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Historic Railway and National Park
3-5 days if not driving
4-6 days if driving
Kanchanaburi is a beautiful and historic province in Thailand that offers several scenic and memorable experiences for visitors. The highlight of the tour is visiting the Bridge over the River Kwai and the Death Railway, which were constructed during World War II and serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by prisoners of war. Another highlight is visiting the stunning Sai Yok National Park with hot springs and waterfalls, which boasts several scenic waterfalls, hot springs, and caves. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a memorable experience, then this is for you.
Bangkok
Kanchanaburi
Sai Yok National Park
Watch the journey yourself, before booking :D
YouTube Vlog
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
3 Transport Options
If you are planning to visit the beautiful province of Kanchanaburi and the scenic Sai Yok National Park, you have three main options to choose from: booking a tour, driving yourself, or taking the train. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your budget, preferences, and time. Here is a brief overview of each option:
- Booking a tour: This is the most convenient and hassle-free way to explore Kanchanaburi and Sai Yok. You can find many tour operators on this page that offer different packages and itineraries. A typical tour will include transportation, accommodation, meals, entrance fees, and a guide. You will also have the opportunity to visit some of the most popular attractions in the area, such as the Bridge over the River Kwai, the Death Railway Museum, the Erawan Waterfall, and the Hellfire Pass. However, booking a tour can also be more expensive and less flexible than other options. You will have to follow a fixed schedule and share your experience with other tourists. You may also miss out on some of the hidden gems and local culture that are not included in the tour.
- Driving yourself: This is the most independent and adventurous way to travel to Kanchanaburi and Sai Yok. If you plan to travel from Bangkok to your destination by car, you have the option to rent one at the airport or in Bangkok itself.
You will have the freedom to choose your own route, stop whenever you want, and explore at your own pace. You can also find many accommodation options along the way, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. However, driving yourself can also be more challenging and riskier than other options. You will need an international driving permit and a valid insurance policy. I can help with the problems. :D
Another great option is to use public transport to the town of Kanchanaburi exp: the train from Bangkok's Thonburi Station and then rent a car in Kanchanaburi, the journey after the town of Kanchanaburi is a lot more peaceful and stress-free.
- Taking the train: This is the most scenic and relaxing way to travel to Kanchanaburi and Sai Yok. You can take a train from Bangkok's Thonburi Station to Kanchanaburi Station or Nam Tok Station. The train ride will take about 3 to 5 hours, depending on the type of train and the number of stops. You will enjoy the views of the countryside, the mountains, and the river along the way. You will also experience riding on the historic Death Railway Bridge and passing through the dramatic Hellfire Pass. However, taking the train can also be more time-consuming and inconvenient than other options. You will have to check the train schedule in advance and book your tickets online or at the station. You will also have to arrange your own transportation from the station to your destination or accommodation.
Drive
If you are planning to visit Kanchanaburi and Sai Yok from Bangkok, you might want to consider renting a car for more flexibility and convenience. However, there are some things you need to know before you hit the road.
First of all, you need to have a valid international driving licence to rent a car in Thailand. You will need to apply for one in your home country before your trip. To apply for one, you will need to show your passport, your national driving licence, and two passport-sized photos to the Royal Mail or your country's equivalent.
Secondly, you need to have adequate insurance coverage for your rental car. Most car rental companies in Bangkok offer different types of insurance plans, such as collision damage waiver, theft protection, personal accident insurance, and third-party liability insurance. You should check the details and the exclusions of each plan carefully before you sign the contract. Some credit cards also offer rental car insurance benefits, so you might want to check with your card issuer as well.
Finally, you need to be prepared for the driving conditions in Thailand. The traffic in Bangkok can be very congested and chaotic, especially during rush hours. You should avoid driving in the city centre if possible and use toll roads or expressways to get out of the city faster. The driving distance from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is about 150 kilometres and it takes about 3 hours by car. The road is well-maintained and scenic.
The driving distance from Kanchanaburi to Sai Yok is about 80 kilometres and it takes about an hour by car. The road is winding and hillier, but it offers stunning views of the river and the mountains.
Renting a car can be a great way to explore Kanchanaburi and Sai Yok at your own pace. However, I don't want to sound like a bore but you need to make sure that you have the necessary documents, insurance, and driving skills to enjoy your trip safely and comfortably.
