The Kanchanaburi Loop
Name: The Kanchanaburi Loop
Start/Finish: Bridge over the River Kwai, Kanchanaburi
GPX: File
Distance: 951KMs
Description: The Kanchanaburi Loop is a bikepacking route, offers an exhilarating adventure through some of western Thailand's most captivating landscapes. The loop covers 955 kilometres and over 10,000m of climbing, beginning and ending in the historical town of Kanchanaburi. Over 50% of the route is offroad/gravel so requires a gravel, all-road or mountain bike.
Cyclists will traverse the lush jungles, limestone mountains, and serene rivers that characterize this region, with the route weaving past iconic landmarks such as Hellfire Pass, Erawan Waterfall and the Bridge over the River Kwai. The journey is punctuated by charming rural villages where riders can experience authentic Thai culture and hospitality.
NOTE: to view a video of the first ride of the Kanchanaburi Loop, go to the following link
With its mix of scenic beauty, historical significance, and two-wheeled challenges, the Kanchanaburi Loop is a must-do for bikepacking enthusiasts seeking both adventure and tranquillity.
The route starts at the Bridge Over the River Kwai, made famous by the classic 1957 WWII film of the same name, before heading through Kanchanaburi town and across the Mae Klong River.
Heading east along the banks of the Mae Klong river and past Tham Suea Temple, the route soon enters the lowland agricultural regions of Kanchanaburi province, dominated by rice fields and canals.
From Km 50, the route turns west through fields of sugarcane and cassava enroute to the Tenassarim mountain range and the Thai-Burmese border region. At Km 170, the route climbs over 280m before descending into the small border town of Phu Nam Ron and an opportunity to resupply and overnight (Sweet Dreams Home Hill Resort at 190 kms).
From Phu Nam Ron, the route continues north on dirt roads through the remote farmland and forested mountains inhabited by Thai and hilltribe communities.
At Km 283, the route crosses the Kwai Noi River on the Baan Hat Ngio wooden suspension bridge before the steep (20% plus) climb to the Hellfire Pass Museum.
The Hellfire Pass Museum stands as a poignant tribute to the Allied prisoners of war and Asian labourers who endured harrowing conditions while constructing the Thai-Burma Railway during World War II. The museum is situated at the site of the infamous Hellfire Pass, a section of the railway that required intense manual labour to cut through solid rock. Visitors to the museum are greeted with a meticulously curated collection of photographs, artifacts, and personal accounts that vividly depict the suffering and resilience of the individuals who toiled here. It serves not only as a memorial to those who lost their lives but also as a testament to the enduring spirit of human endurance and courage.
After the Hellfire Pass, the journey proceeds to Thong Pha Phum, a picturesque district nestled within the Tenassarim Hills. The area is dotted with forests, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints, providing cyclists with ample opportunities to rest and savour the breathtaking surroundings. Among the notable attractions on the way to Thong Pha Phum are the Hin Dat Hot Springs (a few kms off the GPX route), where riders can soak in the therapeutic waters before heading on to Thong Pa Phum town at Km 358. Thong Pa Phum offers a range of accommodation options and the opportunity to resupply before embarking on the most demanding climbing sections of the Kanchanaburi loop.
Leaving Thong Pa Phum, the route almost immediately starts a gravel climb through hilltribe villages, forest and rubber plantations.
Some 40 kms later, the route emerges on route 323 at Kroeng Krawia Waterfall. Part of Khao Laem National Park, the waterfall is a great opportunity to wash away the dirt and grime of the trail and resupply.
From here the route goes up, up, up, on a mixture of asphalt and gravel. A total of 630m of climbing in fact, to a height of just over 800m above sea level as the route cuts through Khao Laem and Lam Khlong Ngu National Parks. From the high point, the route plunges downwards to the banks of the Srinagarind reservoir, a large body of water stretching over 50 kms through the heart of Kanchanaburi province.
Winding south along the bank of the reservoir, the route passes the Srinagarind National Park Headquarters and Huai Mae Kamin waterfall before descending to the headquarters of Erawan National Park and the famous waterfall of the same name at Km 523. The Erawan Waterfall, one of Thailand's most exquisite natural wonders, is a highlight for anyone traversing the Kanchanaburi Loop. Situated within Erawan National Park, this waterfall is roughly the half-way point on the loop and features seven distinct tiers, each with its unique cascade and emerald green pool. Accommodation and resupply opportunities are numerous in this area.
