Travel to River Kwai

[thainet]

Travel ideas needed.

For those that have been to Kanchanaburi (River Kwai) recently, what would be the easiest way to travel there from Pattaya.

Thank in advance.

[BB1950]

Take the bus from the North Pattaya Bus Station on Pattaya Nua to the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok.

Catch a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal to Kanchanaburi.

There's only a few buses from Pattaya Nua to the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok. You'll have to check the schedule.

[champers]

Plenty of travel agencies in town will take you direct from Pattaya. Shop around for prices.

Edited November 27, 2014 by champers

[Basset]

There are buses depart daily from 3rd road direct to Kanchanaburi, as you head down 3rd road from North Pattaya just before you get to the junction of 3rd road and Central Pattaya road on the right there is a small office.

[chris2004]

I was thinking of driving there but the thought of going through Bangkok puts me off a bit. How easy is it to navigate through Bangkok without gettin lost in the side streets.

[LennyW]

I was thinking of driving there but the thought of going through Bangkok puts me off a bit. How easy is it to navigate through Bangkok without gettin lost in the side streets.

Very easy,no side streets....

From Pattaya take #7 all the way to Bangkok past the airport, take the #9 west (left) all the way round to the 340 (Suphan Buri turn off) take that road, then not too far take the 346 to Bang Len off to your left follow that road all the way to Kanchanaburi, between 3 and 3.5 hours.

Do not take the route via Nakon Pathom - about 200 sets of traffic lights and takes about 5 to 6 hours.

[Mojomor]

I was thinking of driving there but the thought of going through Bangkok puts me off a bit. How easy is it to navigate through Bangkok without gettin lost in the side streets.

Being somewhat of a specialist myself in getting lost in BKK, I understand. You should be able to drive around it on Highway 9. My preference would be to take the southern direction first, as the northern leg is often much busier with traffic, roadworks, and delays.

[loppylugs1]

There are buses depart daily from 3rd road direct to Kanchanaburi, as you head down 3rd road from North Pattaya just before you get to the junction of 3rd road and Central Pattaya road on the right there is a small office.

Bus at 9 30 am VIP one too another about 5 pm 315 baht on the corner of 3rd road and pattaya klang return at 8 am ,do not know the later timing

kwai Ok but hellfire Pass is the one to see about an hour further up if you hire bike bus about every hour taxi I guess about 1500 baht

Edited November 27, 2014 by loppylugs1

[mogandave]

I drive it pretty often, and take Rama II to skirt the city.

Leave between 3:30 & 4:30 AM and it is a nice drive.

[DD13]

I was thinking of driving there but the thought of going through Bangkok puts me off a bit. How easy is it to navigate through Bangkok without gettin lost in the side streets.

Very easy,no side streets....

From Pattaya take #7 all the way to Bangkok past the airport, take the #9 west (left) all the way round to the 340 (Suphan Buri turn off) take that road, then not too far take the 346 to Bang Len off to your left follow that road all the way to Kanchanaburi, between 3 and 3.5 hours.

Do not take the route via Nakon Pathom - about 200 sets of traffic lights and takes about 5 to 6 hours.

Good Post......

Very useful.....

Thanks

[morrobay]

The best way to get to the River Kwai from Bangkok is by train ! Forget the buses. And the train goes over the bridge.

If you take the bus from Pattaya Nua station . get the Eastern bus terminal.

The train station is not far. If you are in Banglamphu, BKK. the station is just across the river and you can walk there. You might get some info/connection at the Pattaya train sta.

Edited November 28, 2014 by morrobay

[bender92]

 

The best way to get to the River Kwai from Bangkok is by train ! Forget the buses. And the train goes over the bridge.

If you take the bus from Pattaya Nua station . get the Eastern bus terminal.

The train station is not far. If you are in Banglamphu, BKK. the station is just across the river and you can walk there. You might get some info/connection at the Pattaya train sta.

 

Is it the Wongwian Yai train station? The Sky Train goes there from Ekkamai bus station. The new extension crosses the river now.

[thainet]

Thanks to all for your input, but I forgot to say that I will be driving myself (not taking train or bus).

So the only 2 ways as I see it are 7 - 9 - 4 - 323 or 7 - 9 -340 - 346

One poster has said the 2nd option is easier, but I thought the Highway #4 had been redone and widened and there

weren't so many lights now...but I could be wrong of course.

Edited November 28, 2014 by thainet

[LennyW]

Thanks to all for your input, but I forgot to say that I will be driving myself (not taking train or bus).

So the only 2 ways as I see it are 7 - 9 - 4 - 323 or 7 - 9 -340 - 346

One poster has said the 2nd option is easier, but I thought the Highway #4 had been redone and widened and there

weren't so many lights now...but I could be wrong of course.

7 - 9 - 340 - 346 Takes almost half as long as the other option, i kid you not!

I think the traffic lights are breeding the other way - what a nightmare!!

[mogandave]

Again, if you leave between 3:30 & 4:30 AM it is a nice drive.

[morrobay]

 

The best way to get to the River Kwai from Bangkok is by train ! Forget the buses. And the train goes over the bridge.

If you take the bus from Pattaya Nua station . get the Eastern bus terminal.

