Kanchanaburi

Bridge over the River Kwai

Who does not know the famous movie “The Bridge on the River Kwai?” The much talked about bridge in this film is located in Kanchanaburi about 130 kilometers west of Bangkok. Though the original bridge was partly destroyed by a bomb blast, it was rebuild later to make it a historic location.

The history of this Kanchanburi bridge is depicted in the movie, which goes back to the years of World War II during the Japanese presence in Thailand. At that time, they wanted to build a railway that would link to Burma, through the border crossing at Three Pagodas. Its purpose was to facilitate the passage of troops and goods between the two countries.

The construction of the train line over the River Kwai toward Burma led to the death of many workers, who were mostly allied prisoners or forced asian labourers. Today the train operates everyday curving along the Kanchanaburi river with its amazing views, this is well worth the visit.

Death Railway train ride in Kanchanburi

One would think that an attraction called the Death Railway Train Ride will turn off a lot of people. However, this is not the case. After all, the train ride is a tourist attraction in itself.

What is the Death Railway Train Ride? Basically, remainder of railway what the Japanese war machines was building during World War II this railroad was under construction by Asian laborers and prisoners of wars in a bid to obtain a supply line between Thailand and Burma. An amazing amount for construction took place in a short time, but the line never made it across the border. Today only sections of the railway remain, some areas where flooded to make way for a damn project and much has been lost back into the jungles.

It is possible to go on a ride along these rail tracks, sheer cuttings and wooden bridges as it winds its way along the river crossing over the famous Bridge on the River Kwai and back in to Kanchanaburi town and. You’ll get great views as the train slows when passing by the river and the cliffs, just make sure not to place your head to far outside the window as the train passes by closely alongside cliffs and branches.

Visit this attraction on a Private Day Tour in Kanchanaburi.

Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi

The Erawan National Park is one of the many wonderful national parks in Thailand. This park, in particular, encompasses almost 550 sq km of great mountain tops and valleys. The main attraction here is the Erawan waterfalls, which is of 7 levels and is without a doubt the most beautiful falls in all of Asia.

Set amongst the rough jungle, this unique tiered waterfall is surrounded by beautiful trees and curious monkeys. The 1st level of the waterfalls is easily accessible, but slowly the trail gets steeper. Nevertheless, the natural beauty of the location with it’s intriguing wooden bridge that crosses the cascading water, the relaxing bath in the pools along with the shadowy trees make the walk exciting, pleasant and quite fascinating. Not to forget the best fish spa in the whole world, given by the tiny fishes in the pools.

Erawan National Park also has elephant rides to take you to the different caves situated through out the park. Remember to pack a picnic basket and enjoy a lazy day by the natural pools. This could be one of the perfect moments you’ve will remember about Thailand for a long time.

Hellfire Pass Memorial and Death Railway

During World War II the Japanese wanted to build a railway that would unite the conquered territories of Singapore and the current Myanmar through Thailand so they can quickly move troops and weapons through the jungle. Work began in 1942 with over a hundreds of thousand of prisoner of war from different nationalities. By the time the work finally stopped tens of thousands of prisoners had died in its construction due to diseases such as malaria, typhoid and cholera. Thus, the railway came to be known as the Death Railway.

Its tragic history can be revisited from the memories and real items from the past, kept for public view at the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, where the fallen soldiers lie in peace. The beautiful place also houses some of the rare pictures taken during the construction and much more. The Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum is a must-see spot. You will be left with a mixture of feelings ranging from sorrow for the lost souls and wonder from the history of the Death Railway. It is definitely exciting to see how Thailand has shaped itself from the experiences of it’s past to it’s hope for the future!

Visit the Elephant Village

Traditionally, elephants used to be the regal transportation for the Royal families in Thailand. They were also primary in carrying woods from the jungles and for various other heavy duty works. But now due to diminishing natural habitats, these elephants can bee seen at sanctuaries called elephant villages.

This place is a great tourist’s location where these magnificent animals are given proper care, taught and trained to do wonderfully amusing acts. Visit the elephant village for some fun elephant rides inside the forests and jungles, through streams and rivers. It is unique experience like none other.

Often the elephant village has a roundup where awesome tricks and demonstrations are performed by the gathered elephants. The gigantic mammals are well trained and tamed so no need to be afraid. The crowd pullers are definitely the cute and naughty antics of the young elephants. So don’t forget to visit an elephant village for some extraordinary experiences.

Visit this attraction on our Thailand Royal Coast Experience tour.

Hindad Hot Spring in Kanchanaburi Province

TRANSCRIPT:

Sawadee Ka, you are here with Natt from Your Thai Guide.

Today we are in Kanchanaburi province, when we talk about this place more people will think about the Bridge over the River Kwai, Erawan National Park and the Tiger Temple, but what most people don’t that we still have another place that is worth a visit.

Today we are in the Hindad Hot Spring, this place is just over 100 kms from Kanchanaburi town, to get here just drive along highway 323 and you will see the big sign on the highway pointing to this hot spring.

For more information about how to get here please contact your Your Thai Guide or if you like this video please subscribe, just down here.

Bye.