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According to most historians, the ancient town of Kanchanaburi
was located near Ban Lat Ya, a small village situated
approximately 16 kilometers north of the present town.
The site was repeatedly recorded in Thai history as
an invasion route which the Burmese used to enter Thai
Kingdoms.
Kanchanaburi, which has mostly mountainous terrain,
covers an area of approximately 19,473 square kilometers
and is the third largest province in Thailand after
Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima. Situated approximately
129 kilometres west of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi shares
a border with Myanmar to the west, Tak and Uthai Thani
Provinces to the north, Suphan Buri and Nakhon Pathom
Provinces to the east, and Ratchaburi Province to the
south.
In north and west Kanchanaburi, the terrain is comprised
mainly of mountains and high plains, with the Thanon
Thongchai Range acting as a natural border between Thailand
and Myanmar. The range is the source of Kanchanaburi痴
two most important rivers Mae Nam Khwae Noi and Mae
Nam Khwae Yai, which form the famous Maenam Mae Klong.
As a result, several of Thailand's largest Namtok (waterfalls)
and most extensive wildlife sanctuaries are found in
this area.
The magnificent landscape and charming beauty of Kanchanaburi
have resulted in major tourist attractions including
several well-known waterfalls, caves which were once
inhabited by Neolithic man, pristine national parks,
tranquil rivers, virgin forests, and reservoir. Together,
they offer an intriguing experience for first-time or
repeat visitors. Whether it痴 fishing, rafting, canoeing,
mountain biking, bird-watching, star-gazing, golfing,
elephant and jungle trekking, or even living in bamboo
rafts, Kanchanaburi takes pride in offering them all.
The city of Kanchanaburi is located at the point where
two tributaries, the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai meet and
form the Maenam Mae Klong. This is the location of the
notorious Death Railway and the Bridge on the River
Khwae � one of the world痴 famous World War II sites
which have been immortalized in print and film.
In economic terms, Kanchanaburi has been doing well
on a national scale, with over 10 per cent growth annually.
Important industries include sugar, agricultural products
and jewelry. Tourism is also a main source of income
for the locals as the province痴 high tourism potential
has made Kanchanaburi number one among the west provinces
in having the highest number of visitors each year.
Residents of Kanchanaburi are engaged in agricultural
activities. Most of the locals are of Thai ancestry
with notable Mon and Karen minorities. Rural dwellers
enjoy living simply and respecting nature. Moreover
folk music and dances dating back at least 500 years
are still performed today.
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By car
Route 1: a 2-hour drive along Highway No.4 (Phetkasem)
via Nakhon Chaisi Province, Nakhon Pathom Province,
Ban Pong, Tha Maka and Tha Muang (of Ratchaburi Province)
to Kanchanaburi.
Route 2: drive along Highway No. 338 from Bangkok to
Nakhon Chaisi Province then switch to Highway No.4 to
Kanchanaburi.
By Bus
Non air-conditioned buses leave Bangkok痴 Southern Bus
Terminal daily every 15 minutes from 4 a.m. until 8
p.m. The trip takes about 3 hours. Call 02 434 5557-8
for more information.
First class air-conditioned buses (blue color) leave
Bangkok痴 Southern Bus Terminal daily every 25 minutes
Call 02 435 5012, 0 2435 1199 or 02 884 6249 or visit
www.transport.co.th for more information.
There are also buses leaving frequently daily for Kanchanaburi
from Nakhon Pathom. The journey takes up to 1.5 hours.
From Ratchaburi and Suphan Buri Bus Stations, there
are several buses leaving directly to Kanchanaburi.
The trip takes some 2.5 - 3 hours.
By Train
Ordinary trains leave Bangkok痴 Thon Buri Railway Station
(Bangkok Noi Station) daily. Only 3rd class seats are
available. The journey takes approximately 3 hours.
For more information, call Thon Buri Railway Station
at tel. 02 411 3102 or Kanchanaburi Railway Station
at tel. 034 511285.
The weekend special train leaves Bangkok Railway Station
(Hua Lamphong) at 6.30 a.m., returning at 7.55 p.m.
on Saturdays, Sundays and on public holidays. The trip
usually includes several stop-overs at Phra Pathom Chedi
(Nakhon Pathom), Death Railway Bridge, and a transfer
(by minibus) to Phrasat Mueang Singh Historical Park,
etc.
There are also special steam trains operating between
Kanchanaburi and Wang Pho.
For more information, call the State Railway of Thailand
at tel. 1690, or 02 223 7010, 02 223 7020 or visit www.railway.co.th.
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River Kwae Bridge Week
Each year, late November and/or
early December, the world famous bridge becomes the
focal point of celebrations. Highlights include exhibitions
and historical 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.
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