This golfing region covers the country’s second largest province – Kanchanaburi – and also incorporates southern neighbour Ratchaburi, just over 100 km west of Bangkok.
Here the flat flood plains of the Chao Phraya River meet the
more hilly terrain, which continues across the border into
Myanmar. Another of Thailand’s large rivers, globally referred
to as the River Kwai, meanders through both provinces
before emptying into the ocean at Samut Songkram.
The order given for slave labour to construct a railway bridge over the river by the Japanese during their Second World War occupation of Thailand, has transformed one particular aspect of Kanchanaburi into a grim tourist attraction.
It’s often forgotten just how many Asian labourers and allied prisoners of war perished during the construction of the Burma, or ‘Death’ Railway and it’s very tempting to wonder what tourism to this area would be like if such atrocities hadn’t taken place. The story is well documented and the events commemorated with war cemeteries, museums and even an annual light and sound show at the bridge that stands there today.
On a brighter note, there’s much more to this area, with several attractions standing out not far from the town. The Erawan National Park has a stunning waterfall, which is well worth a visit along with the Tiger Temple on the road to Saiyoke, where the abbot supplies refuge for a number of tigers to save them from poachers.
Further south, Ratchaburi is a prosperous town with a surprisingly large population hidden away on farms behind the main roads. Nearby tourist attractions include temples, caves and hot springs near Suan Pheung as well as the famous floating market at Damnoen Saduak.
Even if you drop in for an hour, this is one of the most colourful tourist attractions in Thailand. Note that it is a real market and not – as many are these days – just for the benefit of tourists!
