Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park

Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park

Covering over 500 sq.km, Erawan National Park is surrounded by stunning scenery and houses the famous Erawan waterfall. The park is covered with 75% forest and if you're lucky you might just catch a glimpse of an elephant, wild monkey or even an eagle!

If you're unlucky you might come across one of our king cobras or pythons!

The whole area around the park is highlighted by some beautifully decorated pavilions which house gift shops, cafes and restaurants.

You can tour around the park in your own car but the best way to see the whole grounds is to take one of the park's own buses.

The driver will take you through each section, giving you excellent photo opportunities as well as getting "up close and personal" with several animals, most notably the giraffes who will "invade" the bus for some food...great fun!

Bowls of food to feed the animals can be bought from the main entrance for just a few Baht.

At the centre of the park is the central pavilion restaurant and show arena.

The restaurant itself sits overlooking a lake and is a good spot for a cold drink before heading off to see one of the many daily animal shows.

Visit: www.kanchanaburisafaripark.com

Kanchanaburi - Muang Sing Historical Park

Kanchanaburi - Muang Sing Historical Park

Close to Sai Yok Noi waterfall, Muang Singh Historical Park covers two areas, Sai Yok Noi (Small) and Sai Yok Yai (Big). The park features the remains of two Khmer temples dating back to the 13th century.

Muang Singh - the "Lion City" was declared a historical park in 1987 and has become one of Kanchanaburi's more popular attractions.

Muang Sing dates back to time of King Rama I (1782-1809), built as an integral part of his defences against the invading Burmese army.

Covering an area of over 700,000 sq.m, the southern wall runs parallel with the River Kwai.

The main temple is at the centre of the park, next to the remains of the second ruin, with the lesser monuments are scattered around.

The style of the temples, known as "Bayon" style, are in honour of ancient Khmer Kingdom during the 12th century reign of King Jayavarman. An inscription on one of the stones depicts Prince Kumara and his father naming over 20 cities.

Kanchanaburi - Sangkhlaburi District

Kanchanaburi - Sangkhlaburi District

Directly bordering Myanmar (Burma), Sangkhlaburi district is in the far north-west corner of Kanchanaburi Province. Home of the famous Three Pagodas Pass, the area has a strong Burmese cultural influence!

Sangkhlaburi has played an important role in the history between Thailand and Burma and also has the longest wooden bridge in the country!

Three Pagodas Pass

Known as "Phra Chedi Sam Ong" in Thai, Three Pagodas Pass links Sangkhlaburi on the Thai side with Pyathonzu just over the border into Myanmar (Burma).

Over the course of history, the pass has been the route into Thailand for invading Burmese armies as well as traders and Buddhist Monks from India.

The three pagodas themselves, believed to have been built in the 4th century, are fairly small but hold great sway with the locals as peace symbols.

During World War II, the infamous Death Railway was built through the pass by the allied prisoners of war.

Several hill tribes live in the area including the Karen, Mon and Burmese, who are neither Thai or Burmese nationals.

There have been several confrontations between the Karen and the Mon tribes for control over the years, but now the Myanmar authorities remain in control of the border region.

Visitors are allowed to visit the Burmese border town of Pyathonzu with a special one-day pass, issued at the border.

Great items can be bought for souvenirs including wooden carvings, ornaments, jade and textiles.

Kanchanaburi - Huai Khamin Waterfall

Kanchanaburi - Huai Khamin Waterfall

Arguabley the most spectacular waterfall in Thailand! Although only reachable by four-wheeled drive or boat from Sri Nakarin Dam, it's certainly worth the extra effort! The water tumbles into Sri Nakarin Lake and has deep pools, excellent for swimming.

The edges of the falls are dense jungle where you can often spot wild elephants, tigers and deer.

Memorial Park

To honour the Princess Mother's 90th birthday in Oct. 1990, the large park area is surrounded by decorative sculptures and has a giant spring at the entrance.

You can get a spectacular view of the dam from all around the park. In total, the park covers over 1,500 sq. km, made up of of limestone hills, forest and the lake.

Regular boats cruise up and down the lake between the Memorial Park and the waterfalls.

