The third largest province of Thailand, Kanchanaburi offers both natural and historical attractions. It is easily accessible with 3 hour drive from Bangkok. For Thais, it has been known as much a destination for adventure holidays as a place to learn about Thai history.
Overview
Kanchanaburi is a green land. It sits on mountainous terrains that are covered by verdant forests and two big rivers running through the city. Waterfalls, national parks (one of them is accredited as UNESCO world heritage), historical sites and tranquil riverside landscape are the main attractions. It has a frontier with Myanmar to the west with a mountain range as its borderline.
Attractions
Main attractions in the city revolve around war memorials of World War II. The most visited place of all is the Bridge over the River Kwai. Built in 1943 by war prisoners and conscripted labourers, the black iron bridge spanning over Kwai Yai River is a part of the railway that the Japanese army aimed to use as a line to transport supplies to their frontline soldiers in Myanmar during World War II. More than 150,000 people died during the construction of the railway. The original railway, particularly the section that perches on the cliffs, is still in use today while the bridge was destroyed during the battle and rebuilt shortly after the end of the war.
War cemeteries and museums can be found in both in and outside Kanchanaburi city. The farthest of all is the Hell Fire Pass Memorial Museum about 80 kilometres north of the city centre. Built by the Australian Government in 1998, it has exhibition of contemporary photographs, maps, models, illustrations, memorabilia from the war and a 7-minute audio-visual presentation. It is located on the hillside that has a waling trail that allows visitors to walk to the Hellfire Pass. The name derived from flickering bonfires illuminated at night for Australian war prisoners who were forced to work all night to build the railway. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free.
Adventurers enjoy plenty of activities in Sai Yok National Park. The 300-square-kilometre park has caves, waterfalls (some of them are known as the most beautiful in the country), rivers and lush forests. Besides bamboo rafting, which is the most popular recreational activity here, you can do trekking and camping. Bungalows and resorts are available near the park. Situated 104 kilometres from Kanchanaburi town centre, the park can be reached by boat and car.
However, the most visited national park in Kanchanaburi is the Erawan National Park. Its close proximity to the city (65 kilometres from Kanchanaburi city) allows Thai weekenders get in touch with the nature. The park has mixed deciduous forests, lots of wildlife, waterways and the Erawan Waterfall, which is one of the most famous waterfalls in Thailand.
Overview
Kanchanaburi is a green land. It sits on mountainous terrains that are covered by verdant forests and two big rivers running through the city. Waterfalls, national parks (one of them is accredited as UNESCO world heritage), historical sites and tranquil riverside landscape are the main attractions. It has a frontier with Myanmar to the west with a mountain range as its borderline.
Attractions
Main attractions in the city revolve around war memorials of World War II. The most visited place of all is the Bridge over the River Kwai. Built in 1943 by war prisoners and conscripted labourers, the black iron bridge spanning over Kwai Yai River is a part of the railway that the Japanese army aimed to use as a line to transport supplies to their frontline soldiers in Myanmar during World War II. More than 150,000 people died during the construction of the railway. The original railway, particularly the section that perches on the cliffs, is still in use today while the bridge was destroyed during the battle and rebuilt shortly after the end of the war.
War cemeteries and museums can be found in both in and outside Kanchanaburi city. The farthest of all is the Hell Fire Pass Memorial Museum about 80 kilometres north of the city centre. Built by the Australian Government in 1998, it has exhibition of contemporary photographs, maps, models, illustrations, memorabilia from the war and a 7-minute audio-visual presentation. It is located on the hillside that has a waling trail that allows visitors to walk to the Hellfire Pass. The name derived from flickering bonfires illuminated at night for Australian war prisoners who were forced to work all night to build the railway. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free.
Adventurers enjoy plenty of activities in Sai Yok National Park. The 300-square-kilometre park has caves, waterfalls (some of them are known as the most beautiful in the country), rivers and lush forests. Besides bamboo rafting, which is the most popular recreational activity here, you can do trekking and camping. Bungalows and resorts are available near the park. Situated 104 kilometres from Kanchanaburi town centre, the park can be reached by boat and car.
However, the most visited national park in Kanchanaburi is the Erawan National Park. Its close proximity to the city (65 kilometres from Kanchanaburi city) allows Thai weekenders get in touch with the nature. The park has mixed deciduous forests, lots of wildlife, waterways and the Erawan Waterfall, which is one of the most famous waterfalls in Thailand.
For those who have a few more days to spend, the border town of Sangkhla Buri is definitely worth your visit. This mountainous town is about 220 kilometres toward the Thailand – Myanmar border. It has a countryside of scenic valleys that are home of hill tribe villagers. Active tours such as trekking on elephant backs and rafting can be done here. The town is well known for the wooden Mon bridge and the Three Pagoda Pass. The former is the 850-metre-long wooden bridge across the Sonkaria River link the town to Myanmar. It has a fantastic viewpoint of tributary of three rivers. The latter is the miniature pagodas which are the war memorial from the 19th century war between Thais and Burmese.
Prasat Mueang Sing Historical Park presents a historical significance not only for Thais but also neighbouring Cambodians. The park is the site of a city ruin which is believed to be an outpost of Khmer empire during the Angkor period 800 years ago.
Located 43 kilometres out of town, skeletal remains, artifacts, religious statuary and pottery dating back some 2,000 years have been unearthed – it indicates a thriving community that inhabited here between the 12th and 14th centuries. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.
Activities and Events
Kanchanaburi is considered an adventure destination. Trekking, kayaking and rafting are popular activities you can do all year round. Most of them happen near Kwai River or in the national parks.
River Kwai Bridge Week is the biggest event of Kanchanaburi. The 10 day event is held annually from late November to early December to commemorate people who lost their lives during the World War II. Activities in this event include memorial services, historical and archaeological exhibitions, cultural performances, nostalgic train rides on World War II vintage steam locomotives and a spectacular light and sound presentation re-enacting the bridge’s Second World War history.
Time to Visit
Kanchanaburi can be visited all year round. Rain in September and October makes the forests greener – the best time for nature trips. However, tourists prefer to come here in the cool season that starts from November to February. The province’s biggest festival ‘River Kwai Bridge’ is held in December.
Prasat Mueang Sing Historical Park presents a historical significance not only for Thais but also neighbouring Cambodians. The park is the site of a city ruin which is believed to be an outpost of Khmer empire during the Angkor period 800 years ago.
Located 43 kilometres out of town, skeletal remains, artifacts, religious statuary and pottery dating back some 2,000 years have been unearthed – it indicates a thriving community that inhabited here between the 12th and 14th centuries. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.
Activities and Events
Kanchanaburi is considered an adventure destination. Trekking, kayaking and rafting are popular activities you can do all year round. Most of them happen near Kwai River or in the national parks.
River Kwai Bridge Week is the biggest event of Kanchanaburi. The 10 day event is held annually from late November to early December to commemorate people who lost their lives during the World War II. Activities in this event include memorial services, historical and archaeological exhibitions, cultural performances, nostalgic train rides on World War II vintage steam locomotives and a spectacular light and sound presentation re-enacting the bridge’s Second World War history.
Time to Visit
Kanchanaburi can be visited all year round. Rain in September and October makes the forests greener – the best time for nature trips. However, tourists prefer to come here in the cool season that starts from November to February. The province’s biggest festival ‘River Kwai Bridge’ is held in December.
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