If you look a place a little more remote,where nature offers the simple pleasure of sun,unpolluted and beautiful rivers,high mountains,wonderful caves,wild-animals,waterfulls or the precious blue-sapphire area the answer lies in this town...KANCHANABURI

Kanchanaburi is one of the most beautiful provinces of Thailand,with a very delightful landscape.It is already well-known among War-histirians and movie-buffs as the size of the notorious "Death Railway" an the "Bridge over the river Khwae"and amongarchaeolegists for its Neolithic burialgrounds.Yet, the provinces also has numerous other places of interest for the nature loving who wants to spend longer time here.

Kanchanaburi is about 128 kilometers west of Bangkok approximately 2 1/2 hours ride by car over a good road.

The town of Kanchanaburi is located at the point where two tributaries,the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai (which have their source in the Ta-Nao-Si Range) meet and form the Mae-klong River.

The famous Bridge over the River Khwae, the Neolithic burial site at Ban-Kao and several of the area's other attraction are all situated along these river banks.

The present provincial capital is a relatively new town built by King Rama III in 1833.The old town was 18 kilometers away.On reaching Kanchanaburi a visitor first stop at the "TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND" local office on Saeng-Chuto Road near the Bus Station to collect maps,folders and any other useful information before starting out on a program 0f sight-seeing.

Probably,the best known of Kanchanaburi tourist-attraction is the Bridge over the River Khwae made famous by the movie of the same name ; the death Railway and the War cemetery...all of which are reminders of one of the darkest period of world-war II.But among Thais,it is widely known for its natural beauties such as National Park, Sai-Yok National Park, La-Wa Cave.


Amphoe Muang

The Bridge over the River Khwae

This famous bridge is located about 4 kilometers from T.A.T. office,on the bank of Khwae Yai river,It wasbrought from Java by the Japanese Army and was assembled at the River Khwae by the war prisoners.Bombed several times in 1945,it was rebuilt after the war again. The curved spans of the bridge are the originalsections .An estimated 16,000 war prisoners and 49,000impressed labourers died during the constructiob of the bridge and the death-Railway line that leads to Burma.


Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

This cemeterty contains the remains of 6,982 war lost their lives during the Captivity of the Japanese Army that forced them to build the Bridge over the River Khwae and Death Railway.

The Japanese following their invasion of Thailand during World war II,brought British,Dutch,Australian and American prisoners to Thailand by the Southern route.Impressed labourers were also usedto complete the rush construction of the railroad,which is an alternative to sea route, to Rangoon via Singapore and the Strait of Malacca since the sea route was being closed in by Allied submarines and aircrafts.


Chong-Kai War Cemetery

The Chong-Kai Cemetery is smaller but more peaceful than the one in town.It is also neatly arranged with all kinds of beautiful flowers planting, and hedged.It contains the ramains of 1,750 prisoners of war.

This place can be reaches by boats which are available at the pier in front of the town gate and also from the agent at the Bridge.


Tham Khao Pun

This cave is located about 1 kilometers from the Chong-Kai War Cemetery.There is a temple in front of the cave.Inside this cave housing many beautiful Buddha images off different images gesture which would make your climbing worthwhile.The stalagmites are interesting too.


Jeath War Museum

Jeath stands for Japan,England,America,Australia,Thailand and Holland.The museum is a reconstructed p.o.w.s.(The prisonersof war in the second world war during 1942-1943)Thatched detention hut.Living quarter inside comprise raised bamboo bunks running the lenght of thr long hut.One can see hoe is p.o.w.was alloted a scrimping living space on the banks.On the walls of the huts are posted actual.enlarge photoes and illustrations of the 'atrocities'against the prisoners,and the severe living conditions of the p.o.w.s.The museum is on the bank of the Mae Klong River inside Wat (Monastery) Chai Chumphon.

To reach the museum,turn left from the first intersection after entering Kanchanaburi town,coming from Bangkok.Turn left again to Phraek Road at the water front,and follow the road to the left,until reaching the first bie monastery,Wat Chai Chumphon, a mo nastery on the river bank.The Jeath War Museum is at the entrance of the monastery.


