Kanchanaburi Province facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids

Kanchanaburi

กาญจนบุรี

Province

Flag

Seal

Map of Thailand highlighting Kanchanaburi Province

Country

Thailand

Capital

Kanchanaburi

Area

• Total

19,483 km² (7,522 sq mi)

Area rank

Ranked 3rd

Population

(2014)

• Total

848,198

• Rank

Ranked 26th

• Density

43.5353/km² (112.7559/sq mi)

• Density rank

Ranked 74th

HDI

• HDI (2009)

0.733 (medium) (40th)

UTC+7 (ICT)

034

TH-71

กาญจนบุรี

Kanchanaburi (pronounced "Gan-cha-na-boo-ree") is a large province in western Thailand. It's a popular place for visitors because of its interesting history and the famous Bridge over the River Kwai from World War II.

Exploring Kanchanaburi's Geography

This province is located in western Thailand, about 129 kilometers (80 miles) from Bangkok, the capital city. It covers a large area of about 19,483 square kilometers. This makes it the third biggest province in Thailand.

The land here is covered with many forests, including timber and evergreen trees. The famous River Kwai (also spelled Khwae) flows through the province.

National Parks and Wildlife

Kanchanaburi is home to several national parks found in its mountainous forest areas. One important park is the Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is so special that it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kanchanaburi's Rich History

Archaeologists have found old remains in Kanchanaburi that date back to the 4th century. These findings show that people lived and traded with nearby regions a very long time ago. We don't know much about the early influence of the Khmer Empire in Kanchanaburi.

Most of the region's history before the time of King Rama I is not well known. In 1982, many skeletons and swords were discovered in Phanom Thuan District. This made people think that this might have been the site of a famous battle. This battle was fought between King Naresuan and the Burmese crown prince.

World War II and the Death Railway

Many people from other countries know Kanchanaburi because of its more recent history. During World War II in 1942, the Japanese army forced Allied Prisoners-of-War (POWs) and Asian laborers to build a railway. This railway was meant to connect Thailand and Burma.

Sadly, more than 100,000 people died while building this railway. This included about 16,000 Allied POWs and 90,000 local Asian laborers. They died because of the terrible working conditions. This railway is often called the "Death Railway."

Getting Around Kanchanaburi

People in Kanchanaburi use different ways to travel.

Roads and Highways

The different districts within Kanchanaburi are connected by three main highways. These roads also link Kanchanaburi to other nearby provinces.

Rail Travel

Kanchanaburi is part of a railway line that runs from Bangkok Noi to Nam Tok (Sai Yok). The part of the railway from Kanchanaburi heading west is what remains of the line built by forced labor during the war. The section that went further, from Nam Tok to Sanklaburi near the Burmese border, was removed after the war. There's a short section of track and a museum at Hell Fire Pass, a few kilometers west of Nam Tok.

Bus Services

You can take air-conditioned buses to travel to Bangkok from Kanchanaburi. For travel to other districts within the province or to nearby provinces, there are non-air-conditioned buses.

Other Transportation

The river is not often used for daily travel by locals anymore. However, it's popular for tourist boat rides and dinner cruises. There is no public airport in Kanchanaburi.

Fun Things to Do in Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is a favorite holiday spot for people from Bangkok and other parts of central Thailand. It's only 129 kilometers (80 miles) away from the capital.

Many visitors from outside Thailand know Kanchanaburi because of the movie The Bridge Over the River Kwai. This movie tells the story of the famous bridge built by forced labor during World War II.

Must-See Sights

A World War II cemetery in Kanchanaburi

The Bridge Over the River Kwai: This famous bridge was built near the town of Kanchanaburi. The Death Railway ran from the Kwae River valley all the way to Three Pagodas Pass. Today, only the lowest part of the railway, going to Nam Tok, is still used. In Kanchanaburi city, you can visit a war museum and a large cemetery for the POWs.

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (Don Rak): This cemetery is very well kept and holds the remains of 6,982 Allied POWs. These soldiers died while building the "Death Railway."

Death Railway: This important railway line started from Nong Pla Duk Station and went through Kanchanaburi, crossing the Khwae Yai River. It continued west to the Three Pagodas Pass and ended in Burma. The part of the railway in Thailand was 300 kilometers (186 miles) long. It was built very quickly, in just one year, from October 1942 to October 1943. After the war, some parts of the track were removed, and some are now underwater because of the Khao Laem Dam lake.

Sai Yok National Park: This park has been protected since 1980. Most of its area is made up of limestone mountains covered with mixed deciduous forests. In the Sai Yok district, there are also the ruins of an old Khmer town and temple called Mueang Sing Historical Park. The park is also home to the two Sai Yok waterfalls.

Exciting Activities

Star Gazing: You can visit the Kirdkao Observatory in Tambon Lum Rang to learn about stars and nature.

Forest Trekking: Hotels in Amphoe Sangkhla Buri offer jungle treks. These adventures can include rowing boats along Huai Song Ka Lia, riding elephants, and rafting.

Mountain Biking: Riding mountain bikes is a very popular activity in Kanchanaburi province.

Water Sports: Rafting, canoeing, and white water rafting are common along rivers like the Noi River, Kwae River, and Song Ka Lia River.

Elephant Trekking: Many elephant camps in Kanchanaburi offer elephant trekking experiences.

Cultural Experiences

Ban Nong Khao: This district is about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from the main city. The villagers here still live a simple life based on farming. They live in old-style houses and follow traditions passed down through generations.

Homestay at Ban Khao Lek: Ban Khao Lek is a small Karen village. It's located in a valley within the Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park, surrounded by beautiful nature. Most villagers farm and collect things from the forest. They live a simple life and rely on nature, practicing their Karen culture.

Local Culture and Traditions

Kanchanaburi has a rich local culture with unique traditions and festivals.

Folk Dance and Music

Ram Yoei: This is a traditional local dance that has been performed for over 500 years. People perform Ram Yoei on special days like Songkran (Thai New Year). Men and women form a circle, and one person sings a lead verse. Another person sings a reply, and a chorus (Luk Khu) sings along and dances to the rhythm of Klong Yao drums. Today, Ram Yoei is mainly performed in Amphoe Phanom Thuan.

Daily Life

Most people in the rural areas of Kanchanaburi work in agriculture, like farming. While most residents are of Thai background, there are also many people with Mon and Karen ancestry. These minority groups have lived in the area for hundreds of years. Kanchanaburi enjoys many popular folk festivals throughout the year.

Events and Festivals

Mineral Water and Waterfall Bathing Day: This event is held at Hin Dat Hot Spring at the beginning of November.

Boat and Raft People’s Day: This festival happens every year in early November. It takes place on Song Khwae Road near the riverside in front of Kanchanaburi city. You can enjoy folk performances, traditional Thai music, and exhibitions about protecting rivers and canals. There are also water sports like long-boat racing, speed-boat racing, and jet-skiing.

River Kwae Bridge Week: This event is held every year from late November to early December. It remembers the importance of the Death Railway and the Bridge over the Khwae River during World War II. Visitors can see historical and archaeological exhibits, folk performances, product booths, fun activities, and a special light and sound show.

Local Food

Kanchanaburi is famous for its freshwater fish. The most popular places to eat are along the Song Kwae Road waterfront and at riverside restaurants near the River Kwai Bridge.

Images for kids

5th tier at Erawan 7-tier waterfall in Erawan National Park
Bridge over the River Kwai by Leo Rawlings, a POW who was involved in the line's construction (sketch dated to 1943)
Bridge over the River Kwai, Kwai River
Erawan waterfall