Kanchanaburi is one of those places in Thailand that will easily captivate you if you enjoy nature and tranquility. While it’s well-known for the Bridge over the River Kwai, this province, close to the Myanmar border, has much more to offer. Today, we’ll explain how to get from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, so you can choose the option that best suits you.
The distance between Bangkok and Kanchanaburi is about 150 kilometers, making it a relatively easy trip by land. There are three main travel options, each of which can be convenient depending on your schedule and where you’re staying in the Thai capital.
First, let’s talk about the most scenic and authentic way to reach Kanchanaburi, though it’s also the least convenient. What could be more fitting than taking a train to the city of the River Kwai?
The challenge is that there’s only a small rail line connecting Kanchanaburi with Bangkok, and technically, the departure station is not centrally located in the capital. The train is more of a tourist attraction and departs from a historic station in Thonburi (map), a somewhat remote location you will likely need to reach by taxi.
Trains depart from there at 7:50 a.m. and 1:55 p.m., with tickets priced at 100 baht for foreigners. You cannot book in advance, so you’ll need to go to the station and catch the train as if it were a local line. While it’s a charming experience, it’s not the most practical way to travel from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi.
The safest and most comfortable way to travel to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok – unlike the train, which isn’t exactly comfortable – is by bus. Fast and efficient, buses depart from the Southern Bus Terminal (map), which is not on the central side of the city but in Pinklao, close to the backpacker district of Khaosan. If you’re staying nearby, this is your best option.
You can buy tickets online, and buses run from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. The journey time will depend on traffic, but the bus ride from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi takes under three hours. The price is around four euros.
Thailand’s legendary minibuses, or vans, also make the trip to Kanchanaburi. Though compact and lacking in comfort, they offer greater flexibility. Some depart from Khaosan, but we don’t recommend them as they tend to be more expensive, and from there, it’s usually better to take the bus.
However, if you’re in another part of the city closer to the new Mochit Van Terminal (map), taking a van might be more convenient. The price and travel duration are similar to those of the bus.
In any case, once you know how to get from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, you’ll be able to enjoy one of the most fascinating cities near the Thai capital. And if none of these options work for you, you can always take a taxi. The fare will be around 70 euros at most, but if you’re traveling with friends, it could be worth the cost.
