West of Bangkok and abutting the mountains which divide Thailand
from Myanmar, Kanchanaburi combines historical interest with some of
the most picturesque scenery in the whole country. The landscape is
dominated by forested hills and the valleys of the Kwai Noi and kwai
Yai Rivers, where waterfalls and caves are additional elements of
natural wonder.
Historically Kanchannaburi is best know as the site
of the infamous “Death railway” and “Bridge over the River Kwai” ,
built by allied POWs and Asia forced labors during World War II. The
region, however, has a long past, with evidence of settlement during
Neolithic times, while in recorded history, the area was occupied by
the ancient Khmer prior to the rise of the Thai.