Turning north away from Erawan, the route climbs once again, this time following the eastern banks of the Srinagarind Reservoir. At Km 555, the road turns right along the edge of Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary. Hardly used by traffic, this road is frequented by wild elephants that visit the edge of the reservoir to drink and forage. NOTE: While cycling Km 555 to Km 576 it is advised to be cautious when rounding corners and to make noise so as not to catch elephants unawares. Elephants are most active at night so this part of the route should only be cycled during daylight hours from around 8am to 5pm. If concerned about encountering elephants, cyclists can continue straight on at Km 555 (instead of turning right) and cross part of the reservoir on a small car ferry and cut out this section of the route entirely.
At around Km 600, the route pitches upward once again, climbing on gradients of over 15% in places to the highest point in the loop, the Samphao Thong Chedi Viewpoint at 840m above sea level.
Descending out of the mountains, at Km 665 the route circles Lam Taphoen Reservoir, offering a chance to resupply and overnight at one of the areas small resorts.
From Km 742 onwards, virtually all the climbing has been done and the route moves in to comparatively flat agricultural areas that are home to cattle farming and production of crops such as rice, sugarcane and casava.
Following the Kanchanaburi/Suphanburi provisional border, the route starts to turn south around Km 765, weaving its way through farmland on the return leg to Kanchanaburi town.
From Km 923, the route follows the Mae Klong river west before entering Kanchanaburi town and finishing back at the Bridge Over the River Kwai.
Route Details:
Total Distance: 951 kms
Elevation Gain: 10,249 m
Surface: approx. 50% or more is offroad
Seasons: the best time to attempt the Kanchanaburi route is from November to around mid-February i.e. the cooler and dry months of the year. From the end of February to early May it is typically very hot and dry and forest fires may be encountered within the areas covered by the loop. May to late October is the rainy season and some offroad parts of the loop can become muddy and very challenging.
Accommodation:
The following is a potential itinerary for the loop but of course you may decide to adopt a more leisurely or aggressive pace. A full list of accommodations can be downloaded here. Phone numbers included!
Day 1 – Kanchanaburi Town to Phu Nam Ron – 190 kms
After leaving Kanchanaburi town, options for accommodation are very limited until reaching Phu Nam Ron village at Km 190. As such, it is recommended that cyclists leave early on Day 1 of their trip to make Phu Nam Ron before dark.
Day 2 – Phu Nam Ron to Thong Pa Phum – 168 kms
Thong Pa Phum is a moderate sized town and offers a range of accommodation options. Along the loop route on the outskirts of the town are three possible options for overnighting:
Day 3 – Thong Pa Phum to Erawan – 167 kms
The following are some of the many accommodation options in the area around the entrance to Erawan National Park and Waterfall:
A more remote area, Lam Taphoen Reservoir is home to several “glamping” resorts, some of which offer small cabin-style accommodation and/or tented accommodation. Below are a few options.
Baan Huai Yang is a village on the main Bo Ploi to U-tong road. Accommodation is very limited in this area with Hotel 333 being the only viable option. As such it is advised to book ahead. Alternatively, Greenview Resort is situated some 6 kms to the west, while the town of U-tong lies 10kms to the east and has a range of accommodation options including:
Accommodation options in the town of Kanchanaburi are numerous and widespread Resupply:
Resupply during daylight hours is generally not an issue along much of the route, with many settlements having some type of small restaurant and/or general store offering snacks/drinks etc. Some of the more mountainous areas, such as Km 364-396, Km 453-480 and Km 610-630 will have fewer options however, and riders are advised to stock-up in advance of these sectors, especially if attempting them at night.
Equipment:
It is strongly recommended to undertake this route on a gravel bike or all-road bike with tyres of at least 35mm. Alternatively, a mountain bike could be used albeit it would be slower on the road sections. While there are some bike repair/retail facilities in the town of Kanchanaburi, there are no bike shops anywhere else on the Kanchanaburi loop, so riders must be prepared to carry all necessary spares and tools.
NOTE: to view a video of the first ride of the Kanchanaburi Loop, go to the following link
Unsupported:
Men: Neil Challis, 1/25/2025 109:03:35
Women:
Para:
Supported:
Men:
Women:
Team:
Para:
Name: The Kanchanaburi Loop
Start/Finish: Bridge over the River Kwai, Kanchanaburi
GPX: File
Distance: 951KMs
Description: The Kanchanaburi Loop is a bikepacking route, offers an exhilarating adventure through some of western Thailand's most captivating landscapes. The loop covers 955 kilometres and over 10,000m of climbing, beginning and ending in the historical town of Kanchanaburi. Over 50% of the route is offroad/gravel so requires a gravel, all-road or mountain bike.
