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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 Kanchanaburis 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 its 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 worlds 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 provinces 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.
Distances from Amphoe Mueang (Town) to Neighbouring Districts
:
Tha Muang 12 km
Phanom Thuan 24 km
Tha Maka 30 km
Dan Makham Tia 30 km
Sai Yok 50 km
Thong Pha Phum 145 km
Sangkhla Buri 230 km
Si Sawat 102 km
Bo Phloi 40 km
Nong Prue 75 km
Huai Krachao 60 km
Lao Khwan 97 km
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