Kanchanaburi Province

Kanchanaburi province lies to the west of Bangkok, on the western frontier with neighbouring Myanmar. Although mostly associated with the infamous "Death Railway", the province is full of many natural and cultural attractions. Some of them providing the main ingredients for those on a quest for adventure during their travels. The rivers are a haven for those seeking the challenges and thrills of the rapids. The rugged mountain terrain provides the province with several of the nation's highest waterfalls. The Erawan National Park, Thailand's most visited, contains the magnificent Erawan Falls, seven levels of majestic waterfalls. Trekking and rafting, or even on elephant back are great ways to explore the wonderful landscape that Kanchanaburi has in abundance. The region was also once home to pre-Neolithic habitats, with evidence of their presence found in the cave Tham Phra.

The provincial capital, Kanchanaburi, is situated at the confluence of the rivers Kwai Yai and Kwai Noi, where they form the river Mae Klong. The origins of the city date back to more turbulent times, when it was established as a front line of defence against the almost constant threat of invasion from the Burmese.

        Places of Attraction

Death Railway Bridge
The setting point of the famous "Bridge over the River Kwai". The bridge, spanning the River Kwai Yai, was constructed in 1943 but was later bombed several times by allied forces in 1945. The bridge was re-built after the war, with the central section of rectangular girders the only part of the original.
The bridge was only a small part of the railway, labelled the 'Death Railway', consisting of 688 bridges and over 415 km of track. Built for the purpose of  transporting arms to support the Japanese forces in India and Burma, it was to run from Nong Pla Duk in Ratchaburi province to Tanbesusayud in Burma. The railway was built by over 61,000 Allied POW's and 250,000 Asian labourers under the watchful eye of the merciless Japanese guards.
The conditions for the builders were appalling. With the hazards of the harsh terrain, disease and maltreatment by the Japanese and Korean forces, over 16,000 Allied prisoners and 75,000 Asians perished during the construction of the railway.    

Kanchanaburi Allied War Cemetery
The cemetery is well maintained, with well trimmed lawns and flower beds. Located just over a kilometre to the north west of town along Saenchuto Rd, the bodies of nearly 7,000 Allied POW's are laid to rest here.

Chung Kai Allied War Memorial
Another cemetery to commemorate the victims of the 'Death Railway'. The cemetery is situated on the other side of the Mae Klong River.

JEATH War Museum
The museum is situated next to Wat Chaichumphon, on the banks of the River Mae Klong. Established in 1977, it is tended by Phra Maha Tomson Tongproh, a knowledgeable monk and more than helpful. The building itself is a reproduction of the bamboo-atap shacks that housed the prisoners. The huts contain a collection of photographs from the war, along with drawings and diary writings from the prisoners. The camp is to represent the prisoners from the countries Japan, England, Australia, Thailand and Holland who lost their lives in the construction of the railway. Along with the Chung Kai cemetery, it is maintained by the London based Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Wat Tham Mongkon Thong
This "Cave Temple of the Golden Dragon" is set in limestone foothills, located about 5 km south of  the town centre. Behind the bot a long stairway, flanked with dragon-sculpted balustrades, ascends into the caves. Following the lighted path leads to an opening right above the temple, offering a great view of the surroundings.

Sai Yok National Park
Situated just over 100 km to the northwest of Kanchanaburi, the park covers an area of over 500 sq km. The park is known for its two magnificent waterfalls; Sai Yok Yai and Sai Yok Noi, as well as its number of interesting caves. The park can also count hot-spring as part of its natural attractions 

Erawan National Park

Prasat Muang Singh Historical Park

This ancient Khmer city is located about 45 km from Kanchanaburi, on the banks of the Kwai Noi River. The city, Muang Singh or 'Lion City' was an important trading outpost of the Angkor empire during the 13th century.
The city' shrines are all constructed with laterite and are situated within a compound surrounded by laterite ramparts. On the northern wall of the main shrine stands an original sculpture of  Avalokitasvara Bodhisattva (the future Buddha), signifying the use of the shrine as a Mahayana Buddhist temple.

Ban Kao
This Neolithic site was discovered by a Danish POW, named Van Heekeren, whilst working on the Death Railway. In 1961 a joint Thai-Danish team of archaeologists went to work on the site, uncovering evidence that Ban Kao was a Neolithic burial site. Findings indicate the area may have been inhabited over 10,000 years ago. A small museum exhibiting many of the bones and artefacts from the site is located near to the dig-site.