The city of Kanchanaburi is a microcosm of what makes Thailand such an interesting country. There is a blend of historical sightseeing opportunities as well as natural spots to take in the unique beauty of the Land of Smiles. Located only a 2- to 3-hour drive from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is easily accessible via bus or train.
Kanchanaburi was once the site of Neolithic civilizations, evidenced by artifacts of ancient societies and burial sites that have been excavated here. In the mid-20th century, the city became notorious as the home of the Bridge on the River Kwai, the controversial structure built to support the Thai-Burmese railway by prisoners of war during WWII. There are also severalnational parks in the surrounding area, with opportunities to see stunning waterfalls and get close to Thai wildlife.
1 Bridge On the River Kwai
This bridge is the best-known historical landmark in Kanchanaburi. It was erected through the forced labor of British, Dutch, and American prisoners of war during WWII. The bridge was part of the Thai-Burmese "Death Railway," so named because of the scores of men who died during construction. Japanese forces oversaw the project, as the railway would have helped bring supplies to their troops who were fighting the British in neighboring Burma. Today, you can ride across the bridge, sections of which are from the original structure.
Accomodation: Where to Stay in Kanchanaburi - TripAdvisor.com
2 Hellfire Pass & Memorial Museum
The Hellfire Pass is a 500 m-long portion of rock that 1,000 prisoners of war dug out (by hand) to pave the way for the Death Railway. Seven hundred of those men died during the 12-week digging period. Today, it's possible to walk the old railway track into the jungle (which takes about 4 to 5 hours), and visit a memorial museum honoring those who died. The museum houses artifacts, tools, and photos.
Admission: Free
Address: Located on Highway 323, about 80 km outside Kanchanaburi
3 JEATH War Museum
This sobering museum was designed as an exact replica of an actual prisoner of war camp. Located on the grounds of Wat Chai Chumphon, the museum is maintained by a monk and allows travelers a look at the harsh realities of life within these camps. The replica includes bunks, photographs, and other authentic items. The displays include written accounts from actual prisoners of war, their family members, and authors who interviewed POWs. The name of the museum is derived from those countries that were involved in these events: Japan, England,America, Thailand, Holland.
Hours: Open 8:30am-6pm
Admission: 30THB
4 Don-Rak War Cemetery
This is the final resting place of nearly 7,000 British, Dutch, and Australian prisoners who died during construction of the Death Railway. It is also known as the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. The Thai-Burmese Railway Center (open 9am-5pm, admission 100 baht) is located next to the cemetery.
Admission: Free
Address: Saengchootoe Rd, across from the Kanchanaburi Railway Station
5 Chonk-Kai Cemetery
This cemetery houses the graves of 1,740 POWs, and was also the site of a former POW camp. The ground where these prisoners (who were Dutch, British, Malayan, and Indian) were buried is the same place they founded a church and cemetery during their years of internment. Many of those laid to rest at Chonk-Kai died at the nearby hospital. This is the more beautifully landscaped of the two cemeteries, and is found on the banks of the Kwai Noi River, about 2 km south of the city.
Admission: Free
6 War Museum at the Bridge
In addition to its collection of WWII relics and memorabilia, this museum also provides a more in-depth look at Thai history. You'll find displays related to ancient battles between Thailand and Burma, Thai political history, and old Khmer-style carved works.
Hours: 7am-6:30pm
Admission: 30THB
7 Three Pagodas Pass
Long recognized as a geographically important site in Thailand and about 250 km from Kanchanaburi, Three Pagodas Pass marks the Thai-Burmese border. It was a stop on ancient trade routes and is historically significant in ancient wars between Thailand and Burma. Hill tribe communities, made up of ethnic minority groups of Thai and/or Burmese origin, inhabit the pass and surrounding areas. You'll find a market at the border, though there is no guarantee the border will be open for crossing (to enter Burma for tourist purposes, travelers must fly into the country and have a Burmese visa).
Admission: Free
8 Ban Kao National Museum
Step back 4,000 years to the Neolithic period, and marvel at artifacts from deep into Thai (and human) history. Founded at the site of a Neolithic burial center discovered by an Allied prisoner of war, Ban Kao National Museum displays skeleton remains, bone jewelry, axes, and other excavated articles from the area.
Hours: 9am-4pm; closed Monday and Tuesday
Admission: 20THB
Location: About 35 km from Kanchanaburi
9 Erawan National Park
The seven-tiered Erawan Falls are the best-known natural attraction in Kanchanaburi. The water cascades down the mountains in a serene setting, surrounded by lush vegetation and limestone mountains. Guests may spot any number of unique creatures in the national park, including elephants, gibbons, and king cobras. (You'll want to be wary of that last one.) If you're up for a bit of exploration, check out the park's Pra That Cave. You can wander four cavernous rooms and admire the ancient stalagmites and stalactites.
Admission: 200THB per adult, 100THB per child; additional 200THB to see the cave
Location: 65 km from Kanchanaburi
10 Sri Nakarin National Park
Relax after all that sightseeing by taking a dip in the hot springs at Sri Nakarin National Park. The Kwae Yai River originates in this expansive park, home to a diverse range of wildlife including civets, bats, leopards, and slow lorises. While here, be sure to visit the lovely Huay Mae Khamin Waterfalls, which you can reach by boat or four-wheel vehicle.
Admission: 200THB per adult, 100THB per child; additional 200THB for access to the falls
Location: 115 km from Kanchanaburi
11 Pong Teuk
This exciting area is where excavators discovered proof of ancient trade links between Southeast Asia and the Roman Empire. In 1928, researchers discovered a bronze Roman oil lamp shaped like a palm leaf framed by dolphins and with a satyr head. The lamp is believed to have been cast in Alexandria, Egypt, in the second century AD. Building foundations thought to be part of an ancient temple precinct are also of historical significance.
12 Elephant's World
Most people come to Thailand with the hopes of having a divine experience with an elephant, Thailand's most revered creature. Elephant's World provides visitors an opportunity to do that in an ethical way. The elephants here are rescues that have suffered from years of labor and abuse. Rather than riding elephants or watching them perform shows, visitors spend the day in the service of the animals - preparing food for them and bathing them in the river. It's a way to care for abused elephants and volunteer in a meaningful way.
Admission: 2,000THB per adult, 1,200THB per child. Fee includes transportation, lunch, and drinking water.
Official site: http://elephantsworld.org/en/about-us
13 Sai Yok Yai
This is a waterfall fit for a king. Indeed, King Rama V once visited this site and it's been praised in Thai songs and poems. The falls are found within the Sai Yok Yai National Park, but are set back 3 km from the road, so be prepared to do some walking or to hop on a motorbike. You can board a boat and ride the rapids at the falls, or skim along the river between the towering rock walls.
Admission: 200THB per adult, 100THB per child
14 Prasat Muang Singh National Park
You won't want to miss the opportunity to take in these ancient ruins, once an outpost built against the Burmese. Despite its original purpose, there's something almost magical about standing in the presence of such an old and elegant structure. Here you'll find a preserved shrine and tower gates, and ancient inscriptions in the courtyard. There is also a museum on the premises where visitors can view artifacts and relics already been discovered at the site.
Hours: 9am-6pm
Admission: 40THB per person plus vehicle (bicycle: 10THB; motorbike: 20THB; car: 30THB)
15 Wat Dong Sak
Built of teak, this temple houses a 6th century figure of Vishnu and is in close proximity to the legendary Wat Phra Taen Dong Rang. The latter temple is where the Buddha is said to have lay down in a hollow to enter nirvana. Also nearby is a shrine on a hill, where some say the spiritual figure was cremated.
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