Kanchanaburi

Thailand's third largest province, Kanchanaburi covers some 19,473 square and oftentimes mountainous kilometres, and borders Myanmar (Burma) to the west of Bangkok. The compact provincial capital, some 130 kilometres, and a comfortable two-hour drive from Bangkok, is both the site of the world-famous Bridge Over The River Kwae , immortalised in books and movies, and gateway to a region of rugged natural beauty. Countryside beyond the provincial capital is characterised by mountains and fertile river valleys (the Kwae Yai and Kwae Noi) which have inspired the development of hydro-electric power, and where labyrinthine dam reservoirs provide further scenic elements to the province's natural beauty.

Attractions:
Internationally famous The Bridge over the River Kwai was constructed by the Allied prisoners of war (POWs) and supervised by the Japanese army during WWII. The bridge was a section of the ‘Death Railway' intended to link Thailand with Myanmar. Many Allied soldiers died due to the harsh conditions. The railway was never fully completed but is still in use today.

Around town, there are many institutes erected to honor those who perished during the construction of the infamous bridge. The War Museum is located near the River Kwai Bridge and displays the collection of weapons, tools and utensils used by the Allied POWs and the Japanese during WWII. The JEATH War Museum , a collaboration among Japan, England, US, Australia, Thailand and Holland, resembles an Allied POW camp. The thatched huts contain bamboo bunks and memorabilia from the war. The peaceful and beautifully tended Kanchanaburi War Cemetery contains the remains of nearly 7,000 POWs who perished during the construction of the ‘Death Railway'. The Chong Kai War Cemetery is located on the bank of the Kwai Noi River at the site of the former war camp. It is more peaceful, has a more scenic view and contains the tombstones of nearly 2,000 POWs.

The 7-tiered Erawan Waterfall , dropping through a series of cascades and shady rock pools, is regarded as one of Thailand's loveliest falls. It is located within the lush forest of the Erawan National Park , the nearest park to the provincial capital. A pleasant, but strenuous 2-km hiking trail ascending beside the falls provides a challenging activity. A large limestone cavern, Tham Wang Badan, is situated on the west side of the park and contains many colourful stalactites and stalagmites. Camping facilities and trekking trails makes it easier to appreciate the local flora and fauna.

Sai Yok was the site of a large Japanese army barracks and POW labour camp during WWII. Nowadays, the Sai Yok National Park is renowned for its tranquil river scenery and impressive falls. The most popular attraction is Sai Yok Yai Waterfall where the water tumbles directly into the Kwai Noi River. The Sai Yok Noi Waterfall is closer and can be reached by train from town. Simple park bungalows and houseboats are available for accommodations.

The Lawa Cave and Daowadung Cave are both situated beside the Kwai Noi River, accessible only by boat. The dark caves offer an exciting adventure and house numerous beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the world's smallest mammals, the 3-cm long bats.

Discovered by a Japanese soldier during WWII, the Hin Dat Hot Spring is a pond for bathing beside a stream. It is near the entrance of the Pha Tat Waterfall , a huge fall easily accessible by all, located north of the provincial town.

The Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park in Sai Yok District north of town is an ancient site on the banks of the Kwai Noi River. The main structure, the Khmer Prasat Muang Sing (Tower of the City of Lions) is believed to be the westernmost outpost of the Angkor-cantered Khmer Empire. Temple carvings, religious statues and other artefacts indicate the city flourished during the 12 th -14 th centuries.

The main attraction of the isolated trading town of Sangkhla Buri is its serene lakeside location on the Thai-Myanmar border. The town is populated by Thais and Mon and Karen tribe people. The northern shore is dominated by the unusual chedis of Wat Wanwiwekaram. The daily market besides the temple sells interesting goods from Myanmar, Indonesia and other places early every morning. Slightly north of town is the infamous Three Pagoda Pass with 3 whitewashed chedis sitting right on the Myanmar border. During WWII, the Burma-Siam Railway passed through here. Nowadays, it exists as a trading and smuggling route between the Indian Ocean and mainland Southeast Asia. Visitors can usually obtain a one-day visa to visit the neighbouring Burmese town.

