Things To Do In Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Most probably best known as the home of the famous Bridge On The River Kwai, Kanchanaburi can definitely not be considered your average Thai tourist destination. Theres not a single beach in sight, nightlife is rather calm and youll find animals including elephants and monkeys roaming the city streets. Kanchanaburi can be seen as a day trip from Bangkok try to include a trip to Nakhon Pathom .
Kanchanaburi province is located in the West of Thailand about 150 Kilometres from Bangkok. The area boasts with a rather dense population of 750,000 inhabitants. Two rivers namely, the River Kwai Noi and the River Kwai Yai merge into the River Kwai, actually referred to as the River Maeklong.
The town may not be considered a true party spot, but, for the more culturally focused tourist, Kanchanaburi will be a paradise filled with magnificent sights and scenes to enjoy. There is however a more light-hearted tourist approach slipping in, with elephant rides and the most exquisite hand made jewellery on offer.
The Bridge over the river Kwai will be an obvious sight to see on your must do list. The original bridge still stands; it is however now supported by concrete buttresses. A small modern tourist train travels across the bridge, however the best way of seeing the bridge is to actually walk across it. A couple of great Thai restaurants also overlook the river and bridge. The bridge itself is very traditional and is still used occasionally by local trains. Whilst on the subject of bridges Kanchanaburi is also home to the longest wooden bridge in Thailand in Sangkhlaburi district, across the Mekhong, you can check out Mon villages.
Fancy a walk through a Thai cemetery? There are two major cemeteries in the town. Don Rak War Cemetery is smack in the towns centre opposite the railway station. Mostly British Australian and Dutch prisoners were buried here. The second Cemetery, Chonk Kai War cemetery is located approximately one mile outside Kanchuraburi on the banks of the River. Youll find the gravesites of more than 7 000 POWs who died during the construction of the bridge and railway for the Japanese Army. Its a truly moving experience.
There are also two war museums in Kanchuraburi. The JEATH war museum is an acronym for Japanese England Australian Thailand and Holland and is run by a monk. Then there is also the bridge museum which is a private museum built nearer the bridge and houses different artifacts including an old Japanese steam train.
The Erawan National Park is approximately 500 Kilometers square and boasts with caves containing stalagmites and stalactites, exquisite waterfalls and even pools open and safe for public swimming. Wildlife to look out for includes elephants, monkeys, eagles and snakes including but not limited to the King cobra and python.
The Srinagarindra National Park is home to a fabulous selection of waterfalls as well as breathtaking bird and plant life. The best way to get here is by boat as the road is rather muddy and not very safe to travel on.
