Kanchanaburi
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Kanchanaburi General Information
According to most historians, the ancient town of Kanchanaburi was located near Ban Lat Ya, a small village situated approximately 16 kilometers north of the present town. The site was repeatedly recorded in Thai history as an invasion route which the Burmese used to enter Thai Kingdoms.
Kanchanaburi, which has mostly mountainous terrain, covers an area of approximately 19,473 square kilometers and is the third largest province in Thailand after Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima. Situated approximately 129 kilometres west of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi shares a border with Myanmar to the west, Tak and Uthai Thani Provinces to the north, Suphan Buri and Nakhon Pathom Provinces to the east, and Ratchaburi Province to the south.
In north and west Kanchanaburi, the terrain is comprised mainly of mountains and high plains, with the Thanon Thongchai Range acting as a natural border between Thailand and Myanmar. The range is the source of Kanchanaburi's two most important rivers Maenam Khwae Noi and Maenam Khwae Yai, which form the famous Maenam Mae Klong. As a result, several of Thailand's largest Namtok (waterfalls) and most extensive wildlife sanctuaries are found in this area.
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.
In economic terms, Kanchanaburi has been doing well on a national scale, with over 10 per cent growth annually. Important industries include sugar, agricultural products and jewelry. Tourism is also a main source of income for the locals as the provinces high tourism potential has made Kanchanaburi number one among the west provinces in having the highest number of visitors each year.
Residents of Kanchanaburi are engaged in agricultural activities. Most of the locals are of Thai ancestry with notable Mon and Karen minorities. Rural dwellers enjoy living simply and respecting nature. Moreover folk music and dances dating back at least 500 years are still performed today.
Kanchanaburi Festival Information
- River Kwae 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 II vintage steam locomotives; and a nightly light and sound presentation re-enacting the bridge's Second World War history, including an Allied bombing raid.
- Mineral Water and Waterfall Bathing Day
Held at Hin Dat Hot Spring, Mu. 5, Tambon Hin Dat, Amphoe Thong Pha Phum at the beginning of November. In the festival, there are booths of agricultural products and tourism exhibition of Amphoe Thong Pha Phum. Tourists will have a chance to bath in the Hin Dat Hot Spring and enjoy the beautiful view of Namtok Pha Tat.
- Boat and Raft Peoples Day
Held every year at the beginning of November at Song Khwae Road near the riverside in front of the city of Kanchanaburi. Activities are folk performances, Thai typical music performance, academic exhibition concerning conservation of rivers and canals, water sports such as riding long-boat, speed-boat and jet-skiing.
Kanchanaburi Attactions Information
- Kanchanaburi Safari Park
The Safari Park is located approximately 40 kilometers from town along the Kanchanaburi-Bo Phloi route. It is home to numerous African and Asian mammals, including giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers and bears that dwell in beautifully landscaped environs. Visitors can drive their private car to explore the park or use the bus service provided by the park. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission fee is 120 baht for adults and 60 baht for children.
- Ancient Town of Kanchanaburi
Located in Tambon Lat Ya between Km. 2 3 on Highway 3199 off Highway 323. It used to be a border outpost confronting Burmese armies arriving through the Three Pagodas Pass since the Ayutthaya through Rattanakosin Periods (ca. 1548 1784). Mounds of the rectangular earthen wall measuring 167 x 355 sq.m. and four corner fortresses still remain to be seen. Ancient monuments within its vicinity include:
Wat Pa Lelai, known locally as Wat Pha Ok and built in the Ayutthaya Period. The Mondop a square building once enshrined a seated Buddha image in the gesture of subduing Mara, which was drilled through the chest Pha Ok in Thai. An image of the Buddha receiving offerings from a monkey and an elephant known as Palilayaka - Pa Lelai - was later constructed to replace the former one. Remains of architecture within the temple include Mondop, Wihan and round brick Chedi with clay mortar and cement coating.
Wat Khun Phaen, from the side entrance of Wat Pa Lelai toward the training camp of the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, this is an abandoned temple built in the Ayutthaya Period. The complex included Phra Prang, which was the principal building of the temple, remains of which are still to be seen, Phra Ubosot, directional and satellite Chedis, and Wihan.
Wat Mae Mai, built in the Ayutthaya Period and located some 300 metres to the east of Wat Khun Phaen. There are 2 groups of architectural remains. The remains in the north include a large round Chedi situated on a plinth and rectangular west-facing Wihan. The remains in the south include a medium-scale east-facing Wihan, satellite Chedis and rectangular boundary wall, with a so-called Sa Lang Kraduk or bone-washing pond in between.
