15 March,2010 (Mon)  


 

 
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Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is Thailand's third largest province. It covers some 19,485 square (and often times mounta1nous) kilo-metres, and borders Myanmar (Burma) to the west of Bangkok.

Kanchanaburi is the site of the world famous Bridge over the River Khwae. immortalised in books and movles, and is noted for rugged natural beauty where mountains and river valleys have inspired development of hydro-electric power and where labyrinthine dam reservolrs prov1de further scenic e1ements to the province's natural beauty.

Beyond the compact provlncla1 capital, some 130 kilometres, and a comfort-able two-hour drive from Bangkok, where the Khwae Yai and Khwae Noi Rivers unite to form the Mae Klong River, Kanchaflaburi unfolds ln progressively arresting scenic beauty in a landscape characterised by several waterfalls, caves once inhabited by Neo1ithic man, national parks and tranquil riverine and reservoir settings.

Opportunities abound for bucolic living aboard rafts on dazzling rivers and reservolrs, and provide the focal point for memorable holidays for nature lovers who delight in natural surroundings and pleasures without sacrificing hasic comforts.

  • City Attractions

    • The proviflcial capital is a relatively new town, dating merely from l83l. Major tourism attractions are inextricably connected with the Second World War, and more specifically, the years 1942 through 1945.

  • The Bridge Over The River Khwae

    • Internationally famous, thanks to several motion pictures and books, the black iron bridge was brought from Java by the Japanese army and reassembled under Japanese supervision by A1lied prisoner-of-war labour as part of the "Death Railway" 1inking Thailand with Burma. Still in use today, the bridge was the target of frequent Allied bombing raids during 1945, and was rebuilt after the war ended. The curved spans of the bridge are the original sections. The bridge, which spans the Khwae Yai River some 4 kilometres northeast of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Kanchanaburi office on Saeng Chuto Road. is the focal point of a riverslde area of restaurants, souvenir and jewellery shops.

    Second World War vintage steam locomotives and a peculiar hybrid road/railcar from the same era comprise a small Railway Museum on the bridge's eastern approach.

  • Japanese War Memorial

    • This occupies a small plot of land just south of the bridge.

  • The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

    • On Saeng Chuto Road, opposite the Railway Station, this immaculately maintained enclave contains the remains of 6,982 Allied prisoners-of-war who perished during the construction of the Death Raileay. An estimated 16,000 Allied prisoners-of-war, and 49.000 forced labourers. died during the construction of the Death Railway and Bridge over the the River Khwae.

  • The Chong-Kai War Cemetery

    • 2 kilometres south of town, on the bank of the Khwae Noi River, this occupies the former site of the Chong-Kaj Prisoner-of-War Camp. This second cemetery is more peaceful, attractively 1andscaped, and contains some l,750 remains.

  • Thc JEATH War Museum

    • This enclave in the riverside precincts of Wat Chaichum-phon has been constructed largely in the form of an A1lied prisoner-of-war camp. The name JEATH is derived from Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand and Holland. The thatched detention hut with cramped. e1evated bamboo bunks contains photographic, pictorial and physical memorabilia dating from the Second World War. Several prisoners-of-war who survlved appalling conditions have donated items from that time to add to the museum's authenticity. Opening Hours: 8.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Admission fee is 30 baht. Tel. (66 34) 511-263.

  • Wat Tham Khao Pun

    • l ki1ometre southwest of the Chong-Kai War Ceme-tery, this Buddhist temple is locally reflowned for a cave cofltaining stalactites and stalagmites, and many beautiful Buddha images.

  • Out-of-City Attractions

    • Essefltially, there are two major land routes for exploring conveniefltly accessible tourism attractions in provincial Kanchanaburi. The more western Route 323 largely parallels the Khwae Noi River to the Khao Laem Dam (153 kilo-metres from the provincial capital). Route 3199 follows the Khwae Yai River to Sri Nakharin Dam (69 kilometres from the provincial capital).

  • Route 323

    • Major attractions along, or near, Route 323, and within 250 kilometres of the provincial capital, include:

  • Cultural Centre

    • The centre, located at the Rajabhat Institute, some 14 kilometres beyond the provincial capital, houses a permanent exhibition of ancient and modern lifestyles.

  • Phu Phra Cave

    • l5 kilometres from town, this cave is where a legendary character from Thai literature is said to have studied magic.

