|
AMPHUR BO PHLOI
Bo Phloi
The Bo Phloi district, located some 40 kilometers from the city,
is well known for its locally mined blue sapphires and semi-precious
stones such as onyx. Visitors can visit a Jewelry Handicraft Centre
to see how these materials are honed and fashioned into spectacular
jewelry sets.
Bo Phloi can be reached from Kanchanaburi by non air-conditioned
buses departing from Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal every 20 minutes
between 6 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. The journey takes 1 hour and costs
20 baht.
Kanchanaburi Safari Park
The Safari Park is located approximately 40 kilometers from town
along the Kanchanaburi-Bo Phloi route. It is home to numerous African
and Asian mammals, including giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers and
bears that dwell in beautifully landscaped environs. Visitors can
drive their private car to explore the park or use the bus service
provided by the park. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission
fee is 120 baht for adults and 60 baht for children.
AMPHUR MUANG
Ancient Town of Kanchanaburi
Ruins of what was once Kanchanaburi community can be found at Tambon
Lat Ya, which is just 18 kilometers from the city. The site was
part of the battle history between the Thai and the Burmese from
the Ayutthaya period to the early Rattanakosin era. Several ruins
are found in Pa Lelai temple, Khun Phaen temple, Mae Mai temple
and Nang Phim temple.
Art Gallery and War Museum
Located not far away from the Bridge on the River Khwae is a private
museum which features the World Wide II story and art objects such
as war weapons, army uniforms, photographs, jewelry, etc. The museum
is open daily from 7.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Admission fee is 30baht/person.
Ban Kao National Museum
A small Tambon (sub-district) located on the bank of the Kwai Noi
River approximately 35 kilometers from the city is a site where
some ancient Stone Age tools were found. In addition, a Neolithic
burial site was discovered by the Dutch Allied POW, Dr. Van Hickderen
who was forced to build the Death Railway. The consequences of findings
revealed that tambon Ban Kao was once a dwelling of prehistoric
men. Some critical discoveries included skeletons of prehistoric
men, tools made from gravel stone and axes. The Ban Kao Museum houses
skeletal remains, pots, axe heads, jewelry made from animal bones,
and other artifacts dating from that period.
The museum is open from Wednesday through Friday with the exception
of public holidays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is 30 baht. Call
0 3465 4058 for more information.
Chong Kai War Cemetery
Situated only 2 kilometers south of town on the bank of the Kwai
Noi River, the cemetery occupies the site of the Chong Kai which
once was the prisoner of war camp. Smaller in size, the cemetery
attracts visitors to see its peaceful, well-designed landscape where
1,740 POWs rest in eternal peace.
Giant Tree
A very large Jamjuri tree that is over 100 years old is situated
in the area of Veterinary and Agricultural Division 1.
Kanchanaburi Cultural Centre
The centre is located in the Rajabhat Institute of Kanchanaburi,
14 kilometers out of town on the route to Sai Yok. Within the centre
is a collection of displays on human lifestyles from the past until
the present. Open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Kanchanaburi Town Gate
An interesting site to see in the remains of Kanchanaburi town is
the Gate which was built in 1831 during the reign of King Rama III.
It is located on Lak Mueang Road near the meeting point of the Khwae
Yai and Khwae Noi Rivers.
Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (Don Rak)
This is the place where the remains of 6,982 POWs died during the
construction of the Death Railway are buried. The cemetery, which
is located on Saengchuto Road, opposite the Railway Station, just
1.5 kilometres from the TAT office, It is open daily from 8.30 a.m.
to 6.00 p.m..
Khao Chon Kai
The Army Student Camp is located 20 kilometers from the city along
Highway No. 3199. Recently, the camp has opened its door for tourists
wishing to enjoy activities such as tower jumping, model cliff climbing,
etc. For more details, call 0 3458 9237.
City Pillar (Lak Muang)
This attraction is situated on Lak Muang Road. The pillar which
is located in the shrine is covered with gold leaf and is well-preserved
illustrating local residents' high level of reverence.
Somdet Phra Sri Nakharin Park
Covering an area of 200 rai, the park is situated in Kanchanaburis
Agricultural College, tambon Nong Ya, approximately 9 kilometers
from town. Local residents also dubs the place as the Stone Garden
as there are stones of different sizes and shapes scattered in the
park.
Thailand - Burma Railway Centre
The Thailand-Burma Railway Centre in an interactive museum, research
and information centre dedicated to presenting the story of the
Thailand-Burma Railway built during the World War II.
The centre is on the western side of the main Kanchanaburi War
Cemetery (Don Rak), approximately 100 metres from the cemetery entrance.
