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According
to most historians, the ancient town of Kanchanaburi
was located near Ban Lat Ya, a small village situated
approximately 16 kilometers north of the present
town. The site was repeatedly recorded in Thai history
as an invasion route which the Burmese used to enter
Thai Kingdoms.
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.
Distances from Amphoe Muang (Town) to Neighboring
Districts :
| |
Tha
Muang
|
12 |
kms.
|
|
| |
Phanom
Thuan
|
24 |
kms.
|
|
| |
Tha
Maka
|
30 |
kms.
|
|
| |
Dan
Makham Tia
|
30 |
kms.
|
|
| |
Sai
Yok
|
50 |
kms.
|
|
| |
Thong
Pha Phum
|
145 |
kms.
|
|
| |
Sangkhla
Buri
|
230 |
kms.
|
| |
Si
Sawat
|
102 |
kms.
|
| |
Bo
Phloi
|
40 |
kms.
|
| |
Nong
Prue
|
75 |
kms.
|
| |
Huai
Krachao
|
60 |
kms.
|
| |
Lao
Khwan |
97 |
kms.
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Travelling
to Kanchanaburi
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 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 Train
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.
Travelling
around Kanchanaburi
Transportation between the districts is also conveniently
arranged by regular buses. Major destinations include
Bo Phloi, Tham Than Lot (Than Lot Cave), Namtok
Erawan, Namtok Sai Yok Yai, Thong Pha Phum, Sangkhla
Buri, the Bridge over River Khwae and the War Cemetery.
They are mostly non-air conditioned buses which
leave every 20 minutes up to 2 hours. Others have
their own fixed itineraries. Check for details at
0 3451 1182, Kanchanaburi Bus Station.
Traveling around Kanchanaburi by train is also popular.
It is inexpensive, reliable and offers a more panoramic
view of the area. The route from Kanchanaburi to
Namtok Station near Namtok Sai Yok Noi Waterfall
is recommended for visitors wishing to explore the
notorious historic railway. Trains leave Kanchanaburi
Railway Station 3 times daily and stops at the Bridge
over the River Khwae, Tha Kilen (near Phrasat Mueang
Singh Historical Park), Tham Krasae, Wang Pho and
ends at Namtok Railway Station. For more information,
call Kanchanaburi Railway Station at tel. 0 3451
1 285.
Alternate
trips to out-of-town attractions
There are ferry services
across Maenam Mae Klong that costs 5 baht per person.
You can bring your motorcycle or bicycle on board
in order to explore the other side of the town.
Also in operation are boat services to several interesting
destinations.
From the Pak Saeng Pier in Tambon Tha Sao, visitors
can hire a boat (carrying capacity of 10-12 persons)
to visit the Lawa Cave and Namtok Sai Yok Yai. The
1-hour boat ride to Namtok Huay Maekhamin starts
from the Tha Kradan Pier, 12 kilometers from Sri
Nakharin Dam.
Visitors are advised to check with the Tourism Authority
of Thailand (TAT) Office at 034 511 200 and 034
512 500 or email tatkan@tat.or.th for details on
arranged transportation during public holidays and
weekends.
Attaction
at Kranchanaburi
Amphoe Bo Phloi
Bo Phloi The
Bo Phloi district, located some 40 kilometers from
the city, is well known for its locally mined blue
sapphires and semi-precious stones such as onyx.
Visitors can visit a Jewelry Handicraft Centre to
see how these materials are honed and fashioned
into spectacular jewelry sets.
Bo Phloi can be reached from Kanchanaburi by non
air-conditioned buses departing from Kanchanaburi
Bus Terminal every 20 minutes between 6 a.m. and
6.30 p.m. The journey takes 1 hour and costs 20
baht.
Kanchanaburi Safari Park
The Safari Park is located approximately 40 kilometers
from town along the Kanchanaburi-Bo Phloi route.
It is home to numerous African and Asian mammals,
including giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers and bears
that dwell in beautifully landscaped environs. Visitors
can drive their private car to explore the park
or use the bus service provided by the park. Open
daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission fee is 120
baht for adults and 60 baht for children.
Amphoe Muang
Ancient Town of Kanchanaburi
Located in Tambon Lat Ya between Km. 2 – 3
on Highway 3199 off Highway 323. It used to be a
border outpost confronting Burmese armies arriving
through the Three Pagodas Pass since the Ayutthaya
through Rattanakosin Periods (ca. 1548 – 1784).
