracks began from Nong Pla Duk Station in Amphoe Ban Pong, Ratchaburi, and ran via Kanchanaburi across the Khwae Yai River, westbound to the Three Pagodas Pass, to end at Thanbuyuzayat in Myanmar. Total length in (Thai) territory was 300 km. The railway took only one year to complete, from October 1942–October 1943. After the war, some lengths of track were demolished and some submerged under the lake of Khao Laem Dam.

• Chongkai War Cemetery | A neatly maintained small cemetery 2 kilometers out of town.

• JEATH War Museum - Phíphítháphan Songkhram Wát Tâi (Wat Tai War Museum) | The acronym JEATH stands for the primary nationalities involved in the construction of the railway: Japanese, English, Australian, American, (Thai) and Holland. The free guide leaflet concludes with these salutary words, "May Peace Always Conquer Violence". Exhibits are housed in a palm hut, modeled on the type of buildings in which Death Railway POWs would have slept. Also displays a section of the first wooden bridge, recreations of the POW barracks and miscellaneous military paraphernalia. Downstairs is a somewhat incongruous exhibit of prehistoric Thailand complete with semi-erotic murals. The temple complex next door is interesting, although a cross-river boat departing from the riverside is the best attraction. The museum is time-worn, with many of the exhibits rusty or damaged by insects and the weather. Overall it is tatty and amateurish, and it may strike you as an insult to those who suffered here; far superior is the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre.

• Kanchanaburi War Cemetery - สุสานทหารสัมพันธมิตรดอนรัก - This is the final resting place of 6,982 POWs who gave their lives for the construction of the Death Railway to Myanmar. All POWs at this site are from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands and Australia. After WWII and the Allies moved all the buried POWs along the railway line to two war cemeteries in Kanchanaburi so as to be easier to maintain. The graves are set in straight lines with neatly mown lawns, and some have moving personal inscriptions. Exceptionally well maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, it is a sombre yet peaceful reminder of what happened.

• Thailand-Burma Railway Centre - Generally considered to be the best source of information regarding World War II in Thailand, railway construction and route, and the conditions endured by POWs and Asian labourers. Very moving exhibits, including video and interactive displays. A visit takes at least one hour, and probably longer if you want to read everything. Fee includes a free Coffee or Tea at upstairs cafe, where you can sit at the window bench overlooking the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. It is a good place to sit and reflect after your tour of the centre. Far superior to the JEATH War Museum.

• World War II Museum and Art Gallery | This well-signposted complex houses a bizarre collection of museums and exhibits, most of which are poorly maintained and labelled. To your left as you enter is the "War Museum", a 4 storey building encrusted with statues, which starts off with a little Burmese shrine but is mostly devoted to pre-WWII (Thai) history through the ages and is filled with wall paintings of kings and racks of rusty pistols. There are good views of the bridge from the roof of the riverside building. Above the WWII museum is the most bizarre section, housing (among other things) dusty stamp collections and a gallery with wall paintings of all Miss Thailand winners. The WWII and (old) Jeath Museum is lurking in the basement.

• Hell Fire Pass Memorial Museum - ช่องเขาขาดพิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งความทรงจำ | Established by the Australian Government, it houses a theatre and collection of photographs, equipment, and utensils used during the construction of the Death Railway.

Notable temples

• Don Chedi archaeological site
• Giant Tree
• Kuan Yum
• Wat Tham Khao Noi
• Wat Tham Khaopoon, 5 kilometers out of town (past Chongkai War Cemetery). 20 Baht entrance fee to cave complex with Buddha images.
• Wat Tham Mungkornthong
• Wat Tham Sua

Around Kanchanaburi

The area northwest of Kanchanaburi is dominated by beautiful River Kwai valleys. It is an area of great natural beauty, with a dazzling number of waterfalls, caves, lakes, and mountainous scenery. Most attractions can be visited as a day-trip from Kanchanaburi. Independent travel is feasible for most attractions, but can be a hassle as local trains and buses are slow and inflexible. If you want to see Hellfire Pass and the Erawan Falls in one day, it's almost compulsory to take one of the guided tours as there is no public bus connection between them.