Within town, the 2 adjacent temples of Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave) and Wat Tham Khao Noi (Small Hill) house very beautiful Thai and Chinese style buildings and a huge Buddha image situated on the mount. Further upriver, Wat Tham Khao Pun overlooks the river and the Burma-Siam Railway. Within the temple grounds is a network of narrow passages that leads to a brightly lit cave system filled with Buddha images.

The beautiful and isolated Chalerm Rattanakosin National Park is one of the nation's smallest parks. The main trail runs beside a stream which passes through the cavern Tham Than Lot Noi and emerges in a thickly forested, steeply sloped ravine. The path continues for 2,500 m, climbing steeply beside the Trai Trung Falls to another cavern, Tham Than Lot Yai , which contains a small Buddhist shrine.

City Attractions:
Major tourism attractions within the provincial capital are inextricably connected with the Second World War years of 1942 through 1945 when the Imperial Japanese army occupied Thailand.

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (Don Rak) The immaculately maintained Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, opposite the main railway station on Saeng Chuto Road, contains the remains of 6,982 Allied POWs who perished during the construction of the ‘Death Railway'. An estimated 12,339 Allied POWs, and between 70,000 and 90,000 forced Asian labourers, including many Thais, died during the construction of the ‘Death Railway' and the bridge over the River Kwae. It is believed that one out of every five people who laboured on the railway perished during its construction.

Kanchanaburi Town Gate This is the remain of Kanchanaburi town built in 1831 during the reign of King Rama III. It is located on Lak Mueang Road near the meeting point of the Kwae Yai and Kwae Noi Rivers. Chong Kai War Cemetery A second cemetery, on the former site of riverbank Chong Kai POW Camp, contains some 1,740 remains in an equally immaculate and exceptionally tranquil and verdant setting.
Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park Situated in Kanchanaburi's Agricultural College at Tambon Nong Ya, 9 kilometres from town, it is also known as "the Stone Garden” which abounds with stones of different sizes and shapes.

Wat Tham Mangkon Thong Situated 5 kilometres from town, the temple is well known for the incredible performance of the nun floating in a deep pool. There is a small museum where a variety of ancient objects found in the area are on display.

Visitors can take a Kanchanaburi - Dan Makham Tia bus and get off at the temple.

Wat Tham Phu Wa The monastery in natural surroundings, famous for meditation, is 15 kilometres away from the provincial capital. There is a beautiful cave with plenty of stalactites.

Ancient Town of Kanchanaburi Located at Tambon Lat Ya, 18 kilometres away from the provincial capital, this ancient border town involved in battles between the Thai and the Burmese during the Ayutthaya period to the early Bangkok period. Several ruins are found in Wat Pa Lelai, Wat Khun Phaen, Wat Mae Mai and Wat Nang Phim.

The Nine-Army Battle Historical Park Located at Tambon Chong Sadao, some 40 kilometres from town on Highway No. 3199, the Nine-Army Battle Historical Park was initiated by the Royal Thai Army to commemorate the great battle under the command of King Rama I, in defence of the kingdom against the aggression of King Bodawpaya of Burma in 1795. The Historical Study Building houses historical data involving this great battle, a sand table displaying battlefields and dioramas showing the battle strategy. It is open daily from 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m. Call 0-3458- 9233-5 ext. 1122 for more information.

Kanchanaburi Cultural Centre The collection centre of human life styles from the past till the present is displayed at the Rajabhat Institute of Kanchanaburi, 14 kilometres out of town on the route to Sai Yok. It is open daily from 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m.

Ban Kao National Museum Some 35 kilometres from Kanchanaburi and overlooking the Kwae Noi river, the petite Ban Kao National Museum was constructed beside a Neolithic burial site discovered by an Allied POW during the construction of the ‘Death Railway'. Some 4,000 years ago, Neolithic man lived, roamed and hunted beside the Kwae rivers, sheltering beneath rock overhangs or in nearby caves. The Ban Kao museum houses skeletal remains, pots, axe heads, jewellery made from animal bones, and other artefacts dating from that period.

It is open Wednesday-Friday except public holidays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is 30 baht. Call 0-3465-4058 for more information.

Sai Yok attractions:
The Sai Yok District is 60 kilometres north of the provincial capital. Its landscape, generally rich in forests and mountains, is dotted with many natural attractions and historical places. Sai Yok Noi Waterfall Also known as Khao Phang Waterfall, 60 kilometres from town via Highway No. 323, this roadside cascade is best visited between July and September, when water is most plentiful.

