KANCHANABURI,
which has mostly mountainous terrain, covers an area of approximately
19,473 square kilometers and is the third largest province in
Thailand after Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima . Situated approximately
129 kilometers west of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi shares a border with
Myanmar to the west, Tak and Utai Thani Provinces to the north,
Suphan Buri and Nakhon Patom Provininces to the east,and Ratchaburi
Province to the south. In north and west Kanchanaburi, the terrain
is comprised mainly of mountains and high plains, with the Thanon
Thongchai Range acting as a natural border between Thailand and
Myanmar.The range is the source of Kanchanaburi’s two most
important rivers Maenam Khwae Noi and Maenam Khwae Yai, which
form the famous Maenam Mae Klong.As a result, several of Thailand’
s largest Namtok (waterfalls)and most extensive wildlife sanctuaries
are found in this area. The magnificent landscape and charming
beauty of Kanchanaburi have resulted in major tourist attractions
including several well – known waterfalls, and caves which
ware once inhabited by Neolithic man, pristine national parks,
tranquil rivers. Virgin forests, and reservoir. Together, they
offer an intriguing experience for first-time or repeat visitors
.Whether its fishing, rafting, canoeing, mountain biking, bird-watching,
star-gazing, golfing, elephant and jungle trekking, or even living
in bamboo rafts, Kanchanaburi takes pride in offering them all.
The city of Kanchanaburi is located at the point where two tributaries,
the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai meet and form the Maenam Mae Klong.
This is the location of the notorious Death Railway and the Bridge
on the River Khwae one of the worlds Famous World War II sites
which have been immortalized in print and film. In economic terms,
Kanchanaburi has been doing well on national scale, with over
10 per cent growth annually. Important industries include sugar,
agricultural products and jewelry. Tourism is also a main source
of income for the locals the provinces high tourism potential
has made Kanchanaburi number one among the west provinces in having
the highest number of visitors each year.
