Book Retreats in Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi: A Popular Yoga Holiday Destination

Kanchanaburi is a popular yoga holiday destination for travellers looking for a unique and peaceful holiday. Located in western Thailand, Kanchanaburi is known for its relaxed atmosphere and its beautiful green countryside. The province also offers a variety of wellness activities, such as yoga classes, spa treatments, and meditation. Whether you’re looking for a yoga retreat, a yoga holiday, or just a chance to relax, Kanchanaburi is the perfect destination.

The province has a number of yoga retreat centres that offer various types of courses, such as Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa and Yin yoga. Besides daily yoga classes, some retreats also offer detoxification treatments, chanting, and pranayama as well as yoga philosophy sessions. These retreats usually include accommodation, meals, and transportation, as well as classes and activities to help you relax and reconnect with nature. You can also find yoga classes in many of the local hotels and resorts. Some of the more popular yoga retreats include the Kanchanaburi Yoga Retreat and the Khao Sok Yoga Retreat.

Kanchanaburi also offers a variety of spa treatments, such as Thai massage, herbal steam baths, and traditional Thai herbal medicine. The province is also home to several hot springs, which are perfect for soaking away stress and tension.

For a unique and peaceful holiday experience, Kanchanaburi is the perfect destination. With its beautiful countryside, relaxing atmosphere, and abundance of wellness activities, it is a great place to unwind and reconnect with yourself. There is something for everyone from affordable yoga retreats to the most luxurious resorts with a swimming pool, a spa and comprehensive programmes.

Why Go To A Yoga Retreat in Kanchanaburi?

Kanchanaburi is a beautiful part of this country from South East Asia and a great destination for a yoga retreat. With its natural beauty and stunning green landscape, it is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a yoga retreat. Kanchanaburi also has a number of temples and other spiritual sites that can help you deepen your yoga practice. It is home to a number of retreat centres, offering a variety of yoga experiences, from beginner to advanced levels.

You can also explore the local culture and history of the area, and take part in outdoor activities such as trekking, rafting, and elephant treks. A yoga retreat in Kanchanaburi is sure to be a memorable and revitalizing experience.

What Can I Expect From A Yoga Retreat In Kanchanaburi?

A yoga retreat in Kanchanaburi is a great way to explore the culture and beauty of this region in Thailand. During your yoga retreat, you can expect to practice yoga and meditation, explore the nearby national parks, visit Buddhist temples, engage in traditional Thai activities (ex. Muay Thai, Thai massage, etc.) and perhaps even go on a rafting adventure. Your retreat can be tailored to your individual needs and interests, so you can make the most of your time in the tropical paradise of Kanchanaburi.

Exploring Kanchanaburi During Your Yoga Retreat Holiday

Things To Do in Kanchanaburi

Death Railway Bridge

The Death Railway Bridge, which was used in the 1957 movie “Bridge over the River Kwai,” is the most well-known of all the locations in Kanchanaburi. During World War II, the Japanese carried the bridge over from a location named Java in Japan. The prisoners of war stationed here put the bridge back together after it had arrived.

The bridge, which is Kanchanaburi’s main draw while visiting the province, was a crucial component of the rail connection between Thailand and Burma.

Elephant World

The elephants at Elephant World are either sick, aged, or abused elephants who have previously been utilised for work or entertainment, which makes it significantly different from the typical elephant camps and parks you see all across Thailand.

Elephant World is a wholly non-profit organisation, and all profits are reinvested in the programme. A day spent here is all about you working for the elephants, not the other way around. You will play with them, wash them, and make sure they are satisfied in addition to feeding them fruits before preparing their lunch.

Death Railway Museum

Looking back, the construction of the Death Railway was terrible in many ways, as seen by the astonishing number of POWs and forced labourers who perished in the process. This somewhat recent museum was built to chronicle the tale of the railways’ development and provides all the pertinent information.

It is a very sombre site to visit, and you’ll leave feeling thoughtful. As well as letters that describe the suffering faced, there are actual exhibits from the captives. While you are here, you can also view a film that provides the visitor with even more details.

The Century Old Buddha At Tham Phu Wa Temple

You are welcomed by a 95-step staircase with carvings of dragons on either side as soon as you enter the temple.

