KANCHANABURI

Kanchanaburi is Thailand's Third largest province. Kanchanaburi covers some 19,486 square 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 is noted for rugged natural beauty where mountains and river valleys have inspired development of hydroelectric 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 the Kwae Noi reverse unite to form the Mae Klong River, Kanchanaburi unfolds in progressively arresting scenic beauty in a landscape characterized by several waterfalls, caves once inhabited by Neolihic man, national parks and tranquil riverine and reservoir settings.

Opportunities abound for bucolic living aboard rafts on dazzling rivers and reservoirs, and provide the focal point for memorable holidays for nature lovers.

Kanchanaburi is connected by daily road and rail services with Bangkok and other neighboring provinces. Airconditioned and regular coaches leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal throughout the day for the 2 to 3 hour journey.

The TAT office in Kanchanaburi issues an updated and current timetable for bus and rail services between Bangkok and Kanchanaburi, and major neighboring provinces.

Transportation within the provincial capital is most enjoyable on tricycles. These can be hired at reasonable rate, enabling visitors to see the Bridge over the River Kwae, the Kanchanaburi War cemetery, the waterfront Song Kwae Road area, and the JEATH War Museum in one circuit.

Motorcycles or jeeps can be rented on a daily or weekly basis at several outlets on Saengchuto Road, and around Song Kwae Rd. area. Visitors are advised to shop around since hire rate and conditions vary, and check with the TAT office for prevailing rates.

Visitors are advised to check with the TAT office in Kanchanaburi for prevailing rates and the availability of alternate methods of transportation, such as on public holidays and weekends.

Kanchanaburi's inhabitants are largely engaged in agriculture, and are mostly of Thai ancestry with notable Mon and Karen minorities. Rural dwellers enjoy folk music and dances dating back at least 500 years and which feature distinctive songs and long drums. Such performances are re-enacted during popular festivals each year at Amphoe Phanom Tuan.

The province center of government office site, there are major interesting attractions such as, "the Bridge over the River Kwae", Kanchana buri War Cemetery, Jeath War Museum, etc.. Many luxurious hotels, resorts, bungalows and guest houses are available at a reasonable price. It is also the center of various business, golf courses, department stores, and convention center.

Visitors can go around places and attractions within town by bus, by bicycle, by motorcycle which can be hired at many guest houses and travel agents. The boat trips to some riverside attractions are serviced at the River Kwae Bridge Pier and Wat Chaichumpon Pier. Raft trips along Kwae Noi or Kwae Yai river leaving from the famous bridge or the waterfront Song Kwae Road area can be made for return journey or overnight stay. For current information and prices, visitors are advised to contact TAT's Kanchanaburi, Tel. (034) 511200.

Internationally famous, thank to several motion pictures and books, the black iron bridge was brought from Java by the 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 warended. The curved spans of the bridge are the original sections.

Built in the reign of king Rama 3 in 1833 it's the new town which was moved from the old town, 18 kilometres away at Tambon Lad Ya. There is monument of King Rama 3 situated near the centre of the town gate.

JEATH stands for Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand and Holland. The museum inside Wat Chai Chumphon has been constructed largely in the form of an allied prisoner of war camp. The thatched detention hut with cramped, elevated bamboo bunks contains photographic, pictorial and physical memorabilia dating from the Second World War. Opening hours : 8:30 am to 6:00 pm daily

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

Situated about 4 kilometres from the provincial city on the bank of Kwae Noi River. It is well known for the incredilble performance on the nun floating in a deep pool.

The monastery is 15 kilometres away from the provincial city, in the beautiful surroundings. It is the peaceful place for praticing the dhamma and meditation.

Situated in Kanchanaburi Agriculture College, Tambon Nongya, about 9 kilometres from the provincial city. It is known as "Stone Garden" or "Stone Park", covering 200 rai, since most of its area are scattered with stones fledged from the ground in different size and shape similar to animals.

The private sector Museum that collects lots of World War II Story, such as war instruments photographs, Uniforms, ect. Located on the bank of Kwae River nearby the Bridge on the River Kwae opens daily from 7:00-18:30 hrs.

The monastery is at Tambon Ladya, 18 kilometres from town. It is in the area of the old town and once the border town involving battles with Burmese army during the early Ayutthaya period-early Ratanakosin (2091-2328 B.E.)

Situated nearby Wat Pa-laylai, at Ban Tha Sao, Tambon Ladya. Now, there is still only a prang of early Ayutthaya period.

is located within the compound of the Rajabhat Institute Kanchanaburi on Highway No.323 - the route from Kanchanaburi to Sai Yok about 15 kilometres from town. Kitchen utensils, fishing tools, prehistoric pottery, Thai books of the ancient time, and artefacts are on display for the public from 9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily.

