Kanchanaburi Thailand Travel Guide

The city of Kanchanaburi is one among the many destinations that add to the enigmatic appeal of Thailand. The place has a lot of scope for sightseeing and is a great place for nature enthusiasts as well as lovers of natural history. Located only 3 hours away from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is easily accessible via bus or train.

Here are some interesting places you can visit in Kanchanaburi-

 

1. Erawan National Park:

About 65 km away from Kanchanaburi, this 550-sq.km national park is renowned for its famed seven-tiered Erawan waterfall. One of Thailand’s most picturesque waterfalls, the second level features a vast enchanting pond ideal for swimming. Trekking trails, camping sites, wondrous caves full of stalagmites and stalactites and much more await the adventurous.

2. Sai Yok National Park:

Graced by a group of three lovely waterfalls, the 300-sq.km Sai Yok national park is home to varied fauna including deer, squirrels, bats, and birds. Visitors can board a boat, ride the rapids at the Falls, or skim along the river between the towering rock walls.

 

3. Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple):

The highlight of this hilltop temple is a striking 18m-tall Buddha covered in a golden mosaic, which is a beautiful sight. It is surrounded by several styles of stupa, the biggest being 69m tall, and is full of murals of Kanchanaburi’s history and Buddha images. This place is peaceful and one of the prettiest temples in all of Thailand.

4. Malika R E 124:

Malika R E 124 is a cultural heritage attraction in the form of a village settlement fashioned after those of the Rattanakosin era over 200 years ago. It showcases the architecture, commerce, customs and lifestyle of that period. Visitors enter the village in hand-drawn rickshaws, and may also choose to dress up in the traditional clothes of the Rattanakosin era while touring the village. A crew of around 400 members dressed in the outfits of the period go about engaging in varied activities of daily life. Guests can help out the ‘villagers’ in threshing rice, lend a hand in the kitchens, row a boat over the lake, shop for perfumes and snacks in the market (using old Thai coins), and end their day by indulging in a traditional Thai dinner.

 

5. Death Railway:

A powerful remnant of Thailand’s war history, the 415 km track stretched from Thailand to Myanmar, secured supplies for the Japanese army during the Greater East-Asian War. The unfortunate deaths of the prisoners and labourers (estimated at 106,000) who built it imparted the name “Death Railway” to this landmark.  Still in use today, the Thonburi- Namtok line and a special Bangkok-Namtok line on the weekends and holidays is open for tourists who wish to visit this place. The tracks head up into the mountains making for a very picturesque journey. The most popular point is the Kwai River Bridge and the Krasae Cave, which is a curve bridge that follows the bank of Kwai Noi River. You can board the train from Tham Krasae Railway Station, experience the rail journey with a splendid view, and deboard at River Kwai Bridge.

 

6. Thailand–Burma Railway Centre:

Located near the war cemetery, this museum presents the history of the Thailand–Burma Railway, a 415 km track between Bang Pong, Thailand, and Thanbuyuzayat, Myanmar. The educational effectively relates the events and progression of the war through engaging displays and signs.

 

7. Bridge Over River Kwai:

 

Kanchanaburi’s iconic historical landmark, the Bridge over the River Kwai has been immortalized in countless books and films. The USP of Kanchanaburi, this reconstructed iron rail bridge, which forms part of the Death Railway, links the banks of the Kwai Yai River. Set against a scenic backdrop of the river, the bridge is still used today. You can walk on it and cross over to the other side of the river, but be careful of trains (twice a day) and motorcycles sharing the narrow path. There is a local market that spreads out around the railway station.

 

8. Don Rak, Kanchanaburi War Cemetery:

The largest of Kanchanaburi’s two war cemeteries, Don Rak serves as the resting place of 6,982 Allied prisoners of World War II, who perished during the construction of the Death Railway. The Kanchanaburi Memorial also gives the names of 11 deceased Indians.

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