Kanchanaburi

Arresting scenic beauty. Forested mountains. Waterfalls. Pristine national parks. Tranquil riverine and reservoir settings. Leisure opportunities including jungle treks employing elephants and rafts. Historical associations dating from Neolithic times to the Second World War…

There are several compelling reasons for visiting Kanchanaburi.

Thailand’s third largest province, Kanchanaburi covers some 19,473 square and oftentimes mountainous kilometres, and borders Myanmar (Burma) to the west of Bangkok. The compact provincial capital, some 130 kilometres, and a comfortable two-hour drive from Bangkok, is both the site of the world-famous Bridge Over The River Kwae, immortalised in books and movies, and gateway to a region of rugged natural beauty. Countryside beyond the provincial capital is characterised by mountains and fertile river valleys (the Kwae Yai and Kwae Noi) which have inspired the development of hydro-electric power, and where labyrinthine dam reservoirs provide further scenic elements to the province’s natural beauty.

Attractions

Ancient Town of Kanchanaburi
Ancient Town of Kanchanaburi Located at Tambon Lat Ya, 18 kilometres away from the provincial capital, this ancient border town involved in battles between the Thai and the Burmese during the Ayutthaya period to the early Bangkok period. Several ruins are found in Wat Pa Lelai, Wat Khun Phaen, Wat Mae Mai and Wat Nang Phim.

Ban Kao National Museum
Ban Kao National Museum Some 35 kilometres from Kanchanaburi and overlooking the Kwae Noi river, the petite Ban Kao National Museum was constructed beside a Neolithic burial site discovered by an Allied POW during the construction of the ‘Death Railway’. Some 4,000 years ago, Neolithic man lived, roamed and hunted beside the Kwae rivers, sheltering beneath rock overhangs or in nearby caves. The Ban Kao museum houses skeletal remains, pots, axe heads, jewellery made from animal bones, and other artefacts dating from that period.

It is open Wednesday-Friday except public holidays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is 30 baht. Call 0 3465 4058 for more information.

Kanchanaburi Cultural Centre
Kanchanaburi Cultural Centre The collection centre of human life styles from the past till the present is displayed at the Rajabhat Institute of Kanchanaburi, 14 kilometres out of town on the route to Sai Yok. It is open daily from 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m.

Kanchanaburi Town Gate
Kanchanaburi Town Gate This is the remain of Kanchanaburi town built in 1831 during the reign of King Rama III. It is located on Lak Mueang Road near the meeting point of the Kwae Yai and Kwae Noi Rivers.Chong Kai War Cemetery A second cemetery, on the former site of riverbank Chong Kai POW Camp, contains some 1,740 remains in an equally immaculate and exceptionally tranquil and verdant setting.

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (Don Rak)
Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (Don Rak) The immaculately maintained Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, opposite the main railway station on Saeng Chuto Road, contains the remains of 6,982 Allied POWs who perished during the construction of the ‘Death Railway’. An estimated 12,339 Allied POWs, and between 70,000 and 90,000 forced Asian labourers, including many Thais, died during the construction of the ‘Death Railway’ and the bridge over the River Kwae. It is believed that one out of every five people who laboured on the railway perished during its construction.

Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park
Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park Situated in Kanchanaburi’s Agricultural College at Tambon Nong Ya, 9 kilometres from town, it is also known as “the Stone Garden” which abounds with stones of different sizes and shapes.

The Bridge Over the River Kwae
The Bridge Over the River Kwae The major landmark is the black iron bridge spanning the Khwe Yai river which was brought from Java by the Japanese army and reasssembled under Japanese supervision by Allied prisoner-of-war (POW) labour as part of the ‘Death Railway’ intended to link Thailand with Myanmar. Still in use today, 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.

World War II-vintage steam locomotives, and a peculiar hybrid road/railcar from the 2 same era, comprise a small open-air Railway Museum on the bridge’s eastern approach.

The JEATH War Museum
The JEATH War Museum The JEATH War Museum comprises another reminder of the wartime past. The enclave, in the riverside precincts of Wat Chaichumphon, has been constructed in the form of an Allied POW camp. The name JEATH is derived from countries inextricably associated with the years 1942 through 1945, namely 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. POWs who survived the ordeal have donated items from that period to substantiate the museum’s authenticity.The museum is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission fee is 30 baht.

The Nine-Army Battle Historical Park
The Nine-Army Battle Historical Park is located at Tambon Chong Sadao, some 40 kilometres from town on Highway No. 3199, the Nine-Army Battle Historical Park was initiated by the Royal Thai Army to commemorate the great battle under the command of King Rama I, in defense of the kingdom against the aggression of King Bodawpaya of Burma in 1795. The Historical Study Building houses historical data involving this great battle, a sand table displaying battlefields and dioramas showing the battle strategy. It is open daily from 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m. Call 0 3458 9233-5 ext. 1122 for more information.

War Museum
War Museum The museum, located near the River Kwae Bridge, displays the collection of weapons, tools and utensils of the Allied POW and Japanese soldiers during the Second World War. It is open daily from 8 a.m.-6p.m. Admission fee is 30 baht.

Wat Tham Mangkon Thong
Wat Tham Mangkon Thong Situated 5 kilometres from town, the temple is well known for the incredible performance of the nun floating in a deep pool. There is a small museum where a variety of ancient objects found in the area are on display.

Visitors can take a Kanchanaburi - Dan Makham Tia bus and get off at the temple.

Wat Tham Phu Wa
Wat Tham Phu Wa The monastery in natural surroundings, famous for meditation, is 15 kilometres away from the provincial capital. There is a beautiful cave with plenty of stalactites.

From: www.tourismthailand.org