Amphur Bo Phloi

Bo Phloi

The Bo Phloi district, located some 40 kilometers from the city, is well known for its locally mined blue sapphires and semi-precious stones such as onyx. Visitors can visit a Jewelry Handicraft Centre to see how these materials are honed and fashioned into spectacular jewelry sets.

Bo Phloi can be reached from Kanchanaburi by non air-conditioned buses departing from Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal every 20 minutes between 6 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. The journey takes 1 hour and costs 20 baht.

Kanchanaburi Safari Park

The Safari Park is located approximately 40 kilometers from town along the Kanchanaburi-Bo Phloi route. It is home to numerous African and Asian mammals, including giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers and bears that dwell in beautifully landscaped environs. Visitors can drive their private car to explore the park or use the bus service provided by the park. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission fee is 120 baht for adults and 60 baht for children.

Amphur 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 Pa Lelai temple, Khun Phaen temple, Mae Mai temple and Nang Phim temple.

Art Gallery and War Museum
Located not far away from the Bridge on the River Khwae is a private museum which features the World Wide 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 Wednesday through Friday 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 0 3458 9237.

City Pillar (Lak Muang)
This attraction is situated on Lak Muang 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 Kanchanaburis 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.

Thailand - Burma Railway Centre
The Thailand-Burma Railway Centre in an interactive museum, research and information centre dedicated to presenting the story of the Thailand-Burma Railway built during the World War II.

The centre is on the western side of the main Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (Don Rak), approximately 100 metres from the cemetery entrance.

The centre open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission : Adults 60 baht and children(under 12 years old) 30 baht. For more information, call 0 3451 2721 or visit www.tbrconline.com

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 POWs thatched detention hut with cramped, elevated bamboo bunks. On the wall of the huts, photographs and illustrations of the POWs living conditions are on display. POWs who survived from the camp have donated items to enhance the museums 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.

Tham Khao Pun Temple (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.

Tham Mangkon Thong Temple (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.

Tham Phu Wa 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.

Amphur Nong Prue

Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park (Tham Than Lot)
The park is situated approximately 97 kilometers from Kanchanaburi city, or 22 kilometers from Nong Prue District along Highway No. 3086.

Locally known as Tham Than Lot (Than Lot Cave), this 54-square-kilometre park embraces pristine forest, waterfalls, and several caves including include Than Lot Noi Cave and Than Lot Yai Cave, which are accessible through a 2.5-kilometer nature trail along the stream. The two caves are naturally decorated with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites one of which is the worlds tallest stalagmite pillar. The ideal time of the year to visit the caves is from February to April. It is recommended that you request the services of a park ranger as your guide.

Outside of the caves are several species of birds and the barking tree frog whose croak sounds very much like a barking puppy. Admission fee is 200 baht. Bungalow accommodations and camping facilities are available.

To get there, take Kanchanaburi - Nong Prue buses which depart from the Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal every 20 minutes between 6.15 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. The journey takes 2 hours and costs 28 baht. From Nong Prue, chartered vans (Song Thaeo) can be hired to take visitors another 22 kilometers to the park (fares are negotiable).

Huai Ongkot Royal Project
The objective of the royal project site is to develop the infertile area around the Ongkhot basin. It is located at tambon Somdet Charoen, Nong Phru District, 130 kilometers from Kanchanaburi. The Neolithic remains have been found in the area.

Amphur Phanom Thuan

Don Chedi Archaeological Site
Situated in Ban Don Chedi, the site was found by the Fine Arts Department when an excavation revealed important remains such as ancient swords, elephant jaw bones, human skeletons and an Ayutthaya-style Chedi. From the findings, most historians believe that the site was the killing field where a Yutthatthi battle took place.

Somdet Phra Naresuan Maharat Moument
The site, which is located close to Don Chedi Archaeological site, was built using money donated by locals to honor the victory of King Naresuan the Great over the Crown Prince of Burma.

Thung Samo Temple (Wat Thung Samo)
The temple located approximately 15 kilometers from the city can be on U-Thong Road via Highway No. 324. The major attraction is a big Kuan Yin statue.