35 kilometres from Kanchanaburi town, this also overlooks the Kwae Noi River. The museum was constructed beside a Neolithic burial site discovered by an Allied prisoner of war during the construction of "Death Railway". some 4,000 years ago, Neolithic man lived, roamed and hunted beside the Kwae rivers, sheltering beneath rock overhangs or in nearby caves. The Baan Kao museum houses skeleton remains, pot, axe heads, jewelry made from animal bones, and other artifact dating from that and open everyday from 09:00-16:30 close on Monday and Tuesday.

About 40 kilometres from town, visitors can cross the bridge over Kwae Noi River at Tambon Baan kao then pass Sai Yok camp for 8 kilometres. Please contact Ma Dua Temple for the key entrance to go inside.

Situated at Phupradoo Village, about 20 kilometres from town on Kanchanaburi-Sai Yok route and left turn 5 kilometres on the same way to Baan Kao National Museum. It is the animal welfare helping place under Royal Patronage, there are many dogs about 2,000 dogs and some cats, its nice for dog lovers.

A very large Jamjuree, the silk tree, with the age of more than 100 years. it is on the way to Dan Makamtia District approximately 20 kilometres from Kanchanaburi City.

It locates of 60 kilometres from the provincial town. Its landscape is generally rich of forests and mountains, full of nature's attractions and historical places such as, Sai Yok Waterfall, Lawa cave, Dawadueng cave and Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park, etc.. Many resorts, raft-houses and golf courses are available for nature-loving tourists.

Travelling to Sai Yok's attractions, visitors can go by bus No. 8203 to Sai Yok Waterfall, leaving from the bus terminal daily every 30 minutes from 6.45 a.m.-6.30 p.m.. Rail trips can be made of the route the Death Railway-Waterfall station, 3 trips a day at 6.10 a.m., 10.55 a.m., 4.26 p.m.

Visitors can choose the travel agents service which is licensed. For further information, contact TAT Central Region 1, Tel. (034) 511200, 512500 every day.

At the kilometres marker 15 on the route Kanchanaburi-Saiyok, one can turn left about 7 kilometres to "Prasat Muang Sing", a historical park being renovated by the Fine Arts Department to display the Khmer influenced architecture toward this part of Thailand during the late Lopburi period some 700-800 years ago (16-18 B.E.).

This waterfall is located 2 kilometres from Nam Tok station and about 62 kilometres from Kanchanaburi. Its landscape is one of the most beautiful place in Thailand. During the rainy season is the best period for playing around in this waterfall (July - October) Daily train trips from Bangkok Nam Tok Station start at 06:10 am, 10:55 am and 04:26 pm

It is 63 kilometres out of the province, situated about 3 kilometres at the bank of Sai Yok Noi Waterfall. The cave is small and deep.

About 50 metres from the riverside of Kwae Noi, 75 kilometres away from provincial town. Boat Trip can be hired from Pak Saeng Pier or one can go by car across the bridge at Ban Kaeng Ra Boed. It is the biggest interesting cave of the area and the stalactites and stalagmites are so wonderful and peculiar by nature creation.

Once part of the Death Railway during the World War II, the pass is located near kilometres marker 66 on the Sai Yok-Thong Pha Phum Road and now abandoned.

To commemorate all those who died in the Pacific during this period, the Australian Government in cooperation with the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand, has provided this interpretive memorial, the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum and Walking Trail. This Museum explains to visitors the story of why and how the Railway was built and attempts to convey the hardships and suffering endured by so many who were forced to work in extremely harsh conditions. The Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum symbolizes the importance of this site to the Australian people. It also reflects the enduring bonds of friendship that have grown between the people of Thailand and those nations whose citizens worked on the Burma-Thailand railway.

The memorial is located some 80 kilometres, north-west of Kanchanaburi on Highway 323 on National Security Command land.

Located about 1 kilometres near the bank of Kwae Noi River, 110 kilometres out of Kanchanaburi, visitors can go by boat from Pak Saeng Pier or Sai Yok Waterfall. Stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave are wonderful and make the beautiful scene

Situated at the side of the Death railway (Kanchanaburi - Nam Tok Station) on the bank of Kwae Noi River, 55 kilometres out of town, this cavern is where a Buddha image placed inside.

It is about 159 kilometres away from the province town, on route 323. The district landscape is forestry and mountainous. There are a lot of natural attractions worth visiting such as are Pha Tat Waterfall, Krueng Krawea, Hin Dad Hot Springs, etc.. It places a lot of National Parks and the World heritage Thung Yai Naresuan Sanctuary Park is located in this district as well. The Lake of Khao Lam Dam is suitable for fishing - lovers. Golf - lovers will enjoy playing golf in many beautiful perfect golf courses. Convenience five - star hotels, comfortable raft houses and well - equipped resorts are ready for visitors.

