One of our favorite mountain escapes from Bangkok with our kids is heading west to Kanchanaburi. Whether your family is a nature lover, history buff, cultural enthusiast, adventurist or foodie, going to Kanchanaburi with kids will check off all these boxes!
Kanchanaburi is about a 3-4 hour drive or train ride from Bangkok, so it is a popular weekend trip for locals (like our family). However, we believe an ideal trip to Kanchanaburi would be 3-5 days to really get to experience all the highlights of this beautiful mountain town. In this Kanchanaburi with Kids itinerary, we’ll share where to go each day, how to get there, what’s fun for the kids, where to eat, and about how much each place costs.
Contents
Day 1 : Kanchanaburi with Kids
Morning: Travel to Kanchanaburi
Obviously Day 1 of this trip from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi with Kids, you’ll need to first get there. If you’re up for an adventure, I’d highly recommend taking the open-air train. But if you like more creature comforts, like a/c and not wooden seats, then renting a car or hiring a private van are your best bet.
HOW TO GET TO KANCHANABURI FROM BANGKOK:
- Rent a Car to Kanchanaburi – If you’re brave enough to drive in a foreign country and on the left side, then I’d highly recommend renting a car to get to Kanchanaburi with kids. A rental car would give your family the most flexibility to explore wherever you want to go at whatever time you want to go. The price is about $60 USD/day plus gas. You can book a Car Rental in Bangkok here.
- Take a Train to Kanchanaburi – If you’re up for an adventure and flexible on time, then I’d recommend taking the open-air train from Bangkok Thonburi Train Station to Kanchanaburi. The cost is only about $3 USD per person, but there are only 2 departure times. It takes about 3 hours to the Saphan Kwae Yai Train Station (where the River Kwai Bridge is) or 5 hours to the Nam Tok Train Station (where the Sai Yok Noi Waterfall is). Here’s the timetables.
***Note: if you do decide to take the train, then I’d recommend staying right next to one of the Kanchanaburi ‘train stations’ like the Suan Sai Yok Resort with its quiant A-frame cabins right on the river. The Modeva Hotel Kanchanaburi is another good choice because of it’s kid-friendly vibes. The Modeva is just a 15 minute walk from the River Kwai Train Station.
- By Bus to Kanchanaburi – If you’re on a tight budget, but you prefer to have an air-conditioned ride with more departure time options, then a bus would be a good fit. You would leave from the ‘Sai Tai Mai Bus Terminal,’ which is quite far from Central Bangkok. The bus ride is about $4 per seat with kids being free if they sit with you. Once you arrive in Kanchanaburi, you can hire a Song Taew truck taxi from the bus station to take you to your hotel or next destination. It’s about 100-300 baht each way. Sometimes the Grab app or Bolt app will have available drivers as well.
- By Private Transfer to Kanchanaburi : Another good option to get to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok is to hire a private van, car, or SUV to take you. You can hire them for just one way or round trip. Here is where you can book a one-way private car, SUV, or van transfer from $69 USD. I like that you can add additional stops along the way for $6.95 more each stop. A very reasonable price and has good reviews.
- By Private Car or Van Hire to Kanchanaburi – If budget is not a factor, then I would highly recommend booking a private taxi or van for the entire trip. It’s about $125/day. They usually just sleep in a guesthouse nearby. This Private Car or Van Hire from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi includes the driver for 12 hours each day for 5 days for $632 USD. What a great deal!
Afternoon: The Ugly Duckling Learning Farm
If you chose to rent a car or hire a private driver, we recommend stopping at the The Ugly Duckling Learning Farm for lunch on the way to Kanchanaburi with kids. Our gang really enjoyed our time here on the playground, feeding the farm animals and sitting in our own little bamboo hut overlooking the rice fields for lunch.