Amphur Sai Yok

Hell Fire Pass Memorial Museum
This is a part of the Death Railway that was constructed during the Second World War using POW labor to cut through the mountain. The site is located in a thick forest near Km. 66 of the Sai Yok-Thong Pha Phum Road (Highway No. 323). Along a 4-kilometer walking trail made by the Allied prisoners visitors can envision the difficulties faced in constructing the Death Railway using simple tools. The pass is approximately 500 meters long and 26 meters deep. In 1943 Australian POWs employing hand drills, picks and shovels, baskets and dynamite completed it within six weeks.

There is also a museum displaying contemporary photographs, maps, models, illustrations, etc. from the period. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Lawa Cave
The cave is on the side of Khwae Noi River, 75 kilometers from Kanchanaburi City. The entrance to the cave is a bit narrow although the interior is spacious with several chambers including the music chamber, the throne chamber, and the curtain chamber with stalactites and stalagmites in full display. The cave can be accessed either by boat or car. Chartered boats are available at the Pak Saeng Pier (southwest of Namtok Railway Station), the trip takes 45 minutes and costs 800 to 1,000 baht per boat (capacity 8-10 people). Visitors traveling by road can cross the bridge at Ban Kaeng Raboet and continue on foot.

Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park
Muang Singh town was built between 857 and 1157 when the Khmer Kingdom was still prosperous. It was later abandoned until the reign of King Rama I when Muang Singh was rebuilt as a Kanchanaburi border town.

The only archeological site with a religious structure built in the middle of the city is the Khmer Prasat Mueang Sing (Tower of the City of Lions) where the heavy influence of the late Lop Buri arts is clearly visible. The ancient site is located on a steep bank of Khwae Noi River where the waterway narrows and becomes fast flowing. The city walls, which were made of rectangular laterite, are approximately 800 meters in width, 1,500 meters in length and 5 meters in height. The compound is believed to have been the westernmost outpost of the Angkor-centered Khmer empire. Remains dating back some 2,000 years have been discovered, and artifacts, including temple carvings, religious statuary and pottery shards indicate that the city must have been inhabited from approximately the 12th to 14th centuries.

The historical park is open daily from 9 a.m.-4.30 p.m. Admission fee is 40 baht. Call 0 3459 1122 or 0 3459 1334 for additional information.

Visitors can take a train from Kanchanaburi to Tha Kilen Railway Station and continue on foot or by local transport to Prasat Muang Sing, which is just 1.5 kilometers away. Trains depart from Kanchanaburi Railway Station every day at 6.11 a.m. (arriving at Tha Kilen at 7.28 a.m.), 11 p.m. (arriving at 11.59 a.m.) and 4.37 p.m. (arriving at 5.42 p.m.). To return to Kanchanaburi, trains depart from Tha Kilen Station at 6.22 a.m., 1.51 p.m. and 4.31 p.m.

Sai Yok National Park
The park covers approximately 300-square-kilometers and contains several interesting caves and the nations famous Sai Yok Yai waterfall. The park has dense forests, including majestic teak trees and an abundance of small mammals such as squirrels, bats and deer, as well as numerous bird species. IN addition, the park is home to what is probably the smallest mammal in the world, the two-grammed Kittis Hog-nosed Bat, which was first discovered in 1973 by a Thai naturalist. The park is 104 kilometers from Kanchanaburi via Highway No. 323 and can also be reached by chartered boat from the Pak Saeng Pier. The park is very popular during the weekends. Bungalow accommodations, river rafts, camping facilities, and a daytime food market are available.

Sai Yok Yai Waterfall (Namtok Sai Yok Yai), which is located 104 kilometers from the town, flows directly into Khwae Noi River. Its idyllic beauty has been repeatedly celebrated in Thai poetry and songs. A rope bridge enables people to cross the river to view the waterfall. Rafts are available for a river trip along the riverbank but advance booking is recommended.

