A review of Kanchanaburi

Doing it the cheaper way

To see the waterfalls or visit Hellfire Pass you can join one of the many tours, or you can save money and use the local transport.

Hellfire Pass: The train from Kanchanaburi to Nam Tok is pretty spectacular in parts. There are 3 a day from River Kwai Bridge station and cost 100 Baht.

6.05am, arriving 8.20am

10.45am, arriving 12.20pm

4.26pm, arriving 6.30pm.

We caught the 6.05 and our carriage was practically empty. From the station it's a fairly long walk to the main road and the bus stop, so hire a tuck tuck, which cost us 100 Baht each. The museum is free. All train info is available here www.kanchanaburi-info.com

The bus, number 8230, leaves Kanchanaburi bus station. It departsevery 30 minutes to an hour and costs 65 Baht one way. The driver and ticket inspector will tell you when to get off for the Pass. The bus back can be caught at the main road from under a yellow shelter.

Erawan falls: The bus, number 8170, leaves Kanachanaburi bus station and costs 50 Baht one way.

Kanchanaburi to Erawan Falls: 8am, 8.50am, 9.50am, 10.45am, 11.55am, 1.30pm, 3pm, 4.20pm, 5.40pm.

Erawan Falls to Kanchanaburi: 5.40am, 6.20am, 7am, 8am, 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4.30pm

Entrance to the falls is 300 Baht

 

To eat:

Kan Buri. On Maenamkwai road, this traditional Thai restaurant served up delicious meals with a few western dishes thrown in. It's on a large veranda where the friendly staff bring each table an individual fan. 

Library Cafe. We popped in to sit in a small cafe in a large library, yet things are very much in reverse. If you're looking for a refreshing drink or coffee, or indulge yourself in some delicious desserts like waffles, pancakes and ice cream, Library cafe delivers this in a cool, modern yet comfy way. A large open space with couches, high tables and a small corner with books, you can easily take a cooler from the heat in here. Also provides some savoury food alternatives. 

10 O'clock Cafe. On the top end of Maenamkwai road, although gently tucked in making it easy to miss. Once you're inside, you feel removed from the buzz of the street yet still somewhere social and thai. Menu is drawn which is super cool. Space has a lot of character, very comfortable, speedy wifi, excellent toilets. Drinks are wonderful, either hot or cold with ice. Menu is contemporary thai with a western twist, has both main meals, snacks and desserts. There are magazines, couches and tables and a lovely patio/garden outside. Staff very friendly. We even had the pleasure of listening to some live music during the afternoon!

To sleep

U Dee Room and Coffee. As well as boasting a cute little coffee shop at the front, the rooms were cheap ($15), clean, had good showers and air conditioning. More of a hotel than a backpacker hostel, though. No breakfast included, opposite a café and 10/15 minute walk each way to buzzing parts of the town. Complementary water and raisin bread given each day