The centre open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission : Adults
60 baht and children(under 12 years old) 30 baht. For more information,
call 0 3451 2721 or visit www.tbrconline.com
The Bridge on the River Khwae (the Death Railway Bridge)
Thanks to several films and books, the Bridge on the River Khwae
has become notoriously famous and attracted both Thais and foreigners
to the site. If an ordinary black iron bridge can tell a story,
you can be sure it's a dramatic one.
The bridge spans across Maenam Khwae Yai which is a branch of Maenam
Mae Klong. During the Japanese occupation of Thailand in World War
II, the Japanese Imperial Army brought the iron bridge from Java.
It was then resembled by Allied Prisoners of War (POW) under Japanese
supervision. The bridge was part of a strategic railway route to
Myanmar in which the Japanese aimed to secure supplies with which
to conquer other western Asian countries. It was 415 kilometers
long (about 303 kilometers in Thailand and about 112 kilometers
in Burma) and passed through the Three Pagoda Pass in Sangkhlaburi
District, the northern most part of Kanchanaburi province.
Construction started on September 16, 1942 at Nong Pladuk, and
was completed on 25 December 1943. It is estimated that over 16,000
POWs from England, Australia, Holland and America died while building
the bridge which was a target of bombing raids in 1945. In addition
to this, approximate 90,000 laborers from Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia
and Indonesia died during its construction.
Rebuilt after WWII, the bridge is still in use today with the curved
portions of the bridge being that of the original. An attraction
of note is the annual light and sound event at the bridge to commemorate
the Allied attack in 1945.
 The
JEATH War Museum
The name JEATH is derived from countries which engaged in the WWII
death railway construction from 1942 to 1945, which included Japan,
England, America, Australia, Thailand and Holland. Located in the
area of Wat Chai Chumphon, the museum is a reconstruction of the
POWs thatched detention hut with cramped, elevated bamboo bunks.
On the wall of the huts, photographs and illustrations of the POWs
living conditions are on display. POWs who survived from the camp
have donated items to enhance the museums atmosphere and authenticity.
The museum opens daily from 8.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission fee is
30 baht.
The Nine-Army Battle Historical Park
Established by the Royal Thai Army, the park is located at tambon
Chong Sadao, approximately 40 kilometers from town on Highway No.
3199. It was built to commemorate the great battle under the command
of King Rama I to defend the kingdom against the invasion by King
Bodawpaya of Burma in 1795. Thais know this event under the name
of the Nine-Army Battle. The park is a center for historical research
and conservative tourism that also provides information on the great
battle. A sand table displaying battlefields and diagrams depicting
the battle strategy are on display. Open daily from 8.30 a.m. to
4.30 p.m. Call 0 3458 9233-5 ext. 1122 for more information.
Tham Khao Pun Temple (Wat Tham Khao Pun)
Once a major POW camp, the temple where many Buddha images are enshrined
is located in the middle cave and is surrounded by stalactites and
stalagmites. The temple is 3 kilometers from Chongkai War Cemetery.
Tham Mangkon Thong Temple (Wat Tham Mangkon Thong)
Situated 5 kilometers from town, the splendid temple is located
in a cave which is only assessable via steps flanked by dragon carvings
on both sides. The temple is well known for the incredible performance
of a nun floating on the surface of a deep pool. A small museum
displaying a variety of ancient objects found in the area is located
nearby. Visitors can take buses from Kanchanaburi - Dan Makham Tia
and get off at the temple.
Tham Phu Wa Temple (Wat Tham Phu Wa)
The compound which is set in natural surroundings is situated approximately
15 kilometers away from the city. The temple is famous for meditation
courses. In addition, there is a beautiful cave with plenty of stalactites
that is worth a visit.
AMPHUR NONG PRUE
Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park (Tham Than Lot)
The park is situated approximately 97 kilometers from Kanchanaburi
city, or 22 kilometers from Nong Prue District along Highway No.
3086.
Locally known as Tham Than Lot (Than Lot Cave), this 54-square-kilometre
park embraces pristine forest, waterfalls, and several caves including
include Than Lot Noi Cave and Than Lot Yai Cave, which are accessible
through a 2.5-kilometer nature trail along the stream. The two caves
are naturally decorated with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites
one of which is the worlds tallest stalagmite pillar. The ideal
time of the year to visit the caves is from February to April. It
is recommended that you request the services of a park ranger as
your guide.
Outside of the caves are several species of birds and the barking
tree frog whose croak sounds very much like a barking puppy. Admission
fee is 200 baht. Bungalow accommodations and camping facilities
are available.
