Kanchanaburi (Thai: กาญจนบุรี) is a city in
western Thailand, the administrative center of the province of the
same name.
The provincial capital, Kanchanaburi, nestled
among limestone hills, occupies a scenic and strategic location at
the confluence of the Kwai Yai and Kwai Noi rivers (though, in
truth, Kwai is simply the name given to the Mae Khlong River as it
flows through through this region). The city is famous for the role
it played in World War II, when it was a prisoner of war camp and
base for the construction of the Thailand-Burma railway and, most
importantly, the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai.
Kanchanaburi and its surrounding areas contain many important
wartime sites, and the city itself is also attractive. A large
number of guesthouses located along the banks of the river offer a
place where you can spend several days in peace. The surrounding
area has countless caves, wats and historical sites to explore, some
of which are easily accessible by bike. Another characteristic
feature of the area is organized hikes and river rafting.
Outside Kanchanaburi, the most interesting valley is Kwai Noi, as it
was along this route that the “Road of Death” was laid. Traveling by
train along the remaining section of this route is popular.
This trip is well combined with a visit to the serious museum aptly
named Hellfire Pass, which is located north of what is now the
terminus. If you follow the Kwai Noi River to its source, you will
find yourself in Sangkhlaburi, a quiet, little-known lakeside town
built in ethnically mixed styles.
It is located near the
Burmese border on the Three Pagodas Pass. Further to the east, the
Valley of Kwai offers no less interesting things. Erawan Falls is a
popular destination, while the nearby Tham Yhan Lot National Park
and its beautiful caves attract outdoor enthusiasts.
In the Ayutthaya period until the Thonburi and
Rattanakosin periods. Kanchanaburi was an important outpost in the war
between the Thai and Burmese armies. The original city was located in
Lat Ya Subdistrict. (present Khao Chon Kai area) Later until 1831,
during the reign of King Nang Klao, King Rama III moved the city about
16 kilometers to the southeast to locate at the confluence of the Kwai
Yai and Kwae Yai rivers. Kwai Noi which is the location of the present
city of Kanchanaburi
On March 25, 1935, a royal decree was issued
to designate the areas of Ban Nuea Subdistrict and Ban Tai Subdistrict.
which has an area of approximately 2.08 square kilometers It is the
municipality of Kanchanaburi. With Khun Hiran Prasat as the first mayor,
later in the year 1974 there was a Royal Decree changing the boundaries
of Kanchanaburi Municipality. causing the area to increase to 9.16
square kilometers