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 Kanchanaburi’s
two most important rivers Maenam Khwae Noi and Maenam 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.
How to get there
By
Car
Route 1: a 2-hour drive along Highway No.4 (Phetkasem) via
Nakhon Chaisi Province, Nakhon Pathom Province, Ban Pong,
Tha Maka and Tha Muang (of Ratchaburi Province) to Kanchanaburi.
Route 2:drive along Highway No. 338 from Bangkok to Nakhon
Chaisi Province then switch to Highway No.4 to Kanchanaburi.
By Bus
Non air-conditioned buses leave Bangkoks Southern
Bus Terminal daily every 15 minutes from 4 a.m. until 8 p.m.
The trip takes about 3 hours. Call 02 434 5557-8 for more
information.
First class air-conditioned buses (blue color) leave Bangkoks
Southern Bus Terminal daily every 25 minutes Call 02 435 5012,
0 2435 1199 or 02 884 6249 or visit www.transport.co.th for
more information.
There are also buses leaving frequently daily for Kanchanaburi
from Nakhon Pathom. The journey takes up to 1.5 hours. From
Ratchaburi and Suphan Buri Bus Stations, there are several
buses leaving directly to Kanchanaburi. The trip takes some
2.5 - 3 hours.
By
Train
Ordinary trains leave Bangkoks
Thon Buri Railway Station (Bangkok Noi Station) daily. Only
3rd class seats are available. The journey takes approximately
3 hours. For more information, call Thon Buri Railway Station
at tel. 02 411 3102 or Kanchanaburi Railway Station at tel.
034 511285.
The weekend special train leaves Bangkok Railway Station
(Hua Lamphong) at 6.30 a.m., returning at 7.55 p.m. on Saturdays,
Sundays and on public holidays. The trip usually includes
several stop-overs at Phra Pathom Chedi (Nakhon Pathom), Death
Railway Bridge, and a transfer (by minibus) to Phrasat Mueang
Singh Historical Park, etc.
There are also special steam trains operating between Kanchanaburi
and Wang Pho.
For more information, call the State Railway of Thailand
at tel. 1690, or 02 223 7010, 02 223 7020 or visit www.railway.co.th.
Travelling
around Kanchanaburi
Although the city of Kanchanaburi is possibly accessible
on foot, it requires strenuous efforts in completing such
a trip. Normally, bicycles, motorcycles and cars are common
means of transportation. Bicycles and motorcycles can be rented
from shops, guesthouses and hotels located along Maenam Khwae
Road. Visitors can capture the citys atmosphere along their
way to see the Bridge over the River Khwae, the Kanchanaburi
War Cemetery, the waterfront Song Khwae Road area, and the
JEATH War Museum. For visitors who enjoy driving themselves,
cars can be rented on a daily or weekly basis at several outlets
on Saeng Chuto Road and around the Song Khwae Road area.
The two major routes used to explore Kanchanaburis attractions
are Highway No. 323 and Highway No. 3199. Highway No. 323
runs parallel to Maenam Khwae Noi to Sangkhla Buri District
(approximately 230 kilometers from the city) via Sai Yok,
Thong Pha Phum, and Vajiralongkorn Dam while Highway No. 3199
follows the Khwae Yai River to Sri Nakharin Dam (69 kilometers
away from the city).