• LHM Motorcycle Museum - Unusual museum owned by the Lo Heng Mong motorbike shop. In business for more than 50 years the business has kept an example of most motorcycles they have sold over that period.

• Sai Yok National Park - อุทยานแห่งชาติไทรโยค | A park since 1980, most of the area is limestone mountains with mixed deciduous forest. It is a former site of a Japanese camp during WWII as evident from traces of stoves. The park is home to the world's smallest species of bat.

• Mueang Sing Historical Park or Prasat Mueang Sing - อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์เมืองสิงห์ or ปราสาทเมืองสิงห์ | The laterite sanctuary was constructed in the late Lop Buri Period, c.11–13th centuries CE. Influenced by ancient Khmer culture, its principal tower is encircled by a laterite wall, moat, and earthen mound. It was built in a mixture of the folk school of art and Bayon-style of King Jayavarman VII's period in Cambodia.

Along the Death Railway

While most visitors see the spectacular Erawan Falls and the Sai Yok Noi Falls are more accessible, because they are on the road to Sangkhlaburi. The Sai Yok Yai Falls are further away from Kanchanaburi on the same road. But beside the falls and the national park is home to limestone caves and thermal spas (Muslim Friendly) as well. And it can easily be combined with the Hellfire Pass Memorial.

• Hellfire Pass - Only relocated in the 1980s, Konyu Cutting (known as Hellfire Pass by POWs and Asian labourers who cut and blasted through rock by hand to clear this pass for the Death Railway) has been reclaimed from the jungle as a profound war memorial funded by the Australian government. Excellent museum and self-guided walking tour facilities are available (donations welcome). Highly recommended. The descent through the jungle down to the pass (listening to oral histories through audio headsets) is a moving experience. Before leaving, take a moment to reflect at the peace lookout overlooking the beautiful Kwai Noi Valley. More challenging walking options are available. Annual Anzac Day Dawn Service are held here. 80 kilometers northwest of Kanchanaburi. For a day trip, consider taking the morning train from Kanchanaburi to Nam Tok (2.5 hr) and then samlor to the memorial (20 min); return by bus (1 hr) or afternoon train. Nam Tok to the Museum is quite a distance. It may be that your only option is a bus from the primary street, which means walking from the station to there. Songthaews may be available.

• Erawan National Park - อุทยานแห่งชาติเอราวัณ | Formerly called Khao Salop National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาสลอบ), it was proclaimed a national park on 19 June 1975, with an area of 373,735 rai (597,976,000 m²). Later, its name was changed to Erawan National Park as the highest level of the waterfall, Namtok Erawan, looks like Elephant Erawan's head.

• The Erawan Falls are contenders for the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand, and a must-see if time and budget allow. Entrance fee is 300 Baht for foreigners. The falls are composed of seven tiers, all of which are picturesque and great for swimming. Plan to spend at least two hours hiking plus the time you want to spend swimming in the falls.

• Don't come unprepared. Wear a swimsuit and bring sunblock, since you'll want to have a dip in the turquoise pools on most levels. Don't forget to bring a towel. When swimming, watch out for fish feasting on the soles of your feet. They won't hurt you and are only looking for a meal on dead skin cells, but the feeling can be disconcerting.

• Everyone can do the hike, but don't underestimate it. Good shoes will make the trip more pleasant, though flip flops are commonly worn. At the highest levels, one may have to walk through shallow water. The first four tiers are relatively close together and the walk is very straightforward. For the more adventurous and there is a large rock at the fourth tier that can be used as a water slide. Beyond the fifth tier and the hike will become slightly more difficult. The sixth and seventh tiers are not far from each other, but the paths are not well defined at this point, so be sure to look for the hard-to-spot signs. Additionally, beware of hornets at the top tier.

• Bicycles can be rented at the entrance for 20 Baht/hr, however you can only bike to the first level, which is only a 5 min walk, so they aren't really useful. Many Thais don't go further than the second level as beyond this food and beverages, except a water bottle after leaving a deposit, are not allowed.

• If you walk on the right hill side of the road leading to the park gate, rather than the road itself, you will pass nice bamboo forest and you won't be asked to pay entrance fee, since they collect it only at the toll gate if you enter by primary street.