Mounds of the rectangular earthen wall measuring
167 x 355 sq.m. and four corner fortresses still
remain to be seen. Ancient monuments within its
vicinity include:
Wat Pa Lelai,
known locally as Wat Pha Ok and built in the Ayutthaya
Period. The Mondop – a square building –
once enshrined a seated Buddha image in the gesture
of subduing Mara, which was drilled through the
chest – ‘Pha Ok’ in Thai. An image
of the Buddha receiving offerings from a monkey
and an elephant known as ‘Palilayaka’
- Pa Lelai - was later constructed to replace the
former one. Remains of architecture within the temple
include Mondop, Wihan and round brick Chedi with
clay mortar and cement coating.
Wat Khun Phaen,
from the side entrance of Wat Pa Lelai toward the
training camp of the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn
University, this is an abandoned temple built in
the Ayutthaya Period. The complex included Phra
Prang, which was the principal building of the temple,
remains of which are still to be seen, Phra Ubosot,
directional and satellite Chedis, and Wihan.
Wat Mae Mai,
built in the Ayutthaya Period and located some 300
metres to the east of Wat Khun Phaen. There are
2 groups of architectural remains. The remains in
the north include a large round Chedi situated on
a plinth and rectangular west-facing Wihan. The
remains in the south include a medium-scale east-facing
Wihan, satellite Chedis and rectangular boundary
wall, with a so-called ‘Sa Lang Kraduk’
or ‘bone-washing’ pond in between.
Ruins of Wat Nang Phim or Wat Kanchanaburi Kao are
located nearby.
Animal Shelter
located at Ban Phu Pradu, Tambon Nong Bua, some
20 km. from Kanchanaburi. It is accessible by Highway
3229 with a turn for 3 km. between Km. 16 –
17. The animal shelter covers a total area of 38
rai and was relocated from Thung Si Kan and houses
mostly dogs, as well as cats, cows, buffaloes, goats
and sheep. Dogs are available for adoption. Open
daily during 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. for more
information, please call Tel. 08 1914 3444, 08 1763
3467.
Art Gallery and War Museum
Located not far away from the Bridge on the River
Khwae is a private museum which features the World
Wide II story and art objects such as war weapons,
army uniforms, photographs, jewelry, etc. The museum
is open daily from 7.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Admission
fee is 30baht/person.
Ban Kao National Museum
A small Tambon (sub-district) located on the bank
of the Kwai Noi River approximately 35 kilometers
from the city is a site where some ancient Stone
Age tools were found. In addition, a Neolithic burial
site was discovered by the Dutch Allied POW, Dr.
Van Hickderen who was forced to build the Death
Railway. The consequences of findings revealed that
tambon Ban Kao was once a dwelling of prehistoric
men. Some critical discoveries included skeletons
of prehistoric men, tools made from gravel stone
and axes. The Ban Kao Museum houses skeletal remains,
pots, axe heads, jewelry made from animal bones,
and other artifacts dating from that period.
The museum is open from Wednesday through Friday
with the exception of public holidays from 9 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Admission is 30 baht. Call 0 3465 4058
for more information.
Chong Kai War Cemetery
Situated only 2 kilometers south of town on the
bank of the Kwai Noi River, the cemetery occupies
the site of the Chong Kai which once was the prisoner
of war camp. Smaller in size, the cemetery attracts
visitors to see its peaceful, well-designed landscape
where 1,740 POWs rest in eternal peace.
Giant Rain Tree
Grown on the way to Amphoe Dan Makham Tia at Ban
Kasikam, Mu 5 Tambon Ko Samrong, some 3 km. from
Wat Tham Mangkon Thong. Enter the Royal Thai Army’s
Division of Veterinary and Agriculture 1 via Wat
Tham Muni Nat and turn right. The giant rain tree
is more than 100 years old with a trunk large enough
to be encircled by 10 people. The average radius
of its crown is 25.87 metres and the diameter of
its shadow is approximately 51.75 metres while the
height of its canopy is 20 metres and the large
shady crown covers a total area of approximately
2,416 sq.m.
Kanchanaburi Cultural Centre
The centre is located in the Rajabhat Institute
of Kanchanaburi, 14 kilometers out of town on the
route to Sai Yok. Within the centre is a collection
of displays on human lifestyles from the past until
the present. Open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Kanchanaburi City Gate
An interesting site to see in the remains of Kanchanaburi
town is the Gate which was built in 1831 during
the reign of King Rama III. It is located on Lak
Mueang Road near the meeting point of the Khwae
Yai and Khwae Noi Rivers.
Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
(Don Rak)
This is the place where the remains of 6,982 POWs
died during the construction of the Death Railway
are buried. The cemetery, which is located on Saengchuto
Road, opposite the Railway Station, just 1.5 kilometres
from the TAT office, It is open daily from 8.30
a.m. to 6.00 p.m..
Khao Chon Kai
The Army Student Camp is located 20 kilometers from
the city along Highway No. 3199. Recently, the camp
has opened its door for tourists wishing to enjoy
activities such as tower jumping, model cliff climbing,
etc. For more details, call 0 3458 9237.
City Pillar (Lak Muang)
This attraction is situated on Lak Muang Road. The
pillar which is located in the shrine is covered
with gold leaf and is well-preserved illustrating
local residents' high level of reverence.
Somdet Phra Sri Nakharin Park
Covering an area of 200 rai, the park is situated
in Kanchanaburis Agricultural College, tambon Nong
Ya, approximately 9 kilometers from town. Local
residents also dubs the place as the Stone Garden
as there are stones of different sizes and shapes
scattered in the park.
Thailand - Burma Railway Centre
The Thailand-Burma Railway Centre in an interactive
museum, research and information centre dedicated
to presenting the story of the Thailand-Burma Railway
built during the World War II.
The centre is on the western side of the main Kanchanaburi
War Cemetery (Don Rak), approximately 100 metres
from the cemetery entrance.
The centre open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission
: Adults 60 baht and children(under 12 years old)
30 baht. For more information, call 0 3451 2721
or visit www.tbrconline.com
The Bridge on the River Khwae (the Death Railway
Bridge)
Thanks to several films and books, the Bridge on
the River Khwae has become notoriously famous and
attracted both Thais and foreigners to the site.
If an ordinary black iron bridge can tell a story,
you can be sure it's a dramatic one.
The bridge spans across
Maenam Khwae Yai which is a branch of
Maenam Mae Klong. During the Japanese occupation
of Thailand in World War II, the Japanese Imperial
Army brought the iron bridge from Java. It was then
resembled by Allied Prisoners of War (POW) under
Japanese supervision. The bridge was part of a strategic
railway route to Myanmar in which the Japanese aimed
to secure supplies with which to conquer other western
Asian countries. It was 415 kilometers long (about
303 kilometers in Thailand and about 112 kilometers
in Burma) and passed through the Three Pagoda Pass
in Sangkhlaburi District, the northern most part
of Kanchanaburi province.
Construction started on September 16, 1942 at Nong
Pladuk, and was completed on 25 December 1943. It
is estimated that over 16,000 POWs from England,
Australia, Holland and America died while building
the bridge which was a target of bombing raids in
1945. In addition to this, approximate 90,000 laborers
from Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia died
during its construction.
Rebuilt after WWII, the bridge is still in use today
with the curved portions of the bridge being that
of the original. An attraction of note is the annual
light and sound event at the bridge to commemorate
the Allied attack in 1945.
The railway currently ends at Ban Tha Sao or Namtok
Station, a distance of some 77 km. from Kanchanaburi
Station. A special train running from Bangkok to
Namtok Station is available on weekends and national
holidays. For further details, please contact the
State Railway of Thailand, Tel. 0 1690, 0 2220 4334
or www.railway.co.th.
The JEATH War Museum
The name JEATH is derived from countries which engaged
in the WWII death railway construction from 1942
to 1945, which included Japan, England, America,
Australia, Thailand and Holland. Located in the
area of Wat Chai Chumphon, the museum is a reconstruction
of the POWs thatched detention hut with cramped,
elevated bamboo bunks. On the wall of the huts,
photographs and illustrations of the POWs living
conditions are on display. POWs who survived from
the camp have donated items to enhance the museums
atmosphere and authenticity. The museum opens daily
from 8.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission fee is 30 baht.
The Nine-Army Battle Historical
Park
Established by the Royal Thai Army, the park is
located at tambon Chong Sadao, approximately 40
kilometers from town on Highway No. 3199. It was
built to commemorate the great battle under the
command of King Rama I to defend the kingdom against
the invasion by King Bodawpaya of Burma in 1795.
Thais know this event under the name of the Nine-Army
Battle. The park is a center for historical research
and conservative tourism that also provides information
on the great battle. A sand table displaying battlefields
and diagrams depicting the battle strategy are on
display. Open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Call 0 3458 9233-5 ext. 1122 for more information.
Tham Khao Pun Temple (Wat Tham Khao Pun)
Once a major POW camp, the temple where many Buddha
images are enshrined is located in the middle cave
and is surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites.