The train station is not far. If you are in Banglamphu, BKK. the station is just across the river and you can walk there. You might get some info/connection at the Pattaya train sta.

 

Is it the Wongwian Yai train station? The Sky Train goes there from Ekkamai bus station. The new extension crosses the river now.

Thats it. The maps are not in scale. But the confirmation is that it goes to Kanchanaburi ( River Kwai ) So yes that would be the way to go ^. Its a great ride for scenery as the train tracks are cut out of the rock cliffs above the river. That area is full of waterfalls also for side trips. Best to get private charter 1000 baht/day is what I paid in 2002 with Thai. girlfriend. If you are single male it is a nice 2 day trip with Thai lady. Private charters on boats 500/Baht are also in order. By the way DO NOT try and swim across that river. I did it and Im a strong ocean swimmer but the lack of buoyancy and downward currents because of irregular rock bottom make for very dangerous swimming. But the pools around waterfalls are great.

Edited November 29, 2014 by morrobay

[loppylugs1]

Try and be a bit more adventurous when in Kan.

Waterfalls and caves are great,really good,but the Hellfire Pass is without doubt the saddest and most remarkable.

I did the tourist trail,pushed on further to the Hintock road,crossed over the rd and did the remainder,pack of cards bridge etc,some walk,take plenty of water.

The cable swing bridge over the Kwai close to the Hintock Rd resort is quite something along with the temple.

The Pink Panther bar I miss in Kan after a day out

Pack of Cards bridge is where around 65 POWs were beaten to death by the Japs,along with 13000 other allied troops died along that line

Edited November 29, 2014 by loppylugs1

[morrobay]

 

The best way to get to the River Kwai from Bangkok is by train ! Forget the buses. And the train goes over the bridge.

If you take the bus from Pattaya Nua station . get the Eastern bus terminal.

The train station is not far. If you are in Banglamphu, BKK. the station is just across the river and you can walk there. You might get some info/connection at the Pattaya train sta.

 

Is it the Wongwian Yai train station? The Sky Train goes there from Ekkamai bus station. The new extension crosses the river now.

Thats it. The maps are not in scale. But the confirmation is that it goes to Kanchanaburi ( River Kwai ) So yes that would be the way to go ^. Its a great ride for scenery as the train tracks are cut out of the rock cliffs above the river. That area is full of waterfalls also for side trips. Best to get private charter 1000 baht/day is what I paid in 2002 with Thai. girlfriend. If you are single male it is a nice 2 day trip with Thai lady. Private charters on boats 500/Baht are also in order. By the way DO NOT try and swim across that river. I did it and Im a strong ocean swimmer but the lack of buoyancy and downward currents because of irregular rock bottom make for very dangerous swimming. But the pools around waterfalls are great.

Corrections : Just checked my maps and the train station we left from was the Thonburi Railway Station (near the Southern bus station) a few km North of the Wongwian sta. I guess the tracks converge somewhere to the NW because there is only one railway to Kanchanaburi. Also we went about 25 km past Kanachanburi to Sai Yok. Had everything needed with less tourists. And the most scenic part of tracks along river.:

[mogandave]

I'm going Wednesday morning, I'll let you know how long it takes...

[thainet]

I'm going Wednesday morning, I'll let you know how long it takes...

Hi Mogandave.

Did you make your trip as posted.

If yes any insights into the route you took/time etc.

Thanks Thainet

[chris2004]

I was thinking of driving there but the thought of going through Bangkok puts me off a bit. How easy is it to navigate through Bangkok without gettin lost in the side streets.

Very easy,no side streets....

From Pattaya take #7 all the way to Bangkok past the airport, take the #9 west (left) all the way round to the 340 (Suphan Buri turn off) take that road, then not too far take the 346 to Bang Len off to your left follow that road all the way to Kanchanaburi, between 3 and 3.5 hours.

Do not take the route via Nakon Pathom - about 200 sets of traffic lights and takes about 5 to 6 hours.

Thanks for this very helpful post. On the map the most direct route off #9 seems to be route 4 then the 323. I presume this is the route you say NOT to take.

I am off there early January so fingers crossed i don't get lost.

[LennyW]

I was thinking of driving there but the thought of going through Bangkok puts me off a bit. How easy is it to navigate through Bangkok without gettin lost in the side streets.

Very easy,no side streets....

From Pattaya take #7 all the way to Bangkok past the airport, take the #9 west (left) all the way round to the 340 (Suphan Buri turn off) take that road, then not too far take the 346 to Bang Len off to your left follow that road all the way to Kanchanaburi, between 3 and 3.5 hours.

Do not take the route via Nakon Pathom - about 200 sets of traffic lights and takes about 5 to 6 hours.

Thanks for this very helpful post. On the map the most direct route off #9 seems to be route 4 then the 323. I presume this is the route you say NOT to take.

I am off there early January so fingers crossed i don't get lost.

Correct.

[mogandave]

I make it from Kabinburi to Kantchanbut (~295Km) in about three hours. I take the Trad Road expressway (I think that is the 7) to Rama 2, take the Rama to bridge and then the 4 out.

Coming back in traffic takes much longer, like 5 hours +