Getting There – Non air-conditioned buses leave Kanchanaburi Bus Station every 30 minutes from 6 a.m.-6.30 p.m. to Sai Yok Noi Waterfall. The journey takes 2 hours and costs 25 baht.

Alternatively, visitors can take a train from Kanchanaburi to Namtok Station and continue on foot or by local transport to the waterfall, which is 2 kilometres away. Trains depart from Kanchanaburi at 6.11 a.m., 11 a.m. and 4.37 p.m. and return from Namtok Station at 5.25 a.m. 1 p.m. and 3.15 p.m. The one-way rail trip takes about 2 ½ hours and costs 17 baht. (Please check a current schedule from TAT Kanchanaburi or the railway station before departure.)

Prasat Mueang Sing Historical Park Historical associations can savoured at the Prasat Mueang Sing Historical Park 43 kilometres outside the provincial capital or 6 kilometres away from Ban Kao National Museum. The ancient site is located on a steep bank of the Kwae Noi River where the waterway narrows and becomes fast flowing. The 800-year-old city ruins are of considerable archaeological interest. The principal structure, the Khmer Prasat Mueang Sing (Tower of the City of Lions) is believed to have been the westernmost outpost of the Angkor-centred Khmer empire. Skeletal remains dating back some 2,000 years have been unearthed, and artefacts, including temple carvings, religious statuary, implements and pottery shards indicate the once-thriving city must have been inhabited from approximately the 12th to 14th centuries A.D.

The historical park is open daily from 9 a.m.-4.30 p.m. Admission fee is 40 baht. Call 0-3459-1122 or 0-3459-1334 for further information.

Getting There – Visitors can take a train from Kanchanaburi to Tha Kilen Railway Station and continue on foot or by local transport to Prasat Mueang Sing, 1.5 kilometres away. Trains depart from Kanchanaburi Railway Station every day at 6.11 a.m. (arriving at Tha Kilen at 7.28 a.m.), 11 p.m. (arriving at 11.59 a.m.) and 4.37 p.m. (arriving at 5.42 p.m.). On return to Kanchanaburi, trains departs from Tha Kilen Station at 6.22 a.m., 1.51 p.m. and 4.31 p.m.

Krasae Cave Located some 55 kilometres from Kanchanaburi, beside the surviving remnant of the ‘Death Railway', overlooking the Kwae Noi river near Wang Pho Railway Station, this cavern contains sacred Buddha images. It can be visited on foot by walking less than 100 metres along the railway track from Wang Pho Railway Station.

Hell Fire Pass Memorial Museum The Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, opened on April 24, 1998, by the Australian Prime Minister, Mr. John Howard, and some 80 kilometres north of the provincial capital on Highway No.323, powerfully evokes the period when the ‘Death Railway” was constructed. A masterful display of contemporary photographs, maps, models, illustrations and physical memorabilia from the period is complemented by a moving 7-minute audio-visual presentation.

A 4-kilometre Walking Trail permits visitors to descend to the Hellfire Pass, and then explore the ‘Death Railway' railed in the area. Hellfire Pass was so named because of punishing night work when flickering bonfires illuminated emaciated POWS. The cutting is some 500 metres long, and 26 metres deep. It was completed within six weeks during 1943 by Australian POWs employing hand drills, picks and shovels, baskets and dynamite.

The museum is open daily from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Lawa Cave Located 75 kilometres from Kanchanaburi and 50 metres from the bank of the Kwae Noi river, this large cave can be visited either by boat and by car. Chartered boats are available at the Pak Saeng Pier (southwest of Namtok Railway Station), the trip takes 45 minutes and costs 800-1,000 baht per boat (loading 8-10 people). Visitors travelling by road can cross the bridge at Ban Kaeng Raboet and continue by foot. The cave contains beautiful stalactites and stalagmites in several chambers.

Sai Yok National Park This 300-square-kilometre park contains several interesting caves and the enduringly popular Sai Yok Yai Waterfall, which flows directly into the Kwae Noi River. The idyllic beauty of the waterfall has been repeatedly celebrated in Thai poetry and song. The Daowadueng Cave, which also entails a river trip and 1-kilometre walk for visits, is an even more popular cave.

