Kanchanaburi and Surrounds

Kanchanaburi, capital of the province of the same name, is 130km(80miles) northwest of Bangkok at the confluence of the Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai rivers, which merge here to become the Mae Klong.  Here , the flat farmlands of central Thailand begin to give way to the wilder hill country that is part of the region’s charm.  The Kwai Yai and Kwai Noi run through wooded hills, and river rafting through their scenic valleys is among the region’s main attractions.  Dramatic waterfalls and limestone caves add to Kanchanaburi’s natural beauties, but the city is infamous, too, as the location of the Bridge over the River Kwai, built during World War II

Kanchanaburi Attractions

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery: where the bodies of almost 7000 British and Allied prisoners of war (who died during the construction of the Death Railway) are buried.

Jeath War Museum: grisly reconstruction of a POW camp.

Kwai Bridge: made famous by David Lean’s 1957 film; still carries trains across the river on the 2-hour scenic ride to Nam Tok, the end of the line.

Wat Tham Mangkhon thong: Cave Temple of the Golden Dragon, southwest of the town centre.

Erawan Waterfall: 72km (45 miles) northwest of Kanchanaburi town, with its seven cataracts.

Erawan National Park: surrounds the falls, takes a day or more to explore. 

Other caves and waterfalls include:

Sai Yok Noi and Sai Yok Yai falls in the Kwai Noi valley, about 77km (48 miles) northwest of town.  Both are reached by rail, so a visit can be combined with a trip on the historic line to Nam Tok.

Kaeng Lawa Cave: the region’s biggest limestone cavern.

Neolithic Museum: a small display of Neolithic remains first unearthed by workers on the Death Railway.

How to go to Kanchanaburi

How to get around Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is a small town and can be most easily explored on foot.  Samlors (pedicabs) can also be used for short journeys in town and songthaews (shared pick-up truck minibuses) run on fixed routes around town and around the region.

Kanchanaburi Accommodation

Legacy River Kwai Resort, Log Cabin-Style Country Home under the Roof of Impressive Comfort

The Duen shine Resort and Hotel is Situated 130 kms. at Kanchanaburi province land of only small amount of people west of the busting city of Bangkok and is on the river bank of the famous River Kwai, a mere short Journey to the bridge. The Resort and Hotel is surrounded by 15 areas of lush. It is a complete relaxation and a great get away from it all for families and couples and these who seek complete tranquility.

Usefull Contacts

TAT Central Region Office,
Saeng Chutto Road, Kanchanaburi,
Tell: 034 511 200
www.kanchanaburi-info.com