Kanchanaburi’s most popular attraction might be the River Kwai Bridge but what some people don’t know is that there are many beautiful temples in Kanchanaburi that are also worth visiting.
I was pleasantly surprised by the Kanchanaburi temples not only because of their fascinating architecture but also because they offer some of the most breathtaking panoramic views.
Think colorful temples perched atop hills overlooking verdant rice fields and tranquil rivers, caves shrines etched into the cliffs that can only be reached by walking through a “dragon mouth”, or underground caves with colorful lights guiding the way!
So if you’re keen to visit, here are the best temples in Kanchanaburi Thailand.
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Must-Visit Temples in Kanchanaburi Thailand
Since most of the temples in Kanchanaburi are quite spread out, the best way to visit them is to hire a private songthaew which should cost around 800 baht for the whole day.
Alternatively, those on a budget can instead hire a motorbike but make sure you have the appropriate motorbike license and IDP.
Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple)
One of the best Kanchanaburi temples to visit is Wat Tham Suea, also known as the Tiger Cave Temple in Kanchanaburi.
Unlike the Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi where you have to climb 1,200+ steps, the one in Kanchanaburi doesn’t require that much effort to get to.
You can take a funicular to the top for a small fee (about 10 baht) or climb a mere 150+ steps to get to the temple grounds.
As one of the most popular temples in the city, I highly recommend visiting early at around 8 or 9 a.m if you want to avoid the crowds.
Wat Tham Suea is not only famous for its huge gold Buddha but also for its breathtaking mountain and rice paddy views.
The temple ground is huge, consisting of several buildings including a multi-tier pagoda that you can climb up for even better views.
Opening hours: 8 a.m to 5 p.m, daily
Entrance fee: Free
Related post: How to plan the perfect Kanchanaburi itinerary?
Wat Ban Tham & Heavenly Dragon Cave
The second most popular temple to visit in Kanchanaburi is Wat Ban Tham, famous for its colorful dragon tunnel staircase leading to a cave temple etched into the mountain.
There isn’t a lift to take you to the top, so you’ll have to climb A LOT of stairs.
I didn’t count the number of steps since I was busy sweating and gasping for air during the whole trek (the downside of visiting Thailand during the hot season) but I guess there must be almost 1,000 in total.
But don’t let that discourage you as you don’t necessarily need to climb all the way to the top. You can simply stop at the Heavenly Dragon Cave to see the gold Buddha statue and admire the view from there.
For those who don’t mind climbing more stairs, you can continue to the top where you’ll find a gold chedi with a 180-view of Kanchanaburi.
Opening hours: 7.30 a.m to 5 p.m, daily
Entrance fee: Free
Tham Kaew Kanchanaphisek
Set atop a hill, Tham Kaew Kanchanaphisek’s main features are its huge white Buddha statue and cave shrine with crystal-like stalactites and stalagmites.
Near the Buddha statue is an incredible viewpoint overlooking Mae Klong River flanked by rice fields on one side and the mountains on the other.
Unlike other Kanchanaburi temples, this one is less visited by tourists so it’s peaceful and quiet.
Opening hours: 8 a.m to 4 p.m, daily
Entrance fee: Free
Tip: Be sure to check out this little coffee shop found behind the white Buddha if you want to eat lunch with a view.
Wat Thaworn Wararam
This temple is located right in the city center so easy to get to on foot. Wat Thaworn Wararam sits at the edge of Khawae Yai River and features several ornate and colorful buildings.
There’s a small pagoda housing a black Buddha statue surrounded by columns adorned with Naga serpents. You can even climb up to the first floor for a panoramic view of the river.
Since not many tourists know about this temple, it’s a great spot for a peaceful stroll by the river.
Entrance fee: Free
Related post: How to get to Erawan Falls?
Wat Tham Khao Pun
Wat Tham Khao Pun is a lesser-known cave temple in Kanchanaburi located about a 10-minute drive outside the city center.
The exact construction date is unknown but it is said that King Rama V visited the temple in 1870.
Near the cave entrance is a reclining Buddha covered in gold fabric. The cave is well-lit with colorful lights and as you explore deeper into the cave, you’ll eventually arrive at a large chamber with another Buddha statue in the middle.
While the cave looked cool, it smelled a bit stuffy, so I didn’t spend much time inside. Luckily, you can also explore the golden pagoda located on top of a hill nearby for a 360-degree view of the surroundings (and some fresh air!).
If you don’t want to climb up to the pagoda, you can instead go to this viewpoint located a few minutes walk away. There are a few cafes here where you can have breakfast or a cup of coffee while admiring the view.
Entrance fee: 30 baht
Wihan Phra Phothisat Kuan Im
Situated right across the River Kwai Bridge is the beautiful Wihan Phra Phothisat Kuan Im, a shrine dedicated to Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy.
Wander around the colorful temple grounds where you’ll find several little pagodas painted in bright colors as well as sculptures of religious figures and animals of the Chinese zodiac sign.
Wihan Phra Phothisat Kuan Im is also the perfect vantage point to watch the local train cross the River Kwai Bridge.
Entrance fee: Free
Tham Krasae Cave Temple
Jump on the local train and ride along the Death Railway to Tham Krasae Cave Temple, situated on the outskirts of Kanchanaburi.
While you can also get there by taxi or motorbike, the most scenic option is by train as you can sit back and watch the rice fields and mountains drift by.
Your visit here won’t be very long as it’s just one big cave with a gold Buddha statue.
Nearby is the Tham Krasae Bridge where you can watch the train pass by (be sure to check the train timetable beforehand).
Once the train is gone, you can walk along the train tracks to admire the view over Khwae Noi River and take some photos.
Opening hours: 8 a.m to 6 p.m, daily
Entrance fee: Free
Did you find this guide to the best temples in Kanchanaburi helpful? If so, let me know in the comment section below!