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Kanchanaburi Hotels
GENERAL INFORMATION
Kanchanaburi, which has mostly mountainous terrain, covers an
area of approximately 19,473 square kilometers and is the third largest
province in Thailand after
Chiang Mai
and Nakhon Ratchasima. Situated approximately 129 kilometres west of
Bangkok, Kanchanaburi shares a border with Myanmar to the west, Tak and
Uthai Thani Provinces to the north, Suphan Buri and Nakhon Pathom
Provinces to the east, and Ratchaburi Province to the south.
In north and west Kanchanaburi, the terrain is comprised mainly of mountains
and high plains, with the Thanon Thongchai Range acting as a natural border
between Thailand and Myanmar. The range is the source of Kanchanaburi's two most
important rivers Maenam Khwae Noi and Maenam Khwae Yai, which form the famous
Maenam Mae Klong. As a result, several of Thailand's largest Namtok (waterfalls)
and most extensive wildlife sanctuaries are found in this area.
The magnificent landscape and charming beauty of Kanchanaburi have resulted
in major tourist attractions including several well-known waterfalls, caves
which were once inhabited by Neolithic man, pristine national parks, tranquil
rivers, virgin forests, and reservoir. Together, they offer an intriguing
experience for first-time or repeat visitors. Whether its fishing, rafting,
canoeing, mountain biking, bird-watching, star-gazing, golfing, elephant and
jungle trekking, or even living in bamboo rafts, Kanchanaburi takes pride in
offering them all.
The city of Kanchanaburi is located at the point where two tributaries, the
Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai meet and form the Maenam Mae Klong. This is the location
of the notorious Death Railway and the Bridge on the River Khwae one of the
worlds famous World War II sites which have been immortalized in print and film.
In economic terms, Kanchanaburi has been doing well on a national scale, with
over 10 per cent growth annually. Important industries include sugar,
agricultural products and jewelry. Tourism is also a main source of income for
the locals as the provinces high tourism potential has made Kanchanaburi number
one among the west provinces in having the highest number of visitors each year.
Residents of Kanchanaburi are engaged in agricultural activities. Most of the
locals are of Thai ancestry with notable Mon and Karen minorities. Rural
dwellers enjoy living simply and respecting nature. Moreover folk music and
dances dating back at least 500 years are still performed today.
HOW TO GET THERE
From Bangkok to Kanchanaburi
By Bus
Non air-conditioned buses leave Bangkoks Southern Bus Terminal daily
every 15 minutes from 4 a.m. until 8 p.m. The trip takes about 3 hours.
Call 02 434 5557-8 for more information.
First class air-conditioned buses (blue color) leave Bangkoks Southern Bus
Terminal daily every 25 minutes Call 02 435 5012, 0 2435 1199 or 02 884 6249 or
visit www.transport.co.th for more information.
There are also buses leaving frequently daily for Kanchanaburi from Nakhon
Pathom. The journey takes up to 1.5 hours. From Ratchaburi and Suphan Buri Bus
Stations, there are several buses leaving directly to Kanchanaburi. The trip
takes some 2.5 - 3 hours.
By Car
Route 1: a 2-hour drive along Highway No.4 (Phetkasem) via Nakhon Chaisi
Province, Nakhon Pathom Province, Ban Pong, Tha Maka and Tha Muang (of
Ratchaburi Province) to Kanchanaburi.
Route 2:drive along Highway No. 338 from Bangkok to Nakhon Chaisi Province
then switch to Highway No.4 to Kanchanaburi.
By Rail
Ordinary trains leave Bangkoks Thon Buri Railway Station (Bangkok Noi
Station) daily. Only 3rd class seats are available. The journey takes
approximately 3 hours. For more information, call Thon Buri Railway
Station at tel. 02 411 3102 or Kanchanaburi Railway Station at tel. 034
511285.
The weekend special train leaves Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) at
6.30 a.m., returning at 7.55 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and on public holidays.
The trip usually includes several stop-overs at Phra Pathom Chedi (Nakhon Pathom),
Death Railway Bridge, and a transfer (by minibus) to Phrasat Mueang Singh
Historical Park, etc.