Cyclists will traverse the lush jungles, limestone mountains, and serene rivers that characterize this region, with the route weaving past iconic landmarks such as Hellfire Pass, Erawan Waterfall and the Bridge over the River Kwai. The journey is punctuated by charming rural villages where riders can experience authentic Thai culture and hospitality.
NOTE: to view a video of the first ride of the Kanchanaburi Loop, go to the following link
With its mix of scenic beauty, historical significance, and two-wheeled challenges, the Kanchanaburi Loop is a must-do for bikepacking enthusiasts seeking both adventure and tranquillity.
The route starts at the Bridge Over the River Kwai, made famous by the classic 1957 WWII film of the same name, before heading through Kanchanaburi town and across the Mae Klong River.
Heading east along the banks of the Mae Klong river and past Tham Suea Temple, the route soon enters the lowland agricultural regions of Kanchanaburi province, dominated by rice fields and canals.
From Km 50, the route turns west through fields of sugarcane and cassava enroute to the Tenassarim mountain range and the Thai-Burmese border region. At Km 170, the route climbs over 280m before descending into the small border town of Phu Nam Ron and an opportunity to resupply and overnight (Sweet Dreams Home Hill Resort at 190 kms).
From Phu Nam Ron, the route continues north on dirt roads through the remote farmland and forested mountains inhabited by Thai and hilltribe communities.
At Km 283, the route crosses the Kwai Noi River on the Baan Hat Ngio wooden suspension bridge before the steep (20% plus) climb to the Hellfire Pass Museum.
The Hellfire Pass Museum stands as a poignant tribute to the Allied prisoners of war and Asian labourers who endured harrowing conditions while constructing the Thai-Burma Railway during World War II. The museum is situated at the site of the infamous Hellfire Pass, a section of the railway that required intense manual labour to cut through solid rock. Visitors to the museum are greeted with a meticulously curated collection of photographs, artifacts, and personal accounts that vividly depict the suffering and resilience of the individuals who toiled here. It serves not only as a memorial to those who lost their lives but also as a testament to the enduring spirit of human endurance and courage.
After the Hellfire Pass, the journey proceeds to Thong Pha Phum, a picturesque district nestled within the Tenassarim Hills. The area is dotted with forests, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints, providing cyclists with ample opportunities to rest and savour the breathtaking surroundings. Among the notable attractions on the way to Thong Pha Phum are the Hin Dat Hot Springs (a few kms off the GPX route), where riders can soak in the therapeutic waters before heading on to Thong Pa Phum town at Km 358. Thong Pa Phum offers a range of accommodation options and the opportunity to resupply before embarking on the most demanding climbing sections of the Kanchanaburi loop.
Leaving Thong Pa Phum, the route almost immediately starts a gravel climb through hilltribe villages, forest and rubber plantations.
Some 40 kms later, the route emerges on route 323 at Kroeng Krawia Waterfall. Part of Khao Laem National Park, the waterfall is a great opportunity to wash away the dirt and grime of the trail and resupply.
From here the route goes up, up, up, on a mixture of asphalt and gravel. A total of 630m of climbing in fact, to a height of just over 800m above sea level as the route cuts through Khao Laem and Lam Khlong Ngu National Parks. From the high point, the route plunges downwards to the banks of the Srinagarind reservoir, a large body of water stretching over 50 kms through the heart of Kanchanaburi province.
Winding south along the bank of the reservoir, the route passes the Srinagarind National Park Headquarters and Huai Mae Kamin waterfall before descending to the headquarters of Erawan National Park and the famous waterfall of the same name at Km 523. The Erawan Waterfall, one of Thailand's most exquisite natural wonders, is a highlight for anyone traversing the Kanchanaburi Loop. Situated within Erawan National Park, this waterfall is roughly the half-way point on the loop and features seven distinct tiers, each with its unique cascade and emerald green pool. Accommodation and resupply opportunities are numerous in this area.