Kanchanaburi - Bars & Pubs

6Kanchanaburi - Bars & Pubs

Kanchanaburi has numerous places to get a "cold one" or two! There are (too) many small shop-front bars along the River Kwai Road, most of which disappear quicklly. For a more relaxed atmosphere, the more established places around offer good compnay, plenty of stories and more often than not satellite TV.

See below details of recommended bars & pubs...

Bar & Pub Owners - Add Your Listing Here

Recommended Bars & Pubs Red Kangaroo / Four 9's - Sang Chuto Road Opposite River Kwai Hotel in the heart of town. Air-Con bar with satellite TV, cold beer and some great stories! Rascals - River Kwai Road Come join the fun at Rascals. Top food, proper UK nosh, all sports events, great tunes, great crack - Say no more! No Name Bar - River Kwai Road Get Shit-Faced On A Shoestring' they say. Breakfast, pies, burgers, chips, Thai food, cold beer, cool cocktails, wine, pool table & big screen TV. Relax & Enjoy! Fine Thanks Beer Garden - River Promenade Very popular spot, at the end of the "River Promenade", a large outdoor beer garden. Spread Eagle - River Kwai Road Traditional Thai bar-beer with sofas and chairs and good company!! Bar & Pub Owners - Add Your Listing Here

Kanchanaburi - National Parks

Kanchanaburi - National Parks

Kanchanaburi Province is blessed with some specatacular National Parks and nature reserves, highlighting the rugged, natural beauty of the landscape. Getting "back to nature" is easy in Kanchanaburi, with natural spring pools for swimming, walking routes and some very interesting wildlife.

Some of the waterfalls within the parks are among the best anywhere in Asia.

Sai Yok National Park - click here

Erawan National Park - click here

Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park - Nong Prue District

Known locally as "Tham Than Lot", the relatively small park (54 sq.km) is a nature lovers delight! Forest, waterfalls and several caves are ready to be explored and there is a 2.5 km nature trail which follows the stream through Than Lat Yai and Than Lot Noi caves.

Regular buses from Kanchanaburi town take about 2 hours to arrive in Nong Plue District. From the bus station in Nong Plue, taxis can take you to the park entrance.

Sri Nakarin Dam

In Si Sawat District, close to Erawan National Park, this impressive hydro-electric power plant sits on the River Kwai. On the top level of the site is the lake, an excellent spot to fish or just relax.

Srinagarindra National Park - Si Sawat District

Just a short distance further north from Erawan National Park, Srinagarindra National Park covers over 1,500 sq.km. getting to the park is not that easy, as the last 40km is over a mud road which can only be taken by motorbike or 4x4. The best way to get to the park is by a chartered boat from Tha Kradan Pier.

All the hassle of getting to the park are worth it once you get here! The main highlight is Huai Mae Khamin Waterfall, but also worthwhile are boat trips on the reservoir which offer some spectacular views and not forgetting a trek through the forest and bamboo groves.

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Kanchanaburi - Clubs

Kanchanaburi - Clubs

Kanchanaburi has a few clubs/discos if you feel the need to dance! Mainly centred around the River Promenade, the latest dance tunes can be heard pumping out along the river. As well as the more high-tech clubs, there are a few live music venues dotted around, mainly featuring cover bands and local musicians.

See below details of recommended clubs...

Club Owners - Add Your Listing Here

Recommended Clubs

Glitzy Disco - River Kwai Hotel
Attached to the River Kwai Hotel, very popular local night spot with all the latest dance tunes. Just outside is the beer garden when you need a bit of fresh air!

Discovery Night Club - River Promenade
Probably the best known club in the area. Discovery is a modern dance club with different themed nights every day of the week. Weekends especially can be full-on!

Guitar House - River Promenade
Live music place along the "River Promenade".

Club Owners - Add Your Listing Here

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Kanchanaburi - Shopping

Kanchanaburi - Shopping

Kanchanaburi is a great place to pick up a few bargains, certainly a lot cheaper than shopping in Bangkok! In town there are several department stores which have all the usual, everyday bits you need, plus there are specialist shops selling local products.

At the railway and bus stations there are superb night markets selling just about everything at ridiculously low prices - depending on your bargaining skills...!!!

