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Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is well known for the Death Railway and the Bridge over the River Kwai, but it has much more to offer. Neolithic burial grounds, smallest bats in the world and a cool river are a few of the things that are in the vicinity. Kanchanaburi is about 130 km west of Bangkok and can be reached easily by bus and train. The local TAT office is a good place to stop and pick up a map and get some info on what to see and do. Great scenery, ok restaurants and mellow nightlife so a couple of days here is all you really need to see the sights. You can also do a long day trip from Bangkok. There are a multitude of Guest Houses and hotels for all tastes, including ones with floating river rooms.

There are numerous companies providing tours to the local attractions and National Parks. A lot of these tours are quite crowded. It is worth it, if your budget allows, to hire a car and driver. You can also do it on your own which is good fun even if you get lost.

The Bridge over the River Kwai: This famous bridge is 4 km from town. It was brought from Java by the Japanese Army in WWII and was assembled at the River Kwai by the war prisoners. Bombed several times in 1945, it was rebuilt after the war. The curved spans are original. An estimated 16,000 war prisoners and 49,000 labourers died during the construction of the bridge and the Death-Railway line that leads to Burma. In late November and early December, as part of the River Kwai Festival, there is a light and sound show telling the history of the Death Railway, the Hellfire Pass and the Bridge over the River Kwai.

War Cemetery: This cemetery located across the street from the Train Station, contains the remains of 6,982 war prisoners who lost their lives during captivity of the Japanese Army that forced them to build the Bridge over the River Kwai and the Death Railway. The Japanese brought American, Australian, British and Dutch prisoners to Thailand by the southern route and used them to rush the completion of the railroad.

Chong-Kai War Cemetery: The Chong-Kai Cemetery can be found 2 km south of town on the banks of the Kwai Noi River. It contains the remains of 1,750 prisoners of war. It is quieter and smaller then the one in town. Go by boat from the pier near the town gate.

Boat Trips: Rent a boat at the pier or go on a rafting or kayaking trip to explore the river.

Wat Ku Tao: This Wat is situated in town and is interesting for the shape and the 5 guards representing five lord Buddhas. The Wat is decorated with lots of coloured porcelain.

Tham Khao Pun: This is a cave near the Chong-Kai War Cemetery. There is a temple in front and many Buddha images as well as some cool stalactites and stalagmites.

Jeath War Museum: (JEATH means Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand and Holland). The museum is a reconstructed WWII POW hut from 1943. You can see the sparse living quarters of a POW. On the walls of the huts are posted photos of the disturbing atrocities committed against the POW's. The museum is on the bank of the Mae Klong River inside Wat Chai Chumphon and worth a visit. Open Daily, 8:30-6. Baht 30.

Kanchanaburi Cultural Centre: The center offers an impressive collection of handicrafts, artifacts and exhibits that shows the Province's role in the past. The centre is part of the Kanchanaburi Teacher's College.

Wat Tham Mangkonthong: 4 km from town. Great place to chill for a while.

Ban Kao National Museum: The museum is 30 km out of town and is built near the Neolithic burial site discovered by a Dutch POW while working on the Death Railway. Neolithic remains and artifacts are on display. Open Wed-Sun, 9-4. Baht 20.

Prasat Muang Singh Historical Park: Situated 10 km north of the Ban Kao Neolithic Museum is this historical park displaying the Khmer influenced architecture from 700-800 years ago. Open Daily, 10-3:30. Baht 20.

Kanchanaburi Monkey School: The Kanchanaburi Monkey School trains rescued monkeys and gibbons to harvest coconuts and play games. It is located on the way to Khao Pun Cave. Open daily, 10-4:30. Baht 150.

Wat Kao Pun and Kao Pun Cave: The Kao Pun Wat and it's cave are 5 km from town and can be visited by boat or car. Inside the cave are Hindu and Buddha while outside is a great view. Open daily. Donations accepted.

Somdet Phra Sri Nakharin Park: This park, also called the Stone Garden is situated 10km out of town at the Kanchanaburi Agriculture College. Weird animal shaped stones abound.

Waterfalls and Parks: There are numerous waterfalls and National Parks in the surrounding countryside. Take a day trip by boat or minivan from Kanchanaburi to one of these parks for some caving and hiking. If you take highway 323 northwest of town you will come across a few National Parks. Erawan National Park, with it's multi-level waterfall and swim holes, is about 70 km from town. Just a little further, you will find the smaller but equally nice Sai Yok National Park. Both parks have accommodations on site, phone +66 2562 0760 to reserve. Or spend a couple of hours in a hot spring getting rid of that hangover. Avoid the dry season (Sept-Apr) if you want to swim.

Tiger Temple: 50 km north is a temple where the monks take care of orphan tigers. There used to be no fences and the tigers just roamed around. Monks have, in the past, been mauled and eaten so some precautions were taken but still beware. After 3:30 you can interact with the tigers. Much scarier than swimming with sharks but extremely cool to pet some very large tigers. It can be done as a day trip. This trip can also be done as a day trip from Bangkok. Open daily. Baht 300.