  • Muang Sing Historical Park

    • Well-signposted from Route 323, and 43 kilometres from town, this ancient site is located on a steep bank of the Khwae Noi River where the waterway narrows and becomes fast flowing. The 800-year-old city ruins are of considerable archaeological interest, and the principal structure, the Khmer Prasat Muang Sing (Tower of the City of Lions) is believed to have been the westernmost outpost of the Angkor-centred Khmer empire.

    Skeletal remains dating back some 2,000 years have been unearthed, and a wide range of artefacts, including temple carvings, religious statuary, implements and pottery shards indicate the once-thriving city must have been inhabited from approximately the l2th to 14th centuries.
    Open daily from 7.30a.m. - 5.30 p.m. Admission is 40 baht.

  • Ban Kao National Museum

    • 8 kilometres from Prasat Muang Sing, and 35 kilometres from town, this a1so overlooks the Khwae Noi River. The museum was constructed beside a Neolithic burial site discovered by an Allied prisoner-of-war during the construction of the Death Railway. Some 4.000 years ago, Neolithic man lived, roamed and hunted beside the Khwae Rivers, sheltering beneath rock overhangs or in nearby caves. The Ban Kao Museum houses skeletal remains, pots, axe heads, Jewellery made from animal bones, and other artefacts dating from that era.

  • Sai Yok Noi Waterfall

    • Also known as Khao Phang Waterfa1l, 60 ki1ometres from town on Route 323, this is the first of several waterf1llls. The roadside cascade is best visited between July - September when water ls most plentiful. and is 2 kilometres northwest of Nam Tok Railway Station, the terminus of the branch line originating in the provincial capital, and which crosses the world famous bridge.

  • The Lawa Cave

    • 75 kilometres from town. the largest cave in the area has stalactites and stalagn1ites in several chambers. Visitors may take boats from the Khwae Noi River Pak Saeng Pier at Tambon Tha Sao (southwest of Nam Tok Railway Station and Sai Yok Noi Waterfall to explore this cave, and travel afterwards upstream to the riverine Sai Yok Yai Waterfall, 104 kilometres from town. A canoe trip of two hours or more from a mountain pass to the stunning cave is also possible. Canoeist can book with Safarine Tour, which specializes in canoe trips.

  • Sai Yok Yai Waterfall

    • This flows directly into the Khwae Noi River, and is the most popular attraction in the 300-square-ki1ometre Sai Yok National Park. The park contains several interesting caves besides the Lawa. The Daowadueng Cave, which also entails a river trip for visits, is the most popular. South of the Sai Yok Yai Waterfall, another cascade, the Nam Chon Waterfall, flows directly into the river.

    Wildlife in Sai Yok's deciduous forests include small mammals such as bats, squirrels and deer, and numerous bird species, inc1uding wreathed hornbills and blue-winged pittas. Human presence at Sai Yok is known to date back to the Stone Age, and the Sai Yok Yai Waterfall has been repeatedly celebrated in Thai poetry and song. Bungalow accommodation, river rafts and camping facilities are available.

  • Hin Dat Hot Springs

    • l30 kilometres from town, these occupy a hollow some 3 kilometres northeast of Route 323.

  • Pha Tat waterfall

    • The three-tiered cascade, l40 kilometres from town, is some l2 kilometres northeast of Route 323, along the same track.

  • Khao Laem Dam

    • 153 kilometres from town, this imposing structure has a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, guest house and motel accommodation, and a scenic reservoir upon which several private complexes offer opportunities for boat rides, swimming and fishing. Areas beyond Khao Laem Dam meriting visits either edge the extensive reservoir or nestle against the Thai-Myanmar border.

  • Puok Minc

    • 60 kilometres west of Amphoe Thong Pha Phum on Route 3272, there was much mining of wolfram and tin in the Tanaosri Mountain range marking the Thai-Burmese border. A temperate fruit and decorative winter plant orchard, Pilok Hill 32 kilometres from town, can be visited en route.

  • Sangldila Buri

    • This petite settlement, some 225 kilometres from Kanchanaburi, edges the northernmost extremities of Khao Laem Dam. The scenic 75-kilometre route from Khao Laem largely parallels the reservoir, passes several raft comp1exes, botanical gardens and roadside cascades, and vistas of partly submerged trees crowding the reservoir banks.

