Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is located in western Thailand on the border with Myanmar and is known for its beautiful mountain landscapes and the railway bridge over the Kwai River. The bridge, located in the provincial capital of the same name, gained notoriety after several thousand slave laborers were killed when it was built during the Second World War. The order came from the Japanese military to build a transport route to Myanmar. Even today, the river can still be crossed by train.

In the Thai-Burmese Railway Museum you can delve deeper into the history of the region and the death bridge. Further, you can commemorate the deceased workers at the war cemetery.

Outside the city you will find yourself in a picturesque landscape. The province shines with a rugged mountain landscape, prehistoric caves, refreshing waterfalls and rivers.

The Mon are also at home in Kanchanaburi. The Mon are an indigenous tribe, originally from Myanmar. Civil wars and armed conflicts between different ethnic groups forced many tribal members to flee to Thailand. When visiting a Mon village one can learn about their culture and enjoy the idyllic nature on the river.

The best time to visit Kanchanaburi

The most pleasant travel time for Kanchanaburi is between November and February, with high temperatures of up to 39 degrees in April. The province can be visited all year round, but heavy rains can occur in the rainy season from June to October, even if these often only last a few hours.

Eating in Kanchanaburi

The food in Kanchanaburi is diverse. Food stalls on the streets prepare soups, curries and sweets, restaurants offer a mix of Thai and Burmese dishes. There are also numerous bakeries that mainly produce sweet rolls. These are filled with a wide variety of ingredients, from chocolate to vanilla to meat or vegetables. Some of the nicest restaurants are on the river with a view of the railway bridge. Here guests can relax with good food while listening to the sound of the river.