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Discover the natural wonders and historical sites of Sai Yok National Park, Kanchanaburi province, Thailand. Our website provides comprehensive information on must-see attractions such as Prasat Muang Singh Historical Park, Namtok Sai Yok Waterfall, and Hin Dat Hot Springs, Krasae Cave, the Hellfire Pass, as well as resources on accommodation options, tours, and transportation to help plan your visit and make the most of your experience.
Elephant Sanctuary
Right next to Kanchanaburi Town
If you are looking for a place to interact with elephants in a respectful and ethical way, you might want to consider visiting an elephant sanctuary in Sai Yok who are dedicated to providing a natural and peaceful environment for the elephants, where they can roam free, bathe in the river, and enjoy their freedom. You can join them as a visitor or a volunteer, and learn more about their history, behaviour, and needs. You will not see any riding, shows, or chains here, just love and care for these majestic animals.
- Elephant Haven Thailand: This project has brought 7 elephants to freedom and your visit will support them to provide the best possible care for their herd. You can choose from a day trip or an overnight trip, and enjoy activities such as feeding, walking, and bathing with the elephants.
KRASAE CAVE
30 minutes from Kanchanaburi
1 hour spent here
Krasae Cave is a popular tourist destination in the province of Kanchanaburi. It was once a camp for prisoners of war during World War II and is situated near the "Death Railway," a railway line that runs through Thailand and Myanmar. The railway is known for its history of being built by prisoners of war and forced laborers, under the brutal conditions of the Japanese occupation of Thailand during the war.
The cave is now a sacred Buddhist shrine, and visitors can explore the cave's interior, which features a large Buddha statue and several smaller shrines. To reach the cave, visitors must walk on a mountain trail next to the railway line. Trains run along the railway line slowly, and the train drivers continuously honk their horns to alert walkers of their presence. However, the trail can be quite high and narrow, which can be daunting for those with a fear of heights.
Visitors to Krasae Cave can learn about the history of the railway and the prisoners of war who were forced to build it. They can also take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and rivers. The cave is open to the public, and there is no admission fee. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and bring water for the walk to the cave.
PRASAT MUANG SINGH HISTORICAL PARK
10 minutes from the cave
1 hour here
People who are passionate about historical artifacts are advised to take the road that diverges from the cave, and travel a short distance to witness the remains of two ancient temples that were built in the 13th and 14th centuries during the Khmer Empire era. The Khmer Empire, located in what is now Cambodia, historically Khmur were a significant civilization in Southeast Asia, similar to the Roman Empire but several centuries later.
The Khmer people were well-known for their engineering skills as well as their harsh and oppressive practices, including slavery, which was prevalent in many countries during that period. The architectural design of these temples is similar to that of the famous Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia, and despite being situated at the opposite end of Thailand from Cambodia, they highlight the vast extent of the Khmer Empire during its peak.
The temple is built in the traditional Khmer style, with intricately carved sandstone walls and a central sanctuary.
NAMTOK SAI YOK WATERFALL
40 minutes' drive from the cave Spend the night around here
It is recommended to visit the waterfall on weekdays to avoid crowds, as weekends can get busy. If you plan to swim in the waterfall, expect to get wet, funnily enough.
Since there are no shower facilities on-site, you may need bring a towel and arrange for nearby accommodation at a hotel.
Delectable sustenance,
oh how it elevates our senses and nourishes our bodies.
Yes i mean food
The area surrounding the waterfall is an excellent place to rest and recharge due to the numerous exceptional restaurants nearby.
During our recent visit, my companions and I had a great experience at a nearby establishment called "เพลินยามเย็น&เพลินบาร์" or "Pleanbar244" in English. The food was delicious, and the bar served excellent cocktails with generous portions.
The friendly locals added to the charm of the place. The restaurant and bar are located at 88/3 M.3, Sai Yok, Thailand, 71150.
Coming here gave us the opportunity to make new friends and learn about the local culture, which enhanced our trip. It is advisable to be cautious around packs of dogs in the area and to have a designated driver or personal transportation available if possible.
HELLFIRE PASS
30 minutes' drive from the waterfall
2 hours needed here or hike all day
The walk through the national park is incredibly beautiful, but it's important to recognize that it was not enjoyed by those who built the track. The Hellfire Pass was a particularly challenging part of the railroad to construct, as workers had to break down the mountain with only hand tools and very little food. Countless people died here, either from disease or being worked to death.
