Kanchanaburi Hotels from Rs747

Two rivers named Kwai Yai and Kwai Noi intersect near the city of Kanchanaburi, which is also the capital of a province in western Thailand.The Bridge over the River Kwai is Kanchanaburi's most famous landmark, but the city also serves as a gateway to the surrounding River Kwai valleys. Many of Thailand's most beautiful waterfalls, including Erawan and Sai Yok Noi, cascade next to these stunning mountains and caves.

Thousands of prisoners of war and enslaved Asian workers died during the construction of the Bridge over the River Kwai, best known for its role on the notorious WWII Death Railway to Burma. Today, the bridge is a busy, but far more peaceful, pedestrian and railway thoroughfare. Many of the people who lost their lives during the bridge's construction are now buried in the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.

Next door to the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery is the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, the city's best place to learn more about Bridge over the River Kwai and WWII history. At least an hour should be set aside to see the video and interactive displays about the bridge's construction and the brutal conditions endured by those who built it.

Another must-see attraction near Kanchanaburi is Erawan National Park, named after what may be Thailand's most stunning waterfalls. It takes at least a couple of hours to hike all seven levels of Erawan Falls. Each level is generally more challenging than the last, but hikers can take relaxing swimming breaks at all seven. Another nearby national park, Tham Than Lot, is best known for its large number of elephant camps.

The main road close to the bus station, the evening market near the rail station, and River Kwai Road are the easiest places to find cheap street food in Kanchanaburi. However, the city's most unique dining experiences may be the Bridge of the River Kwai floating restaurants where the view is often more outstanding than the cheap meals. Most Kanchanaburi bars are situated near the Mae Nam Kwai Road guest houses. Pubs owned by English-speaking expats and karaoke bars are the two most common types of places to have some drinks.

Kanchanaburi's two busiest markets are the River Kwai Park Market, where most vendors sell jewellery or tourist souvenirs, and the night market in front of the Saeng Chuto Road. The cheap items sold at the night market are especially popular with locals. The large three-floor shopping centre located behind the night food market is called Kanokam.