Renata KowalskaKanchanaburi’s history is as wild as its western locale. Located in the far west of Thailand, Kanchanaburi Province is home to Ton Sai and Pha Taem National Parks. These parks are home to an abundance of wildlife, many endangered species that can be found here. The forests of this part of Thailand also have an interesting history. During World War II, the Japanese built a network of military installations in the area, including prisoner-of-war camps. Today these old camps give the province a unique look and feel. The town itself has a bit more modern history than its surroundings. It was once known as Sakhalin Town because it used to be situated on the Sakhalin Peninsula (one of Russia’s largest islands), which was named after it in 1904 by geologists researching the region. As in other parts of Thailand, land reform during the late 19th century changed some things in Kanchanaburi and sparked massive emigration from other provinces to work on rubber plantations and oil wells in this area – people nicknamed Kanchanaburi (“the end of the world”).
If you are wondering what vaccinations you should visit before traveling abroad, read about it on the Vaccines and Travel Medicine page.
On top of that if you are considering a trip abroad please think about going to a dentist. Spend your holiday travelling not in a dentist clinic.
What to do in Kanchanaburi?
On your visit to Kanchanaburi, you’ll want to see the sights and immerse yourself in the culture. Luckily, the province offers visitors a range of activities worth exploring. Ton Sai and Pha Taem Two of Thailand’s national parks are located in Kanchanaburi. These parks are home to a range of wildlife including elephants, wild buffalo and tigers. While both parks accommodate visits from February to December, the best time to visit is from October to February. This is the dry season, when the parks are less crowded and you’ll have the best chance of spotting wildlife. Visit the Boar’s Head Shrine – This shrine is located near the Ton Sai National Park visitor centre. The shrine depicts the story of a man who was possessed by a spirit called Boar. After his death, the man’s wife built this shrine to show her devotion to her late husband. Offerings to the shrine include orange flowers, flowers that grow well in the area.
If you are thinking about going abroad consider visiting a dentist before! Healthy teeth will help you avoid many bad situations.
Two national parks in Kanchanaburi
Ton Sai National Park Ton Sai National Park is considered by conservationists to be one of the best parks in Thailand. The park, which is located near the town of Tha Ton Sai, contains the remains of a World War II Japanese airbase. It is also home to the Ton Sai Dam, constructed in the 1950s to help conserve water for agricultural use. The park is open year-round and is a popular destination for nature lovers. You can get general park maps at the visitor centre, where you can also rent bicycles for exploring the area. Pha Taem National Park Pha Taem National Park is another highly-prized national park. It is home to the rare Irrawaddy dolphin and the endangered orange-headed gibbon. The park is open year-round and can be visited by boat. Visitors can explore the park by boat, by foot or by hiring a private guide. The park is the largest in Kanchanaburi Province and contains a range of attractions.
If you are wondering what vaccinations you should visit before traveling abroad, read about it on the Vaccines and Travel Medicine page.
Where to stay in Kanchanaburi
There are a number of hotels in Kanchanaburi, but you’ll want to stay near the town or in one of the nearby villages. Near the town – If you want something convenient, try the Royal City Hotel, which is located in Kanchanaburi and is 3 kilometres from the train station. If you want something a bit more luxurious, try the Saravan Resort & SPA, which is also near the train station. The resort is located on a private island, and guests can enjoy the Egyptian-style spas, pools, restaurants and bars.
Before traveling, remember to vaccinate. You will perform them in the travel medicine clinic.
