Kanchanaburi, Thailand- Home of the Bridge on the River Kwai
Our early exit from India left us with plenty of extra time to explore central Thailand, so we decided to make a run to Kanchanaburi. It’s a pretty typical mid-sized Thai town in most respects, with the usual dingy local chaos, fringed by the tourist drag of bars, restaurants and guesthouses. Kanchanaburi is most famous as the home of the Bridge on the River Kwai, part of the infamous “Death Railway” built by allied POW’s held by the Japanese during WWII. The town’s tourist attractions feature on the somber side accordingly, but that said, they were very interesting and worthwhile. We visited a cemetery for (predominantly) British and Dutch servicemen, the land for which was donated by the Thai people in tribute to their service. 
We also visited the adjacent Chinese cemetery, which was a unique and equally moving experience. 
Kanchanaburi also features a death railway museum, which we unfortunately couldn’t seem to catch during business hours. We stayed at a guesthouse right on the river, with a decent view of the infamous bridge. We were a little rattled by the creepy-crawlies also vacationing in our rooms. The first night we could hear rats in the ceiling, and after a room change the second night, Julia was delighted…wait, no…appalled at the very large roaches that occasionally appeared in our bathroom. Not that I’m unflappable when it comes to giant bugs, but I save most of my hysterics for snakes. Buggy or not, we enjoyed the small town atmosphere and daily deluges while in Kanchanaburi. 
We dedicated most of one of our days in Kanchanaburi to a visit to Erewan Falls, an amazing national park featuring a seven-tiered waterfall.
I didn’t take the image above! We wanted to swim in the waterfall pools without worrying about the camera being stolen. Before you think we’re paranoid or mistrustful of the wonderful Thai people, I should clarify- the park is inhabited by naughty monkeys. So now who’s the jerk? Anyway, we had a great time, and even slipped into one of the pools long enough to be completely freaked out by the fish taste-testing our toes. It was a fun day, and I’d recommend a trip to the falls next time you’re in Kanchanaburi. Next stop: Ayutthaya
October 25th, 2009 at 11:07 am
I have never seen waterfalls like those in the picture of Kanchanaburi. Naughty monkeys and toe sucking fish aside, it is absolutely incredible. Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, “that really sucks” -eh?. Seriously, I have never seen a man made sight that can match what nature creates. Brian causually mentioned the rats and giant roaches and I had to laugh, because I think it would have been an entirely different entry had Julia written about it.
You guys really make my day!!
Love you both,
Mama D
October 25th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
I decided to read this entry first since it figures chronologically. Most impressed by the picture you got of the river…it reminded me of a particular scene in the movie about the building of the bridge by the POWs. The Chinese cemetery also looks very humbling.
October 26th, 2009 at 8:49 am
…told grammie Barb and Bob to check out this posting, as Bob, no doubt has been there during his time in the service. I think of you guys often and love going through the site from the beginning, as it makes me feel closer to where ever you are.
October 31st, 2009 at 7:46 pm
darliin, how well I remember the movie about the bridge. It was a terrible time, and its nice to know there is such a special memorial. How interesting for you to see it after all the years Grammie Barb
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Oh gosh no, fish sucking on toes!! I cannot stand to think of something so horrible in such a wonderful place!!!
January 8th, 2012 at 2:20 am
I’ve been to Kanchanaburi several times. The cemeteries at K’buri & nearby Chung Kai always upset me (I was in WW2). Meeting up in 2010 with the chap who founded the Death Railway Museum (adjacent K’buri cemetery) was fantastic. He REALLY knows just about everything there is to know. He showed my son (ex-RAF) and me some of the particular graves and their reasons. Gerald Searle cartoonist & ‘Girls of St.Trinians’ and who d. 2011 was also a prisoner on the Death Railway. His cartoons – drawn whilst a prisoner – show the reality. The movie Bridge on River Kwai is fabulous entertainment – but NO WAY even a vague semblance to the reality of the hell these brave men endured. I love Thailand and my lovely Thai wife and I live in an Ahka village near Mae Chan.
February 2nd, 2012 at 10:15 am
Hi Robin-
Thanks for your comment. It’s very interesting to hear the point of view of someone who served in WWII. I’d love to meet you next time I’m in Thailand!
-Brian