Those who opt to take a Thailand tour have a wonderful, diverse
country ahead of them, with many different regions and cities to explore
- all different and interesting in their own right. Those interested in
history and nature will be in luck almost everywhere they go, but to
name one highly worthwhile destination, Kanchanaburi stands out both for
its verdant beauty and its haunting past. It was here, during the
Second World War, that huge numbers of Asian and Allied prisoners of war
lived and died while working to build the 'Death Railway' to Burma,
under the Japanese army. The railway's tragic legacy is commemorated
here, but Kanchanaburi is also a colourful Thai town with its own
character, and the surrounding forests are fantastic to explore.
Around the Town
As with many of the towns that can be visited as part of a Thailand tour, Kanchanaburi is a pleasant place to spend some time exploring or just relaxing, with an easy-going atmosphere along the riverfront, and interesting shops and markets around the main road, Thanon Saeng Chuto. Quirky features of the town include street signs shaped like fish - the town's symbol is a river fish - and raft-borne restaurants on the water. Venture away from the main road to find antique shophouses and local temples. After settling in, the town provides a good base of operations for visiting the nearby historical monuments and national parks.
The War Legacy
At the far northern end of the main road is the most easily accessible remnant of Kanchanaburi's troubled history: the infamous River Kwai Bridge. It is still in use as a railway bridge today, although in a reconstructed form - sections of the original were destroyed by Allied bombs. Important sights nearby for those on a Thailand tour are the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, which offers a look into the railway's history, the JEATH War Museum, and the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. Further afield, the deceptively peaceful Hellfire Pass - which was cut through solid rock by POWs - is now a beautiful jungle walk accompanied by an understated memorial.
Erawan National Park
For something very different, an excursion to Erawan National Park is the ideal way to get away from it all and see the province's natural beauty at its best. The highlight of the park is its seven tiered waterfall, pale turquoise from the mineral deposits in the water, and cascading down rocks into several pools that are deep enough to swim in. The Erawan Falls are often described as the most beautiful falls to see on a Thailand tour, and thanks to their extensiveness it is possible to avoid the crowding that happens at smaller waterfalls by venturing further up. A relaxing afternoon can be spent here before returning to town.
Around the Town
As with many of the towns that can be visited as part of a Thailand tour, Kanchanaburi is a pleasant place to spend some time exploring or just relaxing, with an easy-going atmosphere along the riverfront, and interesting shops and markets around the main road, Thanon Saeng Chuto. Quirky features of the town include street signs shaped like fish - the town's symbol is a river fish - and raft-borne restaurants on the water. Venture away from the main road to find antique shophouses and local temples. After settling in, the town provides a good base of operations for visiting the nearby historical monuments and national parks.
The War Legacy
At the far northern end of the main road is the most easily accessible remnant of Kanchanaburi's troubled history: the infamous River Kwai Bridge. It is still in use as a railway bridge today, although in a reconstructed form - sections of the original were destroyed by Allied bombs. Important sights nearby for those on a Thailand tour are the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, which offers a look into the railway's history, the JEATH War Museum, and the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. Further afield, the deceptively peaceful Hellfire Pass - which was cut through solid rock by POWs - is now a beautiful jungle walk accompanied by an understated memorial.
Erawan National Park
For something very different, an excursion to Erawan National Park is the ideal way to get away from it all and see the province's natural beauty at its best. The highlight of the park is its seven tiered waterfall, pale turquoise from the mineral deposits in the water, and cascading down rocks into several pools that are deep enough to swim in. The Erawan Falls are often described as the most beautiful falls to see on a Thailand tour, and thanks to their extensiveness it is possible to avoid the crowding that happens at smaller waterfalls by venturing further up. A relaxing afternoon can be spent here before returning to town.
Andrew Mulvaney works for Tucan Travel, an award-winning provider of high-quality Thailand tour options and other adventure tours to more destinations in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. A Thailand tour from Tucan Travel will take you out of your comfort zone and immerse you in a thrilling, faraway land.
No comments:
Post a Comment