Kanchanaburi is a beautiful province located just a few hours outside of Bangkok. Although it is possible to do a day trip from the city, it is best to spend at least a night in Kanchanaburi to really experience all that the province has to offer.
7 Top-Rated Things to Do in Kanchanaburi
#1 The Bridge Over the River Kwai
The first stop on any Kanchanaburi itinerary should be the Bridge Over the River Kwai. This infamous bridge was built by POWs during WWII and is now a memorial to those who lost their lives during the war. Visitors can learn about the history of the bridge and take a walk across it for stunning views of the river below.
#2 The Death Railway
The Death Railway, also known as the Burma Railway, was a railway built during World War II in order to connect Thailand and Burma. The railway was built by the Japanese in order to transport troops and supplies to their forces in Burma. The railway was built through the use of slave labor (mostly British, Australian, and Dutch Soldiers who were captured by the Japanese). The conditions were brutal and many prisoners died from disease, hunger, and exhaustion. This railway is a symbol of prisoners’ suffering and it is a reminder of the inhumanity of war.
#3 JEATH War Museum
JEATH War Museum is a unique museum that is dedicated to the Second World War. The museum was founded in 1977 by a group of Thai veterans who wanted to preserve the memories of the war and share them with future generations. The museum is named after the Japanese, English, American, Thai, and Hawaiian soldiers who fought in the war. The JEATH War Museum is filled with countless artifacts and stories from the Second World War. Visitors can see weapons, uniforms, and other personal belongings of the soldiers who fought in the war. The museum also has a replica of the Death Railway, which was built by the Japanese during the war.
#4 Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
Kanchanaburi War Cemetery is a beautiful site. It is the final resting place for almost 7,000 commonwealth soldiers who perished during the construction of the Burmese-Siam Railway in World War II. The cemetery is well-maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Visitors can pay their respects to the fallen soldiers and learn about the history of the site.
#5 Erawan National Park
Erawan National Park is a protected area in Thailand that covers more than 550 square kilometers of forested mountains and valleys. The park is home to the stunning Erawan Falls, which are made up of seven tiers of cascading waterfalls. Visitors can swim in the pools at the base of the falls, or hike to the top for a bird’s eye view. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and leopards. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder Erawan National Park is one of Thailand’s top tourist attractions.
#6 Hellfire Pass
Hellfire Pass, in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, was the site of the notorious Death Railway, built by Allied prisoners of war during World War II. The railway, which was hacked through the jungle, was a desperate and brutal undertaking with prisoners working in conditions of unimaginable brutality and hardship. More than 3,000 prisoners of war and Asian laborers died during the construction of the railway. The site is now a memorial and visitors can learn about the history of the camp and the prisoners who were forced to work there.
#7 Abandoned Paper Mill Kanchanaburi
The paper mill in Kanchanaburi was built in 1935 by a German engineer and was one of the first paper mills in Thailand. It was a revolutionary factory, and for many years it was one of the biggest employers in Kanchanaburi. The mill continued to operate after World War II, but it was nationalized by the Thai government and it closed down in 1982. The site has been abandoned ever since. The mill is a sprawling complex of buildings and machinery, and it’s easy to imagine how it once bustled with activity. Today, it’s a ghost town, with only the sound of the wind rustling through the buildings to break the silence. It’s a fascinating place to explore as a reminder of the past when the mill was an important part of the community.
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