There are also special steam trains operating between Kanchanaburi and Wang
Pho.
For more information, call the State Railway of Thailand at tel. 1690, or 02
223 7010, 02 223 7020 or visit www.railway.co.th.
FESTIVALS IN KANCHANABURI
River Kwae Bridge Week
Each year, late November and/or early December, the world famous bridge becomes
the focal point of celebrations. Highlights include exhibitions and historical
and archaeological displays; a carnival featuring sideshows, roundabouts, folk
entertainment, and cultural performances; rides on trains hauled by World War II
vintage steam locomotives; and a nightly light and sound presentation
re-enacting the bridge's Second World War history, including an Allied bombing
raid.
Mineral Water and Waterfall Bathing Day
Held at Hin Dat Hot Spring, Mu. 5, Tambon Hin Dat, Amphoe Thong Pha Phum at the
beginning of November. In the festival, there are booths of agricultural
products and tourism exhibition of Amphoe Thong Pha Phum. Tourists will have a
chance to bath in the Hin Dat Hot Spring and enjoy the beautiful view of Namtok
Pha Tat.
Boat and Raft People’s Day
Held every year at the beginning of November at Song Khwae Road near the
riverside in front of the city of Kanchanaburi. Activities are folk
performances, Thai typical music performance, academic exhibition concerning
conservation of rivers and canals, water sports such as riding long-boat,
speed-boat and jet-skiing.
LOCAL PRODUCTS
Coconut Jelly
The most notable souvenir from Kanchanaburi, coconut jelly is undeniably
delicious, refreshing and exotic. They are normally available in shops
in the city, but the most famous outlet is Wimon shop on Saeng Chuto
Road. Serve chilled.
Jewels
In Kanchanaburi, high quality jewels are from mines scattered in Bo
Phloi district. Some are also on display at the Bo Phloi jewel
exhibition centre while others can be purchased from several shops in
the district.
Preserved mango
Exotic, tasty, inexpensive but of high quality, preserved mango is a
popular souvenir for fruit lovers, moreover, preserved mango is a good
source of secondary income for housewives in Kanchanaburi Province.
Tha Ruea Glass Noodle
This product is renowned for its high quality, available on Saeng Chuto
Road.
DINING & RESTAURANTS
Ban Nua (Thai Food)
Rim Nam Na Mueang Road, Amphoe Mueang, Kanchanaburi
Telephone: 034-512326, 034-511722
Ban Rao (Thai Food)
284/60 Saeng Chuto Road, Amphoe Mueang, Kanchanaburi
Telephone: 034-514230, 034-620457
J.R. Queen (Thai Food)
33 Chaichumphon Road, Chuk Don Pier, Amphoe Mueang, Kanchanaburi
Telephone: 034-511864
Krua Chuk Don (Thai Food)
60 Chaichumphon Road, Chuk Don Pier, Amphoe Mueang, Kanchanaburi
Telephone: 034-620548, 034-620441
Krua Ton Mae Klong
(Thai Food)
33 Chaichumphon Road, Amphoe Mueang, Kanchanaburi
Telephone: 034-511211, 034-511864
Maenam
(Thai Food)
Rim Nam Na Mueang Road, Amphoe Mueang, Kanchanaburi
Telephone: 034-51281
River Kwae
(Thai Food)
Near the Bridge over the River Kwae, Amphoe Mueang, Kanchanaburi
Telephone: 034-512540-1, 034-624221-2
River Kwae Floating
(Thai Food)
Near the Bridge over the River Kwai, Amphoe Mueang, Kanchanaburi
Telephone: 034-512595, 034-625052
Sut Chai
(Thai Food)
Near Sut Chai Bridge, Amphoe Mueang, Kanchanaburi
Telephone: 034-513779, 034-514150
Thai Seri
(Thai Food)
Rim Nam Na Mueang Road, Amphoe Mueang, Kanchanaburi
Telephone: 034-512429

Information by Tourism Authority of
Thailand
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