Waterfront restaurants in Kanchanaburi offer some of the most memorable dining experiences in Thailand, where you can feast on fresh seafood while watching the sun set over the historic River Kwae. Below Kanchanaburi Local Stephen shares three riverside venues that represent the best of what this enchanting town has to offer.
The tranquil River Kwae in Kanchanaburi, an extension of the Mae Song River, is the heartbeat of the town. The best hotels, restaurants and bars are located alongside it. Unlike some of the riverside restaurants in Bangkok, which have inflated prices, average service and so-so food, the ones in Kanchanaburi tick all the boxes.
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There are a ton, but I’m going to introduce you to three. You’ll understand why shortly. I’m going to tell you why they’re so good; each has a unique point of difference, and my favourite dish(es) to try there.
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Ok, my favourite…
Coco River Restaurant
Coco River Restaurant is located on the west bank, next to the famous Concentration Camp night market. We first followed a billboard advertisement to this restaurant and within minutes, it became my number one.
The location is perfect, the design of the restaurant is excellent, the service is first-class and the food is delicious. To top it off, the prices aren’t inflated and you get real value for money.
Some local singers perform on the outdoor deck or inside, set out in a dinner theatre style. They usually come on around sunset.
What’s Unique About It?
While most of the riverside restaurants are on the east bank, this one is on the west bank, and the famous River Kwae bridge can be easily seen from the deck.
Speaking of the deck, it juts out into the river, and along the edge, there are strategically placed bean bags.
What’s on the Menu?
You’re riverside, so expect fish to be prominent on the menu. You can choose from a variety of styles and flavours and even the type of fish you want. I recommend the sea bass.
There are promotions every night, like two-for-one cocktails on Tuesdays and 30 baht beers on Wednesdays. For those of you partial to cannabis, there are even some dishes containing that magical ingredient.
My Favourite Dish
Now, this is tough. Can I be cheeky and say the draught beer? You can get that in a glass, a jug, or a tower. But okay, let’s talk about food. Their Fried Fish (pla tod) in Sweet and Sour Sauce is the dish I order every time.
Now, this isn’t to be confused with sweet and sour from your local Chinese takeaway. The Thai version is aromatic and has a thin sauce, not that thick coagulated stuff those words bring to mind.
Where: Saphan Kwae Yai, Tha Ma Kham, Mueang, Kanchanaburi
When: 5.30pm until midnight
Ok, let’s move on to my my former favourite and a close second.
Dejtosapak Restaurant
Located on the east bank of the River Kwae, 1.5 km south of the Skywalk, which you can see from the deck, is Dejtosapak Restaurant. It’s easily recognised as you drive by. The King of Lanka statue stands majestically in front of the restaurant. You can’t miss him; he has 12 arms.
This was my favourite, until we found Coco, and Coco only beats it (for me), due to its location to the bridge. The scenery is amazing, the food is excellent and again, it’s well-priced. As for the service, Coco really has that hands down, the staff at Dejtosapak are friendly and perform their duties but they don’t go out of their way like the other restaurant.
What’s Unique About It?
Now here’s what’s really cool. Dejtosapak Restaurant also has a deck that juts out onto the river but where there’s has a twist is that you sit at the table and dangle your legs just above the water’s edge.
Don’t worry, there are no crocodiles or sharks in the River Kwae. In the dry season, this is a wonderful way to enjoy a meal.
What’s on the Menu?
Once again fish is the star here, but there are also lots of Thai and Isaan dishes. There are dishes packed with vegetables and signature Thai soups. The jumbo shrimp will blow your mind at their size.
My Favourite Dish
Ok this is easy. Sure this can be found in other restaurants but my favourite is the Yum Fried Fish. I don’t know how they do it and don’t want to know as it might spoil the illusion, but the crumbly texture of the fish makes it so very moreish, it’s topped with cashew nuts adding even more crunch.
Where: 19/235, Chaichumphol Soi 1 Rd, Ban Tai, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi
When: 10am-9pm daily
My final pick, is one for the tourists, especially those interested in the history of the area.
Goodway Restaurant
There are a few restaurants right next to the River Kwae Bridge, but I think Goodway Restaurant is the pick of the three. I like the Chinese temple and Buddha directly opposite it on the west bank. I also like looking downstream rather than upstream (I can’t explain why though). It’s also a stationary river raft setting, so once again you’re dining on the river.
The best thing about this restaurant is that the service is fast, they turn over a lot of tables so it needs to be, and it’s not overpriced, despite its historic location.
What’s Unique About It?
The bridge is directly south of the restaurant, and if you time your meal correctly (10.30am and 2.30pm) you get to witness the train crossing the bridge. As it’s such an important part of history for many nations, this experience is one of the many reasons this restaurant gets so busy.
What’s on the Menu?
Yes, fish is king here too, but there are also lots of traditional Thai meals, like curries and meat over rice. Snacks like spring rolls and fried chicken wings are fresh and delicious.
My Favourite Dish
Unlike the other two where I picked one dish, I really love the traditional Thai food like the fried rice (Khao Pad), Pad Kra Pow (Holy Basil) and the Drunken Noodles (Pad See Ew). Sometimes, the standard food is worth ordering.
Where: 425 River Kwai Rd, Tha Ma Kham, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi
When: 10am – 10pm
Come and Dine On the River Kwae
If you’re in Kanchanaburi for a few days (one just simply isn’t enough), you’ll have a couple of lunches and dinners to spare. Please try to get to one or all of these restaurants, you’ll thank me later!
About the author: Stephen left Australia in 2016 with a one-way ticket to Thailand
and hasn’t been back since. Seven years later, he’s “living the ex-pat dream”, married and settled down; he and his partner travel across Thailand competing in half-marathon running events and sampling coffee at cafes.