38 Best Sights in Around Bangkok, Thailand

Kanchanaburi is most famous as the location of this bridge, a section of the Thailand-Burma Railway immortalized in director David Lean's epic 1957 film The Bridge on the River Kwai. During World War II, the Japanese, with whom Thailand sided, forced about 16,000 prisoners of war and from 50,000 to 100,000 civilian slave laborers from neighboring countries to construct the railway, a supply route through the jungles of Thailand and Burma. Sure-footed visitors can walk across the bridge, whose arched portions are original. In December a big fair takes place with a sound-and-light show depicting the Allied bombing of the structure late in the war. Next to the bridge is a plaza with restaurants and souvenir shops.

Some of Kanchanaburi Province's most spectacular scenery can be found in this park. The main attraction, Erawan Waterfall, has seven tiers; the topmost supposedly resembles the mythical three-headed elephant (Erawan) belonging to the Hindu god Indra. Getting to the top requires a steep 2-km (1-mile) hike. Comfortable footwear is essential for the 2-hour trek, and don't forget to bring water. You can swim at each level of the waterfall (levels two through five are the most popular). The first tier has a small café, and there are several others near the visitor center. There are also 8-person bungalows costing from B800 to B5,000—the ones nearest the waterfall are quieter.

Five caves are among the massive park's other highlights. One of the caves, Ta Duang, has wall paintings, and another, Ruea, has prehistoric coffins. The caves are much farther away and are accessed via a different road. About 2 km (1 mile) from the park is Erawan Village; songthaews (B600 to B800) leave from its market and travel to the park entrance and the caves. Erawan-bound Bus 8170 leaves Kanchanaburi's bus station every 50 minutes; the trip takes 90 minutes.

The Hellfire Pass Interpretive Center and Memorial Trail is a moving memorial to the Allied prisoners of war who built the River Kwai railway, tens of thousands of whom died in the process. Along with a film and exhibits, there's a 4½-km (3-mile) walk along a section of the railway, including through the notorious Hellfire Pass, one of the most grueling sections to build. The pass got its name from the fire lanterns that flickered on the mountain walls as the men worked through the night. Many people do the walk in the early morning, before the museum opens and before it gets too hot. Allow 2½ hours round-trip for the walk. Take plenty of water and snacks; there's a small shack near the museum that sells drinks, but not much food. The pass can be busy on weekends. Bus 8203 (2 hours) makes the trip to the museum. The last bus back to Kanchanaburi is at 5 pm coming the other direction from Sangkhlaburi. The drive by car takes about an hour.

Building began on this royal monastery in 1374 and was completed during the reign of King Ramesuan (1388–95). The tree-shaded, spacious, and parklike grounds, a pleasant place to linger, contain what's left of the monastery's 140-foot prang. The brick Khmer-style prang—which collapsed twice between 1610 and 1628, and again in the early 20th century—barely reflects its former glory. Partially in ruins, the prang is said to contain relics of the Lord Buddha. It and the beheaded Buddhas that remain in Wat Phra Mahathat are a result of the Burmese sacking of the temple in 1767.

The charming village of Amphawa, 10 km (7 miles) by songthaew from Samut Songkhram, has a floating market similar to, but smaller than, the one in Damnoen Saduak. It is also touristy but less in-your-face about it, with cafés and boutiques full of character, and so is often preferred. The market is open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12 to 8 pm. The food market in the street adjacent to the canal starts at around 1 pm. Popular firefly tours allow you to enjoy both the market and the beautiful insect-lighted trees. The bugs are best seen from May to October and in the waning moon. The hourlong tours usually run every half hour from 6 to 9 pm. You can arrange a tour directly with Mae Klong Market Pier (B800 for a boat) or through your hotel. Unless you have private transportation, you'll have to spend the night in Amphawa, but there are some lovely options. The last bus back to Bangkok is in the early evening.

Built for King Louis XIV of France's personal representative, De Chaumont, Vichayen House was later occupied by King Narai's infamous Greek minister, Constantine Phaulkon, whose political schemes eventually resulted in the ouster of all Westerners from Thailand. When King Narai was dying in 1668, his army commander, Phra Phetracha, seized power and beheaded Phaulkon.

