Kanchanaburi is a beautiful historic town located 140 km west of Bangkok, known for its stunning natural landscape and historical landmarks that are associated with World War II. The city is one of the most popular day trips from the capital city of Thailand.
If you decide to stay overnight in Kanchanaburi and are looking for Where to stay, you are in the right place. In this article, I will show you the best areas, popular places, and best hotels in Kanchanaburi.
Kanchanaburi is a great base for exploring waterfalls, historical sites, and temples in the region. The most famous attractions are the Erawan Falls, Bridge on the River Kwai, Hellfire Pass, and Jeath War Museum.
You can check out more the details of top things to do, my itinerary, and getting around Kanchanaburi in these articles:
- 21 Things to Do in Kanchanaburi
- How I Spend 3-4 Days In Kanchanaburi
- Getting to and Around Kanchanaburi
Here are the main content:
My Opinion on Where to Stay in Kanchanaburi
In my opinion, Kanchanaburi Town Center is generally the most convenient location to stay in Kanchanaburi. The town center is home to all tourist amenities, the train station, night markets, and several major attractions such as the River Kwai Bridge and JEATH War Museum.
If you stay in the town center, you will be located within walking distance from a wide range of restaurants, shops, ATMs, convenient stores, and attractions. You’ll also be a short distance away from the train station and bus station, which is convenient for those traveling by train and bus.
River Kwai Road is the heart of Kanchanaburi town center. There are many affordable hotels and guest houses along the road, as well as luxury resorts on the banks of Kwai River. Some of the resorts on the river have floating rooms and villas, especially resorts on the far north of town center.
If you want to stay close to certain attractions such as Sai Yok National Park, Erawan Falls, or Elephanworld, you can also find some hotels in these areas. They are located in a quite remote area, far from Kanchanaburi town center, at least 30 km away.
My top hotel picks in Kanchanaburi:
- Budget: Good Times Resort Kanchanaburi
- Mid-range: Natee The Riverfront Hotel Kanchanaburi
- Luxury: Dheva Mantra Resort
Best areas & places to stay in Kanchanaburi
1. Kanchanaburi Town Center
Kanchanaburi Town is the most popular area to stay in Kanchanaburi. This area has high concentrations of accommodations and tourist facilities such as restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. You’ll also be close to some major historical sites, night markets, the train station, and the bus terminal.
The town center is relatively small, you can get around easily on foot. Grab, motorbike taxi, songthaews are also easily found in the town center. If you stay in this part, you can easily walk to popular attractions such as the River Khwae Bridge, Death Railway Museum, and Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.
Around 12 km to the south of the town center, you can visit amazing temples like Wat Tham Sua and Wat Ban Tham. Further away to the north, you’ll have famous sights such as Elephants World, Sai Yok National Park, and Erawan Falls.
This area is best suited for first-time visitors, and those who want within walking distance from the train stations and all tourist amenities.
1.1. South River Kwai Road
River Kwai Road is the busy area in the heart of Kanchanaburi. It is a 3 km long street, stretching from River Kwai Bridge to the Death Railway Museum. A walk from one end to the other takes around 40 minutes.
The south part of the road (closer to the train station) has a livelier atmosphere with more bars and restaurants than the north part of the road (closer to the River Kwai Bridge).
South River Kwai and its smaller alleyways are home to many hotels, guest houses, restaurants, tour agencies, and bars. It is also conveniently located within easy walking distance from the train station and the night market.
Where to stay on River Kwai Road:
Good Times Resort Kanchanaburi
This is a popular 3-star hotel centrally located on Maenam Kwai Road, close to the river and a range of restaurants and bars. It has beautiful ground with an outdoor pool, and an onsite riverside restaurant serving great food. They can help organize tours and transportation. Ideal for families and couples.
Natee The Riverfront Hotel
Natee is a 4-star mid-range riverside hotel located on a busy street with lots of restaurants and bars. It is only a 15 minute walk or short tuk tuk ride from the Railway Station.
Good base to explore the city as lots of attractions are within a short drive away including the iconic bridge, the World War II museum and Cemetery. Rooms are spacious and stylish. You can choose rooms with river views.
1.2. Near the train station and JJ Night Market
If you want easy access to the train, you can consider staying near the train station. There are several good quality guesthouses and backpacker hostels in the area south of River Kwai Road that are within walking distance to the train station.
You’ll also be within walking distance to the JJ Night Market, Death Railway Museum, War Ceremony, and Kwai River. It is also close to the bus terminal, and some local attractions such as the floating market and Wat Thewa Sangkharam.
Staying near the train station is suited for those who are traveling by train. Choosing a hotel near the station means you can walk to the hotel and save money on tuk tuk and taxi.
I, myself, stayed in a guest house close to the train station. When I arrived from Bangkok, I just walked with my suitcase to my hotel, a 10 minute walk away. I also walked to the train station at around 5.50am to get the first train to Namtok to visit the Hellfire Pass.
