By De River
Perched along the banks of the Mae Nam Khwae (River Kwai), this mid-range riverside restaurant offers a combination of fresh Thai cooking and natural scenery that draws both locals and travellers passing through Kanchanaburi. The waterfront setting is a genuine draw, and visitors who time their arrival for sunset consistently find the experience worthwhile. Open daily from noon until midnight, it accommodates everything from a leisurely late lunch to a full evening meal.
The menu leans strongly into seafood, with standout dishes including the seafood spicy salad (ยำยกทัพ), which receives particular praise from diners for its fresh ingredients and well-balanced sauce. Stir-fried dishes are also popular, though some have noted the spice levels can be bold — worth flagging when ordering if heat sensitivity is a concern. The interior is compact and charming, positioned right at the water's edge. English-speaking staff may be limited, but visitors report the team is helpful regardless.
One practical note: prices run noticeably higher than comparable street-side options nearby, which reflects the riverside location and atmosphere rather than the food alone. For the latest menu details or to make arrangements for a larger group, the restaurant maintains an active Facebook page at the link below. Given its proximity to the Bridge Over the River Kwai and other central Kanchanaburi attractions, it pairs naturally with a broader afternoon of sightseeing in the area.
Taste more of Kanchanaburi
Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near By De River — a guided way to eat like a local.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After By De River, round out your day in Kanchanaburi with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Scenic restaurant by the river. Came by here for a late lunch and was delighted by the wide selection on the menu. Unfortunately my hungry family dove into the food before I could have the pictures captured of what we ordered😁.. The food was authentic thai food and price was reasonable. It was a beautiful afternoon and we had a gorgeous view of the River Khwae with the occasional tour boats whizzing past.. we also had the company of 3 cute little furry friends. Do note the road leading in to the restaurant is pretty narrow but thankfully our skillful van driver managed it well..
I have only attended here for lunch. The dishes are very stunning Especially seafood spicy salad (ยำยกทัพ) is our dish of the day with very good seafood sauce. All seafood dishes are fresh and well prepared with a little bit improvement for some dishes Also, the way into shop is a little bit bizzare which is somehow hard to recognize whether shop is open or not. By the way I am strongly recommended to dine here either lunch or dinner.
Food is good but about double what it costs up in the street. You're paying for the view. My simple rice soup with pork was full of both. She said her stir fried pork was too spicy. Be warned they play music sonewhat loud so if you're looking for a peaceful river view meal, you'll have to request they turn it down as I did. I would have preferred off but was too timid to ask.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 395 reviews on Google.
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By De River: Frequently Asked Questions
Is By De River worth visiting?
By De River holds a 4.3★ rating from 395 Google reviews — a strong rating for restaurants & food in Kanchanaburi.
What are the opening hours of By De River?
By De River is typically open 12:00-00:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
How expensive is By De River?
By De River is moderately priced (฿฿) relative to other restaurants & food in Kanchanaburi.
When is the best time to visit By De River?
The best months to visit Kanchanaburi are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in November – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: April – May (extreme heat).
Where is By De River located?
By De River is at 337/1 ถ.แม่น้ำแคว ท่ามะขาม เมือง Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand, in Kanchanaburi. Getting around Kanchanaburi: Bicycle rental (town is flat); Motorbike rental.
Location Info
337/1 ถ.แม่น้ำแคว ท่ามะขาม เมือง Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand+66 85 405 9161www.facebook.com/rimnambyderiverVisitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (extreme heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
20°C – 38°C(68°F – 100°F)
Crowds
Peak: November – February
Getting there
Train from Bangkok Thonburi station (~3 hrs, scenic). Minibuses from Mo Chit take ~2.5 hrs. Car hire is recommended if you're exploring beyond town.
Getting around
- •Bicycle rental (town is flat)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Songthaews along the river
- •Long-tail boat tours on the river
Where to stay near By De River
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Tips for Visiting Restaurants & Food
Learn the Spice Scale
Say 'mai pet' for no spice, 'pet nit noi' for a little spice, or 'pet mak' if you want it Thai-hot. Most cooks will default to a toned-down version for foreigners unless you specify otherwise.
Follow the Crowds
The busiest street stalls are almost always the best — high turnover means fresh ingredients and a recipe that locals vouch for. An empty restaurant at dinner time is a red flag.
Ice Is Safe
Factory-made tube or cylinder ice (used in virtually all restaurants and stalls) is made from purified water and is safe to consume. You don't need to skip the iced Thai tea.
Nearby Places

Tongkan Café
Floating tables on the Kwai, a live band after dark, and a sunset worth arriving early for.

KAAN Riverkwai Restaurant
Thai food by the Khwae with a long, unhurried lunch or dinner in mind, not a quick refuel.

Meals n' Bites @ JP's
Friendly family-run Thai restaurant on Maenamkwai Road serving authentic dishes at budget prices.

Jit Sod Chuen
A well-regarded local Thai restaurant in Kanchanaburi, open daily for lunch and dinner.
Similar Restaurants & Food Across Thailand

Kodtalay The Riverfront Seafood Buffet
Open-air seafood buffet on the Chao Phraya from 599 baht, and the river seats are worth asking for.

Central Pattaya
A big air-conditioned mall on Beach Road where the food court does the heavy lifting.

Kodtalay Seafood Buffet Sukhumvit
Live river prawns from the tank, grilled at your table, and no clock ticking on how long you stay.

Pier 21
Cheap, genuinely good Thai food on the fifth floor of a mall, if you can find a table at noon.
Where to stay near By De River
Find hotels in Kanchanaburi on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (extreme heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
20°C – 38°C(68°F – 100°F)
Crowds
Peak: November – February
Getting there
Train from Bangkok Thonburi station (~3 hrs, scenic). Minibuses from Mo Chit take ~2.5 hrs. Car hire is recommended if you're exploring beyond town.
Getting around
- •Bicycle rental (town is flat)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Songthaews along the river
- •Long-tail boat tours on the river