Another destination we visited recently is Kanchanaburi, one of Thailand’s largest province, located in the western region of the country, about 130 kms from Bangkok. Although not very far, it takes a fair bit of time to get there. There are no direct highways there so you have to go through towns and cities, so it takes about 3 to 5 hours. However, having said that, the trip is so worth it!

Kanchanaburi can only be described as a lush green, tropical land that boasts some seriously stunning landscape. Evergreen forests, farmlands, dizzying valleys, dazzling waterfalls, rivers, and an illustrious history from World War II are just some of the things that attracts tourists from around the world.

So what made us decide to take the trip? When I was in highschool I remember going there on a school trip but I needed to revive my memories. Also Kanika hadn’t been there ever and I kept seeing posts on Instagram of Erawan waterfalls, which I really wanted to see in person. So off we went on our well-anticipated weekend trip to Kanchanaburi.

Where we Stayed

In the first weekend of September we booked ourselves a one night stay at Dheva Mantra Resort & Spa. Why just one night? Well, Friday I had work and had to be back by Sunday evening but to be honest, Kanchanaburi deserves at least two nights.

After 3 long grueling hours in a van, we finally reached our resort. It was a very peaceful, quaint and beautiful establishment – cream, off-white walls that breathed colonial design. It was a refreshing change from our usual stays when we visit island resorts and city hotels. Upon investigation, we found out that this place was fairly new. At first it looked it had been here for at least a decade – not that in the way it was falling apart – but you just don’t see architecture like these anymore.

The resort faced a calm river and between the two, laid a gigantic pool. Surrounding it were highly spacious rooms with large balconies. For the price for a one night stay (approximately 3,000 Baht), it was a real value for money. Usually in Bangkok, for that price, it doesn’t even get you a balcony at most hotels or resorts.

Trip to the National Parks

After unpacking and having a quick lunch at the resort, we made our way to what we came to Kanchanaburi for – the Erawan national park. We told the driver to take us to the waterfall. It was a 45 minute drive away so we took a nap. When we reached, I noticed that this can’t be it. The sign read Sai Yok national park. We were meant to go to Erawan!

I told the driver that we wanted to go there instead and at first he was reluctant to take us but then he agreed. Before leaving, we decided why not just see the waterfall at Sai Yok as well. Well, it wasn’t much to see.

Disappointed, we quickly made our way back to the van and drove off to Erawan. After another 45 minutes, we had reached to our intended destination.

Now we’re talking! Although we had to pay 300 Baht each (for foreigners only), we hiked our way to the first of seven tier waterfalls. Since we arrived so late and closing time was in about 1.5 hours, they didn’t let us go to the higher levels (past the 3rd tier). Disappointed again. However, luckily enough most of the action and the pictures I had seen over the past few months was of the 3rd tier waterfall.

In minutes, I had undressed to my shorts and decided to jump in the pond and climb up the waterfall rocks. Little did I know there were these fish inside that nibble at your feet. It felt strange. I thought they were biting me but they were just cleaning the dirt off my feet. I dove in and swam towards the waterfall, hoping the fish wouldn’t come nibble at me in the murky water (which I expected to be more clear and blue like in the pictures).

What a rejuvenating feeling! It almost felt like the water had some healing powers as all my stress and worries were washed away.

After about half an hour of taking photos and staying under the cooling waterfall, we made our way back to the van where the driver mentioned to us that there was still time to visit another location in the park but it was another 10 minutes away. We were up for it for sure!

He took us further up the mountain to one of the most picturesque views I have seen in my entire life!

Ladies and gentlemen – the Srinagarindra reservoir dam.

It was like a different country here. I never know Thailand could have a place or view like this. It was as if I was on a movie set of Lord of the Rings or something. The waterfall was something I had been looking forward to for months but this view of the dam was the icing, whip cream and chocolate syrup on the cake.

Downtown kanchanaburi has these roads that are named after countries of the world. While exploring we decided to stop at Korea road as we caught sight of a restaurant called THE RESORT (misleading name isn’t it?) that resembled a lot like some of the restaurants we find in Bangkok that cater to young Thai working professionals and college students.

This was clearly a very happening place and the food was very good at reasonable price so we sat here and enjoyed some drinks alongside our meal.

Other things to do in Kanchanaburi (from Wiki)

Since we only had one night, we didn’t get to explore everything the province has to offer but here are some things we found online that might interest you:

Memorials and scars of World War II are etched into the history of Kanchanaburi. Visit locations such as the Bridge over the River Kwai or the Hellfire Pass. Because we were on such a short trip and made the national park our top priority, we missed this and many other parts of Kanchanaburi.

Star gazing can be done at the Kirdkao Observatory where one can gain knowledge about stars and nature.

Forest trekking is one of many popular things to do here together with riding elephants (which we don’t condone and never done ourselves).

Mountain biking is very common in the province as you can ride up and down valleys, mountains and alongside the river.

Rafting, canoeing and whitewater rafting are also very common in Kanchanaburi. If we had more time, I really wanted to visit the waterpark at Lake Heaven Resort. Next time. If you’re into water sports, I recommend going there.

Bird watching In Kanchanaburi bird-watching can be done at many national parks such as Khao Namphu Wildlife Conservation Promotion and Development Station, around Kroeng Krawia Swamp, Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary and Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary.

Lots sightseeing, waterfalls, national parks, nightlife and tourist attractions makes Kanchanaburi an amazing destination to visit at least once when you’re in Thailand. Certainly it deserves not 1 not 2 but perhaps 3 short trips. Alternatively you could also fit it all in if you stay here for a week to really experience Kanchanaburi to its fullest.