It's difficult to comprehend the cruelty and hardship inflicted upon these people.
When visitors arrive at the pass, they first enter a well-built interpretive centre before embarking on a walk to the pass itself.
After the war, many POWs returned to the area, but it was initially overgrown and difficult to find. In 1994, Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating received permission from the Thai government to construct a memorial and interpretive center at the site. The Aussies have done an excellent job, treating the area with respect and dedicating it to those who suffered here. I highly recommend visiting this area over the bridge due to the people's respectful attitude towards the site.
HIN DAT HOT SPRINGS
30 minutes' drive from the Hellfire Pass
Spend the night around here
You can take a relaxing dip in the 45-55°C mineral water hot springs after a long day of walking and driving. Showers and lockers are provided, but it might be wise to book a nearby hotel first.
However, there is a small fee, and foreigners may have to pay more. While some people may not be happy about this, it's a common practice in Thailand.
The entrance fee is 60 Baht for foreigners and 20 Baht for Thais.
The hot springs are surrounded by lush green forests and are fed by geothermal energy.
Erawan Waterfalls
2 hours from Kanchanaburi
If you are looking for a refreshing and scenic escape from the city, you should definitely visit Erawan Waterfalls.
This stunning cascade of seven turquoise pools is located in Erawan National Park, about 70 km from Kanchanaburi. But it is not on the same route as other Sai Yok National Park attractions.
Nope! Erawan Waterfalls is so special that it has its own road that branches off from Highway 323. So, you have to have a separate plan for the area if you wish to come here.
Erawan waterfalls is one of the most popular attractions in Sai Yok National Park. It consists of seven tiers of cascading water, each with a different shape and beauty. The waterfalls are named after Erawan, the three-headed elephant from Hindu mythology, because some of the tiers resemble the creature's head.
Watch the journey yourself :D
YouTube Vlog
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
ACCOMMODATION
A few options for accommodation in Sai Yok National Park. The main areas to stay are:
Near the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum and has a few resorts and guesthouses.
Ban Tha Sao: This area is near the Sai Yok Yai Waterfall and has a few resorts and guesthouses.
It is recommended to book accommodation in advance as the area can get busy, especially during peak tourist season.
Agoda offers a Best Price Guarantee, which means that if you find a lower price on another website for the same room, on the same dates, at the same hotel, Agoda will either match or beat that price.
TOURS
There are several tours available in Sai Yok. Here are some popular options:
Erawan Waterfall and River Kwai Bridge Tour: This tour takes you to the famous Erawan Waterfall and the historic River Kwai Bridge. You can swim in the clear waters of the waterfall and learn about the region's history at the bridge.
Hellfire Pass Memorial and Kwai River Tour: This tour takes you to the Hellfire Pass Memorial, where you can learn about the construction of the Thailand-Burma Railway during World War II. You can also take a boat ride along the Kwai River and visit the Bridge on the River Kwai.
Elephant Sanctuary Tour: This tour takes you to an elephant sanctuary in the Sai Yok National Park, where you can interact with rescued elephants and learn about their care and conservation.
Sai Yok Noi Waterfall and Hot Spring Tour: This tour takes you to the Sai Yok Noi Waterfall and the nearby hot springs, where you can relax in the mineral-rich waters.
See many options below!
Kanchanaburi
Sai Yok National Park
Waterfalls
Hot Springs
Discover the natural beauty and rich history of western Thailand on this incredible tour. Start in Kanchanaburi, a historic town best known as the site of the Bridge on the River Kwai. Explore the local museums and visit the famous bridge, a poignant reminder of the region's role in World War II.
Next, visit Sai Yok National Park, a stunning protected area known for its lush jungle, towering cliffs, and rushing rivers. Discover hidden waterfalls, relax, and soak up the natural beauty of the region.
Sai Yok area has stunning waterfalls, where you can swim in the cool, clear waters and admire the breathtaking scenery. Take a dip in the natural hot springs and soothe your muscles in the warm, mineral-rich waters.
This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage of western Thailand. With its stunning waterfalls, lush jungle, and mineral-rich hot springs, this tour is sure to provide a memorable and rejuvenating experience. Whether you're here to pay your respects,
or a nature lover, both, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, this tour is sure to be a highlight of your travels.
NEARBY
Trips near Sai Yok
