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Kanchanaburi city guide, maps,
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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 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.
Distances from Amphoe Muang (Town) to Neighboring Districts:
Tha Muang
Phanom Thuan
Tha Maka
Dan Makham Tia
Sai Yok
Thong Pha Phum
Sangkhla Buri
Si Sawat
Bo Phloi
Nong Prue
Huai Krachao
Lao Khwan
12
24
30
30
50
145
230
102
40
75
60
97
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
How to get to Kanchanaburi
Travelling to Kanchanaburi 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).
Travelling Between Districts
Transportation between the districts is also conveniently arranged by
regular buses. Major destinations include Bo Phloi, Tham Than Lot (Than Lot
Cave), Namtok Erawan, Namtok Sai Yok Yai, Thong Pha Phum, Sangkhla Buri, the
Bridge over River Khwae and the War Cemetery. They are mostly non-air
conditioned buses which leave every 20 minutes up to 2 hours. Others have
their own fixed itineraries. Check for details at 0 3451 1182, Kanchanaburi
Bus Station.
Traveling around Kanchanaburi by train is also popular. It is inexpensive,
reliable and offers a more panoramic view of the area. The route from
Kanchanaburi to Namtok Station near Namtok Sai Yok Noi Waterfall is
recommended for visitors wishing to explore the notorious historic railway.
Trains leave Kanchanaburi Railway Station 3 times daily and stops at the
Bridge over the River Khwae, Tha Kilen (near Phrasat Mueang Singh Historical
Park), Tham Krasae, Wang Pho and ends at Namtok Railway Station. For more
information, call Kanchanaburi Railway Station at tel. 0 3451 1 285.
Alternate trips to out-of-town attractions
There are ferry services across Maenam Mae Klong that costs 5 baht per
person. You can bring your motorcycle or bicycle on board in order to
explore the other side of the town. Also in operation are boat services to
several interesting destinations.
From the Pak Saeng Pier in Tambon Tha Sao, visitors can hire a boat
(carrying capacity of 10-12 persons) to visit the Lawa Cave and Namtok Sai
Yok Yai. The 1-hour boat ride to Namtok Huay Maekhamin starts from the Tha
Kradan Pier, 12 kilometers from Sri Nakharin Dam.
Visitors are advised to check with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
Office at 034 511 200 and 034 512 500 or email
tatkan@tat.or.th for details
on arranged transportation during public holidays and weekends.
Festivals
River Kwae Bridge Week
Each year, late November and/or early December, the world famous bridge
becomes the focal point of celebrations. Highlights include exhibitions and
historical and archaeological displays; a carnival featuring sideshows,
roundabouts, folk entertainment, and cultural performances; rides on trains
hauled by World War II vintage steam locomotives; and a nightly light and
sound presentation re-enacting the bridge's Second World War history,
including an Allied bombing raid.
Mineral Water and Waterfall Bathing Day
Held at Hin Dat Hot Spring, Mu. 5, Tambon Hin Dat, Amphoe Thong Pha Phum at
the beginning of November. In the festival, there are booths of agricultural
products and tourism exhibition of Amphoe Thong Pha Phum. Tourists will have
a chance to bath in the Hin Dat Hot Spring and enjoy the beautiful view of
Namtok Pha Tat.
Boat and Raft People’s Day
Held every year at the beginning of November at Song Khwae Road near the
riverside in front of the city of Kanchanaburi. Activities are folk
performances, Thai typical music performance, academic exhibition concerning
conservation of rivers and canals, water sports such as riding long-boat,
speed-boat and jet-skiing.
Local Products
Coconut Jelly
The most notable souvenir from Kanchanaburi, coconut jelly is undeniably
delicious, refreshing and exotic. They are normally available in shops in
the city, but the most famous outlet is Wimon shop on Saeng Chuto Road.
Serve chilled.
Jewels
In Kanchanaburi, high quality jewels are from mines scattered in Bo Phloi
district. Some are also on display at the Bo Phloi jewel exhibition centre
while others can be purchased from several shops in the district.
Preserved mango
Exotic, tasty, inexpensive but of high quality, preserved mango is a popular
souvenir for fruit lovers, moreover, preserved mango is a good source of
secondary income for housewives in Kanchanaburi Province.
Tha Ruea Glass Noodle
This product is renowned for its high quality, available on Saeng Chuto
Road.
Shopping
Amphoe Bo Phloi Bo Phloi Gems 499/1 Mu 1 Bo Phloi-Dan Chang Road, Amphoe Bo Phloi, Kanchanaburi
Tel :: 0 3458 1095, 0 3458 1192
Amphoe Mueang Anantaphol 284/31 Saeng Chuto Road, Tambon Ban Nuea, Amphoe Mueang, Kanchanaburi
Tel :: 0 3451 2144, 03452 1041