Highlights:
- Small playground with swings, a slide, and merry-go-round
- Kids can feed the farm animals like the goats, chickens, pigs, geese, bunnies, or water buffalo
- Kids can explore around the rice fields by walking above them on a floating wooden walkway
- Eat an authentic Thai meal in a thatched bamboo hut right next to the rice fields
- Wood-fired pizza was a great choice for our kids while we enjoyed Tham Yum Goong soup and a whole steamed fish stuffed with Thai herbs
Late Afternoon-Night: Enjoy Walking the River Kwai Bridge
Most hotels, resorts and AirBNBs in Thailand have a check-in time of 2-3pm, so we usually try to arrive around that time to make the most of our stay. We like to get settled in, unpack, and explore the resort for a bit. The Princess River Kwai Hotel would be our recommendation of a great family-friendly place to stay within a 10 minute drive to the River Khwae Bridge, yet tucked away in the mountains and right on the river. The resort can help you book a taxi from the train station or into town for just 200 baht each way (about $6 USD).
After getting checked-in, I recommend heading over to visit the famous River Khwae Bridge. This historic bridge was built by prisoners of war during World War II when the Japanese invaded Thailand for a short time period.
- Walk over the bridge
- Stand on the viewpoint area in the middle of the bridge as a train is passing by. Check the timetables here.
- Walk over to the JEATH War Museum to learn a bit about the World War II history of the bridge and area.
- Go souvenir shopping
- Eat dinner at the Goodway Restaurant under the shade of a bamboo thatched roof and right there on the river and under the bridge. The sunset view is quite nice. Try the seafood salad with wide noodles or the fried snapper with mango salad. You can’t go wrong with chicken fried rice for the kids.
Day 2 : Kanchanaburi with Kids
Morning-Afternoon: Erawan Waterfalls
One of the best day trips in Kanchanaburi with kids is exploring the famous Erawan Waterfalls with it’s 7 levels of waterfalls and many swimming holes.
- If you like hiking, I’d recommend exploring all the way up to the top level 7 where there is a nice view and a cave. The hike up is actually not too strenuous, but there are a few steep parts and a couple slippery areas after Level 4. We did take our 2 year old all the way up one year. Although, we needed to carry her most of the time just because it’s a lot of walking.
- If you don’t like hiking, then I’d recommend just going up to Level 4 of the Falls, which levels 1-4 are pretty close to each other.
- You can swim up to and stand on a rock right under the falls at level 3.
- Level 4 has a cool rock that you can slide right into the water.
- Jump in and cool off in the different swimming holes at each level (except level 6 doesn’t have any). The water is quite clear.
- At Level 5, let your feet dangle in the water to get a little foot fish spa where the little fish nibble all the dead skin right off your feet. I lasted about 3 seconds! Ahhh!
COST: 300 baht (about $9 USD)
TIPS:
- Bring plenty of water and snacks to last you a few hours. There are also a few Thai restaurants outside the entrance. You could also stop at a 7/11 beforehand to buy sandwiches and chips so that you could have a picnic beside the falls.
- Bring a life jacket or swim floaties for the little kids. Adults are also required to wear a life jacket if swimming, so don’t forget to rent one for 20 baht (about $.50 cents) at Level 1.
- Bring mosquito spray.
- Bring a towel, travel shampoo, and a change of clothes to shower there after all that hiking and swimming.
- If you don’t want the little fish to nibble your foot, keep swimming or being active and they’ll leave you alone.
Night: Dinner at Baan Tonn Nam Restaurant
After enjoying a fun day exploring and hiking at the Erawan Waterfalls, you’ll have worked up a big appetite. Baan Tonn Nam Restaurant is the perfect place to grab dinner before heading back to your hotel. You’ll feel like you’re eating at a nice, modern restaurant right in the middle of a tropical rainforest with hanging lanterns and string lights. The nighttime vibe is really special. I recommend the vegetable stir-fry, the shrimp and broccoli, and the hot and spicy lemongrass soup for the adults. My kids enjoy the Thai style omelet over rice.
Day 3 : Kanchanaburi with Kids
Day 3 of this 5 day trip to Kanchanaburi with kids will have you exploring in the most adventurous ways!
Morning: Explore on ATVs or a Mountain Buggy
Explore the mountains from a different vantage point by taking the kids for an ATV ride or on a Mountain Buggy.
- Zoom up into the mountains and around the river
- Helmets included.
- Of course, ride at your own risk.
COST: 500 baht/ATV + 150/kid riding with an adult ($14 USD + $4.50 USD)
Afternoon: Ride a Bamboo Raft
- Such a scenic ride on a long bamboo raft down the river and through the mountains.
