Beyond Bangkok
Kanchanaburi: the back story
The back story
About Kanchanaburi: the back story
Kanchanaburi, west of Bangkok, is where the Thailand–Burma Railway was built by prisoners of war and conscripted labourers in the Second World War. Its museums, cemeteries and the bridge over the Kwai are places of remembrance; beyond them lie the national parks and the falls of Erawan (TAT; tbrconline.com).
Remembrance
The Thailand–Burma Railway Centre, the war cemeteries and the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum tell the railway’s story with care (TAT).
The waterfalls
Erawan National Park’s tiered falls are a swim and a walk away from the town (TAT).
Begin at the Thailand–Burma Railway Centre before you see the bridge.
Our advice: stay a night to see Erawan in the morning, before the crowds.
Why it's on our list
- Remembrance
- The waterfalls
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Kanchanaburi: the back story before you go.