Bang Pa-In's extravagant Royal Palace sits amid well-tended gardens. The original structure, built by King Prasat Thong on the banks of the Pa Sak River, was used by the Ayutthaya kings until the Burmese invasion of 1767. After being neglected for 80 years, it was rebuilt during the reign of Rama IV and became the summer palace of King Rama V.

King Rama V was interested in European architecture, and many influences are evident here. The most beautiful building, however, is the Aisawan Thippaya, a Thai pavilion that seems to float on a small lake. China also fascinated the two rulers, and Phra Thinang Warophat Phiman, nicknamed the Peking Palace, is a replica of a Chinese imperial court palace. It was built from materials custom-made in China—a gift from Chinese Thais eager to win the king's favor. It contains a collection of exquisite jade and Ming porcelain.

This museum on spacious grounds in the center of the Old City was opened by the king and queen of Thailand in 1961. Its many exhibits include Buddhist sculpture from the Dvaravati, Lopburi, Ayutthaya, and U-Thong periods. Also on display is a jewel-encrusted sword with which one Ayutthaya prince killed his brother in an elephant-back duel.

The serene and simple resting place of many of the soldiers forced to work on the Thailand-Burma Railway has neatly organized rows of grave markers. On the grounds of a former hospital for prisoners of war, the cemetery is a little out of the way and therefore rarely visited. To get here, hire a tuk-tuk or moto-taxi for about B60, or use Grab ride-sharing service.

A colorful market of produce and other foods sold by vendors on small boats, Damnoen Saduak is an icon of Thai tourism. Often overrun with visitors, these days the market pays lip service to the authentic commercial life of this canal-strewn corner of Thailand. On the other hand, even though it feels like a theatrical production, this is one of the few opportunities to witness a fading Thai tradition. And some of the food—including noodle soup, seafood dishes, grilled meats, mango ice cream, coconut pancakes, and fried bananas—is extremely tasty. The best way to enjoy the market is to come early and hire a boat. The area only becomes more crowded as the day progresses and ever more tour groups arrive.

On weekends Thai families flock to the seaside town of Don Hoi Lod, about 3 km (2 miles) south of Samut Songkhram, to feast on clams and other seafood dishes at tree-shaded restaurants and the local fresh market at the mouth of the Mae Khlong River. The village is named after a local clam with a tubular shell, the fossilized remains of which are found on the riverbanks. The best times to view the fossils are April and May, when the water is low. The rest of the year you can also see the fossils in the early morning and in the evening at low tide.

The letters in the first part of this museum's name are an acronym for Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand, and Holland. The site sits a little more than 2 km (1 mile) downriver from the Bridge on the River Kwai. Founded in 1977 by a monk from the adjoining Wat Chaichumpol, the museum is housed in a replica of the bamboo huts that were used to hold prisoners of war. On display are railway spikes, aerial photographs, newspaper clippings, and original sketches by ex-prisoners depicting their living conditions.

Next to noisy Saengchuto Road, this cemetery has row upon row of neatly laid-out graves: 6,982 Australian, British, and Dutch prisoners of war are laid to rest here. The remains of the American POWs were returned to the United States during the Eisenhower administration. A remembrance ceremony is held every April 25th, Australia and New Zealand Army Corps Day.

Studded with stalactites, this cave overflows with images of the Buddha, among them a 10-meter-long reclining one. Some were put in place by kings Rama IV and Rama V. For a donation of B20 or so to pay for the electricity, a nun will light up the rear of the cave for you. It is about a kilometer's walk from the entrance, but a shuttle service is provided for B15. The cave is best appreciated on a clear morning, between 9 and 10, when the sun shines in and reflects off the bronze iconography.

The world's largest outdoor museum with more than 100 replicas and reconstructions of Thailand's most important architectural sites, monuments, and palaces, this 320-hectare park is shaped like the country, and the attractions are placed roughly in their correct geographical positions. A "traditional Thai village" on the grounds sells crafts, but the experience is surprisingly nontouristy. The park takes about 4 hours to cover by car. You can rent a bicycle at the entrance for B150 or take advantage of free electric tuk-tuk service with your ticket purchase. Small outdoor cafés throughout the grounds serve decent Thai food.