Ban Kao Neilithic Museum

Built near the Neilithic burial site,discovered by a dutch p.o.w.,while working on the Death Railway.The museum is 35 kms. out of town on a branch road off the Asian Highway.On display are specimens of Neolothic remains and utensils.


Prasat Muang Singh Historical Park

Beyond the Ban Kao Neolithic Museum about 10 Kms.up north,there is "Prasat Muang Singh" ruin,a historical park being renovated by the Fine Art Department to display the Khmere influenced architecture toward this part of Thailand some 700-800 years ago.The archeologists should never miss this site,as it is ao interesting and yield quite perfect atmosphere for your study and relaxation within the green park.The entrant fee is B20/person.


Kanchanaburi Culture Centre

Built by the Thai Franers Bank,the center offers an impressive collection of handricrafts and historical exhibits the significant that the orovince had played in the nation's past.The center is inside the compoundof the Kanchanaburi Teacher's college,just outside the town Kanchanaburi Saiyok Road at Tambon Nong Bua,Amphoe Muang.


River Khwawe Family Camp

Situated in a beautiful natural environment 7 kilometers outside the town of Kanchanaburiis the River Khwae Family Camp.This 80 rai(45 acres)Family Camp is an ideal recreation site foe families,nature lovers,youth groups and school.Faculties in the camp include horse horseback riding,canoeing on the River Khwae Yai and many other kinds of sport activities.Special outings in the vanicity are also available,such as hill climbing and cave exploring or a barge cruise down the River Khwae.Horseback riding des erves a special mention,because Mrs.LeeRhodes,the camp director,has been actively involved with ridinginstruction for the past fourty years and coached junior competition teams in South East Asia for Thailand.

Camp mailing address :C/O Mrs.Lee Rhodes,Box 20 Kanchanaburi 71000 Tel.253-4380-1


Wat Tham Mangkonthong

Situated about 4 Kms.from the provincial city on the bank of Mae Klong river.This place was once well known for the incredible performance of the nun floating in the deep pool.Other magnificent is its temple located in the cave high up from the ground the two sides of steps leading to the temple were carved in the form of dragon.


Somdet Phra sri Nakharin Park

Situated in Kanchanaburi Agriculture College,Tambon Nongya,about 9 Kms.from the provincial city.Usually well known to people as "Stone Garden" since most of its area are scattered with stones fledged from the ground in different size and shaped similar to animals.


Amphoe Sai Yok


Nam Tok sai Yok

A classic Thai song gained immortality by the way it the idylic beauty of Sai Yok Falls. Now a part of the National park,the falls are 104 Kms.from Kanchanaburi on the Asian highway,which runs north from Kanchanaburi to its northern most district Sangkhla on the Thai-Burmese border.At Km104 is the left-hand entrance to the Sai Yok National Park on the bank of Khwae Noi River.The Sai Yok Waterfalls are on the same side of the river,to the left.To get fall visual impact of the waterfalls,a new high-tensile wire-rope suspension bridge has been strung across just late last year for tourists to cross over for a view of the falls from the opposite side. Accommodation in the form of raft houses by this bridge is provided for the tourists.Over on the other side is a sand bank,from where Sai Yok Falls could be seen full face, and appreciated.


Nan Tok Khao Phang or sai Yok Noi

This waterfall is about 2 kilometers from the present end of the "Death Railway" line which is called Nam-Tok Station.It is about 77 Kms.from Kanchanaburi town.The trip to this place would be interesting for those who like to try on the noterious :Death Railway" route at once.The countryside and the landscape are among one of the most beautiful places in Thailand too.

However,during the dry season (September-April) there is not much water so you must not enjoy your swimming at the waterfall.Therefore,the best period for playing around in this waterfall should be within the rainy season.

There is local bus service from town to this places every half from 6.45 a.m.-6.00p.m.,daily trip takes about 2 hours....Riding on the bus to this place is a good sight-seeing for those visitors who have enough time.


