Kanchanaburi is located in the western part of Thailand and is a province filled with rich culture and fascinating history. The province is definitely well worth a visit on your trip to Thailand if you are interested in history, culture, and nature.
Much of Kanchanaburi’s history involves the Second World War and the building of the ‘Death Railway’ during Thailand’s Japanese administration. Kanchanaburi has a number of museums and monuments reflecting this era.
Top 4 Historical attractions:
The bridge over the River Kwai, for many foreign visitors the Bridge on the River Kwai (Saphan Mae Nam Kwae) is probably one of the most famous of Thailand’s attractions. The bridge is a symbol that represents the efforts of those who toiled under the construction of the bridge. A mini-train runs regular trips across the bridge from the nearby train station.
Allied War Cemetery & The death Railway Museum, this is the first visit you have to do when you come to Kanchanaburi if you don’t want to get lost in these historical events. The museum is about the history of the Thailand-Burma Railway (The Death Railway) and is located just across from the Allied War Cemetery. The museum describes Kanchanaburi’s role in World War II. It tells the story of the railroad, how prisoners were treated, and what happened after the railroad was completed, using video recordings, models, and detailed signs. Price: 100 Baht. Opening hours: 9 AM to 5 PM.
Allied War Cemetery. On the other side of Kanchanaburi’s Dead Railway Museum, you will find Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, a well-kept cemetery with no less than 100,000 dead who lost their lives during the construction of the railway. Price: Free
Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre & Memorial Walking Trail, this interpretive centre explains to visitors the story of why and how the railway was built and attempts to convey the hardships and suffering endured by so many who were forced to work in extremely harsh conditions. After visiting the centre, you should proceed to the memorial walking trail, If you are connected to the events through relations who were imprisoned here or any other fashion, the experience can be quite wrenching.
It is by walking through this site that you will realize the titanic work carried out by these prisoners of war. The stifling heat, the animals, the hardness of the rock, …
Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park
Prasat Muang Singh is a Khmer town in Kanchanaburi province. It is around 45 kilometres from Kanchanaburi city. Built around the 12th century on the Khwae Noi River, the site was most likely an outpost of the Khmer ‘Muang Singh’ empire that protected the Khmer frontier. It was also likely a centre for trade. Built of ‘laterite’, it is a large place – around 30 acres.
