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Amphoe 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 Wat Pa Lelai, Wat Khun Phaen, Wat Mae Mai and
Wat Nang Phim.
Art Gallery and War Museum
Located not far away from the Bridge on the River Khwae
is a private museum which features the WW 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 Wednesdays through Fridays 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 034 589 237.
Lak Mueang (City Pillar)
This attraction is situated on Lak Mueang 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 Kanchanaburi’s
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.
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 POW’s thatched detention hut with cramped, elevated
bamboo bunks. On the wall of the huts, photographs and illustrations
of the POW’s living conditions are on display. POWs who survived
from the camp have donated items to enhance the museum’s 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.
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.
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.
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.
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