It takes 3 hours by bus No. 8203 which leaves daily every 30 minutes from the bus terminal, starting from 6.45 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Air - conditioned bus is also in full service daily, starting from 7.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. at every hour. It takes only 2 hours.

Traveling within the district attractions, visitors can go by mini bus to Pi Lok Mine or can use the rented jeep or bus service.

This hydro - electric dam is situated on Kwae Noi River, 6 kilometres north of Thong Pha Phum and about 165 kilometres north of the provincial city on highway No 323. The dam is 1,019 metres long and 92 metres high, forms a scene reservoir and the scenic beauty of lake which placed many resorts in the from of raft houses.

Approximately 160 kms. from Kanchanaburi, Kao Leam National Park is located on the route to Sangklaburi. The area is covered by big trees and good for camping. Kateng Jeng huge waterfall is also in the park but difficult to explore. So the best way is contact the forestry official before hand.

The riverside hot springs, discovered by Japanese soldier during World War II is some 130 kilometres from Kanchanaburi. Visitors can shower in this pond.

Pha Tat Waterfall - This big waterfall is located in the area of National park. On route Kanchanaburi-Thong Pha Pum at kilometre market 105, turn to the junction road for 12 kilometres to waterfall.

Located in Tambon Cha-Lar, 190 kilometres from Kanchanaburi. Visitors are advised to have guide leaders and four - wheeled drive car must be used to travel along Thong Pha Phum - Sangklaburi and the right turn of 15 kilometres at kilometre marker 26.

70 kilometres west of Thong Pha Phum on route 3272, once there was much mining of wolfram and tin in the Tanaosri Mountain range marking the Thai Burmese border. Four - Wheeled drive car can be used for travelling. Its cold temperature offer for a temperate fruit and decorative winter plant orchard. Furthermore, many beautiful waterfalls, new attractions offer visitors to impress by travelling on foot. Such as Jogadin and Jetmit Waterfalls.

Visitors can take the bus No. 8203 or air conditioned bus at the bus terminal on route Kanchanaburi - Sangklaburi. it takes 5 hours for regular bus, starting from 6.00 a.m., 8.40 a.m., 10.20 a.m. and 12.00 a.m. and it takes only 3 hours, leaving every hour from 7.30 a.m. till the last trip at 4.30 p.m. Mini bus from Sangklaburi to Three Pagodas Pass leaves daily from Sangklaburi market. One can even hire round - trip bus for his group.

22 kilometres from Sangklaburi, the three miniature pagodas are memorials of the important routing of the troop during the wartime of Ayutthaya period. It also marks the rugged Thai - Myanmar border and is the site of a small thriving border market. Visitors are allowed to enter the neighbouring Burmese settlement.

Wat Wang Wiwekaram

Situated on the hill side in Sangklaburi, the monastery abbot "Laung Pho Uttama" is highly respected among Thai people, trible people and Burmese. It's pagoda was built in the style similar to Pha Phutta Khaya in India and its temple is housed with huge Buddha Image made of marble.

Small but lowly waterfall is located on the right hand side 191 kms. from Kanchanaburi on the way to Sangklaburi.

Located near Krueng Krawea Waterfall, on the route Thong Pha Phum - Sangklaburi. It's a reather big waterfall which runs into the lake of Khao Lam Dam.

This cave is on the way to the Pagodas Pass, on right hand side only 1 kilometre from the main road.

Many - tiered beautiful waterfall is about 250 kilometres from Kanchanaburi. Travelling to this waterfall, one can go by four - wheeled drive car on route Sangklaburi - Dan Chedi and turn to the Junction about 10 kilometres then go on foot for 40 minutes to the waterfall.

It is the longest wooden bridge in Thailand. It was built for comfortable transportation of people living in Sangklaburi and Mon Villagers.

Certain Kanchanaburi travel agents offer elephant - trekking and rafting tours in immediate vicinity of Sangklaburi. Visitors are advised to contact either local travel agents or the Kanchanaburi Tourist Information Office for current details, since the tours are not always conducted on a daily basis

The north of the town's province and 130 kilometres away, the district is full of beautiful golf courses and wellknown natural attractions; Erawan Waterfall, Huay Mae Khamin Waterfall, Pra That Cave, Than Lot Cave, etc.. The lake of Sri Nakarin Dam is for water sports and fishing. It is the place where raft houses and floating houses are well prepared for welcoming visitors.

Bus No. 8170, Kanchanaburi - Erawan, leaves from the bus terminal every 50 minutes from 8.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m., takes 2 hours to the destination. From Erawan Waterfall to other attractions, visitors can rent the bus at the market. Boat trips leave at Tha Kradan Pier to Huay Mae Khamin Waterfall on weekends at 8.00 a.m., while rented boat service is only on weekdays. Travelling to Than Lot Cave, bus No. 325 (Kanchanaburi - Nong Prue) leaves daily every 20 minutes from 6.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. Then visitors have to hire motorcycle or mini bus to go from Nong Prue to Than Lot Cave in the distance of 20 kilometres.

