KANCHANABURI

Kanchanaburi is Thailand’s third largest province. It covers an area of 19,486 square kilometers, most of which is forested mountains. There are fertile plains around the meeting point of the Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai Rivers where the town is located. To the west, Kanchanaburi shares a border with Myanmar and has the Tanaowsi Range as its borderline.

Attractions

The Bridge over the River Kwai – Internationally famous, thanks to several motion pictures and books, the black iron bridge was brought from Java by the Japanese supervision by Allied prisoners of war labour as part of the “Death Railway” linking Thailand with Myanmar. Still in use today, the bridge was the target of frequent Allied bombing raids during 1945, and was rebuilt after the war ended. The curved spans of the bridge are the original sections.

War Museum – This museum, located near the River Kwai Bridge, displays the collection of weapons, tools and utensils of the Allied prisoners of war and Japanese soldiers during the Second World War.

The JEATH War Museum – This enclave in the riverside precincts of Wat Chaichumphon has been constructed largely in the form of an Allied prisoners of war camp. The name JEATH is derived from Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand, and Holland. The thatched detention hut with cramped, elevated bamboo bunks contains photographic, pictorial, and physical memorabilia dating from the Second World War.

Kanchanaburi War Cemetary – On Saeng Chuto Road, opposite the Railway Station, it contains the remains of 6,982 prisoners of war who perished during the construction of “Death Railway”.

Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park – The ancient site is 43 kilometres out of Kanchanaburi on the bank of the Kwai Noi River. The principal structure, the Khmer Prasat Muang Sing (Tower of the City of Lions), is believed to have been the westernmost outpost of the Angkor-centred Khmer empire. A wide range of artefacts including temple carvings, religious statues, implements, and pottery shards indicate the once-thriving city must have been inhabited from approximately the 12th to 14th centuries.

Namtok Sai Yok Noi – Also known as Namtok Khao Phang, some 60 kilometres from town, this roadside cascade is best visited between July and September when water is most plentiful. Traveling by train from Kanchanaburi to Nam Tok Station is recommended for visitors wishing to experience trips on the historic railway, and then they can continue by local transport to the waterfall, which is only 2 kilometres away.

Khao Laem Dam – This hydro-electric dam is situated on the Kwai Noi River, 6 kilometres north of Thong Pha Phum or 165 kilometres north of Kanchanaburi. The dam, 1,019 metres long and 92 metres high, forms a scenic reservoir extending to the north towards Songkhla Buri district. An overnight stay in comfortable resorts or raft-houses also offer a relaxing holiday for visitors.

Sangkhla Buri – This small settlement, some 225 kilometres from Kanchanaburi, edges on the northernmost extremities of Kho Laem Dam. The scenic 75-kilometre route from Khao Laem largely parallels the reservoir passing severai raft complexes and roadside cascades.

Mon Village – This Mon community is linked with the district by a long wooden bridge. Mon is an ethnic minority whose origin is in Myanmar. Here, they live peacefully and their tradition has been continually practiced.

Three Pagodas Pass – 22 kilometres from Sangkhla Buri, this is a group of three similar pagodas which has been constructed as a memorial for an important trooping route during the wartime of the Ayutthaya period. It also marks the rugged Thailand-Myanmar border and is the site of a small thriving border market.

Elephant Trekking – Elephants in Sangkhla Buri are raised by Kariang hilltribes for working purpose. When not working, they are available to tourists to ride. Some travel agents offer one-day elephant trekking in combination with rafting tours in the vicinity of Thong Pha Phum and Sangkhla Buri.

Namtok Erawan – This is a 7-tiered waterfall, widely regarded as one of Thailand’s loveliest cascades. It is in the area of the Erawan National Park, 65 kilometres from Kanchanaburi.

Sri Nakarin Dam – 69 kilometres from Kanchanaburi, and just 4 kilometres north of the Erawan National Park, this massive structure marks the southernmost extremity of an extensive reservoir, which is part of yet another national park.

Mjor Events

River Kwai Bridge Week – Each year, late November and/or early December, the world famous bridge becomes the focal point of celebrations. Highlights include exhibitions and historical and archaeological displays; a carnival featuring sideshows, roundabouts, folk entertainment and cultural performances; rides on trains hauled by World War II vintage steam locomotives; and a nightly light and sound presentation re-enacting the bridge’s Second World War history, including an Allied bombing raid.