Getting there:

• Public Transport: Public Bus 8170 leaves the Kanchanaburi bus terminal every 50-60 min between 08:00-17:20. The fare is 50 Baht and the ride takes ~90 min. If you stay far away north from the bus terminal, and you probably will, you can just walk to Saeng Chuto Road from your hotel and hail the bus there. A good spot to hail from is right next to the war cemetery. Be sure to get an early bus, since there will be fewer people at the falls and you won't have to hurry to get back. The last bus leaves for Kanchanaburi at 16:00.

• This bus is small and rudimentary and can get completely full and this can be an uncomfortable experience if you don't get a seat (if you're tall you may not be able to fully stand). For the ride back to Kanchanaburi the schedule is: 08:30, 10:00, noon, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00 (as read from sign at stop, edited 1/2018).

• Transport Tour: Tour agencies in Bangkok commonly sell a package that includes Toyota shuttle van transport from your Bangkok hotel to the falls and back, with lunch and the park entrance fee of 300 Baht included, for 1,100 Baht. The packages are generally standardised and non-negotiable in price. Some tours also include a stop at the Bridge over the River Kwai, so inquire.

• Tour packages that visitors can purchase from the nearby hotels/resorts in Kanchanaburi may include a stop to the Erawan waterfalls and other selected tourist attractions such as elephant riding, bamboo rafting, Tiger Temple and Hellfire Pass. These packages cost around 1,600 Baht and include all transportation to and from the resort, park fees, lunch and an English-speaking guide.

• Sleeping:It is feasible to spend the night in the national park, meaning you get to experience the falls without the day tripper crowds. Camping sites are available on a nice green area by the riverside. The national park rents out tents from 50-300 Baht (for the biggest). The park also rents out accessories such as sleeping bags, lanterns, and stoves for a very small amount. The lodging services office is just past the vehicle park. Bungalows are also available from 800 Baht.

• For food, try the market which is a one kilometers walk back up the road towards the highway. There it is also feasible to find cheaper Snacks, drinks or other items. Just remember to bring your park ticket with you to prove you have already paid. If staying in the park and there are also restaurants on the side of the parking lot of the park. Do note that they close around 18:00-19:00.

• Srinakarind National Park - อุทยานแห่งชาติเขื่อนศรีนครินทร์ | It was made a national park on 23 December 1981. It has an area of 953,500 rai (1,496,800,000 m²). Attractions include Tham (cave) Sawan (ถ้ำสวรรค์), Tham Neramit (ถ้ำเนรมิต), Tham Nam Mut (ถ้ำน้ำมุด), Tham Phra Prang (ถ้ำพระปรางค์), Namtok (waterfall) Huai Mae Khamin (น้ำตกห้วยแม่ขมิ้น). Another area of beautiful natural scenery is the Srinakarind Reservoir, which is right behind the Srinakarind Dam. Unfortunately and there is no public bus service here. The beginning of this waterway is called Lumnam Jone, which is the headwaters of the famous River Kwai. It has some beautiful surroundings and crystal clear water. It is hard to get to: on foot it will take a few hours walk, and by boat it takes around 5 hours from the ferry pier at Srinakarind Dam. Lumnam Jone can only be reached by one tour operator to limit the amount of visitors to the region. The trip takes two days and one night and can only be booked for the first weekend of the month. Some other interesting sights in the area are the Phra That Cave and the Huay Mae Khamin Waterfalls and the Tham Than Lot Cave. The Srinakarind Dam has a nice cafe serving mostly (Thai) Food and is open every day. The area has two main ethnic groups, Thais and Karen. There are several villages of mostly Karen people in Naasuan of Amphoe Sri Sawat. Near the amphoe is a small Monday village. Beyond Ong Sit village and off a side road is a Lao village called Jerot. The villagers originally came here to help clear the forest when the dam was built and ended up settling in the area. Although many of the Karen women do a wonderful job of weaving (sarongs, blouses, bags) and there is no local shop that sells these products. Occasionally there will be a house that will have items for sale, but they may be hard to find.