A boat ride to Tham Kaeng Lawa and Nam Tok Sai Yok

This trip will give you a very pleasant and adventurous experience that could hardy be forgotten. Along this part of the Khwae Noi is so rich with scenic beauties and wild animals in the forest as well as near by the river bank.Kaeng Lawa Cave is one of y our interesting spots to visit.It is the biggest cave of the area and the stalacties and stalagmites are so wonderful and peculiar by nature creation.After this visit,you can start on again to the Sai Yok Waterfall which is very enchanting for everyone.If your time allow,it is a...must too.

You can hire a boat from Pak Saeng Pier at Tam-Bin Tha Sao.A round trip willcost 1,000-1,200 baht/boat.One boat carry 10-12 persons.It tales about 2 1/2 hours upstream to Sai Yok and 1 1/2 hours downstream(return-trip).


Amphoe Si Sawat


Nam Tok Erawan and National Park

This place is ideal for a whole day picnic.

It is not one but a serving of the waterfalls,ponds and streams.You can see beautiful birds,colourfulbutterflies flying around cheerfully.The call of birds and sound of following stream would be very tempting and romantic for sweet-hearted couples inevita bly.Each step of waterfall is different,steep rocks break the flow of some falling streams near by.The curling vines up on the cliff look lovely and impresssive.Therefore,if you want to go there,do not forget bring your bathing-suit along.A pair of tenni s shoes is recommended for those who want to climb up the hill to the top part of this waterfall.

One can get to this place by a local bus departing from the bus terminal in Kanchanaburi near T.A.T.office every 50 minutes from 8.00-4.00 p.m. The trip will take about 1 1/2 hours.


Si Nakharin Dam

Five kms further up the same road to Erawan Falls lies the SI NAKHARIN DAM,an impresive major hydro-electric power plant project.at the dam-site,a stable community of superbly planned complex of project buildings,personel housing,recreation centers and gu est residences blend incongrously into the high rocky hillsides supporting the 300 feet high concrete dam.

From here,a two hour's boat trip on the vast reservior brings the visitors to the picturesque.


Nam Tok Huai Khamin

The water cascades down ochre limestone rockface,inside the tree-lined bank,on the eerily guiet shore of the reservior.So remote a part of jungle,so far away from cicilization that it seems the jungle would close back over the waterfalls,once the tour boa t departs out of sight.


Tham Than Lot National Park or Chalerm Rattanakosin National Park

Tham Than Lot is located 97 kms.from Kanchanaburi.There is regular bus service between Kanchanaburi and Ban Nong Pru,from where a mine-bus can be hired to the park.The park has beautiful caves:Tham Than Lot Noi,Tham Than Lot Yai and mighty waterfalls such as Nam Tok Than Ngoen and Nam Tok Than Thong.For tourists aho want to stay overnight at the park can make reservation by tel.579-4842


Amphoe Thong Pha Phum


Khao Laem Dam

This hydro-electric dam is situated on Khwae Noi river,6 Kms.northof Amphoe Thong Pha Phum and about 147 Kms.north of the procincial city on highway no.323.With its lenght and height of 1019and 92 meters respectively the dam forms a great reservior which placed many resorts in the form of raft-houses.


Amphoe Sangkhla Buri


Three Pagodas Pass

The Three pagodas Pass line between Thailand and Burma'as border at the northernmost in Amphoe Sangkhla Buri and about 3 Kms.from Amphoe Thong Pha Phum.This sacred place was built for remembrance as the important routing of the important routing of the w ar time.Nearby the Pass on the Otherside of the border is the small community and market of the Mon people which goods selling here often attracted many tourists.


Wat Wang Wiwegaram

Situated on the hill side in Amphoe Sangkhla Buri.By looking down from thie place is the wonderful scenery of the lake formed by joining of the three reivers.Wat Wang Wivegaram is well known and respected not only by the Thais people but also by many loca l tribal people such as Mons Karens and Burmese.Its Pagoda was built in the style similar to Phra Buddha Khaya in India and its temple is houses with huge with huge Buddha Image made of marble .

Kanchanaburi also has many more attractions waiting for tourists to explore.For further details please contact T.A.T. Kanchanaburi Office which everyday from 08.30 until 16.30 hrs.


Source: A Traveller's Guide To Thailand. Tourism Authority of Thailand.

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