Sai Yok's deciduous forests, including majestic teak trees, host small mammals such as squirrels, bats and deer, and numerous bird species, including wreathed hornbills and blue winged pitas. The park enjoys a maximum elevation of 1,307 metres, and is home to what is probably the smallest mammal in the world, the two-gram Kitti's Hog-nosed Bat , which was first discovered in 1973 by a Thai naturalist.
The park is 104 kilometres from Kanchanaburi via Highway No. 323 and can also be reached by chartered boat from the Pak Saeng Pier. The park is popular during weekends, but enjoys more somnolent ambience during weekdays. Bungalow accommodation, river rafts and camping facilities, and a daytime food market are available.

Bo Phloi attraction:
Kanchanaburi Safari Park The Safari Park, 40 kilometres from town along the Kanchanaburi-Bo Phloi route, is dominated by a man-made hill adorned with decorative pavilions. The enclave hosts numerous African and Asian mammals, including giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers and bears in carefully landscaped environs. The park adds another dimension to any excursion to Bo Phloi.

Thong Pha Phum attractions:
Thong Pha Phum is 159 kilometres north of the provincial capital. Besides limestone waterfalls which are the major attractions in the area, an overnight stay in comfortable resorts or raft-houses also offers a relaxing holiday for visitors.

Kroeng Krawia Waterfall This roadside waterfall, 32 kilometres north of Thong Pha Phum, is often visited by passers-by. The water cascades down a limestone rock face under shady trees. It is most beautiful during the rainy season.

Vajiralongkorn or Khao Laem Dam This hydro-electric dam is situated on the Kwae Noi River, 6 kilometres north of Thong Pha Phum or 165 kilometres north of Kanchanaburi. The dam, 1,019 metres long and 92 metres high, forms a scenic reservoir extending to the north towards Sangkhla Buri District. Several resorts in the form of raft houses offer opportunities for boat rides and fishing.

San gkhla Buri attractions:
Sangkhla Buri is a predominantly mountainous and northern district of Kanchanaburi which borders Myanmar (Burma). The 224-kilometre road journey from Kanchanaburi's provincial capital, particularly the final 70 kilometres to Sangkhla Buri district town, largely edges the picturesque Vajiralongkorn Dam reservoir, and climbs through forested mountains, offering exhilarating views of broad mountain valleys before finally descending down into the settlement which edges the reservoir's northern extremities.
The settlement contains several guesthouses and resorts, and serves largely as a dormitory for visitors making excursions into adjacent countryside. Sangkhla Buri is also the embarkation point for eco-tourism trips entailing boat rides, forest treks by elephants, and travelling by bamboo raft through picturesque riverine scenery.

Getting There – Sangkhla Buri is served by a daily VIP bus service originating at Kanchanaburi Bus Station which departs at 9.30 a.m., 1.30 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. On return, the VIP buses depart from Sangkhla Buri at 8.45 a.m., 10.45 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. The one-way fare is 151 baht. Air-conditioned vans make the same trip, departure times from Kanchanaburi are 7.30 a.m. 11.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. and departure times from Sangkhla Buri are 6.30 a.m., 7.30 a.m., 11.30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. The one-way fare is 118 baht. (Please check a current schedule at TAT Kanchanaburi before departure.)

Mon Bridge Another name is "Uttamanuson Bridge”. Linking Sangkhla Buri and Mon villages, the 850-metre-long wooden bridge across the Songkaria River is a famous viewpoint overlooking the merging point of the three rivers, Songkaria, Bikhli and Ranti.

Dai Chong Thong Waterfall Travel 1 kilometres along an access road off the Thong Pha Phum-Sangkhla Buri Road at Km.32-33 and 600 metres on foot. This is rather a large waterfall which cascades down towards Vajiralongkorn Dam.

Hin Dat Hot Spring The riverside hot spring with a pond for bathing is situated 2 kilometres off Highway No. 323 (between Km.105-106). It was discovered a Japanese soldier during the Second World War.
Pha Tat Waterfall This huge waterfall in the western area of the Srinagarindra National Park is easily accessible. Visitors can travel north of Thong Pha Phum along Highway No. 323 and turn right at Km.105-106, then go on for 12 kilometres to the waterfall.

Thung Nang Khruan Waterfall The waterfall is at Tambon Chala, 19 kilometres by road from Km.26 of theThong Pha Phum-Sangkhla Buri route and 30 minutes on foot. Visitors should travel with a leader to the waterfall.

Pilok Some 70 kilometres west of Thong Pha Phum on Route 3272, there was once much mining of wolfram and tin in the Tanaosi Mountain range marking the Thai-Burmese border. Nowadays, temperate fruit and decorative winter plants can be seen and bought at Pilok and the villages en route. Visitors are advised to take four-wheeled drive cars for travelling along this route. Some waterfalls await adventurous visitors to explore on foot.

Wat Wang Wiwekaram This extensive temple on the southern outskirts of Sangkhla Buri edges on Khao Laem reservoir. The complex is constructed in an unusual mix of Thai, Indian, and Burmese Buddhist architectural styles, and the abbot ‘ Luang Pho Uttama' is highly revered among local people, including tribal folk and Burmese. Three Pagodas Pass Visitors who wish to visit the rugged Thai-Burmese border can travel by road some 240 kilometres from the provincial capital to the Three Pagodas Pass in Sangkhla Buri district, site of a small border market. Entrance is permitted to the neighbouring Burmese settlement upon payment of 10 US dollars between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. The three miniature pagodas are memorials to what was the traditional invasion route favoured by Burmese soldiers during the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767 A.D.).

Takhian Thong Waterfall Travel along the route to the Three Pagodas Pass, then turn left at the junction and go on for 10 kilometres and take another 40-minute walk to the falls. Visitors are advised to use a four-wheeled drive car due to the road conditions

Si Sawat attractions:
Erawan National Park 65 kilometres from Kanchanaburi along Route 3199, this 550-square-kilometre national park is the site of the seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall, which is widely regarded as being one of Thailand's loveliest cascades. The second tier (the highest being number seven) contains a pool ideal for swimming and is particularly picturesque. The waterfall is best seen during the late rains season months of September and October, when water is most abundant. The climb to the uppermost tiers can be punishing, and should not be attempted by those who are not completely physically fit.

The park mixed deciduous forests and waterway support a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and freshwater fauna.

The park is a popular weekend and public holiday destination, but is considerably less crowded during weekdays. Bungalow accommodation and camping facilities, and a daytime food market, are available.
Getting there - Visitors may take a bus departing from the Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal to the waterfall every 50 minutes from 8 a.m.-5.20 p.m. It takes 1 ½ hours for the journey.

Srinagarindra Dam 70 kilometres from Kanchanaburi, and just 4 kilometres north of the Erawan National Park, this massive structure marks the southernmost extremity of an extensive reservoir, which is part of yet another national park.

Phra That Cave 75 kilometres from Kanchanaburi and some 8 kilometres beyond the Erawan Waterfall, this large cave is considered to be the most beautiful in the entire province. The cave is 20 metres long and can be explored within 1 hour. Visitors can contact the Erawan National Park's branch office situated near the cave to provide a guide to the cave.

Srinagarindra National Park This park covers 1,532 square kilometres and is situated 105 kilometres from Kanchanaburi. The park's relative inaccessibility necessitates a final 40-kilometre and punishing drive along a dry weather track, and negotiable only by motorcycle, pick-up trucks or 4-wheel-drive vehicles. Alternatively, the park can be accessed by a 45 to 75 minutes (depending on the vessel) boat ride from the Tha Kradan Pier. Tha Kradan is located 12 kilometres beyond the entrance to Srinagarindra Dam at Km. 44 of Highway 3199. A boat loading 10 people can be chartered at 1,500 baht.

Major park attractions include the lovely seven-tiered Huai Mae Khamin Waterfall, which is conveniently accessible by a gradually ascending ‘user-friendly' footpath originating near the park's headquarters. Boat trips on the sprawling reservoir bring their own scenic rewards, and treks through encroaching deciduous forests and bamboo groves, reveal a rich variety of butterflies and bird species.

Bungalow accommodation is available. Because no restaurants as such exist, visitors are advised to bring their own food provisions. Easy Thai dishes can be cooked by park staff.

