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 re - assembled under Japanese supervision by Allied prisoner - of - war labour as part of the 'Death Railway' linking Thailand with Burma. 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 bridge, is the focal point of a riverside area of restaurants, souvenir and jewellery shops. Second World War vintage steam locomotives and a peculiar hybrid road/railcar from the same era comprise a small Railway Museum on the bridge's eastern approach.

WWII Museum (Art Gallery and War Museum) The lower floor displays items from Burma and the upper floors exhibit artifacts from the Ayuthaya period through to more modern times with many fine examples of ceramics. The top levels hold portraits from Thai history and royalty through the centuries. A smaller building next to this larger one houses WWII relics, photos and sketches.

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. Admission Fee: 20 Baht

Wat Tham Mongkon Thong The cave temple of the Golden Dragon is renowned in more recent times due to the practice of one of the elder nuns from the wat, she floats on the waters of a pool while meditating, something she has since passed onto younger generations. The long steep steps leading to the cave above the wat, where the view is stunning, is worth the climb. Don't forget your camera at the bottom, as you will definitely need it when you get to the top.

Wat Tham Seua and Wat Tham Khao Noi Both these temples are important local, pilgrimage spots, especially for Chinese Buddhists. Both are built on a ridge over a series of small caves and have rewarding views from the top across the Kwai River on one side and paddy fields, the other.

The Death Railway This line is still in operation and snakes its way through scenic, thrilling natural terrain, hugging the mountainside at a dizzy height over the raging river far below. The train leaves Kanchanaburi Station at 10.31 am. passing over the bridge on the River Kwai a little later en route Namtok Station

The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
On Saeng Chuto Road, opposite the Railway Station, this immaculately maintained cemetery 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 labourers, died during the construction of the 'Death Railway' and Bridge over the the River Kwai.

Sai Yok Noi Waterfall

Also known as Khao Phang Waterfall, about 60 kilometres from town on Highway 323. The roadside cascade is best visited between July - October, when water is most plentiful, and is located 2 kilometres northwest of Nam Tok Railway Station, the terminus of the branch line originating in the provincial capital and which crosses the world-famous bridge.

Sai Yok Yai Waterfall

A part of Sai Yok National Park, 104 kilometres from town on Highway 323. This flows directly into the Kwae Noi River, and is the most popular in the 300 square-kilometre of the park. Sai Yok National Park contains several interesting caves which also entails a river trip for visits. Human presence at Sai Yok is known to date back to the Stone Age, and the Sai Yok Waterfall has been repeatedly celebrated in Thai poetry and song. Bungalow accommodations, raft houses and camping sites are available.

The Lawa Cave
75 km from town, this largest cave in the area has stalactites and stalagmites in several chambers. Visitors may take boats from the Kwai Noi river Pak Saeng Pier, at Tambon Tha Sao (southwest of Nam Tok Railway Station and Sai Yok Noi Waterfall) to explore this cave, and travel afterwards upstream to the riverine Sai Yok Yai Waterfall, 104 km from town.
Sangkhla Buri

This small settlement, some 225 km from Kanchanaburi, edges the northernmost extremities of the Khao Laem Dam reservoir. The scenic 75-km route from Khao Laem Dam largely parallels the reservoir, passes several raft complexes, botanical gardens and roadside waterfalls and groups of partly submerged trees that line the reservoir banks.

Erawan National Park
65 km from km from km from Kanchanaburi along Route 3199, this 550-square-km national park is the site of the 7-tiered Erawan Waterfall, widely regarded as being one of Thailand's loveliest cascades. A mountainside forest setting includes dense bamboo groves which support numerous bird species. There are scores of pools down stream where one can take a plunge in the refreshing spring water. The falls season is between September and December and it is best to visit the park on weekdays to avoid holiday crowds. The park's other major attraction is the spectacular Pra That Cave which contains monumental stalagmites. Bungalow accommodation and camping facilities are available.

Sri Nakharin National Park This park covers 1,532 square km. Park headquarters are 105 km from Kanchanaburi. Major park attractions include the lovely 7-tiered Huai Khamin Waterfall, boat trips on the scenic reservoir, and encroaching deciduous forests and bamboo groves where kingfishers, parrots, bee-eaters, hornbills, thrushes, wood-peckers, babblers and numerous other bird species are readily seen. Larger, more elusive animals within the park's remoter areas include deer, elephants and tigers. Phra and Niramit Caves near the park headquarters comprise other attractions. Bungalow accommodation is available. The park's relative inaccessibility necessitates either a punishing 40 km drive along a dry weather track, and negotiable only by motorcycle, pick-up trucks or 4 wheel-drive vehicles, or a 45-75 minute boat ride from the Ta Kradan Pier 24 km north of the Sri Nagarind Dam.

Sri Nakharin Dam 69 km from Kanchanaburi, and just 4 km north of the Erawan National Park, this massive structure marks the southernmost extremity of an extensive reservoir, which is part of yet another national park. A hydroelectric dam with vast reservoir over a former jungle valley. The view point from the dam is of a tree-lined freshwater lake stretching to the horizon.