Saturday, December 1, 2012

Kanchanaburi - A Place To Visit

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By Johnston Jones


Those who choose to take a Thailand trip have a wonderful, varied country ahead of them, with many different areas and cities to check out - all different and fascinating in their very own right. Those curious about history and nature will certainly be in luck virtually everywhere they go, but to name one very rewarding destination, Kanchanaburi sticks out both for its verdant charm and its haunting past. It was right here, during the Second World War, that huge numbers of Asian and Allied prisoners of war lived and died while working to create the 'Death Railway' to Burma, under the Japanese army. The railway's tragic tradition is commemorated here, but Kanchanaburi is also a vibrant Thai town with its very own character, and the surrounding forests are superb to check out.

Around the Town

Just like numerous of the towns that can be gone to as part of a Thailand trip, Kanchanaburi is a pleasant location to spend some time checking out or just unwinding, with an easy-going atmosphere along the riverfront, and intriguing stores and markets around the main road, Thanon Saeng Chuto. Peculiar features of the town include road indicators shaped like fish - the town's symbol is a river fish - and raft-borne dining establishments on the water. Venture away from the main road to locate antique shophouses and local temples. After settling in, the town offers a great base of operations for going to the neighboring historic monuments and national parks.

The War Legacy

At the far north end of the main road is the most conveniently obtainable residue of Kanchanaburi's stressed history: the infamous River Kwai Bridge. It is still in use as a railway bridge today, although in a reconstructed form - areas of the original were ruined by Allied bombs. Crucial 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 Gallery, and the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. Further afield, the deceptively calm Hellfire Pass - which was cut through solid rock by POWs - is now a stunning jungle walk accompanied by a downplayed memorial.

Erawan National forest

For something extremely different, a trip to Erawan National Park is the perfect method to obtain far from it all and see the province's natural charm at its greatest. The emphasize of the park is its seven tiered waterfall, pale turquoise from the mineral deposits in the water, and cascading down rocks into a number of pools that are deep adequate to swim in. The Erawan Falls are frequently described as the most lovely falls to see on a Thailand trip, and thanks to their extensiveness it is possible to avoid the crowding that happens at smaller sized waterfalls by venturing further up. A peaceful afternoon can be invested here prior to returning to town.




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