The restored remains of this 13th- to 14th-century Khmer city, 45 km (28 miles) northwest of Kanchanaburi, range from mere foundations to a largely intact, well-preserved monument and building complex. There are also examples of Khmer statues and pottery and a prehistoric burial site. You can navigate the expansive grounds with the aid of taped commentary in English, Thai, or French, available at the park's entrance. Bicycle rentals cost around B30 per hour. If you don't want to make the 45-minute drive from Kanchanaburi, take the train to Tha Kilen Station (1 hour; B20); the park is a 1-km (½-mile) walk west. There are lodgings and a small café on the grounds.

On a forested hill of Khao Wang at the edge of Phetchaburi, the park includes one of King Rama IV's palaces and a series of temples and shrines. Many of these are set high on the hilltop and offer good views of the plains below. Cable-car rides to the top and back are included in the admission price.  Watch out for the monkeys, who are a major shoplifting hazard around the gift shops at the foot of the hill.

This palace's well-preserved buildings, completed between 1665 and 1677, have been converted into museums. Surrounding the buildings are castellated walls and triumphal archways grand enough to admit an entourage mounted on elephants. The most elaborate structure is the Dusit Mahaprasat Hall, built by King Narai to receive foreign ambassadors. The roof is gone, but you can spot the mixture of architectural styles: the square doors are Thai and the domed arches are Western. North of Phra Narai Ratchaniwet is the restored Wat Sao Thong Thong.

The tallest stupa in the world, Phra Pathom Chedi tops out at 416 feet, with a base circumference of 773 feet. The original stupa on this site (the archaeological findings for which date to the 4th century) was severely damaged in a Burmese attack in 1057, and a larger stupa was built over the original during the reign of Siam's King Mongkut (1851--1868). The smaller original can still be seen through a small window high on the stupa's spire (accessed via a ladder open only to monks and dignitaries). Surrounding the chedi is one of Thailand's most important monasteries, consisting of four separate vihara (chapels), one of which contains the ashes of King Rama VI.

The terraces around the temple complex are full of fascinating statuary, including Chinese figures, a large reclining Buddha, and an unusual Buddha seated in a chair. By walking around the inner circle surrounding the chedi, you can see novice monks in their classrooms through arched stone doorways. Traditional dances are sometimes performed in front of the temple, and during Loi Krathong, a festival in November that celebrates the end of the rainy season, a fair is set up in the adjacent park.

Next to Phra Pathom Chedi is the Phra Pathom Chedi National Museum, which contains Dvaravati artifacts such as images of the Buddha, stone carvings, and stuccos from the 6th to the 11th century.

Lopburi's most famous landmark is this classic Bayon-style Khmer shrine, whose three prangs symbolize the sacred triad of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It was originally built in the 13th century by King Jayavarman VII of the Khmer Empire, but was later converted into a Buddhist temple by King Naraj. A stucco image of the Buddha sits serenely before the central prang. The most memorable aspect of the monument is its hundreds of resident monkeys, including mothers and nursing babies, wizened old males, and aggressive youngsters. Hold tight to your possessions, as the monkeys steal everything from city maps to cameras. Most tourists wind up having a blast with the monkeys, though. Approach them and stand still for a minute, and you'll soon have monkeys all over your head, shoulders, and just about everywhere else—a perfect photo op.

Intended as a rainy-season retreat by King Rama V and started in 1910, the palace was eventually completed by a German architect for King Rama VI in 1916. It was modeled on a palace of Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm and consequently has a grand European-style design with art nouveau flourishes. Arranged around an open courtyard, the palace has a distinctive portico with decorative panels that reach to the roof of the upper floor. The dining room has ornate ceramic tiles. Located on a Royal Thai Army base, the former palace now operates as a museum.

The national park's main attraction is Sai Yok Yai waterfall, which flows into the Kwai Noi River. The waterfall, an easy walk from the visitor center, is single tier and not nearly as spectacular as Erawan's. More unique are the bat caves, 2 km (1 mile) past the waterfall. They are the only place you can see the thumb-size Kitti's hog-nosed bat, the world's smallest mammal. Rent flashlights at the visitor center. Other caves worth visiting include Tham Wang Badan and Lawa Cave.

