Kanchanaburi & River Kwai

The real-life setting of “The Bridge on the River Kwai,” with the Death Railway, the Hellfire Pass Memorial and the seven-tiered Erawan Falls – and you can stay in bamboo raft houses on the River Kwai.

Kanchanaburi is one of the largest provinces in western Thailand, bordering Myanmar to the west; its capital, Kanchanaburi town, is about 130 km from Bangkok. The River Kwai (the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai tributaries merge beside the town to form the Mae Klong) runs through the province and became world-famous through the film “The Bridge on the River Kwai.” During World War II, the Japanese army forced some 60,000 Allied prisoners of war and more than 200,000 Asian labourers to build the 415-km Thailand–Burma Railway to open a supply line; more than 100,000 died, earning it the name “Death Railway,” and Kanchanaburi still preserves many related sites. A visit has three parts: Kanchanaburi town (the Bridge on the River Kwai, the Allied war cemetery and the JEATH War Museum – a half-day by bicycle or tuk-tuk); the northwest along Route 323 and the railway (the Tham Krasae viaduct, Sai Yok waterfall and Hellfire Pass, 50–80 km from town); and Erawan National Park to the northeast (the seven-tiered falls, about 65 km away). Getting there: buses and minivans from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal or Mo Chit take about 2–3 hours; or take the slow train from Bangkok's Thonburi Station (about 3 hours, 2 departures a day, fixed fare for foreigners). The train continues to the terminus at Nam Tok, crossing the Bridge on the River Kwai and the Tham Krasae viaduct – a scenic ride in itself. Sights outside town require a hired car, a rented motorbike or a tour. Allow 2–3 days; a night in a bamboo raft house on the river is a memorable experience. Climate: November–February is cool and best; River Kwai Bridge Week (a light and music show) runs from late November to early December; March–May is scorching; in the rainy season the waterfalls are full but some trails are slippery. Good to know: China and Thailand have a mutual visa exemption (stays of up to 30 days per entry); check official sources before you travel. Please be respectful at war sites. At Erawan Falls, fish nibble at your feet; wear goggles and sun protection when swimming.

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