RIVER KWAI

Arresting scenic beauty. Forested mountains. Waterfalls. Pristine national parks. Tranquil riverine and reservoir settings. Leisure opportunities including jungle treks employing elephants and rafts. Historical associations dating from Neolithic times to the Second World War…

There are several compelling reasons for visiting Kanchanaburi .Thailand's third largest province, Kanchanaburi covers some 19,473 square and oftentimes mountainous kilometres, and borders Myanmar (Burma) to the west of Bangkok. The compact provincial capital, some 130 kilometres, and a comfortable two-hour drive from Bangkok, is both the site of the world-famous Bridge Over The River Kwae , immortalised in books and movies, and gateway to a region of rugged natural beauty. Countryside beyond the provincial capital is characterised by mountains and fertile river valleys (the Kwae Yai and Kwae Noi) which have inspired the development of hydro-electric power, and where labyrinthine dam reservoirs provide further scenic elements to the province's natural beauty.

Essentially, there are two major land routes for exploring the main conveniently accessible tourist attractions in Kanchanburi. The more western Route 323 largely parallels the Kwae Noi River to Sangkhla Buri District (some 230 kilometres from the provincial capital) via Sai Yok, Thong Pha Phum, and Vajiralongkorn Dam. Route 3199 follows the Kwae Yai River to Srinagarindra Dam (69 kilometres away from the provincial captital).

Besides the network of roads throughout the provincial area, the railway and the waterways which stretch through the heart of town also offer comfortable and alternate trips to out-of-town attractions. Travelling by train from Kanchanaburi to Namtok Station near Sai Yok Noi Waterfall is recommended for visitors wishing to experience trips on the historic railway. Trains leave Kanchanaburi Railway Station 3 times daily at 6.11 a.m., 11 p.m. and 16.37 p.m. and stops at the Bridge over the River Kwae, Tha Kilen (near Mueang Sing Historical Park), Tham Krasae, Wang Pho and ends at Namtok Railway Station.

From the Pak Saeng Pier in Tambon Tha Sao, visitors can hire a boat with a carrying capacity of 10-12 persons to visit the Lawa Cave and Sai Yok Yai Waterfall. It takes around 4 hours for the return trip. The 1-hour boat ride to Huai Mae Khamin Waterfall starts from the Tha Kradan Pier, 12 kilometres from Srinagarindra Dam.