- We took our 9 month old and 2 year old (we had brought their swim jackets with us). The raft went slowly down the river.
- This truly made for the most epic holiday experience!
- Of course, ride at your own risk.
TIPS:
- Bring your own child’s life jackets or swim floaties with you.
- Bring water and snacks.
- Wear sunblock.
- If you want to stay right on the river, like literally in a luxurious floating wooden house, then The Float House River Kwai will ensure your family has the most memorable trip to Kanchanaburi with kids. They’d also be happy to set up this bamboo raft and ATV adventure into the mountains for you.
- You can do both these tours with CDR Adventure who has great customer service, lots of 5 star reviews, and many different kinds of tours available such as kayaking, mountain biking, or even bathing with elephants.
Day 4 : Kanchanaburi with Kids
Day 4 of this 5 day trip to Kanchanaburi with kids will have you checking off that once in a lifetime bucket list item of bathing with elephants.
Morning-Afternoon: Elephant Daycare
- Get up close and personal with one of the most majestic animals in the world: elephants!
- Help gather and prepare their food.
- Soak them in mud and then give these gentle giants a bucket bath in the river.
- The local staff will educate you on the elephant’s daily habits such as sleeping, eating, and playing. They will also share about the history of this elephant sanctuary, and all they do to care for the elephants.
- You can even spend the night in a cozy hut next to the elephants!
- What a wonderful way to support the survival of these majestic animals!
- Elephant Daycare is truly one of those once in a lifetime activities that you and your family will never forget!
COST:
$63 USD/adult
$46/child aged 4-11
Includes: lunch, drinks, and hotel pick-up
TIPS:
- Bring sunblock.
- Bring a towel and change of clothes.
Night: Dinner at River Romance Restaurant
- Enjoy another authentic Thai meal under twinkling lights and next to the river.
- This restaurant is not far from the Elephant World.
TIPS:
- Call in advance and request to sit at a table on the raft on the river.
- Our kids like the ‘Thom Jud’ soup with clear glass noodles, egg tofu jelly looking thing, seaweed, and cabbage.
- The service is quite slow, so make sure to go earlier in the evening if possible.
Day 5 : Kanchanaburi with Kids
The final day of this family getaway from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi with kids will be full of culture, history, and even some adventure.
This was actually our family’s favorite activity in Kanchanaburi. So if you only have 2-3 days in Kanchanaburi, I’d personally do 1. Erawan Falls and 2. the train ride to this Saphan Tham Krasae Railway Bridge Station to/from the River Kwai Bridge Station.
Morning: Walk the Saphan Tham Krasae Railway Bridge
- Our family really enjoyed walking along the top of the railroad tracks on the wooden bridge that was made by the POWs during World War II.
- We actually took the train there from the Nam Tok train station and got off at the Lumsum Station (in order to ride the train across the bridge). Then, we walked back towards the Saphan Tham Krasae train station.
- On the way there, you can walk inside the Krasae cave. It’s not very deep and has high ceilings.
- Enjoy watching the kayakers and bamboo rafts float down the river too.
- This is a way to truly experience history and be able to share with your kids about the story behind the Death Railway and how POWs were forced to build it with meager rations and under cruel leadership.
COST: Train ticket was 107 baht/person ($3 USD)
TIPS:
- There is a little market with food, drinks and souvenirs at the Saphan Tham Krasae station. Go to the very end of that ‘market street’ for the best Thai Noodle Soup shop and Coconut smoothies.
- Remember to check the train timetables.
- Since the trains do not run very frequently, you can also hire a taxi to pick you up from the bridge and take you back to the Nam Tok Station for 500 baht (about $14 USD).
Lunch/Early Afternoon: Visit Hellfire Pass Interpretive Center
- Continue the history lesson in Kanchanaburi with your children at the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Center. This interactive ‘museum’ and memorial center was well-made and well-thought out and recognizes the prisoners of war who died building the ‘Death Railway.’
- All signs and explanations are in English.
- Hike to the Konyu Cutting.
- The short route is about 600 meters. It is not a hard walk, but there are quite a bit of stairs.
