Kanchanaburi
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Kanchanaburi is Thailand's fourth largest province. Kanchanaburi covers some 19,486 square kilometres, and borders Myanmar (Burma) to the west.
Kanchanaburi is the site of the world-famous Bridge Over The River Kwai, immortalized 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 Kwai Yai and the Kwai Noi rivers 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 Neolithic 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 who delight in natural surroundings and pleasures without sacrificing basic comforts.
CITY ATTRACTIONS:
The provincial capital is a relatively new town, dating merely from 1831. Major tourism attractions are inextricably connected with the Second World War, and more specifically, the years 1942 through 1945.
Bridge Over The River Kwai
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 Allied prisoner-of-war laborers 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 war ended. The curved spans of the bridge are the original sections.
The bridge, which spans the Kwai Yai river some 4 kilometres northwest of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Kanchanaburi office on Saeng Chuto Road, is the focal point of a riverside area of restaurants, souvenir, handicraft 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.
River Kwai Bridge, Kanchanaburi Video
Japanese War Memorial
This occupies a small plot of riverside 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 Railway'. An estimated 16,000 Allied prisoners of war, and 49,000 forced laborers, died during the construction of the 'Death Railway' and Bridge over the River Kwai.
The Chung-Kai War Cemetery 2 kilometres south of town, on the bank of the Kwai Noi River, this occupies the former site of the Chung-Kai Prisoner of War Camp. This second cemetery is more peaceful, attractively landscaped, and contains some 1,750 remains.
The JEATH War Museum
This enclave in the riverside precincts of Wat Chaichumphon has been constructed largely in the form of an Allied prisoner-of-war camp. The name JEATH is derived from Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand and Holland. The thatched detention hut with cramped, elevated bamboo bunks contains photographic, pictorial and physical memorabilia dating from the Second World War. Several prisoners of war who survived appalling conditions have donated items from that time to add to the museum's authenticity.
Opening hours: 8.30 AM to 6.00 PM daily
Admission fee: 20 baht
Wat Tham Khao Poon 1 kilometre southwest of the Chung-Kai War Cemetery, this Buddhist temple is locally renowned for a cave containing stalactites and stalagmites, and many beautiful Buddha images.
Erawan Waterfall
Erawan National Park was designated in June 1975, as Thailand's 12th National Park. It covers an area of 550 sqm., of high mountains and attractive valleys. The eastern mountains rise to 996m. with shear limestone cliffs.
Erawan Waterfall, Kanchanaburi Video
Below is a hand picked selection of Kanchanaburi Hotels & Resorts:
Baan Suan Fon Hotel |
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 | Stars:  | Style: Regular Hotel |
Baan Suan Fon Hotel is a Floatel Raft House, Building and Bungalow type offers the delightful combination of the refined and gracious service and tradition where nature offers the simple pleasure of sun, unpolluted and beautifu... [Read More] |
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Ban Huay Ulong |
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 | Stars: | Style: Regular Hotel |
Ban Huay Ulong Under shading environment of tropical rain forest and streams, a country side-styled resort beside Huay U Long stream, you can enjoy your vacation in our wooden houses with perfect facili... [Read More] |
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Felix River Kwai Resort |
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 | Stars: | Style: Regular Hotel | Style: Regular Hotel |
Felix River Kwai Resort a five star resort in Kanchanaburi. Built in 1991 and only two hours from Bangkok, the resort sits on 103 Rai plot of pristine riverfront land adjacent to the famous Bridge On The River Kwai. Just 10 min... [Read More] |
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 | Stars: | Style: Guest House | Style: Family | Style: Adventure |
"Hintok River Camp at Hellfire Pass" is a safari tented camp stunningly located on a historical piece of land upon the pinnacle of Hintok mountain in Kanchanaburi, Thailand where the historical River Kwai meandors. |
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Oriental Kwai Resort Kanchanaburi |
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The Oriental Kwai Resort is located upon the banks of the famous River Kwai, just 15 minutes away from the centre of Kanchanaburi town and 140 km. from Bangkok. The Oriental Kwai Resort is a small and peaceful resort wi... [Read More] |
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Pavilion Rim Kwai Resort |
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 | Stars:  | Style: Regular Hotel |
Enjoy nature and history at the Pavilion Rim Kwai resort, with its beautifully landscaped gardens on the banks of the River Kwai Valley. |
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Pung-waan Resort & Spa |
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 | Stars: | Style: Spa Hotel |
Pung-Waan Resort & Spa is conveniently set on the bank of the Kwai Yai river, only 2 km from the famous Bridge of the River Kwai, yet far away from the busy life of downtown Kanchanaburi. It is only 150 k.m. west of Bangkok... [Read More] |
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River Kwai Jungle Rafts |
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 | Stars: | Style: Regular Hotel |
River Kwai Jungle Rafts, the magnificent close-to-nature floating lodge founded in 1976 on the historic River Kwai, in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. River Kwai Jungle Rafts is an ideal destination for everyone who seeks not only a ma... [Read More] |
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River Kwai Resotel |
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River Kwai Resotel is an authentic nature resort in Kanchanburi province, Thailand that will captivate your heart and become one of your life-long experiences. It is a breath-taking place where you can enjoy and relax your... [Read More] |
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River Kwai Village |
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River Kwai Village Hotel (Jungle Resort) is the first jungle resort in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. We offer you an ideal vacation with tranquillity, beauty of nature, and comfortable accommodations. Only 70 kilometers from the city... [Read More] |
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 | Stars: | Style: Regular Hotel |
Yoko Riverkwai Resort, Kanchanaburi. Set with in the beautiful landscape gardens amidst the mountains and green forest set off against the Kwai River the resort takes you back to nature. |
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