• Elephants and Friends Conservation Camp | The camp has the goal of helping mistreated, sick, and old elephants in Thailand and to give them a good home. As a visitor you will help in the daily care of the elephants, such as riding them (bare back) to the river for their bath, growing or collecting food (banana trees), or just playing with them. It's imfeasible to get there by public transport. You can get there by (rented) motorbike or arrange a pick-up from Lat Ya or Kanchanaburi. If you want to come and help and the only way to make a reservation is to call Phot Nadee and the owner, who speaks English. With him you can make an arrangement for a pick-up.

• Taweechai Elephant Camp - One of the largest elephant camps. Home to nearly 30 elephants, including one born in late-2009, Taweechai offers elephant rides, bathing with elephants (suitable for children), bamboo rafting (swimming optional) and special elephant training mahout courses. You can also buy photo frames made from elephant dung. The camp itself is well-maintained and nicely decorated. For example, it features the mounted skeleton of a 100 year old elephant. The elephants are well-treated and fed almost constantly. The camp owns large areas of nearby forest and at 16:00 the elephants leave the camp to spend the night wandering and grazing. They are given a very long chain so as not to be confined and in the mornings they are usually very dirty. Taweechai is halfway along the route from Kanchanaburi to the Erawan Falls and so can be included in a day trip to the falls. The majority of Western tourists have not yet discovered the camp as it seems to be visited almost exclusively by (Thai) and Russian eHalal Tour Groups]. It is very busy so calling ahead to book is a good idea for groups. For couples or small groups it may be feasible to turn up and ride, particularly in the low season.

Itinerary

Independent-minded travellers may wish to hire a songthaew at the bus station the day before you want to travel. It should cost between 1,500-2,000 Baht, and you tell the driver where you want to go. He will pick you up from your hotel in the morning as part of the deal and return you there afterwards.

For your day out, check out Hellfire Pass and the museum, 80 kilometers from Kachanaburi. Take a couple of hours or more there and then come back along the same road to Nam tok Saiyoknoi waterfall. Erewan Waterfall is too far away for this trip but well worth a look, and there is also an old preserved steam locomotive. From there ask to go to Wang Pho village, and make sure to get the driver to stop at a market along the way to buy bulk peanuts/bananas because you want to see "ling ling" ("ling" is (Thai) for "monkey", and the repetition means a lot of them) On the road down to Wang Pho and the driver should veer off to the left near the bottom of the winding road leading towards the River Kwai. Here there are millions of wild monkeys or at least an awful lot of them. Enjoy yourself feeding them peanuts or bananas and they are not aggressive. You can watch all the tour buses driving past this little-known attraction. However, feeding monkeys disrupts their natural feeding habits and can make them reliant on humans for food. So, it's probably better just to watch the monkeys in their natural environment.

In Wang Pho village, take time to have a look at the place. The Death Railway has a station here and the final one before Nam Tok. The villagers are friendly, and one stall does a really good fried banana. Then go to Tam Grasae, a cave a couple of kilometers distant where the railway crosses a trestle bridge built by WWII POWs. It appears to be in original condition. The River Kwai is immediately below you, and the trestle hugs the side of the cliff in skirting it. The cave itself is well worth a look. There is a tourist market here also.

On the way back, on the primary street to Kanchanaburi, depending on the time you have left and there is a temple on the way back on the right where the monks are friendly to tourists, and then the Tiger Temple on the left further along.

Events and festivals

Mineral Water and Waterfall Bathing Day (งานวันอาบน้ำแร่แช่น้ำตก); held at Hin Dat Hot Spring, at the beginning of November. In the festival and there are booths of agricultural products and tourism exhibition of Thong Pha Phum District. Visitors watching will have a chance to bathe in the Hin Dat Hot Spring and enjoy the view of Namtok Pha Tat.

Boat and Raft People's Day (งานเทศกาลชาวเรือชาวแพ); held every year at the beginning of November at Song Khwae Road near the riverside in front of the city of Kanchanaburi. Activities are folk performances, (Thai) typical music performance, academic exhibition concerning conservation of rivers and canals, water sports such as riding long-boat, speed-boat and jet-skiing.