The temple is 3 kilometers from Chongkai War Cemetery.
Tham Mangkon Thong Temple
(Wat Tham Mangkon Thong)
Situated 5 kilometers from town, the splendid temple
is located in a cave which is only assessable via
steps flanked by dragon carvings on both sides.
The temple is well known for the incredible performance
of a nun floating on the surface of a deep pool.
A small museum displaying a variety of ancient objects
found in the area is located nearby. Visitors can
take buses from Kanchanaburi - Dan Makham Tia and
get off at the temple.
Tham Phu Wa Temple (Wat
Tham Phu Wa)
The compound which is set in natural surroundings
is situated approximately 15 kilometers away from
the city. The temple is famous for meditation courses.
In addition, there is a beautiful cave with plenty
of stalactites that is worth a visit.
Amphoe Sri Sawat
Erawan National Park
The national park is 65 kilometers from Kanchanaburi
along Route 3199. The park, covering 550-square-kilometers,
is the site of the seven-tiered Erawan waterfall,
one of Thailands loveliest waterfalls. The second
tier has a pool, which is ideal for swimming and
is particularly picturesque. However, the most popular
activity in the park is trekking. Bungalow accommodations
and camping facilities and a daytime food market
are available.
Shelters and camping are available for tourists
in the park. Admission is Bt400 for adults and Bt200
for children. For more details, please contact the
National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department,
Bangkok at Tel. 0 2562 0760 or ‘www.dnp.go.th’.
Visitors may take a bus departing from the Kanchanaburi
Bus Terminal to the waterfall every 50 minutes from
8 a.m. to 5.20 p.m. The journey takes 1.5 hours.
Huai Mae Khamin Waterfall
(Namtok Huai Mae Khamin)
A major attraction in Sri Nakarin National Park
is this lovely seven-tiered waterfall, which is
conveniently accessible by foot via a trial near
the parks headquarters. The reservoir is well known
for its scenic beauty. Trekking through forests
and bamboo groves offers unrivaled opportunities
to admire a rich variety of butterflies and bird
species.
Bungalow accommodations are available; however,
visitors are advised to bring their own food as
there are food outlets available.
Sri Nakarin National Park
The park, which covers an area of 1,532 square kilometers,
is situated 105 kilometers from Kanchanaburi. The
park relative inaccessibility makes the site reachable
only by motorcycle, pick-up trucks or 4-wheel-drive
vehicles. Alternatively, the park can be accessed
by a 45 to 75 minutes boat trip from the Tha Kradan
Pier. (located 12 kilometers beyond the entrance
to Sri Nakarin Dam at Km. 44 of Highway 3199). A
boat with a carrying capacity up to 10 people can
be chartered at a cost of 1,500 baht.
Sri Nakharin Dam
This hydro-electric power plant, situated on Khwae
Yai Waterfall, is 70 kilometers from Kanchanaburi,
and just 4 kilometers north of the Erawan National
Park. Beyond the dam is a beautiful lake surrounded
with lush forests.
Phra That Cave (Tham Phra That)
This relatively large mountain cave with stunning
stalactites and stalagmites is located 75 kilometers
from Kanchanaburi and approximately 8 kilometers
beyond the Erawan Waterfall. The cave is 20 meters
long and can be explored within 1 hour. Visitors
can contact the Erawan National Park branch office
situated near the cave for guide services.
Tham Than Lot National
Park
Announced on 12 February 1980 as a national park,
it is also called Chaloem Rattanakosin National
Park. This 54-square-kilometre park embraces pristine
forest, waterfalls, and several caves including
include Than Lot Noi Cave and Than Lot Yai Cave,
which are accessible through a 2.5-kilometer nature
trail along the stream. The two caves are naturally
decorated with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites
one of which is the worlds tallest stalagmite pillar.
The ideal time of the year to visit the caves is
from February to April. It is recommended that you
request the services of a park ranger as your guide.
Outside of the caves are several species of birds
and the barking tree frog whose croak sounds very
much like a barking puppy. Admission fee is 200
baht. Bungalow accommodations and camping facilities
are available.
Amphoe Tha Maka
Phong Tuk Archaeological
Site
It is believed that this site was the location of
an ancient city of the Dvaravati Period with an
influence of the Gupta School of Indian Art dating
around the 6th -7th century A.D. From the Fine Arts
Department’s discovery, they found lots of
Dvaravati antiques at Phong Tuek in 1927 such as
Roman bronze lamp, Buddhist terra-cotta plaques,
Naraya or Visnu image carved from stone, and other
Buddha images. Later in 1934, Dr. Wales, a representative
of the Antique Studies Association from India, came
to explore and excavate more at Phong Tuek and proved
that a civilized ancient city used to be placed
here around a thousand years ago. Nowadays, some
pieces of the found artefacts are kept in Wat Dong
Sak and others are kept at the National Museum in
Bangkok.