- The long route is about a 3 hour round-trip trek.
- There are several resting benches along the way.
COST: FREE
TIPS:
- If you would like to take the long trek, you have to register with the center. They will give you a walkie talkie to check-in with you once per hour.
- They also have an audio guide you can borrow for free.
- Remember to take lots of water and some snacks.
- Near the parking lot, there are some cafes, food shops, and a burger stall.
Late Afternoon: Splash around at the ‘Sticky Waterfalls’
- Our 3 girls loved walking up and down the sticky waterfalls, that aren’t slippery, at the Sai Yok Noi Waterfalls
- Walk up the stairs carved out of the waterfalls
- Take a swim in the wading area under the falls
- Have a Thai-style picnic where the restaurant brings you a bamboo mat and a menu.
- Recommended: Papaya Salad, Laarb Chicken Salad, Nam Thok grilled pork, and sticky rice. The kids liked the grilled pork and grilled chicken.
- For one of our trips to Kanchanaburi with kids, our family actually stayed in this budget-friendly hotel called Petchamaneekan Beach Resort in the Mountains that was not too far away from the Hellfire Interpretive Center and the Sticky Waterfalls. We enjoyed the swimming pool and breakfast area that both overlooked the beautiful and famous River Khwae. The kids also liked swinging and playing in the sand at the man-made beach on the river too.
TIPS:
- The waterfalls closes at 5pm.
- There are quite a few food stalls, souvenir shops, and restaurants right there near the falls.
- The bathrooms are pretty horrible, and you have to pay to use them.
- We did also pay to shower, which also was a terrible experience.
Other Activities Worth Doing in Kanchanaburi with Kids
Mallika City Kanchanaburi takes you back in time to experience the Siamese culture from 100s of years ago.
- Wear the traditional Thai clothes as you walk through the ancient streets
- Climb the watch tower for an epic view
- Take a try grinding rice into flour (with a log)
- Try your hand at the traditional basket weaving
- Use the ancient coins to buy souvenirs and local treats
- Enjoy Thailand’s famous boat noodles from the floating market
- Truly a fun way for your family to experience the architecture, fashion, food, culture, and traditions of the Thai people
COST: Only $5.99 if bought in advance from Klook
Safari Park gets you up close and personal with some exotic animals at this open zoo and safari park.
- Visit this rescue park for monkeys, elephants, giraffes, lions, tigers, and sebras.
- Ride a jeep through this Safari park.
- Have a chance to feed the giraffes, zebras, camels, and deer.
COST: 300 baht (about $9 USD) at the gate
Treetop Adventure is perfect for those adrenaline junkies in your family.
- More than 40 exciting stations to climb through, swing on, or rope across
- Soar through the forest and zip line over the whole lake
- Be challenged with activities high up in the tree tops
- Sky bike through the jungle
- Experience the local wildlife — maybe even monkeys!
- Includes free refreshments and hotel transfer service
COST: $28 USD/person
Comment below with which activity in Kanchanaburi you’d like to add to your family bucket list:
Where to Stay in Kanchanaburi with Kids
Our family usually opts to stay in a hotel or resort when traveling to Kanchanaburi with kids. In other countries around the world and especially in the USA, we stay in AirBNBs. However, hotels and resorts give you a much better bang for your buck here in Thailand. You’ll have amenities like swimming pools and kids clubs, you’ll have staff that can help you with any travel tips or concerns you might have, and you’ll also have a great breakfast to wake up to! What mom wants to go searching for eggs or cereal in a foreign country?
Most Unique Places to Stay in Kanchanaburi with Kids:
- Stay in your own private, floating villa right on top of the river
- A spacious home with 3 bedrooms, 3 living rooms, and 2 bathrooms
- Enjoy Breakfast and Dinner out on the deck — both are included!
- Enjoy a complementary boat ride on the River Khwae
- Other activities you could enjoy: BBQing, paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking, and fishing
- Car rental, taxi service, and airport pick-up can be arranged for an extra charge
- Stay inside a beautifully renovated train carriage
- Stunning mountain and lake views
- Have a BBQ under the stars (the hotel can provide the food to BBQ with 2 different options to order)
- The suites can sleep 4, have a claw foot tub with a view, and a small kitchen.