Turning north away from Erawan, the route climbs once again, this time following the eastern banks of the Srinagarind Reservoir. At Km 555, the road turns right along the edge of Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary. Hardly used by traffic, this road is frequented by wild elephants that visit the edge of the reservoir to drink and forage. NOTE: While cycling Km 555 to Km 576 it is advised to be cautious when rounding corners and to make noise so as not to catch elephants unawares. Elephants are most active at night so this part of the route should only be cycled during daylight hours from around 8am to 5pm. If concerned about encountering elephants, cyclists can continue straight on at Km 555 (instead of turning right) and cross part of the reservoir on a small car ferry and cut out this section of the route entirely.
At around Km 600, the route pitches upward once again, climbing on gradients of over 15% in places to the highest point in the loop, the Samphao Thong Chedi Viewpoint at 840m above sea level.
Descending out of the mountains, at Km 665 the route circles Lam Taphoen Reservoir, offering a chance to resupply and overnight at one of the areas small resorts.
From Km 742 onwards, virtually all the climbing has been done and the route moves in to comparatively flat agricultural areas that are home to cattle farming and production of crops such as rice, sugarcane and casava.
Following the Kanchanaburi/Suphanburi provisional border, the route starts to turn south around Km 765, weaving its way through farmland on the return leg to Kanchanaburi town.
From Km 923, the route follows the Mae Klong river west before entering Kanchanaburi town and finishing back at the Bridge Over the River Kwai.
Route Details:
Total Distance: 951 kms
Elevation Gain: 10,249 m
Surface: approx. 50% or more is offroad
Seasons: the best time to attempt the Kanchanaburi route is from November to around mid-February i.e. the cooler and dry months of the year. From the end of February to early May it is typically very hot and dry and forest fires may be encountered within the areas covered by the loop. May to late October is the rainy season and some offroad parts of the loop can become muddy and very challenging.
Accommodation:
The following is a potential itinerary for the loop but of course you may decide to adopt a more leisurely or aggressive pace. A full list of accommodations can be downloaded here. Phone numbers included!
Day 1 – Kanchanaburi Town to Phu Nam Ron – 190 kms
After leaving Kanchanaburi town, options for accommodation are very limited until reaching Phu Nam Ron village at Km 190. As such, it is recommended that cyclists leave early on Day 1 of their trip to make Phu Nam Ron before dark.
Day 2 – Phu Nam Ron to Thong Pa Phum – 168 kms
Thong Pa Phum is a moderate sized town and offers a range of accommodation options. Along the loop route on the outskirts of the town are three possible options for overnighting:
- Puprai Tarnnarm Resort
- Pugkood Habitat Resort
- Cinque Terre Resort
Day 3 – Thong Pa Phum to Erawan – 167 kms
The following are some of the many accommodation options in the area around the entrance to Erawan National Park and Waterfall:
- Suriyan Villa Erawan Kanchanaburi
- Erawan Mountain Beach
- Taramontra
- Erachon Raft Resort
A more remote area, Lam Taphoen Reservoir is home to several “glamping” resorts, some of which offer small cabin-style accommodation and/or tented accommodation. Below are a few options.
- Riverdale Glamping
- Raise Lagoon Glamping
- The Loco Camp
Baan Huai Yang is a village on the main Bo Ploi to U-tong road. Accommodation is very limited in this area with Hotel 333 being the only viable option. As such it is advised to book ahead. Alternatively, Greenview Resort is situated some 6 kms to the west, while the town of U-tong lies 10kms to the east and has a range of accommodation options including:
- Kongthongthip Resort
- Thanachon Resort
Accommodation options in the town of Kanchanaburi are numerous and widespread Resupply:
Resupply during daylight hours is generally not an issue along much of the route, with many settlements having some type of small restaurant and/or general store offering snacks/drinks etc. Some of the more mountainous areas, such as Km 364-396, Km 453-480 and Km 610-630 will have fewer options however, and riders are advised to stock-up in advance of these sectors, especially if attempting them at night.
Equipment:
It is strongly recommended to undertake this route on a gravel bike or all-road bike with tyres of at least 35mm. Alternatively, a mountain bike could be used albeit it would be slower on the road sections. While there are some bike repair/retail facilities in the town of Kanchanaburi, there are no bike shops anywhere else on the Kanchanaburi loop, so riders must be prepared to carry all necessary spares and tools.
NOTE: to view a video of the first ride of the Kanchanaburi Loop, go to the following link
Unsupported:
Men: Neil Challis, 1/25/2025 109:03:35
Women:
Para:
Supported:
Men:
Women:
Team:
Para:
