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.
