Because of its magnificent landscape and charming beauty,
Kanchanaburi has become a major tourist destination, with attractions
including several well-known waterfalls, caves that were once inhabited
by Neolithic man, pristine national parks, tranquil rivers, virgin
forests, and several large reservoirs. Together, these attractions
offer an intriguing experience for both first-time and repeat visitors.
Whether it’s fishing, rafting, canoeing, mountain biking, bird-watching,
star-gazing, golfing, elephant and jungle trekking, or even living in a
bamboo raft, Kanchanaburi takes pride in offering them all.In north and
west Kanchanaburi, the terrain is comprised mainly of mountains and
high plains, with the Thanon Thongchai Range acts as a natural border
between Thailand and Myanmar. The range is the source of Kanchanaburi’s
two most important rivers Maenam Khwae Noi (Little Kwai River) and
Maenam Khwae Yai (Big Kwai River), which form the famous Maenam Mae
Klong.
As a result of these major rivers and three of Thailand’s largest
reservoirs, Kanchanaburi features several of Thailand’s largest Namtok
(waterfalls) as well as a number of wildlife sanctuaries.The most
defining natural attractions in Kanchanaburi is arguably the Three
Pagodas Pass, a break in the Thanon Thongchai Mountain Range that
divides Thailand and Myanmar. Along an overland trade route from
India, it is through this pass that Buddhism was thought to first to
arrive in Thailand around the 3rd century. The province and its pass
were later controlled by the Khmer of Angkor in the 13th century, who
built a fort there ( a Khmer temple from the time has been restored as a
tourist attraction). The kingdom of Ayutthaya also built a military
garrison in the area, though it was through the pass that the Burmese
frequently swept into Siam and eventually razed the capital of
Ayutthaya. In World War II, the Japanese built a railway through the
pass using forced labor, including western POWs. Later known as the
Death Railway, the line included an infamous bridge crossing the Kwai
River that was the subject of a historically inaccurate academy award
winning film.
The Three Pagodas Pass area is also home to numerous hill
tribes and other minority groups who reside in the area as nation-less
refugees without citizenship in either land. For visitors, it is
possible to get temporary one-day visas to cross the border for a sneak
peak at Myanmar and do some shopping for exotic souvenirs. The city
of Kanchanaburi is located at the point where the Khwae Noi and Khwae
Yai Rivers meet and form the Maenam Mae Klong. The notorious Death
Railway passed through the town, near which stands the site of the
Bridge on the River Kwai. Nearby the reconstructed bridge are monuments
including an Allied War Cemetery and a war museum. In economic terms,
Kanchanaburi has been prospering for a number of years. Important
industries include sugar, agricultural products, and jewelry. Tourism is
also a main source of income for the locals, though most are engaged in
agricultural activities. The province’s population is made up of Thai,
Mon, and Karen peoples, most of whom are rural dwellers who enjoy living
simply and respecting nature. Moreover, folk music and dances dating
back at least 500 years are still performed to this day.
Only two hours
from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is accessible by road or rail, the latter of
which includes sightseeing day trips that run on weekends and public
holidays; these weekend special trains are reasonably priced and make
hassle free and enjoyable adventures. Even the climate of Kanchanaburi,
cooled by the altitude, forests, and rivers, is a welcome respite from
the heat and congestion of the nearby capital city.
Kanchanaburi city, the capital of Kanchanaburi Province, is a
popular resort town; picturesque and worthy of a visit in its own right,
it is frequently visited as base of operations for exploring the many
cultural, natural, and historical attractions in the surrounding
countryside. Located at the confluence of the Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai
Rivers, Kanchanaburi lies at the source of the Mae Klong River, and
these majestic bodies of water are defining characteristics of the town.
The original town of Kanchanaburi was established by King Rama I as a
first line of defense against the Burmese, whom he believed might use
the old invasion route through the Three Pagodas Pass at the
Siam-Myanmar border. According to most historians, the old town of
Kanchanaburi was located near Ban Lat Ya, a small village situated
approximately 16 kilometers north of the present town. The present
provincial capital is a relatively newer town built by King Rama III in
1833. The town itself is a place to relax, watching the water from the
banks of the river, inside a raft house, or from a riverside restaurant.
Many visitors like to rest along the river with a cold drink and a
good book.
Many of them come here just for a couple days but stay for
weeks in order to explore all of the attractions in the surrounding
countryside. Along with visiting spectacular waterfalls, lush forests,
and three of Thailand’s largest reservoirs, white water rafting,
elephant trekking, and golfing are popular activities for visitors.
Kanchanaburi is an excellent tourist destination for nature lovers.
