I'm going to Kanchanaburi this coming weekend, and was wondering if anyone have knowledge about a van going directly there so I don't have to go via Bangkok? I've heard people talk about it, but no one have known specifics that I've asked.

I don't think there's any minivans that go directly to Kanchanaburi, but you can go by train & change stations before you get to Bangkok.

There's a small station somewhere near Ratchaburi where you can change & get on the train going to Kan. The name of this station escapes me right now, its got three words in it's name.

Also you could get off the train in Bang Pong & catch the bus going through from there.