Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is the main town municipality located at the confluence of the rivers Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai in the west of Thailand and part of Kanchanaburi Province. The town covers Ban Nuea and Ban Tai Sub-districts and parts of Pak Phraek and Tha Makham, all of Mueang Kanchanaburi District, and parts of tambon Tha Lo of Tha Muang District.

The ancient town of Kanburi dating from the Ayutthaya period is located in Lat Ya Sub-district on Highway 3199. It used to be an important border outpost confronting the Burmese armies arriving through the Three Pagodas Pass since the Ayutthaya until the Early Ratanakosin periods (ca. 1548 – 1784). The town was surrounded with a rectangular earthen wall measuring 167 x 355 meters. Remnants of the four corner fortresses still can be seen.

For most visitors the main sight of interest is the Bridge over the River Khwae, as the start of the infamous World War II Death Railway to Burma, as well as the many associated museums. There is an increasingly thriving backpacker scene taking advantage of the chilled-out riverside vibe for those that need to get away from Bangkok.

Ayutthaya Historical Research