Ruins ofWat Nang Phim or
Wat Kanchanaburi Kao are located nearby.
- Art Gallery and War Museum
Located not far away from the Bridge on the River Khwae is a private museum which features the World Wide II story and art objects such as war weapons, army uniforms, photographs, jewelry, etc.
- Ban Kao National Museum
A small Tambon (sub-district) located on the bank of the Kwai Noi River approximately 35 kilometers from the city is a site where some ancient Stone Age tools were found. In addition, a Neolithic burial site was discovered by the Dutch Allied POW, Dr. Van Hickderen who was forced to build the Death Railway. The consequences of findings revealed that tambon Ban Kao was once a dwelling of prehistoric men. Some critical discoveries included skeletons of prehistoric men, tools made from gravel stone and axes. The Ban Kao Museum houses skeletal remains, pots, axe heads, jewelry made from animal bones, and other artifacts dating from that period.
- Chong Kai War Cemetery
Situated only 2 kilometers south of town on the bank of the Kwai Noi River, the cemetery occupies the site of the Chong Kai which once was the prisoner of war camp. Smaller in size, the cemetery attracts visitors to see its peaceful, well-designed landscape where 1,740 POWs rest in eternal peace.
- Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (Don Rak)
This is the place where the remains of 6,982 POWs died during the construction of the Death Railway are buried. The cemetery, which is located on Saengchuto Road, opposite the Railway Station, just 1.5 kilometres from the TAT office, It is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
- Prommitr Film Studio
Located at Surasi Military Camp, Tambon Latya, Ampheo Mueang Kanchanaburi. The studio has ever been used as a film shooting location of the great historic film ; The Legend of King Naresuan. This trilogy movie reflects the relationship between Ayutthaya and Hongsawadee
Kingdoms before the independent declaration of Ayutthaya by King Nareasuan the Great in 1584. Within the 700-acre compound of wild land, the magnificent buildings have been created upon the meticulous research of the film.
Visitors can enjoy many places of interest and activities within the site such as Yodia Village, Pra Mahatein's Residence, Armed Weapon Storage, Pra Mahatien Temple, Hongsawadee Wall, Lion Throne, Dungeon, Thai Traditional Massage, Protuguese Gun Fire Shooting, Sanphet Prasat Palace, Elephant, Horse and Cart Riding, Ayutthaya Wall, and Props Storage Room.
Covering an area of 200 rai, the park is situated in Kanchanaburis Agricultural College, tambon Nong Ya, approximately 9 kilometers from town. Local residents also dubs the place as the Stone Garden as there are stones of different sizes and shapes scattered in the park.
- Thailand - Burma Railway Centre
The Thailand-Burma Railway Centre in an interactive museum, research and information centre dedicated to presenting the story of the Thailand-Burma Railway built during the World War II.
The centre is on the western side of the main Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (Don Rak), approximately 100 metres from the cemetery entrance.
- The Bridge on the River Khwae (the Death Railway Bridge)
Thanks to several films and books, the Bridge on the River Khwae has become notoriously famous and attracted both Thais and foreigners to the site. If an ordinary black iron bridge can tell a story, you can be sure it's a dramatic one.
The bridge spans across Maenam Khwae Yai which is a branch of Maenam Mae Klong. During the Japanese occupation of Thailand in World War II, the Japanese Imperial Army brought the iron bridge from Java. It was then resembled by Allied Prisoners of War (POW) under Japanese supervision. The bridge was part of a strategic railway route to Myanmar in which the Japanese aimed to secure supplies with which to conquer other western Asian countries. It was 415 kilometers long (about 303 kilometers in Thailand and about 112 kilometers in Burma) and passed through the Three Pagoda Pass in Sangkhlaburi District, the northern most part of Kanchanaburi province.
Construction started on September 16, 1942 at Nong Pladuk, and was completed on 25 December 1943. It is estimated that over 16,000 POWs from England, Australia, Holland and America died while building the bridge which was a target of bombing raids in 1945. In addition to this, approximate 90,000 laborers from Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia died during its construction.
Rebuilt after WWII, the bridge is still in use today with the curved portions of the bridge being that of the original. An attraction of note is the annual light and sound event at the bridge to commemorate the Allied attack in 1945.