To get there, the site is about 37 km. south from
Kanchanaburi. From Bangkok, take Highway 323 until
you notice the direction sign on the left at Km.
92-93 leading the way to Boran Sathan Phong Tuek.
After crossing Chantharubeksa Bridge, pass Wat Dong
Sak on your left then go straight on until you get
to the Phong Tuek police kiosk on the right. The
Boran Sathan Phong Tuek is next to the police kiosk.
Wang Sangkawat Fish Sanctuary
It is situated in the area of Wat Wai Niao, Tambon
Wai Niao. From Bangkok, drive on
Highway 323, Km. 92-93, the same route to Boran
Sathan Phong Tuek. After coming off the Chantharubeksa
Bridge, turn right and go along the route on the
Mae Klong riverside for about 3 km. to get to the
fish sanctuary. People often come to the park to
feed fish. We can find carp of the genus Puntius
Fish (Taphian Fish) in the daytime. After 7.00 p.m.,
Sangkawat Fish, a species in the Pangasius family
rare to see, will come out. The folk museum in Wat
Wai Niao opens at 8.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m.
Phra Thaen Dong Rang Temple
(Wat Phra Thaen Dong Rang)
The temple which is situated approximately 10 kilometers
from Tharua Market, or some 40 kilometers from the
town houses a sacred stone which locals believe
was a bed for the Lord Buddha during his illness
before he ascended to Nirvana.
Amphoe Tha Muang
Tham Khao Noi Temple(Wat
Tham Khao Noi)
Wat Tham Khao Noi is located near Wat Tham Suea.
It was constructed on the hill and decorated in
Chinese style. Going up the hill is rewarding as
you can see panoramic view of the city.
Tham Suea Temple (Wat Tham
Suea)
Wat Tham Suea is located at tambon Muang Chum, 4
kilometres beyond Wachiralongkorn Dam. The temple
is built in a mixed, splendid Thai-Chinese style
and enshrines a huge Buddha image.
Amphoe Thong Pha Phum
Hin Dat Hot Spring
formerly known as Kuimang Hot Spring, located 130
km. from Kanchanaburi between Km. 105 – 106
on Highway 323. It is a well of natural hot water
of 45 – 55 degrees Celsius discovered beside
a stream of cool water by Japanese troops during
WWII and two cement wells were then constructed
at the site. It is believed that the water from
this hot spring has a healing property for various
ailments such as beriberi and rheumatism. A hot
spring bath in the well is available.
Pha
Suwan Waterfall (Namtok Pha Suwan)
A large and breathtakingly beautiful 7-tiered waterfall
located in deep jungle some 155 km. from Kanchanaburi.
It is accessible by a 40-minute walk. The topmost
tier is approximately 80 metres high. The waterfall
is most beautiful during July – January. To
get there, take Highway 323 (Kanchanaburi –
Thong Pha Phum), turn at Km. 110 via Ban Sahakon
Nikhom for 15 km. and turn right into a dirt road
for another 13 km. It is also accessible by a 40-minute
walk from Namtok Pha Tat, or from Namtok Huai Mae
Khamin, drive pass Noen Sawan Mine and Ban Saphan
Lao for a distance of 42 km. and turn left for 13
km. at the junction near the reforestation project
area to the parking lot. Another 40-minute walk
will lead to the waterfall. A four-wheel drive vehicle
is recommended for the rainy season.
Pha Tat Waterfall (Namtok Pha Tat)
A large waterfall within the area of Khuean Srinagarindra
National Park located 140 km. from Kanchanaburi.
The picturesque
3–tiered waterfall originates from a small
creek on the Kala Range. Each of its 3 tiers is
wide and breathtakingly high, with a lot of water
in the late rainy season. It has serene and verdant
surroundings. To get there, take Highway 323 and
turn between Km. 105 – 106 toward the same
direction as Hin Dat Hot Spring and continue for
some 10 km. further.
Pilok
This village is located approximately 70 kilometers
west of Thong Pha Phum on Route 3272. At present,
temperate fruits and decorative winter plants can
be seen and bought at Pilok and the villages en
route. Only four-wheeled cars are recommended. Attractions
include several waterfalls set in lush forests which
adventurous visitors can explore on foot.
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