Kanchanaburi Hotels And Resorts

THE BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER KWAI

Situated just to the north of the town, this bridge was made famous by the 1951 film Bridge Over The River Kwai by - David Lean, though in fact movie portrayed a wooden bridge that was constructed earlier. Both bridges were badly damaged by Allied plane attacks in 1944 and 1945, but several arches of the metal bridge stood throughout and it was repaired after the war . The railway line was only used a few times before the Japanese surrendered, after which the British tore up part of the track, making it inoperative. These days it is possible to cross the bridge on foot or by train on the way to Namtok, about 100 km. to the northwest. Steam-train enthusiasts will be delighted to see a few World War II era machines displayed beside the bridge.

JEATH WAR MUSEUM

"JEATH " refers to the six countries involved in the building of the railway-Japan, England, America. Australia, Thailand and Holland - and this museum located to the south of the town centre next to Wat Charchumphon gives a vivid picture of the terrible conditions in which the Allied prisoners-of-war lived. The museum building is a copy of the long thatched bamboo huts that were used to house the prisoners during the war. On display are paintings, photographs and newspaper articles from the period, detailing the cruel torture methods used by the Japanese. The museum is open horn 8.30 am - 6.00 pm

WORLD WAR II MUSEUM

This museum, located just south of the bridge, contains war memorabilia in the form of bomb shells,
photos and sketches from the period, statues of important war leaders, and over 100 skeletons of Asia-, labourers found in a mass grave. In a separate building there are displays of Buddha images. The museum is open from 8.00 am - 6.00 pm

KANCHANABURI WAR CEMETERY Perhaps even mom moving than the bridge or museums are the lines of identical gravestones in the cemetery located just near the train station. The remains of almost 7,000 Allied prisoners are buried here, many of the memorial slabs are unidentified, but several give details of the soldiers, showing that the great majority were very young is held each year on Anzac Day. April 25.

WAT TRAM MANGKON THONG The main attraction of this temple located about 5 km. east of the town centre is the "Floating Nun", a Buddhist nun who regularly meditates while floating in a pond. The temple W located on a hillside, and there are caves above the temple that offer line views of the area.