Excursions and trips along the River Kwai (Khwei)

The province of Kanchanaburi in Thailand is home to two rivers, the Kwai (Kwai Yai). The first is called the Noi (Kwai Noi, "small tributary") and the second the Yai (Kwai Yai, "large tributary"). When they join together, they give rise to the larger Mekong River.

Tourist value is Kwai Yai, which until the middle of the XX century did not have a separate name and was marked on a map of Thailand as an extension of the Mekong.

The Khweyay River on the map

Historical attractions

The river valley has been inhabited by people since ancient times. However, its main attractions belong to the history of the twentieth century and are associated with the Japanese aggression in Thailand during World War II.

Having occupied the Malay Peninsula, the Japanese were faced with the need to provide food and supplies for the army. It was necessary to build a railroad in the jungle and to connect the two banks with a bridge. The construction was carried out by prisoners, among whom were not only Thais (mostly non-military), but also British, Germans, and even Americans. More than 100,000 people died on the job. This is reminded by the sights preserved since then or created to preserve the memory:

• Bridge over the Kwai;
• Railroad;
• Several well-kept cemeteries with victims of the time;
• War Museum;
• Museum center of the Thai-Burmese railroad.

Everyone knows how tragic the consequences of 1939-1945 were for Europe. Here, on the other side of the world, comes the realization that the confrontation of that time was indeed global, affecting even such secluded corners of the world as the province of Kanchanaburi in Thailand.

Every November the bridge becomes the center for the Kanchanaburi Light & Sound Show. Using lasers, fire show elements, sound and other special effects, a conceptual light and sound show is staged to symbolize the destruction of the bridge. This is how Thais pay tribute to those who passed away in those years. Thousands of people gather on this day on the River Kwai. Floating restaurants, hotels, and boats are good vantage points for the event.

The JEATH War Museum is located on the riverside inside Wat Chai Chumphon Temple. Open: 8:30-16:30. Admission costs 30 baht (0.9$).

The Railway Museum Center is located next to the military cemetery. Open for visits: 9:00-17:00. The entrance fee is 60 baht (1.8$).

Excursions

Visiting the Kwai is not only a walk on the bridge and places associated with the war, but also rafting on the river and leisurely time in floating hotels, visiting the interesting sites located in the surrounding areas.

Floating hotels and rafting

After settling in a floating hotel, you can float leisurely down the river, watching the tropical scenery on the shore. Nature reserves, orchards, waterfalls, and elephant villages will pass by. Without going ashore, you can refresh yourself in the local cuisine or book a massage.

An alternative is to speed through the river on a large raft. The conditions are less comfortable, but it is just as educational as rafting in a hotel.

Floating Market

If you travel on the river by boat, you can stop by the local market on the water, unique even for Thailand. Here they sell fruits and vegetables, clothing, souvenirs.

Saiok Yai Nature Park

Saiok Yai Reserve is home to many species of birds, animals, and butterflies of Thailand. It is considered the most beautiful park in terms of landscape. There are waterfalls where you are allowed to take water procedures.

Muang Sing Historical Park

Near Saiok Noi Falls, there is a park with two 13th-century Khmer temples. Later, during the time of King Rama I of Thailand, the area served as a fortress, protecting the Thais from invading Burmese. The defensive structures have remained in a dilapidated state until the present day.

Tiger Temple

A visit to Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua, or "Temple of the Tiger" for short, is perhaps the most unusual excursion in all of Thailand. The story began when the monks of a Buddhist monastery took under their patronage tiger cubs left without parents. The tigers grew up and gave birth to their offspring.

As a result, more than a dozen cats now live in the Temple. Monks feed them and once a day take them for a walk: animals roam freely, and visitors have the opportunity to observe them from a distance of 10 meters without any fences and barriers. It is important that these tigers are not from a zoo. They are the most real wild animals, which have grown up in contact and under the supervision of humans. As a rule, a monk brings one of the tigers up to visitors so that they can pet the big cat.

The tour is considered safe. Animals come out to visitors fed. Since 1999 there was 1 case of tiger attack: a tourist was not injured and survived. Children are not allowed to the place where the animals walk.

The temple is located in Kanchanaburi on Sai Yok Road. Open to the public from 9:00 to 16:30. You can see domesticated cats for 400 baht (12$). Donations are welcomed to keep the animals and improve their living conditions.