By the way, they drive on the left in Thailand. At least they are supposed to, I'm convinced many Thai people are not sure which side they are supposed to be on.
Below are economy bookings and rental cars for Bangkok. You have several options to choose from. You can compare the prices and features of different cars, but what's most important is they have their car insurance options, which solves that headache easily.
Once you are ready, go down to see where to drive and what to do!
Let's start the tour!!
Driving along Highway 4 and connecting to Highway 323 is one possible route, but I advise against it. Although the sat nav may indicate that this route is quicker, it has only two lanes on each side and there are many trucks on this route. Moreover, u-turns in Thailand are directly onto the fast lane, which can be dangerous. There are also many traffic lights that can slow down your journey. Instead, I suggest taking route 346 out of Bangkok. It is a much wider and easier road, and it takes about the same amount of time as the other route.
See what to do and where to stay in Kanchanaburi with the link below... Then come back :)
1-2 nights here
To drive from Kanchanaburi to Sai Yok by car, follow these easy directions:
- Take Route 323 (Now that road should be fine after you reach the town) And stay on that road. Thats it... So easy!
That is what I cover here but if you want to see Erawan waterfalls, you'll need to go another way A199
See what to do and where to stay in Sai Yok with the link below.
1-2 nights here
or
ages if you want to relax.
There are some really nice and relaxing resort getaways
When you're done, drive back.
You'll be able to get back to Bangkok in 1 day
Alternatively, travellers can book a private minivan or a taxi. You can use the form below to do this.
Train
One of the challenges that travellers face when visiting Kanchanaburi and Sai Yok from Bangkok is finding public transport options. Unlike other destinations, these places are not easily accessible through regular booking websites.
Instead, travellers need to use the official website of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to book their train tickets.
The website is https://www.railway.co.th/Home/Index and it has the option to change the language to English in the grey box at the top.
The train is the most scenic and affordable way to travel to Kanchanaburi and Sai Yok, as it passes through historical sites and natural attractions along the way.
The train departs from Thonburi station in Bangkok and stops at many stations including Kanchanaburi and Nam Tok, which is the waterfall in Sai Yok. The train journey takes about 4 hours and costs between 35 and 1100 baht, depending on the class of service.
Therefore, if you want to visit Kanchanaburi and Sai Yok from Bangkok, you should plan ahead and book your train tickets online using the SRT website. This way, you can enjoy a comfortable and scenic ride to these beautiful destinations.
If you are planning to take a train ride along the Death Railway line in Thailand, you might want to know some of the interesting stops along the way. Here are some of the places you can visit by getting off at different stations:
- The Kilan: This is the station for the Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park, which is a Khmer temple complex dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. The park has several ruins of brick prangs, sanctuaries, and walls that reflect the influence of Angkor Wat.
- Thamkra Sae: This is the station for the Krasae Cave, which was used by the Japanese during World War II as a camp for prisoners of war who built the railway. The cave now has a large Buddha. You can also walk on the wooden trestle bridge that curves along the cliff above the Khwae Noi River and enjoy the scenic view.
- Nam Tok: This is the station for the Sai Yok Noi waterfall, also known as Nam Tok Khao Pang. It is a beautiful cascade that attracts many Thai families for swimming and picnicking.
To see these places in more detail, you can watch my YouTube video where I show you my train journey and my visits to these attractions.
Or read about where you should go with the links below! Kanchanaburi to Sai Yok, the train line follows these areas.
Book a Tour
You decided to save yourself some hassle and book a tour for your trip to Kanchanaburi and Sai Yok. That's a smart choice since you deserve to enjoy your vacation without any stress. Let the experts handle the details and show you the best of these beautiful destinations.
To help you find the perfect tour for your budget and preferences, we have compiled a list of tours from all the major tour booking websites. You can compare the prices, ratings, itineraries, and reviews of each tour and choose the one that suits you best. Whether you want to see the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, explore the Erawan National Park, or visit the Hellfire Pass Museum, we have a tour for you. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the history, culture, and nature of Kanchanaburi and Sai Yok with a professional guide.
Scroll down through the tours and you will pick-ups in both Bangkok and Kanchanaburi!