River Kwae Bridge Week (งานสัปดาห์สะพานข้ามแม่น้ำแคว); held every year around the end of November until the beginning of December to commemorate the significance of the Death Railway and the Bridge over the Khwae River taking place in World War II. Visitors can see the historical and archaeological exhibition, folk performances, booths of products, entertaining activities, and light and sound show.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kanchanaburi

Massage

There are many massage parlours along Mae Nam Khwae Road in Kanchanaburi.

• FicusSpa - A modern day spa set amidst lush tropical gardens beside the tranquil River Kwai (next to bridge). Spa facilities consist of 16 beds with superior Muslim friendly rooms, guest showers, and trained therapists.

• Rest & Relax Massage - Comfortable and relaxing interior. Convenient location. Variety of services offered.

Tours

• Animal Safari - See tigers, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, binturongs (bearcats).

• Ikankayak - Kayaking - Guided and self-guided kayak trips in the Kanchanaburi area. Trips can be arranged from two hours to 3 days.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Kanchanaburi

• There are plenty of ATMs, with a 150–200 Baht extra charge for using foreign cards.

• Kanokarn | The first two floors are similar to a Western department store. It is sectioned off by brand and sells clothes and electrical goods. The top floor is like the shopping malls found in Bangkok or Hong Kong. It looks like an indoor market and sells phone cases and accessories, manga figurines, and VCDs.

• Night Market - Also known as JJ's | Nothing out of the ordinary, but quite good quality food as it's geared to local residents.

• River Kwai Bookshop | Thousands of new and used books, categorized for easy browsing, including author-signed titles. Books bought, sold, exchanged. Ordering service. Also 2 big roofed river rafts on River Kwai for overnight (sleep aboard or ashore), day or half-day private hire. Dinner cruise, disco, karaoke, educational field trip, just viewing, or lazing in a hammock with a good book amidst idyllic river and mountain scenery.

• River Kwai Park Market | Dozens of stalls selling tourist knick-knacks, but quite a few Thais seem to come here for jewellery shopping as well.

Department Stores & Supermarkets

• Big C Super Center - Has a big department store & supermarket with Halal food.

• Kanokkan Department Store and Supermarket - Supermarket has same prices as Tesco or Big C.

• Lotus - Large hypermarket. There is also a Tesco Express on Mae Nam Kwai Road.

Halal Restaurants in Kanchanaburi

While it may not be widely recognized as a hub for Halal cuisine, Muslim travelers and residents will be pleased to discover that there are several Halal restaurants in the area. These establishments cater to the dietary needs of Muslim diners and offer a range of delectable dishes that are prepared in accordance with Islamic dietary laws. In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey through some of the prominent Halal restaurants in Kanchanaburi.

Zubra Farm Islamic Food:

Located in Pak Phraek, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Zubra Farm Islamic Food is a popular destination for Muslim visitors seeking authentic and delicious Halal cuisine. The restaurant is situated amidst a serene farm setting, offering a unique dining experience. Zubra Farm Islamic Food specializes in a variety of (Thai) and international dishes prepared using Halal-certified ingredients. Whether you're craving traditional (Thai) Curries or flavorful grilled meats, this restaurant has something for everyone. Their commitment to quality and Halal standards has earned them a reputation as one of the go-to Halal eateries in Kanchanaburi.

Dawudcha Islam Restaurant:

Located on Sangchuto Road in Tha Ma Kham, Dawudcha Islam Restaurant is another notable Halal establishment in Kanchanaburi. The restaurant's inviting ambiance, coupled with its diverse menu, makes it a favorite among local residents and tourists alike. From mouthwatering biryanis to hearty soups and fragrant stir-fried dishes, Dawudcha Islam Restaurant offers an extensive selection of Halal options. Their friendly staff members are always ready to assist diners in choosing dishes that suit their preferences, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

Weena Roti Halal:

For those craving a taste of Malaysian cuisine, Weena Roti Halal is the place to be. Located on River Kwai Road in Ban Tai, this cozy eatery serves up a range of delicious Halal Malaysian and Indian dishes. Indulge in a variety of rotis, such as roti canai and roti telur, paired with flavorful Curries and sauces. Weena Roti Halal prides itself on its commitment to Halal trainings and delivers flavors that are sure to delight your taste buds. It's a must-visit spot for those looking to savor the vibrant and aromatic flavors of Malaysia in Kanchanaburi.

