About Kanchanaburi

River Kwai Bridge

The province of Kanchanaburi traces its origin to the late 1700s. Under the ruler Rama I, Kanchanaburi formed a buffer against Burmese attack. The town of Kanchanaburi was established in 1833 along with other small towns like it to raise Thailand's economic status in southeast Asia. The incident for which Kanchanaburi is most known occurred during the Second World War. Beginning in 1942, the Japanese Imperial Army forced hundreds of thousands of foreign prisoners and Asian workers to build a "Death Railway" from Ban Pong across Kanchanaburi Province into Burma.

Death Railway

Three Pagodas Pass, the portal between Kanchanaburi Province and Burma, was part of the route of the "Death Railway." In the past, it was a point by which the Burmese invaded Thailand. It is a route for smugglers and traders in modern times. Kanchanaburi and the incidents surrounding the "Death Railway" were the subjects of the movies "The Bridge Over the River Kwai" and "To End All Wars."

Kwai Noi

The province of Kanchanaburi is in western Thailand and forms part of the border with Burma, present day Myanmar. This is the third biggest in land area of Thailand's provinces. The Tenasserim mountain range divides Kanchanaburi Province from Myanmar. The Kwai Yai and the Kwai Noi Rivers traverse the province and meet at the capital city of Kanchanaburi to become the Meklong River. Five national parks protect the province's forested mountain region and waterfalls and caves along the rivers.

The Songkran Festivalis in April. The Ban Nong Khao Fair, which celebrates the traditions and cultural heritage of the people, is held at this time at Wat Intharam. In the district of Panom Thuan, a type of folk play and dance called the Ram Yoei is done during the Songkran Festival and again during the New Year festival. In November, a boat and raft festival with water races and games is held near Khun Phan Dam. Also in November through December, there is a commemoration of the "Death Railway" and River Kwai historical events.

Erawan National Park

Kanchanaburi's ties to World War II are remembered through the Jeath Museum, the Chong Kai War Cemetery, the War Museum, the Death Railway and the River Kwai Bridge. The province has a number of natural attractions including eight waterfalls, four caves, and Hin Dad Hot Springs. There are six temples, two hydroelectric dams and the Pilog Mine which may be visited. Archaeological sites or ruins like Ban Kao and Pong Teuk tell of Kanchanaburi's pre-provincial history during Paleolithic and Bronze Age times.