Kanchanaburi - Shopping

Birdland Books - River Kwai Road
Kanchanaburi's largest used book stores! In the heart of the tourist area books available in numerous languages. Also has a shop in Sangkhlaburi.

Night Market - Kanchanaburi Railway Station
Clothes, shoes, collectables, souvenirs, DVD's, CD's. Just about anything you want you will find it here!

Night Market - Kanchanaburi Bus Station
Clothes, shoes, collectables, souvenirs, DVD's, CD's etc. etc. (see above)

Kan Superstore - Kanchanaburi Town Centre
Standard department store with all the usual items plus a decent supermarket.

Tesco Lotus - Sang Chuto Road (By taxi - 10 mins)
Large megastore, an all-in-one shoppers paradise. Includes a KFC, Dunkin Donuts, Dairy Queen and Swensens Ice Cream!

Kanchanaburi - Tours

Kanchanaburi - Tours

Kanchanaburi is more than just "The Bridge". Sightseeing tours around the province can offer you the chance to discover the "hidden" Kanchanaburi. Along with a large variety of tours and sightseeing excursions, there are also golfing tours and other sports & activities.

Please see below for recommended tour operators.

Kanchanaburi - Recommended Tour Operators

Good Times Travel - Discover Kanchanaburi...!
We are proud to announce that The Kanchanaburi Guide has teamed up with Good Times Travel, one of Kanchanaburi's oldest and most respected agencies. Guided sightseeing tours, tailored to your your own individual requirements...(Website)

Toi's Tours - Discover Kanchanaburi...!
We are proud to add Toi's Tours to the Kanchanaburi Network. A Thai / European company, Tois Tours offers great programs, sightseeing and guided tours all over the province...(Website)

Golfing Tours - Tee-Off over the River Kwai...!
Our partnership with Easy Golf Thailand has been very successful and continues to grow. Discover some of Asia's finest golf courses whatever your level of experience and even combine sightseeing tours from Bangkok with a few rounds of golf!...(Website)

Sai Yok Noi WaterFall Kanchanaburi

Sai Yok Noi

This waterfall is at the end of the "Death Railway" line, terminating at Nam Tok station.

The countryside and the landscape are among one of the most beautiful places in the province and in the shade of the trees, temperatures are comfortable!

While taking in the surroundings you can enjoy some excellent food from one of the small restaurants which surround the park area.

The entrance to the main park features displays of original photographs depicting scenes of the construction and then susequent bombing of the railway.

There are several areas where the railay used to run through with memorial plaques, old photgraphs and even a couple of old locomotive engines which you can climb.

The best time for a visit is in the rainy season when the water levels rise and you can swim in the pools, but even during the hot seasons a day trip is highly recommended.

There is local bus service from town every half an hour from 6.45 a.m. - 6.00 pm, the trip takes about 2 hours.

Sai Yok Yai

Flows directly into the River Kwai, the natural beauty of the area has been celebrated in Thai literature and is one of the most famous waterfalls in Asia.

The best known caves, Tham Lawa & Tham Daowadung have impressive stalactites and stalagmites, plus if you have good eyes you might catch a glimpse of the world's smallest mammal, the hog-nosed bat which, when fully grown, reaches a weight of just two grams!

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Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum

Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum

The Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, co-sponsored by the Australian and Thai governments, is located on the site of the cutting and has superb interactive displays telling the story of the construction.

Visitors can walk down the valley and see the actual cutting of Hellfire Pass. Although the tracks have long since disappeared, the route of the cutting can be clearly seen.

Every year there is a ceremony at the pass to remember those who suffered, primarily aimed at the Australian POW's.

In 1992 a time capsule was buried by surviving ex-POW's and will be opened after 50 years!

Ban Kao National Museum

This national museum is located 35 km from Kanchanaburi town it also overlooks the Kwai Noi River. The museum was constructed beside a Neolithic burial site discovered by an Allied Prisoner Of War during the construction of the Death Railway. About 4,000 years ago Neolithic man lived, roamed and hunted there beside the Kwai River, sheltering beneath rock overhangs or in nearby caves. The Baan Kao museum houses skeleton remains, pots, axe heads, jewellery made from animal bones and other artefact dating from that time.

Opening hours: 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Admission fee: 20 Baht
The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.