Train Ride and Getting There in Kanchanaburi

Part of the Kanchanaburi travel guide — see every topic in All Kanchanaburi Guides.

Kanchanaburi is about 130 km west of Bangkok, close enough for a weekend trip. Buses and vans are fast and frequent. The slow train is the scenic choice. Beyond town, the same railway runs along the Kwae Noi river and over the Wang Pho viaduct, a wooden trestle that hugs a cliff. This guide covers all the options.

By bus or van

The quickest way from Bangkok is by bus or minivan. Buses leave often from the Southern Bus Terminal in Thonburi, from early morning to evening, and take about two to three hours. Some buses also run from the Northern Bus Terminal, called Mo Chit 2, which takes longer. The buses arrive at Kanchanaburi bus station in the middle of town. From there, a short tuk-tuk or songthaew ride takes you to the riverside guesthouses. Taxis and ride-hailing cars from Bangkok are also easy and cost more. Traffic out of Bangkok is heavy on Friday evenings and before holidays, so leave early.

The train from Bangkok

Two trains a day run from Thonburi station in Bangkok to Kanchanaburi and on to Nam Tok, at the end of the line. One leaves in the morning and one in the early afternoon. The trip to Kanchanaburi takes about two and a half hours, and the full trip to Nam Tok takes about four and a half hours. The trains have third class seats only, with fans and open windows. Foreign visitors pay a fixed fare. Tickets are sold at the station on the day. The train is slower than the bus, but it passes farms, small stations and villages. Check current times at the station or on the State Railway of Thailand website.

Over the Wang Pho viaduct

The best part of the ride is past Kanchanaburi. The train crosses the River Kwai Bridge just north of town, then runs through farmland toward the hills. Near Tham Krasae and Wang Pho stations, the line follows a long wooden trestle built against a cliff above the Kwae Noi river. This is the Wang Pho viaduct. The train slows to walking pace, and you can look down at the green river and the raft houses below. Lean out only with care. Many people get off at Tham Krasae station, walk along the track near the viaduct and the river, and catch a later train or a car back.

To the end of the line

After the viaduct, the train climbs through forest to Nam Tok station, the end of the line. The town is small, but Sai Yok Noi waterfall is only a few km away by songthaew or taxi. The train turns around at Nam Tok and returns to Kanchanaburi and Bangkok. You can ride out on the morning train and back on the afternoon train, or return by bus along Highway 323. For a short taste of the ride, many tours put you on the train for the section from the bridge to Tham Krasae, then drive you back.

Getting around

Kanchanaburi town is long and narrow, stretched along the river. Bicycles and scooters can be rented along Mae Nam Kwai Road, and riding is easy on the flat roads in town. Tuk-tuks and songthaews wait near the bus station and the train station. For Erawan Falls, take bus 8170 from the bus station. For Sai Yok, take a bus along Highway 323 or the train. For Srinakarin Lake and farther parks, there is little public transport, so hire a car with a driver or join a tour. Many guesthouses can arrange cars and tours for you.

Train Ride and Getting There at a glance

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