- The JEATH War Museum
The name JEATH is derived from countries which engaged in the WWII death railway construction from 1942 to 1945, which included Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand and Holland. Located in the area of Wat Chai Chumphon, the museum is a reconstruction of the POWs thatched detention hut with cramped, elevated bamboo bunks. On the wall of the huts, photographs and illustrations of the POWs living conditions are on display. POWs who survived from the camp have donated items to enhance the museums atmosphere and authenticity. The museum opens daily from 8.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission fee is 30 baht.
- The Nine-Army Battle Historical Park
Established by the Royal Thai Army, the park is located at tambon Chong Sadao, approximately 40 kilometers from town on Highway No. 3199. It was built to commemorate the great battle under the command of King Rama I to defend the kingdom against the invasion by King Bodawpaya of Burma in 1795. Thais know this event under the name of the Nine-Army Battle. The park is a center for historical research and conservative tourism that also provides information on the great battle. A sand table displaying battlefields and diagrams depicting the battle strategy are on display.
- Tham Mangkon Thong Temple (Wat Tham Mangkon Thong)
Situated 5 kilometers from town, the splendid temple is located in a cave which is only assessable via steps flanked by dragon carvings on both sides. The temple is well known for the incredible performance of a nun floating on the surface of a deep pool. A small museum displaying a variety of ancient objects found in the area is located nearby. Visitors can take buses from Kanchanaburi - Dan Makham Tia and get off at the temple.
- Tham Phu Wa Temple (Wat Tham Phu Wa)
The compound which is set in natural surroundings is situated approximately 15 kilometers away from the city. The temple is famous for meditation courses. In addition, there is a beautiful cave with plenty of stalactites that is worth a visit.
- Huai Ongkot Royal Project
The objective of the royal project site is to develop the infertile area around the Ongkhot basin. It is located at tambon Somdet Charoen, Nong Phru District, 130 kilometers from Kanchanaburi. The Neolithic remains have been found in the area.
- Don Chedi Archaeological Site
Situated in Ban Don Chedi, the site was found by the Fine Arts Department when an excavation revealed important remains such as ancient swords, elephant jaw bones, human skeletons and an Ayutthaya-style Chedi. From the findings, most historians believe that the site was the killing field where a Yutthatthi battle took place.
- Lawa Cave
The cave is on the side of Khwae Noi River, 75 kilometers from Kanchanaburi City. The entrance to the cave is a bit narrow although the interior is spacious with several chambers including the music chamber, the throne chamber, and the curtain chamber with stalactites and stalagmites in full display. The cave can be accessed either by boat or car. Chartered boats are available at the Pak Saeng Pier (southwest of Namtok Railway Station), the trip takes 45 minutes and costs 800 to 1,000 baht per boat (capacity 8-10 people). Visitors traveling by road can cross the bridge at Ban Kaeng Raboet and continue on foot.
- Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park
Muang Singh town was built between 857 and 1157 when the Khmer Kingdom was still prosperous. It was later abandoned until the reign of King Rama I when Muang Singh was rebuilt as a Kanchanaburi border town.
The only archeological site with a religious structure built in the middle of the city is the Khmer Prasat Mueang Sing (Tower of the City of Lions) where the heavy influence of the late Lop Buri arts is clearly visible. The ancient site is located on a steep bank of Khwae Noi River where the waterway narrows and becomes fast flowing. The city walls, which were made of rectangular laterite, are approximately 800 meters in width, 1,500 meters in length and 5 meters in height. The compound is believed to have been the westernmost outpost of the Angkor-centered Khmer empire. Remains dating back some 2,000 years have been discovered, and artifacts, including temple carvings, religious statuary and pottery shards indicate that the city must have been inhabited from approximately the 12th to 14th centuries.
- Sai Yok National Park
The park covers approximately 300-square-kilometers and contains several interesting caves and the nations famous Sai Yok Yai waterfall. The park has dense forests, including majestic teak trees and an abundance of small mammals such as squirrels, bats and deer, as well as numerous bird species. IN addition, the park is home to what is probably the smallest mammal in the world, the two-grammed Kittis Hog-nosed Bat, which was first discovered in 1973 by a Thai naturalist. The park is 104 kilometers from Kanchanaburi via Highway No. 323 and can also be reached by chartered boat from the Pak Saeng Pier. The park is very popular during the weekends. Bungalow accommodations, river rafts, camping facilities, and a daytime food market are available.
