Kanchanaburi

The magnificent landscape and charming beauty of Kanchanaburi have resulted in major tourist attractions including several well-known waterfalls, caves which were once inhabited by Neolithic man, pristine national parks, tranquil rivers, virgin forests, and reservoir. Together, they offer an intriguing experience for first-time or repeat visitors. Whether its fishing, rafting, canoeing, mountain biking, bird-watching, star-gazing, golfing, elephant and jungle trekking, or even living in bamboo rafts, Kanchanaburi takes pride in offering them all.

The city of Kanchanaburi is located at the point where two tributaries, the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai meet and form the Maenam Mae Klong. This is the location of the notorious Death Railway and the Bridge on the River Khwae one of the worlds famous World War II sites which have been immortalized in print and film.

RECOMMENDED ATTRACTIONS

Erawan National Park

The national park is 65 kilometers from Kanchanaburi along Route 3199. The park, covering 550-square-kilometers, is the site of the seven-tiered Erawan waterfall, one of Thailands loveliest waterfalls. The second tier has a pool, which is ideal for swimming and is particularly picturesque. However, the most popular activity in the park is trekking. Bungalow accommodations and camping facilities and a daytime food market are available.

Thong Pha Phum National Park

Thong Pha Phum National Park has many spots of interest including 2 viewpoints at Doi Tong Palae which is about 300 metres uphill from where Namtok Chokkadin is visible, and Noen Kut Doi which is accessible by car and offers a panoramic view of the mountains, Vajiralongkorn Dam and Khao Chang Phueak – the national park’s highest peak. There are 3 nature trails to waterfalls; namely, Namtok Chokkadin, Namtok Pha Pae and Namtok Chet Mit. These waterfalls are located in the evergreen forest of Tambon Pilok which is a former location of tin and wolfram mines on the Thai – Burmese border. A four-wheel drive car and hired guide will be needed.

Tham Than Lot National Park

Announced on 12 February 1980 as a national park, it is also called Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park. This 54-square-kilometre park embraces pristine forest, waterfalls, and several caves including include Than Lot Noi Cave and Than Lot Yai Cave, which are accessible through a 2.5-kilometer nature trail along the stream. The two caves are naturally decorated with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites one of which is the worlds tallest stalagmite pillar. The ideal time of the year to visit the caves is from February to April. It is recommended that you request the services of a park ranger as your guide.Outside of the caves are several species of birds and the barking tree frog whose croak sounds very much like a barking puppy. Admission fee is 200 baht. Bungalow accommodations and camping facilities are available.

Hell Fire Pass Memorial Museum

This is a part of the Death Railway that was constructed during the Second World War using POW labor to cut through the mountain. The site is located in a thick forest near Km. 66 of the Sai Yok-Thong Pha Phum Road (Highway No. 323). Along a 4-kilometer walking trail made by the Allied prisoners visitors can envision the difficulties faced in constructing the Death Railway using simple tools. The pass is approximately 500 meters long and 26 meters deep. In 1943 Australian POWs employing hand drills, picks and shovels, baskets and dynamite completed it within six weeks.

Festival & Event

RIVER KWAI BRIDGE WEEK

Each year in late November to early December, the world famous River Kwae Bridge built by Allied prisoners-of-war during World War II , becomes the focal point of celebrations. Event highlights include historical and archaeological exhibits, a carnival, folk and cultural performances, rides on World War II vintage trains, and a spectacular light and sound presentation re-enacting the bridge's World War II legacy.

Reference: Tourism Authority of Thailand