  • Three Pagodas Pass

    • This even sma1ler settlement, 241 kilometres from Kanchanaburi, marks the rugged Thai-Myanmar border, and is the site of a small but thriving border market. Visitors are allowed to enter the neighbouring Burmese settlement between 6.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. (when the border is closed). The three miniature pagodas are memorla1s to what was the traditional invasion route favoured by Burmese soldiers during the Ayutthaya period (l350-1767).

  • Wat Wang Wiwekaram

    • This extensive temple on the southern outskirts of Sangkhla Buri edges the Khao Laem Dam. The comp1ex is constructed in an unusual pastiche of Thai, Indian and Burmese Buddhist architectura1 styles, and the abbot is highly revered among local people, including tribal folk and Burmese.

  • Sangkhl Buri forest Tours

    • Certain Kanchanaburi travel agents offer one-day elephant-trekking and ratting tours in the immediate vicinity of Sangkhla Buri. A ride can be incorporated into a longer trek featuring mountainbiking ilncl rafting. Visitors are advised contact either local travel agents or the TAT's Kanchanaburi office for current details since the tours are not always conducted on a daily basis.

  • Thungyai Narcsuan Wildlife Sanctuary

    • Northeast of Sangkhla Buri, this sanctuary occupies a terrain of forested mountains and high plains, and hosts numerous protected wildlife species including tigers, bears, elephants and deer. The area is rugged, remote, and demands 4-wheel-drive vehicles for exploration. Special permission from the Royal forest Department is needed for admission.

    Visitors interested in entering the area are required to contact the Royal forest Department, either in Bangkok, Tel: (66 2) 56l-4292-3, or in Kanchanaburi, Tel: (66 34) 511-566.

  • Route 3199

    • Major attractions along Route 3199 include beautiful waterfalls in three national parks.

  • Bo Phloi

    • Some 40 kilometres from Kanchanaburi, and just off Koute 3086, this area is famed for locally-mined blue sapphires and semi-precious materials such as onyx. A Jewellery Handicraft Centre enables visitors to see how these materials are made into finished jewellery creations.

  • Kanchanaburi Safari Park

    • This extensive enclave near Bo Phloi is domiflated by a man-made hill adorned with decorative pavilions. The enclave hosts numerous African and Asian mammals, including giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers and eIephants in careftlly landscaped environs.

  • Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park or Tham Than Lot

    • 97 kilometres from Kanchanaburi, and north of Bo Phloi, along Route 3086,this 54-square-kilometre park, ideal for hiking,encompasses peaceful forests, waterfalls and several caves. The 300-metre-long Than L ot Cave near the park. headquarters is the most popular attraction. Bungalow accommodation and camping facilities are available.

  • Erawan National Park

    • 65 kilometres from Kaflchanaburi along Route 3l99, this 550-square-kilometre national park is the site of the 7-tiered Erawan waterfall, widely regarded as being one of Thailand's loveliest cascades. A mountainside forest setting includes dense bamboo groves which support numerous bird species. The park's other major attraction is the spectacular Phra That Cave which contains monumental stalagmites. Bungalow accommodation and camping facilities are available.

  • Sri Nakharin Dam

    • 69 kiIometres from Kanchanaburi, and just 4 kilometres north of Erawan National Park, this massive structure marks the southernmost extremity of an extensive reservoir, which is part of yet another national park.

  • Sri Nakharin National Park

    • This park covers 1,532 square kilometres. Park headquarters are 105 kilometres from kanchanaburi. Major park attractions include the lovely 7-tiered Huai Mae Khamin Waterfull, boat trips on teh scenic reservoir, and encroaching deciduous forests and bamboo groves where kingfishers, parrots, bee-eaters, hornbills, thrushes, wood peckers, babblers and numerous other bird species are readily seen. Larger, more elusive animals within the park's remoter areas include deer, elephants and tigers. Phra and Niramit Caves near the park headquarters comprise other attractions. Bungalow accommodation is available. The park's relative inaccess1bility necessitates either a punishing 40-kilometre drive along a dry weather track, and nego-tiable only by motorcycle, pick-up trucks or 4-whee1-drive vehicles, or a 45-75- minute boat ride from the Ta Kradan Pier 24 kilometres north of the Sri Nakharin Dam.

    Special Interests

  • National Parks

    • Kanchanaburi's aforemen-tioned parks offer opportuni-ties for either camping, and/or fishing, or trekking along nature trails. Camping faci1ities, which customarily provide cold running water and simple toilet facilities, are avallable at Chaloem Rattanakosin, Sai Yok and Erawan National Parks. Trekking along either well- defined waterfall trails, or nature trails, to visit caves or appreciate local flora and fauna, is a popular activity at all national parks.