This part of the park has several options for accommodations, all without electricity. The private raft houses on the Kwai Noi River are the more scenic choices. The accommodations near the waterfall have inexpensive restaurants that are more pleasant than the food stalls near the visitor center.

Driving here from Bangkok or Kanchanaburi you'll pass Sai Yok Noi waterfall, also within the park's boundaries. Despite being taller than Sai Yok Yai, Sai Yok Noi has less water, but there's enough to swim in from June to November, when the area is often packed with Thai families on weekends.

While still a prince, the future King Rama VI commissioned this palace, completed in 1911, with two separate residences that are architecturally notable for their French and British flourishes. Both residences were adapted to suit the tropical climate, with ventilation panels near the ceilings and spacious verandas. Railings around the upper floor of the older building are carved in elaborate traditional Thai patterns. Upstairs, you can view the restored and furnished bed chamber, bathroom, dressing room, conference room, dining room, and Buddhist prayer hall. 

The surrounding park, which includes ponds and broad lawns, is a lovely place to relax. English signs and translations provide information and guidance around the grounds. A Ganesh shrine is popular with Thai visitors.

Sometimes referred to as "the Rose Garden" because of its historic emphasis on rose flower cultivation, this 50-acre agricultural complex has expanded to produce herbs, bananas, and various other flowers, including orchids. The Sookjai Farmers' Market is worth a stop, and just a short canal boat ride away is Patom Organic Farm. Within the complex are traditional houses where guests can participate in activities such as garland and pottery making. Patom Organic Café offers cold drinks and light meals.

A walk through the center's nine chronologically arranged galleries provides a good overview of the railway's history. Though small, the center is well designed and packed with informative displays. The second-floor coffee shop at the end of the exhibits has a view of the adjacent Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.

In Sangkhlaburi, it's worth hiring a local longboat for a tour of the northern section of the lake created by Vajiralongkorn Dam. The best time to go is early morning or just before sunset, when local fishermen are active. Soon after leaving Sangkhlaburi, you'll pass by the magnificent Mon Bridge and the Mon temple in Wang Kha. If the water level is low enough, you'll be able to view the semi-submerged ruins of Wat Saam Prasob, the highest point of the village that was flooded when the dam was built. The temple bell tower is usually visible above the lake any time of year except during the height of the monsoon; if the water is low enough, you will also be able to see the former ordination hall, a beautiful cube-like structure with thick brick walls covered in carved stucco. Towards the end of the dry season in March and April, the lake recedes to a point that a small island appears around the ordination hall, where you can disembark and explore the ruins. Boats can be hired for around B300 an hour. One or two hours is usually enough to see everything worth seeing.

To make way for Khao Laem Dam, a village inhabited by Mon people from Myanmar a half century ago was relocated to the shore opposite from Sangkhlaburi. The newer village, called Wang Kha, has a huge Mon Buddhist temple with Indian and Burmese influences and a bronze-color pyramid chedi that's beautifully illuminated at night. A dry goods market in the village sells Chinese and Burmese clothes and trinkets, with delicious Mon dishes available at nearby food stalls. Get here by car or boat, or walk across Thailand's longest wooden bridge.

This 800-year-old Khmer-influenced structure on the western side of the Phetchaburi River is a royal monastery located in a charming district with narrow lanes and wooden shophouses. It comprises five large prangs (Khmer-style towers) that are visible from all over town. It is notable for its fine stucco work, which is characteristic of the Phetchaburi school of art seen in many of its temples.

On a small island in the Chao Phraya River within the grounds of the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace stands an enchanting retreat that is considered the only European-style Buddhist monastery in Thailand. A large French-made stained-glass panel high above the entrance to the hall bears an image of King Chulalongkorn, who had the temple built in 1876 in order to perform religious practices during his stay at Bang Pa-In Palace. The most impressive structure in the compound is the ordination hall, built in a strikingly English Gothic style with its elongated steep spire and its arched windows and doorways. Brick paths and stone buildings with arched windows suggest a Gothic abbey. The peak of the diamond-patterned tile roof is laid with impressive Victorian iron grillwork, while the steeple is topped by an iron weathervane.