Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand

Kanchanaburi is the capital of Kanchanaburi Province and is located at the confluence of the rivers Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai.

Kanchanaburi (population 52,000) is the gateway to Kanchanaburi Province. For most visitors the main sight of interest is the Bridge over the River Kwai, the start of the infamous World War II Death Railway to Burma (Myanmar),as well as its 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. More foreign visitors are discovering why Thais know it as one of the most beautiful provinces in the country with its easily accessible waterfalls and national parks.

The province is located in the west of Thailand, and is situated 129 km from Bangkok and covers a total area of approximately 19,483 km² being the country's third largest province after Nakhon Ratchasima and Chiang Mai. Topographically, it is covered with timber and evergreen forests. The district covers the source valleys of the rivers Kwae Yai and Kwae Noi ("River Kwai"), which merge at the city Kanchanaburi and form the Mae Klong River there.

Several National Parks are located in the forests of the mountain area of the province - the Erawan, Sai Yok, Khao Laem, Khaoen Sri Nakarin and Chaloem Rattanakosin National Parks are located in the province. The Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary in this province is also listed in the UNESCO world heritage list.

Kanchanaburi is subdivided into 13 districts (amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 98 communes (tambon) and 887 villages (muban).

Located just 129km from Bangkok, Kanchanburi is also a favourite holiday destination for Bangkokians and other Thais residing in the central region.

Most foreigners when they think of Kanchanaburi they think of the River Kwai Bridge and the history of the Second World War. Kanchanaburi however, has so much more in the way of waterfalls, mountains, dams, fishing, boating, trekking and cave exploration. Sai Yok National Park is very popular.

Folk Culture and Traditions

Ram Yoei is a local dance of the Kanchanaburi local people that has been performed for more than 500 years. They perform Ram Yoei on Songkran Day and New Year, etc. Men and women must form a circle, one person will lead to sing and another will sing to the other's lyric in reply, and Luk Khu (chorus) will sing along and dance to the rhythm of Klong Yao drums. At present, Ram Yoei is played only in Amphoe Phanom Thuan.

Lifestyle

Most of the local rural people work in the field of agriculture. Even though most of them are of Thai ancestry, there is also a lot of Mon and Karen blood around. As minority, people have dwelled in the area for hundreds of years, Kanchanburi enjoys plenty of popular folk festivals.

Local Food

Kanchanburi is a province famous for its freshwater fish. The most popular dining areas are the Song Kwae Road waterfront area and the riverside restaurants in the vicinity of the River Kwae Bridge. Although, there are ‘jungle' food restaurants illegally selling imported meat of endangered animals from Burma, such as deer etc., the government does in no way support the trade.