Halal Kitchen: Situated in the Ya-Erawan area of Chong Sadao, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Halal Kitchen is a hidden gem that offers a fusion of (Thai) and international Halal dishes. With a focus on using high-quality ingredients and the restaurant offers a diverse menu that includes favorites like Tom Yum soup, Pad (Thai), and delectable seafood dishes. The warm and welcoming atmosphere combined with the delectable food makes Halal Kitchen a must-visit spot for Muslim travelers and local residents alike.

In conclusion, Kanchanaburi may not be widely known for its Halal cuisine, but the province offers a range of Halal restaurants that cater to the needs of Muslim travelers and residents.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Kanchanaburi, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kanchanaburi. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Kanchanaburi and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Kanchanaburi. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Kanchanaburi. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Kanchanaburi: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Kanchanaburi.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Kanchanaburi: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Kanchanaburi, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Kanchanaburi.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Kanchanaburi, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Kanchanaburi, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Kanchanaburi and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Kanchanaburi, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Kanchanaburi, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Kanchanaburi without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kanchanaburi is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Kanchanaburi.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Kanchanaburi is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Kanchanaburi, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Kanchanaburi Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kanchanaburi

eHalal Group Kanchanaburi is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Kanchanaburi. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Kanchanaburi.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Kanchanaburi ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Kanchanaburi. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Kanchanaburi, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Kanchanaburi are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Kanchanaburi

There are lots of guesthouses, resorts and hotels available. The density increases the nearer you get to the bridge. As usual if you book in advance they will arrange a free pick up service for you. If you haven't done so yet, you should try one night in a raft room floating on the river.

• Kasem Island Resort - Fan-rafting rooms or air-con rooms with private balcony overlooking the River Kwai. An island resort on the River Kwai. Rooms for 2-3 persons.

• River Kwai Hotel - Centrally located hotel with a really good breakfast (Thai) or Western. Was once the city's fanciest hotel but now it's getting a little long in the tooth. Large swimming pool, an OK restaurant. If you want to be adventurous, better walk to the train station some 600 m distant, turn right as you leave the hotel, go around the night market, and eat there cheaply, because this is where the local residents shop and eat.

• River Kwai Jungle Rafts | Floating rooms in the heart of the jungle near Saiyok Kanchanaburi.

• Saiyok River House - Rooms are for two persons, three persons & six persons. There is a three-bedroom house for couples or a family.

• Felix River Kwai Resort - Walking distance from the bridge, just on the opposite side from the main tourist area. Nice, well-maintained facilities, with several restaurants, Internet access in the lobby, private massage parlour, air-con rooms.

• River Kwai Resort - One of the largest River Kwai resorts. You can enjoy their thermal spas (Muslim Friendly), huge ATV track, giant swimming pool, and nearby waterfall, while staying in jungle river raft houses, one of the fancier hotel rooms overlooking the river, or the top locations — poolside or river view villas.

• Pavilion Rim Kwai - Beautifully landscaped gardens on the banks of the River Kwai.

• Royal River Kwai Resort and Spa - Great views, OK breakfast, helpful staff but a distance from the town itself. Tranquil environment and twice-daily (10:30 and 14:30) shuttle service that can be booked for the entire afternoon.

• U Inchantree Resort - 26 small but well-equipped modern rooms. Luxury bed and duvet, LCD cable TV, iPod. Friendly attentive staff, restaurant and riverside terrace. Fitness room, library and free Wi-Fi. Located on a bend in the river offering views of the mountains in the distance.

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Kanchanaburi

• Bangkok — most visitors get out where they came from
• Nakhon Pathom — the world's largest stupa makes a good pitstop along the way to Bangkok
• Sangkhlaburi — last town before the Three Pagodas Pass border crossing into Myanmar
• Three Pagodas Pass — the border between Thailand and Myanmar, 4 hours away by bus

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