To get there, take Kanchanaburi - Nong Prue buses which depart
from the Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal every 20 minutes between 6.15
a.m. and 6.30 p.m. The journey takes 2 hours and costs 28 baht.
From Nong Prue, chartered vans (Song Thaeo) can be hired to take
visitors another 22 kilometers to the park (fares are negotiable).
Huai Ongkot Royal Project
The objective of the royal project site is to develop the infertile
area around the Ongkhot basin. It is located at tambon Somdet Charoen,
Nong Phru District, 130 kilometers from Kanchanaburi. The Neolithic
remains have been found in the area.
AMPHUR PHANOM THUAN
Don Chedi Archaeological Site
Situated in Ban Don Chedi, the site was found by the Fine Arts Department
when an excavation revealed important remains such as ancient swords,
elephant jaw bones, human skeletons and an Ayutthaya-style Chedi.
From the findings, most historians believe that the site was the
killing field where a Yutthatthi battle took place.
Somdet Phra Naresuan Maharat Moument
The site, which is located close to Don Chedi Archaeological site,
was built using money donated by locals to honor the victory of
King Naresuan the Great over the Crown Prince of Burma.
Thung Samo Temple (Wat Thung Samo)
The temple located approximately 15 kilometers from the city can
be on U-Thong Road via Highway No. 324. The major attraction is
a big Kuan Yin statue.
AMPHUR SAI YOK
Hell Fire Pass Memorial Museum
This is a part of the Death Railway that was constructed during
the Second World War using POW labor to cut through the mountain.
The site is located in a thick forest near Km. 66 of the Sai Yok-Thong
Pha Phum Road (Highway No. 323). Along a 4-kilometer walking trail
made by the Allied prisoners visitors can envision the difficulties
faced in constructing the Death Railway using simple tools. The
pass is approximately 500 meters long and 26 meters deep. In 1943
Australian POWs employing hand drills, picks and shovels, baskets
and dynamite completed it within six weeks.
There is also a museum displaying contemporary photographs, maps,
models, illustrations, etc. from the period. Open daily from 9 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
Lawa Cave
The cave is on the side of Khwae Noi River, 75 kilometers from Kanchanaburi
City. The entrance to the cave is a bit narrow although the interior
is spacious with several chambers including the music chamber, the
throne chamber, and the curtain chamber with stalactites and stalagmites
in full display. The cave can be accessed either by boat or car.
Chartered boats are available at the Pak Saeng Pier (southwest of
Namtok Railway Station), the trip takes 45 minutes and costs 800
to 1,000 baht per boat (capacity 8-10 people). Visitors traveling
by road can cross the bridge at Ban Kaeng Raboet and continue on
foot.
Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park
Muang Singh town was built between 857 and 1157 when the Khmer Kingdom
was still prosperous. It was later abandoned until the reign of
King Rama I when Muang Singh was rebuilt as a Kanchanaburi border
town.
The only archeological site with a religious structure built in
the middle of the city is the Khmer Prasat Mueang Sing (Tower of
the City of Lions) where the heavy influence of the late Lop Buri
arts is clearly visible. The ancient site is located on a steep
bank of Khwae Noi River where the waterway narrows and becomes fast
flowing. The city walls, which were made of rectangular laterite,
are approximately 800 meters in width, 1,500 meters in length and
5 meters in height. The compound is believed to have been the westernmost
outpost of the Angkor-centered Khmer empire. Remains dating back
some 2,000 years have been discovered, and artifacts, including
temple carvings, religious statuary and pottery shards indicate
that the city must have been inhabited from approximately the 12th
to 14th centuries.
The historical park is open daily from 9 a.m.-4.30 p.m. Admission
fee is 40 baht. Call 0 3459 1122 or 0 3459 1334 for additional information.
Visitors can take a train from Kanchanaburi to Tha Kilen Railway
Station and continue on foot or by local transport to Prasat Muang
Sing, which is just 1.5 kilometers away. Trains depart from Kanchanaburi
Railway Station every day at 6.11 a.m. (arriving at Tha Kilen at
7.28 a.m.), 11 p.m. (arriving at 11.59 a.m.) and 4.37 p.m. (arriving
at 5.42 p.m.). To return to Kanchanaburi, trains depart from Tha
Kilen Station at 6.22 a.m., 1.51 p.m. and 4.31 p.m.
Sai Yok National Park
The park covers approximately 300-square-kilometers and contains
several interesting caves and the nations famous Sai Yok Yai waterfall.
