KANCHANABURI

Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi

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Kanchanaburi is Thailand's third largest province. It covers an area of 19,486 square kilometres, 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.

Geography

The province is located in the west of Thailand. The district covers the source valleys of the rivers Kwae Yai and Kwae Noi ("River Kwai"), which merge at the city Kanchanaburi and form the Mae Klong River there.Several National Parks are located in the forests of the mountain area of the province - the Erawan, Sai Yok, Khao Laem, Khaoen Sri Nakarin and Chaloem Rattanakosin National Parks are located in the province. The Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary in this province is also listed in the UNESCO world heritage list.

Sights

The province is most famous for the Bridge on the River Kwai, which was built next to the town of Kanchanaburi crossing the Mae Klong river. The Death Railway ran all the way from the Kwae river valley up to the Three Pagodas pass. Today only the lowest part of the railway to Nam Tok is still in use. In Kanchanaburi city, there is a war museum and a large cemetery of prisoners of war who died during construction of the Death Railway.In the Sai Yok district, there is a Buddhist Tiger Temple where tame tigers roam freely once a day. Also in Sai Yok is the Mueang Sing historical park, ruins of a Khmer town and temple.

Attractions

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.

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.

Major 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 ll vintage steam locomotives; and a nightly light and sound and sound presentation re-enacting the Bridge's Second World War history, including an Allied Bombing raid.