CITY ATTRACTIONS

Japanese War Memorial This occupies a small plot of riverside land just south of the bridge.

The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery On Saeng Chuto Road, opposite the Railway Station, this immaculately maintained enclave contains the remains of 6,982 Allied prisoners of war who perished during the construction of the ‘Death Railway’. An estimated 16,000 Allied prisoners of war, and 49,000 forced laborers, died during the construction of the ‘Death Railway’ and Bridge over the River Kwai.

The Chung-Kai War Cemetery 2 kilometres south of town, on the bank of the Kwai Noi River, this occupies the former site of the Chung-Kai Prisoner of War Camp. This second cemetery is more peaceful, attractively landscaped, and contains some 1,750 remains.

The JEATH 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. Several prisoners of war who survived appalling conditions have donated items from that time to add to the museum’s authenticity. Opening hours: 8.30 AM to 6.00 PM daily Admission fee: 20 baht

Wat Tham Khao Poon 1 kilometre southwest of the Chung-Kai War Cemetery, this Buddhist temple is locally renowned for a cave containing stalactites and stalagmites, and many beautiful Buddha images.

ACCOMMODATION

Kanchanaburi offers air-conditioned hotels and resorts ,bungalows, guest houses and riverside rafts within the provincial capital. River raft accommodation is also available in several natural locations, alongside both rivers and the Khao Laem and Sri Nagarind reservoirs.

Visitors wishing to stay at any of Kanchanaburi’s national parks are advised to book beforehand, particularly if they wish to make weekend or public holiday outings. Reservations should be made through Bangkok’s National Parks Division of the Royal Forestry Department (Tel: 579-5025, 5794842).

Visitors wishing to stay at Khao Laem or Srinagarind Dams must make reservations through the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) in Bangkok, Tel: 436-3179, 424-4794.

TRANSPORTATION

Travel Within Kanchanaburi Transportation within the provincial capital is most enjoyable on tricycles. These can be hired at the rate of approximately 150 Baht for two to three hours, enabling visitors to see the Bridge over the River Kwai, the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, the waterfront Song Kwai Road area, and the JEATH War Museum in one circuit.

Motorcycles or jeeps can be rented on a daily or weekly basis at several outlets on Saeng Chuto Road, beside the TAT Kanchanaburi office, and around the Song Kwai Road area. Visitors are advised to shop around since hire rates and conditions vary, and to check with the TAT office for prevailing rates.

The boat trip to the Lawa Cave and Sai Yok Yai Waterfall from the Pak Saeng Pier in Tambon Tha Sao takes around 4 hours for the return trip, and costs between 1,000 and 1,500 baht per boat, each with a seating capacity of 10 to 12 persons.

The 45-70-minute boat ride to Sri Nagarind National Park headquarters, from the Tha Kradan Pier, costs 1,500 baht upwards, again on boats with seating capacities of 10 to 12 persons.

Visitors are advised to check with the TAT office in Kanchanaburi for prevailing rates and the availability of alternate methods of transportation, such as on public holidays and weekends.

Air-conditioned and regular coaches leave Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal throughout the day for the 2 to 3-hour journey.

Trains leave the Bangkok Noi Railway Station daily for Kanchanaburi.

The TAT office in Kanchanaburi issues an updated and current timetable for bus and rail services between Bangkok and Kanchanaburi, and major neighboring provinces.