Lawa Cave and Daowadung Cave are two caves, which house numerous stalactites and stalagmites. Of the two caves, the Daowadueng Cave, which entails a river trip and 1-kilometer walk, is the more popular cave.

Sai Yok Noi Waterfall (Namtok Sai Yok Noi) is also dubbed as Khao Phang Waterfall. It is situated 60 kilometers from town via Highway No. 323. The place is best visited between July and September.

To get to Sai Yok Noi Waterfall:non air-conditioned buses leave Kanchanaburi Bus Station every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. until 6.30 p.m. The journey takes 2 hours and costs 25 baht.

Alternatively, visitors can take a train from Kanchanaburi to Namtok Station and continue on foot or by local transport to the waterfall, which is 2 kilometers away. Trains depart from Kanchanaburi at 6.11 a.m., 11 a.m. and 4.37 p.m. and return from Namtok Station at 5.25 a.m. 1 p.m. and 3.15 p.m. The one-way rail trip takes about 2 hours and costs 17 baht. (Please check the current schedule from TAT Kanchanaburi or the railway station before departure.)

Krasae Cave (Tham Krasae)
This cave, which houses sacred Buddha images, is located approximately 55 kilometres from Kanchanaburi, beside the surviving remnants of the Death Railway overlooking Khwae Noi River near Wang Pho Railway Station. The cave is within walking distance from the railway tracks of Wang Pho Railway Station.

Amphur Sangkhla Buri

Mon Bridge
Also known locally as Uttamanuson Bridge, the bridge links Sangkhla Buri and Mon villages. It is Thailand's longest wooden bridge which is 850 meters long and crosses Songkaria river. In addition, it is a famous viewpoint from which to admire the merging point of three rivers, Songkaria, Bikhli and Ranti.

Dai Chong Thong Waterfall (Namtok Dai Chong Thong)
This is a rather big waterfall, situated near Kroeng Krawia Waterfall, which flows into the lake of the Khao Laem Dam.

Kroeng Krawia Waterfall (Namtok Kroeng Krawia)
This roadside waterfall, 32 kilometres north of Thong Pha Phum, is often visited by passers-by. The water cascades down a limestone rock face under shady trees. It is most beautiful during the rainy season.

Takhian Thong Waterfall (Namtok Takhian Thong)
This multi-tiered waterfall is located approximately 250 kilometers from town. To get there, travel along the route to the Three Pagodas Pass, then turn left at the junction and go on for 10 kilometers and take another 40-minute walk to the falls. Visitors are advised to use a four-wheeled drive car due to the road conditions.

Three Pagodas Pass
This pass is located approximately 240 kilometers from the city or 22 kilometers from Sangkhla Buri. This rugged Thai-Burmese border was once a strategic military route for both the Thai and Burmese; however, it is currently a small border market. The three miniature pagodas are memorials to the traditional invasion route favored by Burmese soldiers during the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767). Visitors wishing to visit Myanmar are advised to obtain a pass, which allows visitors to visit Burmese settlements from Sangkhla Buri Immigration Office. A Fee of US$10 is applied. The border opens between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., depending on the political situation.

Wang Wiwekaram Temple (Wat Wang Wiwekaram)
This extensive temple on the southern outskirts of Sangkhla Buri edges on Khao Laem reservoir. The complex is constructed in an unusual mix of Thai, Indian, and Burmese Buddhist architectural styles, and the abbot Luang Pho Uttama is highly revered among local people, including tribal folk and Burmese.

Amphur Sri Sawat

Erawan National Park

The national park is 65 kilometers from Kanchanaburi along Route 3199. The park, covering 550-square-kilometers, is the site of the seven-tiered Erawan waterfall, one of Thailands loveliest waterfalls. The second tier has a pool, which is ideal for swimming and is particularly picturesque. However, the most popular activity in the park is trekking. Bungalow accommodations and camping facilities and a daytime food market are available.

Visitors may take a bus departing from the Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal to the waterfall every 50 minutes from 8 a.m. to 5.20 p.m. The journey takes 1.5 hours.