The park has dense forests, including majestic teak trees and an
abundance of small mammals such as squirrels, bats and deer, as
well as numerous bird species. IN addition, the park is home to
what is probably the smallest mammal in the world, the two-grammed
Kittis Hog-nosed Bat, which was first discovered in 1973 by a Thai
naturalist. The park is 104 kilometers from Kanchanaburi via Highway
No. 323 and can also be reached by chartered boat from the Pak Saeng
Pier. The park is very popular during the weekends. Bungalow accommodations,
river rafts, camping facilities, and a daytime food market are available.
Sai Yok Yai Waterfall (Namtok Sai Yok Yai), which is located 104
kilometers from the town, flows directly into Khwae Noi River. Its
idyllic beauty has been repeatedly celebrated in Thai poetry and
songs. A rope bridge enables people to cross the river to view the
waterfall. Rafts are available for a river trip along the riverbank
but advance booking is recommended.
Lawa Cave and Daowadung Cave are two caves, which house numerous
stalactites and stalagmites. Of the two caves, the Daowadueng Cave,
which entails a river trip and 1-kilometer walk, is the more popular
cave.
Sai Yok Noi Waterfall (Namtok Sai Yok Noi) is also dubbed as Khao
Phang Waterfall. It is situated 60 kilometers from town via Highway
No. 323. The place is best visited between July and September.
To get to Sai Yok Noi Waterfall:non air-conditioned buses leave
Kanchanaburi Bus Station every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. until 6.30
p.m. The journey takes 2 hours and costs 25 baht.
Alternatively, visitors can take a train from Kanchanaburi to Namtok
Station and continue on foot or by local transport to the waterfall,
which is 2 kilometers away. Trains depart from Kanchanaburi at 6.11
a.m., 11 a.m. and 4.37 p.m. and return from Namtok Station at 5.25
a.m. 1 p.m. and 3.15 p.m. The one-way rail trip takes about 2 hours
and costs 17 baht. (Please check the current schedule from TAT Kanchanaburi
or the railway station before departure.)
Krasae Cave (Tham Krasae)
This cave, which houses sacred Buddha images, is located approximately
55 kilometres from Kanchanaburi, beside the surviving remnants of
the Death Railway overlooking Khwae Noi River near Wang Pho Railway
Station. The cave is within walking distance from the railway tracks
of Wang Pho Railway Station.
AMPHUR SANGKLA BURI
Mon Bridge
Also known locally as Uttamanuson Bridge, the bridge links Sangkhla
Buri and Mon villages. It is Thailand's longest wooden bridge which
is 850 meters long and crosses Songkaria river. In addition, it
is a famous viewpoint from which to admire the merging point of
three rivers, Songkaria, Bikhli and Ranti.
Dai Chong Thong Waterfall (Namtok Dai Chong Thong)
This is a rather big waterfall, situated near Kroeng Krawia Waterfall,
which flows into the lake of the Khao Laem Dam.
Kroeng Krawia Waterfall (Namtok Kroeng Krawia)
This roadside waterfall, 32 kilometres north of Thong Pha Phum,
is often visited by passers-by. The water cascades down a limestone
rock face under shady trees. It is most beautiful during the rainy
season.
Takhian Thong Waterfall (Namtok Takhian Thong)
This multi-tiered waterfall is located approximately 250 kilometers
from town. To get there, travel along the route to the Three Pagodas
Pass, then turn left at the junction and go on for 10 kilometers
and take another 40-minute walk to the falls. Visitors are advised
to use a four-wheeled drive car due to the road conditions.
Three Pagodas Pass
This pass is located approximately 240 kilometers from the city
or 22 kilometers from Sangkhla Buri. This rugged Thai-Burmese border
was once a strategic military route for both the Thai and Burmese;
however, it is currently a small border market. The three miniature
pagodas are memorials to the traditional invasion route favored
by Burmese soldiers during the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767). Visitors
wishing to visit Myanmar are advised to obtain a pass, which allows
visitors to visit Burmese settlements from Sangkhla Buri Immigration
Office. A Fee of US$10 is applied. The border opens between 8 a.m.
and 6 p.m., depending on the political situation.
Wang Wiwekaram Temple (Wat Wang Wiwekaram)
This extensive temple on the southern outskirts of Sangkhla Buri
edges on Khao Laem reservoir. The complex is constructed in an unusual
mix of Thai, Indian, and Burmese Buddhist architectural styles,
and the abbot Luang Pho Uttama is highly revered among local people,
including tribal folk and Burmese.
AMPHUR SRI SAWAT
Erawan National Park
The national park is 65 kilometers from Kanchanaburi along Route
3199. The park, covering 550-square-kilometers, is the site of the
seven-tiered Erawan waterfall, one of Thailands loveliest waterfalls.
