Only 129 km from Bangkok, Kanchanburi is a favourite holiday destination for Bangkokians and other Thais residing in the central region.
For most foreigners, Kanchanaburi's historical significance stems from The Bridge Over the River Kwai, built by forced labour during the Second World War.
Sights
A World War II cemetery in Kanchanaburi
The Bridge Over the River Kwai was built next to the town of Kanchanaburi, crossing the Mae Klong River. The Death Railway ran all the way from the Kwae River valley up to Three Pagodas Pass. Today, only the lowest part of the railway to Nam Tok is still in use. Kanchanaburi city has a war museum and a large POW cemetery.
In the Sai Yok district, there is a Buddhist tiger temple where tame tigers roam freely once a day. Also in Sai Yok is the Mueang Sing Historical Park, ruins of a Khmer town and temple, as well as the Sai Yok National Park with the two Sai Yok waterfalls.