The Bridge Over the River Kwai
Internationally famous, thanks to several motion pictures and books, the black iron bridge was brought from Java by the Japanese Army and in Amphoe Muang reassembled under Japanese supervision by Allied prisoners of war labor as part of the "Death Railway" linking Thailand with Myanmar. Still in use today, the bridge was the target of frequent Allied bombing raids during 1945, and was rebuilt after the war ended. The curved spans of the bridge are the original sections.
The Death War Museum
This enclave in the riverside precincts of Wat Chaichumphon has been constructed largely in the form of an Allied prisoner of war camp. The name JEATH is derived from Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand and Holland. The thatched detention hut with cramped, elevated bamboo bunks contains photographic, pictorial, and physical memorabilia dating from the Second World War. The museum is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Kanchanburi Town Gate
This is the remains of Kanchanaburi town built in 1833 during the reign of King Rama III. It is located on Lak Muang Road near the meeting point of the Kwai Yai and Kwai Noi Rivers.
The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
On Saeng Chuto Road, opposite the railway station, it contains the remains of 6,982 prisoners of war who perished during the construction of the "Death Railway".
The Chong Kai War Cemetery
2 kilometers south of town, on the bank of the Kwai Noi River, this occupies the former site of the Chong Kai Prisoner of War Camp. This second cemetery is more peaceful, attractively landscaped, and contains some 1,750 remains.
Wat Tham Mankhon Thong
Situated 4 kilometers from town on the bank of the Kwai Noi River, this temple is well known for the incredible performance of the nun floating in a deep pool. There is a small museum where a variety of ancient objects found in the area are on display.
Wat Tham Phu wa
The monastery in natural surroundings, famous for meditation, is 15 kilometers away from the provincial capital. There is a beautiful cave with plenty of stalactites.
Somdet Phra Sri Nakarin Park
Situated in Kanchanaburi’s Agricultural College at Tambon Nong Ya, 9 kilometers from town, it is also known as "the Stone Garden" as stones of different sizes and shapes abound in its large area.
Wat Tham Sua and Wat Tham Khao Noi
Located at Tambon Muang Chum, 4 kilometers keyond Wachiralongkorn Dam, these two adjacent temples house very beautiful Thai and Chinese style buildings and huge Buddha images situated on the mount.
Wat Pa Lelai
This monastery is 18 kilometers away from the provincial capital. It is located at Tambon Lat Ya which once was an ancient border town involved in battles between the Thai and the Burmese during the Ayutthaya period to the early Bangkok period. Another nearby temple called Wat Khun Phaen houses a ruined pagoda dating back to the early Ayutthaya period.
Kanchanaburi Cultural Centre
The collection centre of human life styles from the past till the present is displayed at the Rajpatara Institute of Kanchanaburi, 14 kilometers out of town on the route to Sai Yok.
Ban Kao National Museum
The museum, some 35 kilometers from town, was constructed beside a Neolithic burial site discovered by Dutch prisoners of war during the construction of the "Death Railway". Specimens of Neolithic remains are on display. It is open from 9.00 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. on Wednesday to Sunday and closed on Monday and Tuesday. |