Nong Prue attractions:
Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park 97 kilometres from Kanchanaburi, or 22 kilometres from Amphoe Nong Prue, along Route 3086. Also known as Tham Than Lot , this 54-square-kilometre park encompasses peaceful evergreen forest, waterfalls, and several caves. Several bird species can be seen, and visitors may hear (but rarely see) the barking tree frog whose croak sounds very much like a barking puppy. There is a 2.5-kilometre nature trail along the stream which forms small cascades and flows through Than Lat Yai and Than Lot Noi Caves. These two caves have very beautiful with stalactites and stalagmites. Admission fee is 200 baht. Bungalow accommodation and camping facilities are available.

Getting There – Visitors can take Kanchanaburi - Nong Prue buses which depart from the Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal every 20 minutes between 6.15 a.m.-6.30 p.m. The journey takes 2 hours and costs 28 baht. From Nong Prue, chartered vans (Song Thaeo) are available to the park for another 22 kilometres (fare according to agreement).

Tha Muang attraction:
Wat Tham Sua and Wat Tham Khao Noi Located at Tambon Muang Chum, 4 kilometres beyond Mae Klong Dam, these two adjacent temples house very beautiful Thai and Chinese style buildings and a huge Buddha image situated on the mount.

Phanom Thuan attraction:
Don Chedi Archaeological Site This is located behind Wat Thung Samo some 15 kilometres from town. The site, with the remains of a Chedi of the Ayutthaya period, was excavated by the Fine Arts Department in 1982. A hundred human skeletons, ancient swords, elephant jaw bones, and a horse riding kit were discovered.

Activities:
* National Parks
Kanchanaburi contains four major national parks, namely the Sai Yok, Erawan, Chaloem Rattanakosin and Srinagarindra national parks, which can be enjoyed year-round by botanists, ornithologists, and nature lovers alike. Each park offers bungalow accommodation, complemented by rafts and-or camp sites with cold-water and simple toilet facilities. Trekking along either well-defined waterfall trails, or nature trails, to visit cascades, caves, or to appreciate local flora and fauna, is a popular activity at each of the national parks. Three of Kanchanaburi's most picturesque waterfalls are contained within the Sai Yok, Erawan and Srinagrindra national parks.

Note: Admission to the national park is 200 baht per person. Visitors intending to make overnight stays in the national park should make reservations through the Royal Forestry Department in Bangkok (Tel: 0-2579-5734, 0-2579-7223)

* Rafting
Trips are available from the provincial capital and several holiday resorts. Raft trips leave from the famous bridge, or the Song Kwae Road waterfront area and the cost depends on the duration and destination. Trips may entail 7-10 hour return journeys, or include an overnight stay on either the Kwae Yai or Kwae Noi Rivers. Visitors are advised to contact TAT's office in Kanchanaburi for current information.

* Rail Trips
Railway enthusiasts may travel along one of Southeast Asia's most historical tracks, namely the surviving stretch of the ‘Death Railway', from the provincial capital to Namtok Railway Station near the Sai Yok Noi Waterfall. The winding track crosses the world famous bridge and provides a clear indication of how difficult constructing the original track (long since repaired and restored) must have been. One particularly exhilarating stretch sees the line parallel the curving Kwae Noi River on a wooden viaduct towering above the river and hugging a steep cave-ridden cliff.

Train Schedules & Fares: Trains depart from Kanchanaburi Railway Station every day at 6.11 a.m., 11 p.m. and 4.35 p.m. to Nam Tok Railway Station. On return, trains leave Nam Tok station at 5.25 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3.15 p.m. Travelling time is about 2 hours. The fare is 17 baht.

* Golfing
Undulating fairways and mountain backdrops characterise the terrain of most Kanchanaburi golf courses. Golfers can test their skills at eight 18-hole or 27-hole courses scattered throughout the province, and at two smaller courses operated by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand at the Srinagarindra and Vajiralongkorn (Khao Laem) dams.

Some courses are attached to resort hotels. Most have sports complexes and swimming pools, particularly important for non-playing spouses and children. Few are fully booked during weekdays, meaning that walk-ins are almost always assured that greens are available. Because of Kanchanaburi's comparative proximity to Bangkok, bookings are recommended during weekends and public holidays.