The 7 - tiered Erawan waterfall, widely regarded as being one of Thailand's loveliest cascades, is at Erawan National Park, 65 kilometres from Kanchanaburi on route 3199 (Kanchanaburi - Sri Sawat).

3 kilometres north of the Erawan waterfall, 68 kilometres from Kanchanaburi, the location of Sri Nakarin Dam, this impressive hydro-electric power plant project is situated on Kwae Yai River. Above the dam site, there is a beautiful wide lake with natural surrounding good for fishing.

76 kilometres from Kanchanaburi, and just 10 kilometres onrth of the Erawan waterfall, the spectacular cave contains monumental stalacitites.

This interesting attraction is 97 kilometres from Kanchanaburi and north of Bo Ploy, along the route 3086. The park has beautiful caves : Tham Than lot Noi, Tham Than lot Yai and mightly waterfalls : Than Ngoen and Than Thong waterfall.

It is located within the area of Sri Nakharin Dam. The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) established this park to honor the Princess Mother on the occasion of her ninetieth birthday on October 21, 1990. The park area of 30 rai of land has been designed to be a wide ground decorated by sculptures. The entrance to the ground is marked by a giant spring. Surrounding the ground is seating area to admire the scenic view of the dam. The symbol of the park is sundial on the ground, which is reminder of the passing valuable time of life as realized by the Princess Mother who made the most of her free time.

It is in the area of Chalerm Ratanakosin National Park, near Than Lot Cave. Tourists can go on foot for 40 minutes to this waterfall.

It is the nearest dam to the city of Kanchanaburi and is the most important dam in the Project of Mea Klong River development which covers the area of 3 million rai of Suphanburi, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samutsakorn and Samutsongkram (14 kms. from Kanchanaburi).

It's close to Wat Tham Khao Noi. The monastery was constructed in the form of Thai cultural art, the Great Buddha image and pagoda placed in the temple is respected to all buddhists.

Located at Tambon muang Chum, Ta Muang District, about 4 kilometres away from Wachiralongkorn Dam, the monastery was constructed in the form of Chinese architecture and cultural art.

There is evidence to show that Kanchanaburi was a former area where a city of the Dvaravati period (6th-7th Century BE) was established. In 1927 (2470 BE), the Fine Arts Department excavated many artefacts of the Amaravati and Dvaravati periods, such as a Roman bronze lamp and Buddha images, at Phong Tuk. Later, Dr. Wales, a representative of an Indian association to discover artefacts, came to explore and excavate more artefacts here in 1935. He confirmed from his discovery that this site was an ancient prosperous city a thousand years ago. At present, Phong Tuk is located in Amphoe Ta Maka, 38 kilometres to the south of Amphoe Muang Kanchanaburi . The road to Phong Tuk is off Saengchootoe Road, passing Chantharubeksa Bridge, and following the way to Wat Dong Sak.

is an old Buddhist temple where there is a sacred stone base on which the Lord Buddha is believed to have with illness before his death. A great fair to pay homage to the revered stone is held at the middle of the fourth lunar month of every year. This temple is situated about 10 kilometres from Tha Rua Market.

is located in the area of Wat Wai Nieo, Tambon Wai Nieo. The abundance of small freshwater fish called in Thai Pla Sanggawat in this pond is a scene not found easily these days. It is an ideal place for feeding fish and relaxing.

is the first open zoo of Kanchanaburi, where visitors will enjoy seeing various species of rare animals in their natural habitats. It is situated on Highway No.325-the route from Kanchanaburi to Bo Ploy-about 40 kilometres from town. Visitors are allowed to tour the park with their own cars. The park's car service is available for those who come by bus. The opening hours are from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily. Admission fees: 120 Baht for an adult and 60 Baht for a child.

Located at Tambon Somdet Charoen, Nong Prue sub-district, 130 kilometres from Kanchanaburi, the project is planed to develop and preserve Ong Kot basin. The area consists of the Royal Ressidence, and the excarvation of ancient and archaeolgoical materials, and utensils during Neolithic era are also on display.

Kuan Yum Statue was constructed beautifully in Wat Tung Samor to be the representative of Lord Buddha. It is 15 kilometres from Kanchanaburi on the Highway No. 324 to Suphanburi (Uthong Road).

is located in Ban Don Chedi, behind Wat Tung Samor School about 15 kilometres from town on the route Kanchanaburi-Uthong. In 1982, the Fine Arts Department conducted an exploration of the site and discovered a hundred human skeletons, ancient swords, elephant jaw bones, and a horse riding kit. Also found at this site were the remains of a chedi of the Ayutthaya period.