Staying close to the train station also means you can walk to the bus station, around a 30 minute walk to take the local bus to Erawan Falls. It is an overall good location for budget travelers.
Where to stay Near Kanchanaburi train station:
Thai Guesthouse
Thai GuestHouse is a good value for money accommodation conveniently located in a quiet area but close to the railway station and the night market. Great place for nightlife and easy access to the train. There is also a supermarket, 7-eleven, and various local restaurants within walking distance away.
Asleep Hostel
This super social hostel is a good choice for solo travelers and backpackers. It offers dorm beds with shared bathrooms and kitchen. The hostel also has a great location, easy access to all major attractions in town. It is right next to the Death Railway Museum and JJ night market.
1.3. North of River Kwai Road
This is a part of the River Kwai Road is located closer to the River Kwai Bridge and has a quieter atmosphere than the south side. It also offers a good range of affordable hotels and restaurants. It is further away from the train and bus terminal compared to the south of the road.
North of River Kwai Road is home to several attractions such as the River Kwai Bridge, World War Ii & Jeath War Museum, Concentration Camp Market, and small night market near Saphan Kwai Yai Station.
You can easily walk to Saphan Kwai Yai Station at the foot of River Kwai Bridge to take the historic train ride to Namtok, passing iconic areas such as Tham Krasae Death Railway Bridge.
Where to stay on North River Kwai Road:
U Inchantree Kanchanaburi
U Inchantree is located on Mae Nam Kwai Road, 5 minutes walk from River Kwai Bridge and a short drive from the downtown area. The hotel has well-maintained ground and beautiful river views. I recommend this place for couples and families who want a peaceful stay close to major sights.
Kanchanaburi City Hotel
This is a 3-star hotel located along the river within walking distance to The Bridge of the River Kwai and a short drive to JJ night market. They offer bicycles for guests to use for free.
1.4. Near Kanchanaburi Skywalk and Bus Terminal
This is the area south of the train station and River Kwai Road. The area has a more local vibe, and also offers easy access to the bus terminal, the Sky walk, the Saturday Walking street Night Market, and the Friday night floating market.
If you want convenient access to the bus station, you can consider staying in this area. You can wake up early and get on the 8am bus to travel to Hellfire Pass or the Erawan Falls.
The Song Kwai Road is a 1km long road running parallel with the river and has stunning views. The road is home to the sky walk and several nice restaurants at the southern part of the road offering beautiful river views.
If you stay in this part, you need to use motorbike taxi, Grab, or tuk tuk to get to the central area of kanchanaburi where there are more tourist amenities.
Here are some good hotels near Kanchanaburi Skywalk and bus station area:
V1 boutique hotel
V1 offers clean rooms and is only a 5 minute walk to Kanchanaburi bus station. From here you can easily catch a bus to Erawan Waterfalls and Hellfire Pass.
Sittisang Heritage House 1920
Sittisang House is a great base for families, located close to the river and the bus station. It offers nice and modern apartment-style accommodations. It has a great view of the Skywalk. If you can walk it is an hour walk from the iconic river bridge. Otherwise short taxi or tuk tuk ride away.
Canaan guesthouse
This guest house is great for couples and solo travelers. It is convenient for bus travelers from Bangkok or to other popular attractions in the region. The bus terminal is only a 5 minute walk away. You can catch the first bus in the morning at 8am to get to Erawan waterfall.
2. Along Kwai River North of Kanchanaburi Town Center
There are many nice hotels and resorts along Kwai Riverside both within the town center and on the outskirts. If you want to stay close to the nightlife you can choose somewhere on the river but in town, for a more secluded atmosphere, you can stay on the outskirts.
Where to stay along Kwai River:
Princess River Kwai Hotel
This is a beautiful riverside hotel located a little outside of the town, 10 minutes drive away. It offers a quiet and peaceful atmosphere with stunning river views. It has an outdoor pool overlooking the river. Ideal for families and couples who want a quiet getaway from the city center for a few days.
Royal River Kwai Resort and Spa
Royal River Kwai is a 4-star hotel located along the banks of River Kwai. It has an outdoor pool, a spa, multiple restaurants, and an onsite bar. Nice and quiet place for a relaxing stay, only 20 minute drive from the town center and its major sights.
3. Near Sai Yok National Park
Sai Yok is an area located around 70 km from downtown Kanchanaburi. This area is close to several attractions such as Sai Yok National park, Hellfire Pass, Prasat Muang Singh temple complex, and Erawan Falls. Ideal base is if you have transportation and want to close these sights.
Where to stay Near Sai Yok National Park:
River Kwai Jungle Rafts
This is a 4-star hotel set in a peaceful location on the Kwai Noi River in the heart of Sai Yok National Park. The hotel offers a floating room on the river. To get to this floating resort, you ‘ll need to take a 20 minute long tail boat ride from the Phutakian Pier. Ideal for families and couples.
