Photographs and information about Kanchanaburi
Title
|
||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Map and information about Kanchanaburi
Because
of its magnificent landscape and charming beauty, Kanchanaburi has become
a major tourist destination, with attractions including several well-known
waterfalls, caves that were once inhabited by Neolithic man, pristine
national parks, tranquil rivers, virgin forests, and several large reservoirs.
Together, these attractions offer an intriguing experience for both first-time and repeat visitors. Whether it’s fishing, rafting, canoeing, mountain biking, bird-watching, star-gazing, golfing, elephant and jungle trekking, or even living in a bamboo raft, Kanchanaburi takes pride in offering them all.
The most defining natural attractions in Kanchanaburi is arguably the
Three Pagodas Pass, a break in the Thanon Thongchai Mountain Range that
divides Thailand and Myanmar.
Along an overland trade route from India, it is through this pass that
Buddhism was thought to first to arrive in Thailand around the 3rd century.
The province and its pass were later controlled by the Khmer of Angkor
in the 13th century, who built a fort there ( a Khmer temple from the
time has been restored as a tourist attraction). The kingdom of Ayutthaya
also built a military garrison in the area, though it was through the
pass that the Burmese frequently swept into Siam and eventually razed
the capital of Ayutthaya. In World War II, the Japanese built a railway
through the pass using forced labor, including western POWs. Later known
as the Death Railway, the line included an infamous bridge crossing the
Kwai River that was the subject of a historically inaccurate academy award
winning film. The Three Pagodas Pass area is also home to numerous hill
tribes and other minority groups who reside in the area as nation-less
refugees without citizenship in either land. For visitors, it is possible
to get temporary one-day visas to cross the border for a sneak peak at
Myanmar and do some shopping for exotic souvenirs. The city of Kanchanaburi
is located at the point where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai Rivers meet
and form the Maenam Mae Klong. The notorious Death Railway passed through
the town, near which stands the site of the Bridge on the River Kwai.
Nearby the reconstructed bridge are monuments including an Allied War
Cemetery and a war museum. In economic terms, Kanchanaburi has been prospering
for a number of years. Important industries include sugar, agricultural
products, and jewelry. Tourism is also a main source of income for the
locals, though most are engaged in agricultural activities. The province’s
population is made up of Thai, Mon, and Karen peoples, most of whom are
rural dwellers who enjoy living simply and respecting nature. Moreover,
folk music and dances dating back at least 500 years are still performed
to this day. Only two hours from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is accessible by
road or rail, the latter of which includes sightseeing day trips that
run on weekends and public holidays; these weekend special trains are
reasonably priced and make hassle free and enjoyable adventures. Even
the climate of Kanchanaburi, cooled by the altitude, forests, and rivers,
is a welcome respite from the heat and congestion of the nearby capital
city.
Kanchanaburi city, the capital of Kanchanaburi Province, is a popular
resort town; picturesque and worthy of a visit in its own right, it is
frequently visited as base of operations for exploring the many cultural,
natural, and historical attractions in the surrounding countryside. Located
at the confluence of the Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai Rivers, Kanchanaburi lies
at the source of the Mae Klong River, and these majestic bodies of water
are defining characteristics of the town. The original town of Kanchanaburi
was established by King Rama I as a first line of defense against the
Burmese, whom he believed might use the old invasion route through the
Three Pagodas Pass at the Siam-Myanmar border. According to most historians,
the old town of Kanchanaburi was located near Ban Lat Ya, a small village
situated approximately 16 kilometers north of the present town. The present
provincial capital is a relatively newer town built by King Rama III in
1833. The town itself is a place to relax, watching the water from the
banks of the river, inside a raft house, or from a riverside restaurant.
Many visitors like to rest along the river with a cold drink and a good
book. Many of them come here just for a couple days but stay for weeks
in order to explore all of the attractions in the surrounding countryside.
Along with visiting spectacular waterfalls, lush forests, and three of
Thailand’s largest reservoirs, white water rafting, elephant trekking,
and golfing are popular activities for visitors. Kanchanaburi is an excellent
tourist destination for nature lovers.