Sai Yok Yai Waterfall (Namtok Sai Yok Yai), which is located 104 kilometers from the town, flows directly into Khwae Noi River. Its idyllic beauty has been repeatedly celebrated in Thai poetry and songs. A rope bridge enables people to cross the river to view the waterfall. Rafts are available for a river trip along the riverbank but advance booking is recommended.
Lawa Cave and Daowadung Cave are two caves, which house numerous stalactites and stalagmites. Of the two caves, the Daowadueng Cave, which entails a river trip and 1-kilometer walk, is the more popular cave.
Tham Wang Badan or Tham Sawan Wang Badan, located within the area of Erawan National Park at Tambon Tha Sao, Amphoe Sai Yok, some 63 km. from the province. It is accessible from behind Namtok Sai Yok Noi where there is a direction sign of 3 km. to the national parks safeguard unit, a location of the upstream of Namtok Sai Yok. Another 1,500metre walk from the safeguard unit will lead to the cave with nature interpretation signs along the way. Tham Wang Badan is a small but deep cave of 500 metres long. It is a 2-storeyed limestone cave with a small hole at the mouth to be entered one by one. Its upper storey houses various chambers of beautiful stalagmites and stalactites of different shapes. The lower storey contains a stream to look like a tunnel of water under a large boulder.
Sai Yok Noi Waterfall (Namtok Sai Yok Noi) is also dubbed as Khao Phang Waterfall. It is situated 60 kilometers from town via Highway No. 323. The place is best visited between July and September.
- Krasae Cave (Tham Krasae)
This cave, which houses sacred Buddha images, is located approximately 55 kilometres from Kanchanaburi, beside the surviving remnants of the Death Railway overlooking Khwae Noi River near Wang Pho Railway Station. The cave is within walking distance from the railway tracks of Wang Pho Railway Station.
- Mon Bridge
Also known locally as Uttamanuson Bridge, the bridge links Sangkhla Buri and Mon villages. It is Thailand's longest wooden bridge which is 850 meters long and crosses Songkaria river. In addition, it is a famous viewpoint from which to admire the merging point of three rivers, Songkaria, Bikhli and Ranti.
- Dai Chong Thong Waterfall (Namtok Dai Chong Thong)
This waterfall is located in Khao Laem National Park on Highway 323 (Thong Pha Phum-Sangkhla Buri) between Km. 32-33. Before arriving at Namtok Kroeng Krawia, you will see a sign leading to Namtok Dai Chong Thong on your left. Go ahead about 500 metres then turn right and go straight on for about 500 metres. After that, travel on foot for about 600 metres before reaching the medium-sized waterfall flowing to the Mae Klong Dam with fertile green forest which looks very attractive, especially in the rainy season.
- Three Pagodas Pass
This pass is located approximately 240 kilometers from the city or 22 kilometers from Sangkhla Buri. This rugged Thai-Burmese border was once a strategic military route for both the Thai and Burmese; however, it is currently a small border market. The three miniature pagodas are memorials to the traditional invasion route favored by Burmese soldiers during the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767). Visitors wishing to visit Myanmar are advised to obtain a pass, which allows visitors to visit Burmese settlements from Sangkhla Buri Immigration Office. A Fee of US$10 is applied. The border opens between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., depending on the political situation.
- Wat Wang Wiwekaram
About 6 km. from Amphoe Sangkhla Buri, this temple is the residence of Luangpho Uttama, a respected monk of Thais and Mons including Karens and Burmese living in the area. On the riverside, an elegant marble Buddha image named Luangpho Khao is situated in the Wihan (Buddhist assembly hall). Besides, 1 km. from the temple, the Buddha Gaya Chedi with a square-formed base is situated containing relics of Lord Buddhas right thumb. Near the pagoda, there are lots of shops selling products from Myanmar such as clothing, cosmetics, Burmese talcum powder and wooden furniture at low prices.
- 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.
- Huai Mae Khamin Waterfall (Namtok Huai Mae Khamin)
A major attraction in Sri Nakarin National Park is this lovely seven-tiered waterfall, which is conveniently accessible by foot via a trial near the parks headquarters. The reservoir is well known for its scenic beauty. Trekking through forests and bamboo groves offers unrivaled opportunities to admire a rich variety of butterflies and bird species.
Bungalow accommodations are available; however, visitors are advised to bring their own food as there are food outlets available.
- Sri Nakharin Dam
This hydro-electric power plant, situated on Khwae Yai Waterfall, is 70 kilometers from Kanchanaburi, and just 4 kilometers north of the Erawan National Park. Beyond the dam is a beautiful lake surrounded with lush forests.