  • Fishins

    • This is popular on both Khwae Rivers, and the Khao Laem and Sri Nakharin Dams. Several raft resorts offer hired rods. Edible and popular fish include the Giant Gourami, the Transverse Bellbarb, the Giant Snake-head Fish and the Striped Tiger Nandid. Each is delicious when freshly cooked, either simply fried or in Thai culinary styles.

  • Rafting & Canoeing

    • Trips are available from the provinc1al capital and several holiday resorts. Raft trips leaving from the famous bridge, or the waterfront Song Khwae Road area, cost between 2,000 and 4,500 baht for l0-l5 persons, depending ofl the duration and destinations. Trips may entai1 7-10 hour return journeys, or include an overnight stay on either the Khwae Yai or Khwae Noi Rivers. Visitors are advised to contact TAT's Kanchanaburi office for current information and prices.

  • Rail Trips

    • Railway enthusiasts may travel along one of Southeast Asia's most historical tracks, namely the surviving stretch of the Death Railway, from the provincial capital to the Nam Tok Railway Station near the Sai Yok Noi Waterfall. The winding track crosses the world famous bridge and provides a clear indication of how diffcult constructing the original track (long since repaired and restored) must have been. One particularly exhilarating stretch sees the line parallel the curving Khwae Noi on a wooden viaduct towering above the river and hugging a steep, cave-ridden cliff.

  • Golf

    • Golf has become very popular in recent years and can be enjoyed at the courses listed below. Most offer clubhouse, pro shop and caddy facilities, and have rental equipment. Green fees vary widely, weekends generally being more expensive. Unless otherwise specified, courses listed below are each l8- hole, par 72.

  • Green World hot Spring Resort & Golf Club

    • Km. 107, Kanchanaburi-Thong Pha Phum Road
    Tel (66 2)539-4613-6, 539-2865-6,(66 34) 599-210-1.

  • Kbao Laem Golf Course

    • (9 holes) thong Pha Phum
    Tel: (66 34) 599-077 ext.2602

  • Sri Nakbarin Golf Course

    • (9 holes) Si Sawat
    Tel: (66 34) 513-001.

  • Nicbigo Resort & Country Club

    • Latya, Muang, Kanchanaburi
    Tel: (66 2) 231-2681-3.

  • Mission Hill Golf Club

    • Phang Tru, Tha Muang, Kanchanaburi
    Tel: (66 2) 225-9803,226-3390, (66 34) 644-147-8

  • Evergreen Hills Golf Club

    • 152 Mu 5, Tha Muang, Kanchanaburi.
    Tel: (66 2) 941-2801-5, (66 34)657-130, 657-094 Fax: (66 1) 210-3828

  • Home Pbu Toey Golf Resort

    • Ban Phu Toey, Sai Yok
    Tel: (66 2) 621-1510-3.

    Major Events

  • Boat & Raft Dav

    • Local long-boat teams race boats with great gusto at the waterfront area of the provincial Khwae Yai River to celebrate Boat and Raft Day, generally during October.

  • River Khwae Bridge Wiek Fair

    • Each year, late November and/or early December, the world famous bridge becomes the focal point of celebrations. Highlights include exhibitions and historica1 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.

    Shopping
    Major souvenir shops concentrated around the eastern approaches, and riverine environment, of the world famous bridge. Almost every handicraft produced in Thailand can be purchased there. Browsing to compare quality, and good humoured but determined bargaining, will ensure favourable prices for readymade leisurewear and other apparel, and popular souvenirs such as bamboo musical instruments, palm leaf mobiles, ceramic decorations, lacquerware and bronzeware receptacles, paper parasols,and Thai silk and cotton lengths.

    Kanchanaburi is a major source of high quality Thai blue sapphires. These are mined at Bo Phloi, as are onyx and topaz. Purchases of finished jewellery creations can be made at Bo Phloi's Jewellery Handicraft Centre, and other satellite outlets.

    How to Get There Kanchanaburi is connected by daily road and rail services with Bangkok and other neighbouring provlnces. Airconditioned and regular coaches leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal throughout the day for the 2- to 3-hour journey. Trains leave the Bangkok Noi Railway Station daily for Kanchanaburi.

    The TAT's office in Kanchanaburi issues an updated and current time-table for bus and rail ser-vices between Bangkok and Kanchanaburi, and major neighbouring provinces.