Thailand's third largest province, Kanchanaburi covers some 19,473 square (and often mountainous) kilometres, and borders Myanmar (Burma) to the west of Bangkok.

Kanchanaburi is 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 where mountains and fertile river valleys, which have inspired the development of hydro-electric power, and where labyrinthine dam reservoirs provide further scenic elements to the province's natural beauty.

Beyond the compact provincial capital, some 130 kilometres, and a comfortable two-hour drive from Bangkok, where the Kwae Yai and Kwae Nois Rivers unite to form the Mae Klong River, Kanchanaburi unfolds in progressively arresting scenic beauty in a landscape characterised by several waterfalls, caves once inhabited by Neolithic man, national parks and tranquil riverine and reservoir settings.

Oportunities abound for bucolic living aboard rafts on dazzling rivers and reservoirs, and provide the focal point for memorable holidays for nature lovers who delight in natural surroundings and pleasures without sacrificing basic comforts.

Attractions

The provincial capital is a relatively new town, dating merely from 1831. Major tourism attractions are inextricably connected with the Second World War, and more specifically, the years 1942 through 1945.

The Bridge Over The River Kwai

Internationally famous, thanks to sevelral motion pictures and books, the black iron bridge was brought from Java by the Japanese army and reassembled under Japanese supervision by Allied prisoner-of-war labour as part of the "Death Railway" linking Thailand with Burma. 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.

The bridge, which spans the Kwai Yai River some 4 kilometres northeast of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Kanchanaburi office on Saeng Chura Road is the focal point of a riverside area of restaurants, souvenir and jewellery shops.

Second World War vintage steam locomotives and a peculiar hybrid road / railcar from the same era comprise a small Railway Museum on the bridge's eastern approach.

]apanese War Memorial

This occupies a small plot of land just south of the bridge.

The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

On Saeng Chuto Road, opposite the Railway Station, this immacullately maintained enclave contains the remains of 6,982 Allied prisoner's-of- war who perished during the construction of the Death Railway. An estimated 16,000 Allied prisoners-of-war, and 49,000 forced labourers, died during the construction of the Death Railway and Bridge over the the River Kwai.

The Chong-Kai War Cemetery

2 kilometres south of town, on the bank of the Kwai Noi River, this occupies the former site of the Chong-Kai Prisoner-of-War Camp. This second cemetery is more peaceful, attractively landscaped, and contains some 1,750 remains.

The JEATH War Museum

This enclave in the riverside precincts of Wat Chaichumphon has heen constructed largely in the form of an Allied prisoner-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 fom the Second World War. Several prisoners-of-war who survived appalling conditions have donated items from that time to add to the museum's authenticity. Opening Hours: 8.30 am. to 6.00 pm.

Admission fee is 30 haht. Tel: (66 34) 511-263.

Wat Tham Khao Pun

1 kilometre southwest of the Chong-Kai War Cemetery, this Buddhist temple is locally renowned for a cave containing stalactites and stalagmites, and many beautiful Buddha images.

Special Interests

National Parks

Kanchanaburi's aforementioned parks offer opportunities for either camping and / or fishing, or trekking along nature trails. Camping facilities, which customarily provide cold running water and siple toilet facilities, are available at Chaloem Rattanakosin, Sai Yok and Erawan National Parks. Trekking along either welldefined waterfall trails, or nature trails, to visit caves or appreciate local flora and fauna, is a popular activity at all national parks.

Fishing

This is popular on both Kwai Rivers, and the Khao laem and Sri Nakharin Dams. Several raft resorts offer hired rods. Editable and popular fish include the Giant Gourami, the Transverse Bellbarb, the Giant Snake-head Fish and the Dtriped Tiger Nandid. Each is delicious when freshly cooked, either simply fried or in Thai culinary styles.

Rafting

Trips are available from the provincial capiatal and several holiday resorts. Raft trips leaving from the famous bridge, or the waterfront Song Kwai Road area, cost between 2000 and 4500 baht for 10-15 persons, depending on the duration and destinations. Trips may entail 7-10 hour return journeys, or include and overnight stay on either the Kwai Yai or Kwai Noi Rivers. Visitors are advised to contact TAT's Kanchanaburi office for current information and prices.

Rails trips

Railway entusiasts may travel along one of Southeast Asia's most historical tracks, namely the surviving stretch of the Death Railway, from the provincial capital to the Nam Tok Railway Station near the Sai Yok Noi Waterfall. The winding track crosses the world famous bridge and provides a clear indication of how difficult constructing the original track (long since repaired and restored) must have been. One particularly exhilarating strech sees the line parallel the curving Kwai Noi on a wooden viaduct towering above the river and hugging a steep, cave-ridden cliff.

Golf

Golf has become very popular in recent years and can be enjoyed at the courses listed below. Most offer clubhouse, pro shop and caddy facilities, and have rental equipment. Green fees vary widely, weekend generally being more expensive.

 

Thailand  Attactions
	Central Thailand		Pattaya		Krabi		North East Thailand
	North Thailand		Cha Am		Chiang Mai		Hua Hin
	Bangkok		Koh Chang		South Thailand		Ayutthaya
	Kanchanaburi		Koh Samui		Phuket