Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
The Commonwealth War Graves cemetery for the prisoners who died building the Death Railway, in the middle of town, free and open every day.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 08:00–17:00
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Details
- Phone
- 092 803 8269
Full opening hours
Tours that include Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
Skip-the-line entry, guided visits and day-tour combos around Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.
Why go, and how to do it well
Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, known locally as Don Rak, is the main burial ground for the Allied prisoners of war who died building the Thailand–Burma Railway in 1942 and 1943. It is cared for by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and nearly 7,000 British, Australian and Dutch prisoners lie here in long rows of bronze-plaqued graves set in a lawn that is kept immaculate.
The cemetery is in the middle of Kanchanaburi town on Saeng Chuto Road, beside the Thailand–Burma Railway Centre, so the two make one visit. Entry is free and it's open every day, with the office staffed on weekdays and Saturday mornings. The River Kwai bridge is about 3 km north.
Dress and behave as you would at any war grave. Mornings are cooler and quieter. The smaller Chong Kai War Cemetery, across the river south of town, is the second Commonwealth cemetery in Kanchanaburi.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
Stay within reach of Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
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Tours that include Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
Skip-the-line entry, guided visits and day-tour combos around Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
- 1 minDeath Railway Museum and Research CentreTemples & Culture · 100 m · 4.6★
- 3 minZab ZabRestaurants & Food · 250 m · 4.4★
- 3 minJJ Night Market KanchanaburiMarkets & Shopping · 250 m · 4.3★
- 3 minKanchanaburiActivities & Tours · 260 m · 4.3★
- 4 minThe Nine RestaurantRestaurants & Food · 280 m · 4.8★
- 4 minKanchanaburi PlazaMarkets & Shopping · 290 m · 4.2★
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, round out your day in Kanchanaburi with contrasting stops nearby.
284/66 Thanon Sangchuto, Tambon Ban Tai, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi
Open in Google MapsMore temples & culture nearby
All within 10 min walk of Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.
Death Railway Museum and Research Centre
Go here before the bridge, not after, and give it a good ninety minutes.
Wat Thaworn Wararam/Chùa Khánh Thọ
A Chinese-Vietnamese temple in a riverside park, quiet most days, but mind the dogs.
Wat Thewa Sangkharam
A large, active Buddhist temple near the River Kwai with expansive grounds, a community school, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Street Art
A block-long stretch of colorful murals in Kanchanaburi, best paired with nearby temples or the war cemetery.
Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Go Early Morning
Major temples like Wat Pho and Wat Arun are dramatically less crowded before 9 AM. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.
Kanchanaburi War Cemetery: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kanchanaburi War Cemetery worth visiting?
Kanchanaburi War Cemetery holds a 4.7★ rating from 661 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Kanchanaburi.
What are the opening hours of Kanchanaburi War Cemetery?
Kanchanaburi War Cemetery is typically open 08:00-17:00 — 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.
When is the best time to visit Kanchanaburi War Cemetery?
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 Kanchanaburi War Cemetery located?
Kanchanaburi War Cemetery is at 284/66 Thanon Sangchuto, Tambon Ban Tai, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi, in Kanchanaburi. Getting around Kanchanaburi: Bicycle rental (town is flat); Motorbike rental.
Also popular in Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi Night Market
A local Thai food market open nightly until 4 AM, offering affordable meals and a genuine neighborhood atmosphere.
Plakan Log Home
A timber log-cabin restaurant by the river where the Thai cooking justifies the slightly steep prices.
Baan Massage & Spa
Locally loved Thai massage and spa in central Kanchanaburi, open daily 9am–9pm.
Meena Café
You come for rice fields, a bamboo bridge and Wat Tham Seua on the hill, not for the food.
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