Huai Mae Khamin Waterfall (Namtok Huai Mae Khamin)
A major attraction in Sri Nakarin National Park is this lovely seven-tiered waterfall, which is conveniently accessible by foot via a trial near the parks headquarters. The reservoir is well known for its scenic beauty. Trekking through forests and bamboo groves offers unrivaled opportunities to admire a rich variety of butterflies and bird species.

Bungalow accommodations are available; however, visitors are advised to bring their own food as there are food outlets available.

Sri Nakarin National Park
The park, which covers an area of 1,532 square kilometers, is situated 105 kilometers from Kanchanaburi. The park relative inaccessibility makes the site reachable only by motorcycle, pick-up trucks or 4-wheel-drive vehicles. Alternatively, the park can be accessed by a 45 to 75 minutes boat trip from the Tha Kradan Pier. (located 12 kilometers beyond the entrance to Sri Nakarin Dam at Km. 44 of Highway 3199). A boat with a carrying capacity up to 10 people can be chartered at a cost of 1,500 baht.

Sri Nakharin Dam
This hydro-electric power plant, situated on Khwae Yai Waterfall, is 70 kilometers from Kanchanaburi, and just 4 kilometers north of the Erawan National Park. Beyond the dam is a beautiful lake surrounded with lush forests.

Phra That Cave (Tham Phra That)
This relatively large mountain cave with stunning stalactites and stalagmites is located 75 kilometers from Kanchanaburi and approximately 8 kilometers beyond the Erawan Waterfall. The cave is 20 meters long and can be explored within 1 hour. Visitors can contact the Erawan National Park branch office situated near the cave for guide services.

Amphur Tha Maka

Phong Tuk Archaeological Site
The site, which is 38 kilometers south of town, on the way to Dong Sak Temple, is where artifacts of the Amaravati and Dvaravati periods such as a Roman Bronze lamp and Buddha images were found.

Phra Thaen Dong Rang Temple (Wat Phra Thaen Dong Rang)
The temple which is situated approximately 10 kilometers from Tharua Market, or some 40 kilometers from the town houses a sacred stone which locals believe was a bed for the Lord Buddha during his illness before he ascended to Nirvana.

Amphur Tha Muang

Tham Khao Noi Temple(Wat Tham Khao Noi)
Wat Tham Khao Noi is located near Wat Tham Suea. It was constructed on the hill and decorated in Chinese style. Going up the hill is rewarding as you can see panoramic view of the city.

Tham Suea Temple (Wat Tham Suea)
Wat Tham Suea is located at tambon Muang Chum, 4 kilometres beyond Wachiralongkorn Dam. The temple is built in a mixed, splendid Thai-Chinese style and enshrines a huge Buddha image.

Amphur Thong Pha Phum

Hin Dat Hot Spring
Discovered by a Japanese soldier during the Second World War, the riverside hot spring offers a pond for bathing. It is situated 2 kilometers off of Highway No. 323 (between Km.105-106).

Pha Suwan Waterfall (Namtok Pha Suwan)
This waterfall is located 155 kilometers from the city on Highway No. 323. The 7-tiered waterfall is at its best during July-January.

Pha Tat Waterfall (Namtok Pha Tat)
This huge waterfall in the western area of Sri Nakharin National Park is accessible through Thong Pha Phum along Highway No. 323, turn right at Km.105-106, then proceed for 12 kilometers to the waterfall.

Pilok
This village is located approximately 70 kilometers west of Thong Pha Phum on Route 3272. At present, temperate fruits and decorative winter plants can be seen and bought at Pilok and the villages en route. Only four-wheeled cars are recommended. Attractions include several waterfalls set in lush forests which adventurous visitors can explore on foot.

Vajiralongkorn or Khao Laem Dam
This hydro-electric dam is situated on Khwae Noi River (information confirmed), 6 kilometres north of Thong Pha Phum or 165 kilometers north of Kanchanaburi. The dam is 1,019 meters long and 92 meters high. A scenic reservoir where several resorts (raft houses) are located offers unique opportunities for relaxing with activities such as boat riding and fishing.