- Breakfast
- Bike around and have a picnic in the picturesque, tranquil setting
- Airport shuttle services available
- Be aware that it is in a very remote area, so it is best if you have a car and also bring extra snacks.
Luxury Places to Stay in Kanchanaburi:
The Float House River Kwai 11,770 THB/night (about $336 USD) for a floating villa
- If rustic luxury in the middle of the mountains and right on the river, then this is your perfect escape!
- I recommend staying here if you have older kids who are good swimmers since you are literally on top of the river.
- A large 89 square meter floating villa
- Private deck with porch swing right on the river
- Both breakfast AND dinner are included in this rate
- Mountain Bikes available
- Can ride down the river in a long tail boat or on a bamboo raft
- Modern, luxurious pool villa
- 2 contemporary style bedrooms, a lux living room and kitchen
- Indoor-outdoor infinity pool overlooking the river
- Large floor to ceiling windows overlooking the river
- Free Kayak or SUP board
- Spacious deck with comfortable loungers to enjoy the sunset
- Special touches like a Marshall speaker and L’Occitane shampoo and conditioner
- Large soaking tub
- Star gazing from the rooftop beds
- Breakfast and dinner were exceptional quality!
Mid-Range Places to Stay in Kanchanaburi:
Princess River Kwai Hotel about 2500 THB (about $70 USD)
- Tucked away in a peaceful mountain retreat
- Simple, yet spacious rooms
- Lovely swimming pool overlooking the river
- Bicycles available
- Great breakfast buffet
- Nice restaurant on-site for lunch and dinner
- About a 10-15 minute drive to the River Kwai Bridge or 1 hour from Erawan Falls
- The reception can help book taxis for you to/from the resort (about 200-300 baht ($6-9 USD) to go into town)
The Modeva Hotel Kanchanaburi about 2900 THB/night (about $83 USD) with 2 kids in a family suite
- Separate bedroom with a queen bed, twin bed, and baby cot as well as a living room area
- Nice swimming pool and garden area with playground
- Just a 15 minute walk from the River Kwae Bridge and Train Station, so it’s a good option to stay here if your family is coming by train
- Can book tours here easily
- No breakfast available, but the 7-11 is a 2 minute walk away or Cinnamon Coffee is a great brunch spot that’s just a 10 minute walk away
Budget Friendly Places to Stay in Kanchanaburi:
Petchamaneekan Beach Resort in the Mountains Only 1250 THB/night (about $35 USD)
- Beautiful mountain and river views everywhere
- Nice, peaceful getaway
- A large standard room (no frills here) with a king bed and a lounging chair that can easily sleep 1 child
- No extra beds are available here, so if you have more than 1 child, simply book 2 rooms with a connecting door (that’s what we did!)
- It’s called a ‘beach resort’ because it has a nice sandy beach right on the river, which is great for building sand castles, dipping your feet in the water, or fishing alongside the banks
- Nice swimming pool overlooking the mountains
- 4 large swings overlooking the river and mountains
- A tennis court (or pickleball court!) and ping pong table
- We rode the bamboo raft down the river which was soooo fun (even with our 1 and 3 year old it still felt safe since we had brought their swimming floaties)!
- Simple Western style breakfast with white bread, sunny-side up eggs, ham, hot dogs, and watermelon or you could also choose the Thai rice porridge for breakfast. It also came with tea, coffee, and juice.
- Small convenience store on-site with snacks, drinks, toothbrushes, etc.
- Near Hellfire Pass and not far from Sai Yok Noi Waterfalls
Hey there, we're Brittany and Witt!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you buy something through them, we may earn a small commission. But at no extra cost to you!
This helps enable us to keep sharing helpful travel content. Thank you for your support!
Best Beaches in Thailand: Railay Beach, Krabi Travel Guide with
One of the Best Beaches in Thailand is Railay Beach Krabi After traveling to more
The 9 must-visit attractions in Bangkok with kids
These are the 9 must-visit attractions in Bangkok (plus 1 hidden gem that only the locals know about!).
This list includes the most kid-friendly temples to visit in Bangkok plus other child-friendly activities at each of these must-visit tourist attractions in Thailand.