Kanchanaburi is Thailand’s third largest province, 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 Tanaowasi Range as its borderline.

Beyond the compact provincial capital, some 130 kilometres from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi unfolds in progressively arresting scenic beauty in a landscape characterised by several waterfalls, caves once inhabited by Neolithic man, national parks, and tranquil riverside and reservoir settings. Many of its major attractions are also connected with the Second World War, and more specifically the years 1942 to 1945.

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.

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.

The provincial capital is 426 kilometres north Bangkok, and is situated on the Ping river basin. To the west, the border touches on Myanmar demarcated by mountain ranges and the Moei river.

Places of Interest

Bhumibol Dam – Thailand’s largest dam is located some 60 kilometres north of Tak city in Amphoe Sam Ngao, and dams the Mae Ping River. The extensive reservoir forms a picturesque lake that extends north wards to Chaing Mai’s Hot districts. Accommodation is available at the dam.

Mae Ping Lake Cruises – Popular cruises originate from the Bhumibol Dam to Chiang Mai’s Doi Tao edging the dam reservoir, a total distance of 140 kilometres.

Mae Sot – This riverside settlement on the Moei River, facing Myanmar on the opposite bank, and some 86 kilometres from Tak city, is well known for its shopping opportunities, especially for Burmese goods such as cloth lengths, gemstones and decorative items.

Umphang – This distant district is 164 kilometres south of Mae Sot. There are air-conditioned buses, as well as flights from Bangkok to Mae Sot, and then, take the local bus to Umphang. The scenic highway’s highest point is some 1,200 metres above sea level. The winding route takes some 4 hours to complete, particularly during the Rains Season or the Cool Season when mountain mists impede progress.

Every part of Umphang is a center of ecotourism; for example, major water sources can be found here. It is also part of a World Heritage Site. The way of life of the Karen hilltribe people, who keep elephants as a means of transportation, can be seen in Umphang District. These people live close to nature.

There are many types of accommodation within Umphang that provide services for tourism-rafting, trekking, elephant riding, etc.

Thi Lo Cho Waterfall – is approximately 3 kilometres from Umphang. The upper falls are located on high cliff and the tier is narrow whereas the lower falls are part of the stream of the Mae Klong, falling like rainfall.

Thi Lo Su Waterfall – Located in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, is the most beautiful in Thailand. Originating from Huai Klotho, it flows down a mountain valley at a height of 200-300 metres. The fall flow down in tiers surrounded by virgin forest. There is a trail to the waterfall from the wildlife sanctuary office. It takes approximately 15 minutes to walk, and there are places to stop and admire the impressive views from the top. To get there, follow a small road off the main road from Umphang for 27 kilometres. Visitors must follow the set route, or raft and walk through the forest. Vehicles can enter between November to April only.

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