Kanchanaburi is Thailand's
third province, covering an area of 19,486 square kms. The
provincial area is mountanious and borders Myanmar (Burma) to
the west of Bangkok.
Kanchanaburi is the site of the world famous Bridge Over the
River Kwai, immortalised in books and river valleys have
inspired development of hydro-electric power and where
labyrinthine reservoirs provide further scenic elements to the
province's nature beauty.
Beyond the
compact provincial capital, some 130 kms and a comfortable
two-hour drive from Bangkok, where the Kwai Yai and Kwai Noi
Rivers unite to form the Mae Klong River, Kanchanaburi unfolds
in progressively arresting scenic beauty in a landscape
characterised by several waterfalls, cave once inhabited by
Neolithic man, national parks, and tranquil riverside and
reservior settings.
Opportunities abound for rustic living aboard rafts on dazzling
rivers and reservoirs, and provide the focal point for memorable
holidays for nature lover who delight in natural surroundings
and pleasure without sacrificing basic comforts.
Local Culture
Kanchanaburi's inhabitants are largely engaged in agriculture,
and are mostly of Thai ancestry with notable Mon and Karen
minorities. Rural dwellers enjoy folk music and dances
dating back at least 500 years and which feature distinctive
songs and long drums. Such performances are re-enacted
during popular festivals each year at Amphoe Phanom Thuan, 24
kms. northeast of Kanchanaburi along Route 324.
Boundary
North
Connects with Myanmar.
South
Connects with Ratcha Buri and Nakhon Pathom Provinces.
East
Connects with Suphan Buri Province.
West
Connects with Myanmar.
Kanchanaburi Province is divided into 10 Amphoes (Districts) and
2 King Amphoes (sub-districts). The distances from Amphoe Muang
to other Amphoes are as follow :