The biggest draw for visitors today is a Buddha statue that has been inside this cave for more than a century. The caverns are renowned for providing meditation training to individuals looking to master the practise. Additionally, there are a number of stalactites inside the cave that provide for fantastic photo ops.

The Floating Nuns At Wat Tham Mongkon Thong

The English translation is the Cave Temple of the Floating Dragon, but instead of a dragon floating here, you can see a floating nun wandering around the temple.

The nun will frequently put on a performance that gives the impression that she is actually floating over the water as she performs various yoga positions. Following her performance, the nun would go around and bless any guests who are unwell or injured. The nun’s performance has no set schedule, so it’s worth trying to find out as far in advance as you can to prevent disappointment.

Erawan National Park

The 550 square kilometre Erawan National Park is rather substantial and will occupy nature, cave, and bird enthusiasts for a considerable amount of time.

However, the Erawan Waterfall is the main draw for tourists. The multi-tiered waterfall bears the name of a three-headed elephant. The fun starts in the first tier behind the tourist centre, where you may dangle your feet in the pool for a complimentary fish bath from the local minnows. There are a lot of tiers to explore in this area, and you may run into some difficult ascents. However, as you follow the path of the water and soak in the surrounding splendour, the climbs are well worth the effort.

The Prasat Muang Singh

The most western Khmer site that has been found so far can be reached by travelling to Prasat Muang Singh. The “Sanctuary of the City of the Lion” is another name for this location.

The structure, which is situated next to the River Kwai Noi, dates back to the 12th century. It would have served as a military town and a sizable commercial centre to guard the western portion of the Khmer realm. The temple is a sight to behold and has undergone renovations throughout the years. A weekday visit is advised because weekends are busy with Thai and foreign tourists visiting the temple.

Best Tours in Kanchanaburi

Private Tour to Kanchanaburi Erawan Waterfall and Elephant Care

Spend a whole day exploring a variety of historic and natural wonders in the Kanchanaburi region. Visit an elephant rescue centre, take a swim in the lovely Erawan Waterfall, explore Krasae Cave, also known as the Cave of the Buddha, and discover more about World War II in Thailand at the infamous Death Railway.

Erawan National Park and Bridge over River Kwai Small Group Tour

An English-speaking tour guide will lead you on a day trip to Kanchanaburi where you may learn about how World War II unfolded in Thailand. At the JEATH War Museum, you may find out more about the early 1940s construction of the Death Railway and go to the renowned bridge that spans the River Kwai. Additionally, you’ll go to Erawan National Park to observe the seven-tiered Erawan Waterfalls.

Floating Market & Bridge on the River Kwai Combo

You can see two of Thailand’s most well-known tourist destinations in a single day with this excursion without having to worry about renting a car or navigating new roads. You will travel to the Bridge over the River Kwai and the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in a small group of no more than 15 people, receive special attention in air-conditioned comfort and learn about both places with a friendly guide.

Two-days River Kwai Jungle Rafts Discovery Tour

Explore Kanchanaburi’s tragic past on a 2-day, joint or private guided tour to Hellfire Pass and the Death Railway. Visit the most significant World War II landmarks in the area: stroll amid the allied graves in the War Cemetery, then read about their experiences at the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre and the renowned bridge over the River Kwai. Take a riverboat to Hellfire Pass, where POWs perished in appalling conditions, and then return to the vibrant, thriving present of Thailand with a traditional dance performance in the evening and a trip to a remote Mon ethnic community.

Dining Out in Kanchanaburi

Best Restaurants & Bars in Kanchanaburi

Keeree Mantra

In addition to being one of Kanchanaburi’s most attractive dining establishments, this place serves really delectable food. A little beyond the city centre, the restaurant is surrounded by stunning scenery. It appears as though you are in an oasis as you sit outdoors of the restaurant, which is a part of a melons farm, and stare out at the lush mountains and fountain-filled pond. At Keeree Mantra, all of the food is authentically Thai, prepared with high-quality, fresh ingredients, and exquisitely presented.

You must taste these four dishes, all of which come highly recommended: Thai Steamed Coconut Milk Curry with fish, Crispy Catfish Chili Paste Served With Vegetables, Fried Tub-Tim Fish with Fresh Vegetables and Spicy Sauce Salad and finally Fried Fish with Thai Herbs.

Blue Rice Restaurant

Local eatery Blue Rice Restaurant has been run for years by two wonderful women who treat their clients very well and provide farm to table Thai specialties with a twist. They have a small garden where they cultivate their own veggies and herbs on the side of the restaurant. The restaurant itself has a relaxed environment, and because of its position, it is very calm with the occasional motorboat going by on the river. But the reason this is one of our favourite neighbourhood Thai restaurants in Kanchanaburi is the quality of the food.

Although the menu offers a number of delicious trademark dishes, just one truly impresses diners. When the Ma La Kor Phad Thai Gai is presented, it looks like a typical pad Thai, but upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the noodles have been swapped out for finely sliced papaya, much like a papaya salad. As a result, while the flavour of the pad Thai is nearly identical, it has a distinct texture and is considerably healthier.

On’s Vegetarian

This is the most well-known Thai vegetarian restaurant in Kanchanaburi, and around dinnertime, hungry customers line up outside. You can enrol in On’s culinary class, and On also manages the tiny eatery. All of the food at this establishment is hygienic, inexpensive, flavourful, and comes in substantial servings, which contributes to its popularity. You won’t taste or notice the difference between wonderful ordinary Thai food. Even as non-vegetarians, customers generally thoroughly enjoyed each and every dish they tasted.

Curry Fried Rice is one of the most popular dishes here. This substantial serving of vegetables, chopped tofu, and green curry-flavoured fried rice is topped with cashew nuts and sesame seeds. Because it’s a fried dish, the rice is moist and succulent.

Keeree Tara

One of the few highly regarded eateries close to the Bridge Over The River Kwai is Keeree Tara. First of all, the restaurant has a magnificent appearance and a great view of the bridge itself. Small music speakers are scattered throughout the area, creating the magnificent feeling of a theme park. Additionally, there are seats over the river, which are advised after sunset because you want to sit in the shade during the day. Second, they serve incredibly delicious meals here, with an emphasis on Thai seafood.

The Giant Freshwater Prawns Grilled is one of Keeree Tar’s highly regarded dishes. This enormous basket of freshly grilled prawns, weighing in at one kilogramme, is quite fantastic.

Tara Buree

If you look closely at these restaurant evaluations, you’ll see that not everyone enjoys the meals they offer. This is due to the fact that this restaurant provides authentic Thai cuisine that is difficult to obtain elsewhere and does not receive the praise it merits. It’s highly advised that you try Tara Buree if you’ve eaten a lot of Thai food in your life and are searching for something different.
There are two delicacies served  at this restaurant that are exclusive to Kanchanaburi that come highly recommended. The Kanchanaburi Signature Spicy Mushroom Salad is the first. The renowned Kanchanaburi mushroom, which only grows in Kanchanaburi for a few months each year, is used to make this salad. This native ingredient was used in this restaurant’s famous spicy salad. The second delicacy is Crispy Fried Small Fish, which is soy sauce-topped dried and deep-fried local fish that can only be found in the Kanchanaburi area’s waterways. You wouldn’t expect the fish to be quite as crunchy!

Food Markets in Kanchanaburi

The Night Market

There are night markets almost everywhere you travel in Thailand, and Kanchanaburi is no exception. The city is home to two of them. The major market is located by the train station, where you can find vendors selling almost anything you could possibly desire (as well as a large selection of items you won’t). If you are staying in the region and will be cooking at any point, the second, smaller market, located at the major bus station, is a terrific spot to pick up your ingredients and fresh fruit. It is less touristy and the costs are a little bit lower.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is made up of a network of confined khlongs (canals). Female traders frequently use sampans (small wooden boats) to promote their items, frequently their own produce. They do so while displaying typical mo hom attire, which includes blue farmers’ shirts and wide-brimmed straw hats (ngob). Images of these boats, which are frequently laden with visually appealing fruits and vegetables, are used to promote travel. The market is open until noon, although is frequently busiest from 7:00 to 9:00 in the morning. The market was given a roof so that makes it run continuously throughout the heat of the day.

Ton Khem, Hia Kui, and Khun Phitak are three of the smaller markets that make up the floating market. The main market, Ton Khem, is located on Khlong Damnoen Saduak. In order to cater to larger tour groups, Hia Kui, which runs parallel to Khlong Damnoen Saduak, features souvenir shops on the banks of the canals. The smallest and least congested market is Khun Phitak, which is located around 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) south of Hia Kui.