The second tier has a pool, which is ideal for swimming and is particularly
picturesque. However, the most popular activity in the park is trekking.
Bungalow accommodations and camping facilities and a daytime food
market are available.
Visitors may take a bus departing from the Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal
to the waterfall every 50 minutes from 8 a.m. to 5.20 p.m. The journey
takes 1.5 hours.
Huai Mae Khamin Waterfall (Namtok Huai Mae Khamin)
A major attraction in Sri Nakarin National Park is this lovely seven-tiered
waterfall, which is conveniently accessible by foot via a trial
near the parks headquarters. The reservoir is well known for its
scenic beauty. Trekking through forests and bamboo groves offers
unrivaled opportunities to admire a rich variety of butterflies
and bird species.
Bungalow accommodations are available; however, visitors are advised
to bring their own food as there are food outlets available.
Sri Nakarin National Park
The park, which covers an area of 1,532 square kilometers, is situated
105 kilometers from Kanchanaburi. The park relative inaccessibility
makes the site reachable only by motorcycle, pick-up trucks or 4-wheel-drive
vehicles. Alternatively, the park can be accessed by a 45 to 75
minutes boat trip from the Tha Kradan Pier. (located 12 kilometers
beyond the entrance to Sri Nakarin Dam at Km. 44 of Highway 3199).
A boat with a carrying capacity up to 10 people can be chartered
at a cost of 1,500 baht.
Sri Nakharin Dam
This hydro-electric power plant, situated on Khwae Yai Waterfall,
is 70 kilometers from Kanchanaburi, and just 4 kilometers north
of the Erawan National Park. Beyond the dam is a beautiful lake
surrounded with lush forests.
Phra That Cave (Tham Phra That)
This relatively large mountain cave with stunning stalactites and
stalagmites is located 75 kilometers from Kanchanaburi and approximately
8 kilometers beyond the Erawan Waterfall. The cave is 20 meters
long and can be explored within 1 hour. Visitors can contact the
Erawan National Park branch office situated near the cave for guide
services.
AMPHUR THA MAKA
Phong Tuk Archaeological Site
The site, which is 38 kilometers south of town, on the way to Dong
Sak Temple, is where artifacts of the Amaravati and Dvaravati periods
such as a Roman Bronze lamp and Buddha images were found.
Phra Thaen Dong Rang Temple (Wat Phra Thaen Dong Rang)
The temple which is situated approximately 10 kilometers from Tharua
Market, or some 40 kilometers from the town houses a sacred stone
which locals believe was a bed for the Lord Buddha during his illness
before he ascended to Nirvana.
AMPHUR THA MUANG
Tham Khao Noi Temple(Wat Tham Khao Noi)
Wat Tham Khao Noi is located near Wat Tham Suea. It was constructed
on the hill and decorated in Chinese style. Going up the hill is
rewarding as you can see panoramic view of the city.
Tham Suea Temple (Wat Tham Suea)
Wat Tham Suea is located at tambon Muang Chum, 4 kilometres beyond
Wachiralongkorn Dam. The temple is built in a mixed, splendid Thai-Chinese
style and enshrines a huge Buddha image.
AMPHUR THONG PHA PHUM
Hin Dat Hot Spring
Discovered by a Japanese soldier during the Second World War, the
riverside hot spring offers a pond for bathing. It is situated 2
kilometers off of Highway No. 323 (between Km.105-106).
Pha Suwan Waterfall (Namtok Pha Suwan)
This waterfall is located 155 kilometers from the city on Highway
No. 323. The 7-tiered waterfall is at its best during July-January.
Pha Tat Waterfall (Namtok Pha Tat)
This huge waterfall in the western area of Sri Nakharin National
Park is accessible through Thong Pha Phum along Highway No. 323,
turn right at Km.105-106, then proceed for 12 kilometers to the
waterfall.
Pilok
This village is located approximately 70 kilometers west of Thong
Pha Phum on Route 3272. At present, temperate fruits and decorative
winter plants can be seen and bought at Pilok and the villages en
route. Only four-wheeled cars are recommended. Attractions include
several waterfalls set in lush forests which adventurous visitors
can explore on foot.
Vajiralongkorn or Khao Laem Dam
This hydro-electric dam is situated on Khwae Noi River (information
confirmed), 6 kilometres north of Thong Pha Phum or 165 kilometers
north of Kanchanaburi. The dam is 1,019 meters long and 92 meters
high. A scenic reservoir where several resorts (raft houses) are
located offers unique opportunities for relaxing with activities
such as boat riding and fishing.
|