You can just relax at the hotel or join various activities such as swimming, hiking, boat trips, and canoeing, as well as watch the Mon tribal performances.
Home Phutoey River Kwai Hotspring & Nature Resort
This is a 4-star mid-range hotel located along the Kwai River close to Sai Yok national Park and Hell Pass. It is surrounded by nature and offers a peaceful atmosphere. You can swim at its lakeside swimming pool or hot spring.
Hintok River Camp
Hintok River Camp is located right by the river and offers tent-style accommodations. Good base for visiting the Hellfire Pass or enjoying river activities such as kayaking or rafting.
4. Near Erawan Waterfalls
Erawan Falls is one of the top attractions in Kanchanaburi. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand that has 7 levels and is a great place for swimming and hiking.
You can choose to stay in downtown Kanchanaburi then take a day trip to Erawan Falls by local bus, organise tour, or private driver. The distance between Erawan and Kanchanaburi is around 1.5 to 2 hours driving. Otherwise, you can choose to stay in a hotel near the Falls for easier access.
See more: My Guide to Erawan Falls Kanchanaburi
Where to stay Near Erawan Falls:
Erachon Raft Resort
Erachon offers floating rooms and is a 10 minute drive to Erawan waterfalls. They have a nice swimming pool area and spacious rooms. Overall a good base for relaxation.
Lake Hill Resort
This resort is located on the bank of the river, close to Erawan Waterfall. It offers both floating rooms on the river and rooms on the hillside. This resort is popular for couples. You can kayak along the river and take trips to national parks.
Chor Ngar Thong Erawan
This is a family-run hotel located near Erawan National Park and Falls and is an hour drive from Kanchanaburi town along the riverside road. Good base for families and couples who want to be close to the Erawan Falls and enjoy river activities such as kayaking.
My personal experiences staying in Kanchanaburi
I stayed in two guest houses, located within walking distance from both the train station and the main street of Kanchanaburi, River Kwai Road.
I had to book two different hotels because I traveled in mid-November, which is peak season, and I made the reservations at the last minute when few options were available.
My recommendation is to book a hotel in advance, especially if you travel during the high season (November to April). If you do this, you will have many available options and can choose a good-priced hotel. Don’t be like me, spontaneous, and then left with hardly any options.
Thai Guesthouse
I stayed in this guest house for a couple of nights. The hotel is in a very good location, within only 10 minutes walk from the train station. This is very convenient for me when traveling by train to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok. I just walked to the hotel.
The next day, I also walked to the train station for the earliest train (at 6am) to get to Namtok to visit Sai Yok Noi Waterfall and Hellfire Pass. The hotel is also a 30 minute walk from the bus station, where I got a local bus to Erawan Falls.
Not only convenient for transport, this hotel is also located in a small alley right at the southern end of River Kwai Road, which is the main road of the town center. It was very easy to access a wide range of restaurants, bars, convenience stores, laundry shops, and ATMs.
My room was on the second floor. It is spacious, airy, and clean. My room has two single beds (last minute booking, no double bed option).
The room has all basic facilities like fans, AC, soaps, and towels. The owner and his mother were very friendly and helped with all questions about Kanchanaburi and how to get around.
I forgot to mention that the hotel is also close to the JJ night market. I always had dinner at the night market because it’s cheaper than the restaurants on the main road, and the quality is just as good.
A walk to another northern end of the River Kwai Road to visit the River Kwai Bridge is only around 40 minutes. You can use Grab Bikes for only 30-50 baht.
Siam Guesthouse
As the Thai Guesthouse was fully booked, I booked another night at Siam Guesthouse, located right next to it. These are brothers. It was a smooth move, just a couple of minutes moving the suitcase to the new hotel.
Siam Guesthouse has a central location, in the middle of Kanchanaburi. It is within walking distance to the train station, bus station, night markets, and several historical attractions like museum, War Cemetery, and the River Kwai Bridge. All tourist amenities are also easily accessible.
My room was spacious and clean with a double bed, fridge, table, chair, and hangers to dry the clothes. I preferred a room in a Thai guesthouse because it was more airy. The owner was friendly and helped me book a van ticket to Ayutthaya. Overall, a good base in Kanchanaburi.
In conclusion, Kanchanaburi Town Center is the most popular area to stay for Kanchanaburi for first-timer visitors and those who want to be in the heart of the action and close to all tourist amenities. They are train stations, bus stations, restaurants, shops, bars, and historical sites.
See more: Where to Stay in Thailand
The town center is home to many affordable guest houses and backpacker hostels. You can find some riverside resort-style accommodations along the river both in town center and on the outskirts. If you don’t plan to rent a motorbike, the town center might be the best base in Kanchanaburi.