- Phra That Cave (Tham Phra That)
This relatively large mountain cave with stunning stalactites and stalagmites is located 75 kilometers from Kanchanaburi and approximately 8 kilometers beyond the Erawan Waterfall. The cave is 20 meters long and can be explored within 1 hour. Visitors can contact the Erawan National Park branch office situated near the cave for guide services.
- 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.
- Phong Tuk Archaeological Site
It is believed that this site was the location of an ancient city of the Dvaravati Period with an influence of the Gupta School of Indian Art dating around the 6th -7th century A.D. From the Fine Arts Departments discovery, they found lots of Dvaravati antiques at Phong Tuek in 1927 such as Roman bronze lamp, Buddhist terra-cotta plaques, Naraya or Visnu image carved from stone, and other Buddha images. Later in 1934, Dr. Wales, a representative of the Antique Studies Association from India, came to explore and excavate more at Phong Tuek and proved that a civilized ancient city used to be placed here around a thousand years ago. Nowadays, some pieces of the found artefacts are kept in Wat Dong Sak and others are kept at the National Museum in Bangkok.
- Phra Thaen Dong Rang Temple (Wat Phra Thaen Dong Rang)
The temple which is situated approximately 10 kilometers from Tharua Market, or some 40 kilometers from the town houses a sacred stone which locals believe was a bed for the Lord Buddha during his illness before he ascended to Nirvana.
- Hin Dat Hot Spring
formerly known as Kuimang Hot Spring, located 130 km. from Kanchanaburi between Km. 105 106 on Highway 323. It is a well of natural hot water of 45 55 degrees Celsius discovered beside a stream of cool water by Japanese troops during WWII and two cement wells were then constructed at the site. It is believed that the water from this hot spring has a healing property for various ailments such as beriberi and rheumatism. A hot spring bath in the well is available.
- Lam Khlong Ngu National Park
Named after a creek that snakes through the jungle, eroding limestone cliffs along the way and turning them into large caves and grottoes with attractive stalagmites and stalactites. There are many beautiful caves in Lam Khlong Ngu National Park such as:
Tham Sao Hin, located 6 km. from the mouth of Lam Khlong Ngu which flows through the cave. Tham Sao Hin houses a floor-to-ceiling column formed by the joining of stalagmites and stalactites, measuring 62.5 metres high, which is the tallest rock column ever found in Thailand. There are also other spectacular stalagmites and stalactites of different forms within the cave.
Tham Nok Nang Aen, located around the middle section of Lam Khlong Ngu at Mu 5 Ban Khao Phra In, Tambon Chalae. It is a spacious cave approximately 3 km. long, with the Lam Khlong Ngu flowing through it. It features the so-called Karst windows formed by the subsidence of the caves ceiling, which divided the cave into 3 roomy chambers that look like 3 connected train carriages. The cave is home to a large flock of swallows Nok Nang Aen in Thai and houses spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.
Tham Namtok, similar to Tham Sao Hin and Tham Nok Nang Aen in that it is a cave with a creek flowing through it. It features underground water cascading down the rock to form a 17-tiered waterfall, with the tallest tier being some 20 metres high. There are also spectacular stalagmites and stalactites in various forms throughout the 2,710 metres long cave.
- Thong Pha Phum National Park
Located within the area of Pa Huai Khayeng and Pa Khao Chang Phueak reserved forests covering a total area of approximately 700,000 rai, some 60 km. to the west of Amphoe Thong Pha Phum on Highway 3272. There are 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 parks 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.
- Thung Nang Khruan Waterfall (Namtok Thung Nang Khruan)
Located approximately 190 km. from Kanchanaburi at Ban Thung Nang Khruan, Tambon Chalae, within the area of Khuean Srinagarindra Dam. It is a large 7-tiered limestone waterfall amid verdant and shady intact natural surroundings. There is water all year round which cascades down high cliffs, some of which are more than 35 metres high. To get there, take Highway 323 (Thong Pha Phum Sangkhla Buri), turn right at Km. 26 (noticing the white Buddha image at the intersection) and continue for 15 km. along the alternate asphalt and laterite road to Ban Thung Nang Khruan, turn for 3 km. into the entrance to the waterfall. A walk for another 1 km. or 30 minutes will lead to the 1st tier of the waterfall. A four-wheel drive vehicle or pick up truck and local guide will be needed.
**Information Reference : tourismthailand.org
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