Top Things to See
Kanchanaburi has many interesting sightseeing attractions from religious to historical and nature sights. Those attractions connected with the Thai-Burmese railway and the POWs who built it are the main draw cards for many visitors, especially those with an interest in war history or whose family members may have been involved in the project. For nature lovers, the magnificent Erawan National Park is a location not to be missed.
 Bridge over the River Kwai A title now synonymous with literature and Hollywood movies, the Bridge over the River Kwai is a genuine structure with an interesting historical story behind it. Built to assist the passage of the infamous ‘Death Railway’ between the banks of the Kwai Noi River, the original bridge was made from black iron that was imported from Indonesia and put together by POWs. The bridge was destroyed by Allied bomb attack in 1945, but was reconstructed after the war with some of the original sections being incorporated. No trip to Kanchanaburi is complete without taking in this structure. Visitors can enjoy a cool drink or a bite to eat any of a number of restaurants located at the riverside close to the bridge.
 Chong-Kai War Cemetery Housing the remains of 1,740 POWs who lost their lives during construction of the ‘Death Railway,’ the Chong-Kai Cemetery is the smaller of two war cemeteries in the town and is considered to be the more peaceful of the two on account of its location on the bank of the Kai Noi River. Of the 1,740 persons buried in the cemetery, 1,379 are British, 313 are Dutch, 42 are Malayan and 6 are Indian. The cemetery is built on a site that was previously occupied by the Conk-Kai prisoner of war camp.
 Erawan National Park Located some 40 miles (65kms) northeast of the town, Erawan National Park comprises 340 square miles (550 square kilometres) of some of Thailand’s finest scenic natural beauty. The highlight of the park is the multi-tiered waterfall that is popularly considered one of the most impressive in the country. There are opportunities for bathing in the natural pools that lie at the bottom of each tier of the falls. The park also has plenty of walking trails. Bicycles can be rented at the park entrance, but as the terrain is quite challenging there are limited areas for riding.
 Hellfire Pass Of all the physical aspects of the ‘Death Railway’ that remain in Kanchanaburi, Hellfire Pass is perhaps the one that best exemplifies the magnitude of the task that the POWs faced in its construction. Measuring 73 metres in length and 25 metres in height, the passageway was cut through rock using basic tools and machinery and 18 hours of manpower per day for three months. There is no doubt that the men who worked on the passage suffered inconceivable pain and hardship, and its for this reason that what was originally called the Konyu Cutting, is now know as Hellfire Pass.
 Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum Dedicated to all POWs who worked on the ‘Death Railway,’ but in particular to the men who lost their lives while working on Hellfire Pass, the Memorial Museum provides a detailed picture of the hardship that was endured by the POW during the three months it took to cut the 73-metre long passage. Via commentary provided by MP3 players, visitors are given a dramatic account of the ordeals of those involved, while an information centre provide some visual material including photographs of the pass and some of the prisoners who worked on it. The museum is a joint venture operated by the Thai-Australian Chamber of Commerce. Website: www.dva.gov.au/commem/oawg/thailand.htm.
 Kanchanaburi War Cemetery The larger of the two war cemeteries in the town, this grave site is located in the heart of the town and houses the remains of 6,982 POW who died during the construction of the ‘Death Railway.’ A plaque in the cemetery features a dedication by the Thai people to the men who are buried here. Despite being located in the centre of the town, the cemetery retains a tranquil ambience appropriate to the memory of the deceased.
Wat Tham Khao Pun This Buddhist temple is situated just a short walk from the Chong-Kai War Cemetery. While the structure is typical of other Thai temples, the caves that are accessible from close by make this temple an unusual sightseeing attraction. Some climbing is involved to see the best of the sights including various Buddha images. The cave’s natural rock formations are also interesting, with an array of interestingly shaped stalactites and stalagmites on offer.
 Wat Tham Seua and Wat Tham Khao Noi Located adjacent to one another but in separate compounds, these two temples are visually interesting structures, each featuring distinctly Chinese designs that differ from standard Thai temples. Wat Tham Seua, or Tiger Cave Temple, is especially notable for its giant Buddha icon which sits partially enclosed in a magnificent half-dome structure. The temples sit on hills and visitors who make the walk to the top of either hill are rewarded with some excellent views over the River Kwai. There are caves at the site with Buddha images located within.
Top Things to Do
 Go hiking in Sai Yok National Park. Sai Yok National Park is the focal point of the organised trekking scene in Kanchanaburi province, offering ideal terrain and natural conditions for both one-day excursions and tours lasting several days with overnight stops at various sites. Book a tour with a local operator and you’ll get the chance to trek through challenging jungle terrain on foot, cover more difficult areas on the back of an elephant or traverse lengthy sections by river in an inflatable raft. Tours invariably include all food and transportation.
Ride the Death Railway. A ride on a train along the ‘Death Railway’ is a popular activity for those taking a trip to Kanchanaburi. The track that the train travels along is not the original one built by the POWs, but a small section of the original railway does still exist.
 Spend a few nights at the Somnuk Elephant Camp. Elephants were once an integral part of rural life in Thailand and today the symbol of the country. While their numbers have dwindled in recent decades, projects such as the Somnuk Elephant Camp are dedicated to preserving the species while giving visitors an insight into their unique habits and abilities as well as how they are cared for.
Spend the night on a karaoke disco boat. The famous disco boats of Kanchanaburi are fun if you are young, fond of a tipple or two and can keep awake well past midnight. Equipped with bars and giant sound systems, these vessels traverse certain sections of the river offering all-night revelling for those with the necessary staying power.
 Visit the Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yanasampanno Forest Monastery. Otherwise known as the Tiger Temple (not to be confused with the Tiger Cave Temple), Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yanasampanno Forest Monastery in the Saiyok district is an animal rescue centre run by local monks. The centre houses a dozen tigers, some who were made orphans after their parents were killed by poachers while others are their offspring born at the temple. Visitors are given the chance to pet some of the tamest of the specimens and other animals including monkeys.
| 
