Kanchanaburi


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

From Bangkok 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 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 Rail
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.

FESTIVALS IN KANCHANABURI

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.

DINING & RESTAURANTS

Ban Nua (Thai Food)
Rim Nam Na Mueang Road, Amphoe Mueang, Kanchanaburi
Telephone: 034-512326, 034-511722

Ban Rao (Thai Food)
284/60 Saeng Chuto Road, Amphoe Mueang, Kanchanaburi
Telephone: 034-514230, 034-620457

J.R. Queen (Thai Food)
33 Chaichumphon Road, Chuk Don Pier, Amphoe Mueang, Kanchanaburi
Telephone: 034-511864

Krua Chuk Don (Thai Food)
60 Chaichumphon Road, Chuk Don Pier, Amphoe Mueang, Kanchanaburi
Telephone: 034-620548, 034-620441

Krua Ton Mae Klong (Thai Food)
33 Chaichumphon Road, Amphoe Mueang, Kanchanaburi
Telephone: 034-511211, 034-511864

Maenam (Thai Food)
Rim Nam Na Mueang Road, Amphoe Mueang, Kanchanaburi
Telephone: 034-51281

River Kwae (Thai Food)
Near the Bridge over the River Kwae, Amphoe Mueang, Kanchanaburi
Telephone: 034-512540-1, 034-624221-2

River Kwae Floating (Thai Food)
Near the Bridge over the River Kwai, Amphoe Mueang, Kanchanaburi
Telephone: 034-512595, 034-625052

Sut Chai (Thai Food)
Near Sut Chai Bridge, Amphoe Mueang, Kanchanaburi
Telephone: 034-513779, 034-514150

Thai Seri (Thai Food)
Rim Nam Na Mueang Road, Amphoe Mueang, Kanchanaburi
Telephone: 034-512429