A trip to Thailand is not complete without a visit to Kanchanaburi. This wonderful place is a great combination of beautiful nature, impressive history and true authenticity. In this blog, all the highlights of Kanchanaburi will be discussed. So read on and book your trip!
History
Kanchanaburi is most famous for its history, having a poignant story in the Second World War. In the Second World War, the Japanese wished to build a railway from Thailand to Myanmar (then Burma). Since the Japanese forces were too strong for the Thai, there was no choice but to cooperate with them. The Japanese had Prisoners of War and Asian laborers in camps to build the railway, and the stories are gruesome. However, this is part of the world history, and it is definitely a must to visit the different World War 2 sites, and hear the stories. One can visit: – Thai – Burma Railway Centre, a museum about the railway – Allied War cemetery, the final resting place of 7,000 Prisoners of War – JEATH War Museum, a museum about the construction and conditions of the workers – The bridge on the River Kwai, the famous bridge – Death Railway, the railway that is still in use today to transport passengers from Bangkok up north – Hellfire Pass Memorial museum and trekking trail, try out the audio tour here, it is fascinating
Nature
There is more to find in Kanchanaburi than history. Just like in the rest of Thailand, there is a beautiful natural environment here. Visit Sai Yok National park to see the beautiful caves such as the Lawa Cave, Daowadueng Cave and Kaew Cave. In the Lawa Cave you can find the smallest bat in the world, the Kitti bat! Or go to Erawan national park and visit one of Thailand’s most beautiful waterfalls, the Erawan waterfall. The waterfall is about 1500 meters long, and consists of seven separate tiers. Every different tier has something special: – at the first you can find many fish – at the second a beautiful cave – at the third a large pond with fish, good for a swim – at the fourth and fifth you can find small cascades, rock formations and dense vegetation – at the sixth tier is another cascade with a wider plunge The seventh step shows why the waterfall has the name Erawan. Erawan is the name of a three-headed Hindu god, and at this last tier, you can find three layers. Until the fifth tier, the path is relatively easy, afterwards it gets trickier. Be sure to wear good shoes, and bring enough mosquito spray, water and snacks.
Authenticity
There are many temples in Thailand, but a special one can be found in Kanchanaburi. After walking up 157 steep steps, one will find Wat Tham Sua. The view from here is stunning, being able to see the Mae Klong Dam and many rice fields. The semicircular ‘aura’ dome is home to a giant golden Buddha, and the main chapel has beautiful arches on an octagonal base. Here you can also find the Ket Kaew pagoda. Another highlight that cannot be missed is the Mon village. Found in the jungle along the river Kwai, the ethnic group still lives like they did in the old days. With their houses on high poles, they make use of little to no electricity and still cultivate much food. The village is a curious sight to see. Once, the Mon were one of the first inhabitants of Thailand, but now there are little to no true Mon tribes left. It is beautiful that the culture has a chance to sustain and grow in Kanchanaburi. So for your next Thailand trip, be sure to visit Kanchanaburi, and the beautiful wonders it has to offer!
