20/07/2017
Kanchanaburi Why Not
Thailand is the ‘Dream Destination’ for all the white sand beaches and enchanted islands but there are so much more wonders to explore. Thailand is dazzling because of our pristine Nature, our fascinating Culture and remarkable Historical Attractions. One of the Jewel is Kanchanaburi Province located just a couple hours away from Bangkok.
Kanchanaburi is the largest province on the western part of Thailand, renowned for its natural beauty and the well-known ‘Bridge Over the River Kwai’. Though lacking alluring beaches, Kanchanaburi is blessed for Paradisiacal Waterfalls, Lake Dams, National Parks, Mountain Range and many more. It is a peaceful city along the side of the River Kwai surrounded by mountain range. One experience you shouldn’t miss is staying in the many floating resorts on the River Kwai or on Srinakarin Lake Dam (and I mean literally ‘floating’ on the water).
The symbol of Kanchaburi, and perhaps the most famous attraction, is ‘River Kwai Bridge’ (pronounced khwaae as in air), resided just a couple minutes away from City Center. The Railway Bridge over the Kwai River is the start of the Death Railway to Burma, or Myanmar as Known today, built during the World War II. Apart from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is where most activities during the World War II have taken place in Thailand. Today the only train running across the bridge is the sightseeing train, called ‘Nam Tok train’ taking both Thai and foreign tourists along the Death Railway to Nam Tok Station. Many attractions in the City are associated with the WWII, there are museums and war cemeteries scattered around Town. Personally as a Kanchanaburi residence, I recommend ‘Hellfire Pass’, located around 60 kilometers away on Route 323 (the only one not in the city). Here you’ll see remnant of the Death Railway tracks but don’t let the name fool you, Hellfire pass today is very pristine and peaceful, and the museum displaying actual belongings of the allied soldiers are worth visiting.
Leading away from the city to the northwest are 2 main roads, one to Erawan National Park and Srinakharin Lake Dam, and the other to Sai Yok Yai and Sangkhlaburi. Erawan Waterfall and Srinakharin Lake Dam and National Park are only 80 kilometers away. The waterfall is named after the sacred elephant in Ramayana. The enchanted Erawan waterfall is famous for its clear cool water and the refreshing forest surrounding it. Located side by side is the Srinakharin Dam where you can have a picnic and enjoy panoramic view of the Lake. Famous activities in the Lake are dam fishing and staying in the many floating resorts lazing around or having fun with water activities they provided.
If you follow the other main road which is Route 323, you will never get bored as most of the attractions of Kanchanaburi are located along this route. An hour out of the city is Sai Yok Yai, a nice quiet town on the bank of River Kwai. The town is named after ‘Sai Yok Yai Waterfall’ which a fall on the cliff bank of the river. Here you will find several more floating hotels with great view of the river. There are a couple elephant camps nearby where you can enjoy the loveliness of Thai Elephats. Hellfire Pass is also around this area. At the end of the route there are 2 junctions, one leads to Thong pha bhum National Park, famous forest trekking as well as hiking, and the other leads to Sangklaburi, a nice quiet little town with unique culture by the Lake Dam. ‘Mon Bridge’ the longest wooden bridge in Thailand (850 meters) linking the town on both side of the river and the Underwater Temple are two things you should not miss when visit Sangklaburi. Around 20 kilometers away is the ‘Three Pagoda Pass’, a Thai-Burmese Border with border market where you can shop for both Thai and Burmese souvenirs.
Kanchanaburi offers varieties of accommodations from Luxury Resorts and Hotels to little cozy guesthouses along the riverside. Weather you choose to stay in and around the city or anywhere in the Province. Dining in the city is ranging from restaurants to street food, from local to international cuisine, from Tom Yam Kung, Som Tam to Pizza. You will never be hungry at any time of day.
The easiest way to come to Kanchanaburi is by Bus. At the Bangkok Southern Bus Station take a bus or a minivan to the city. This takes around 2-3 hours. The Bus Station is right in the city center. From here you can grab a local taxi and go wherever you want.
Getting around Kanchanaburi is rather easy. There are only 2 main Roads, Saeng Chuto Road runs through the length of the city and the By-pass road semi-circles it. There are smaller roads run parallel to the River Kwai. Most of the restaurants, guesthouses and local bars are situated along these roads.
If you just want to browse through the city, a day or two might be enough. But if you want to explore the province, you’ll need a week or more to enjoy it all.
See you in Kanchanaburi! Happy Travelling!
