Kanchanaburi Sights
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The JEATH WAR Museum (08:30-18:00,B30, no photographs), whose name denoted the countries involved – Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand and Holland – can be found by the river, at the end of Wisuttharangsi Road. The museum, which holds an interesting and harrowing display of prisoners working on the railway, was established in 1977 by the monks of Wat Chanasong Khram.
The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (Don Rak) (Saengchuto Rd, 1-5km out of town, 0800-1700, or you can always look over the gates, walk, hire a bicycle or take a saamlor) is immaculately maintained by the Commonwealth Cemeteries Commission. Some 6982 Allied servicemen are buried here, most of whom died as prisoners of war whilst they built the Burma railway.
Situated 2km south of town, the Chungkrai (UK) War Cemetery is small, peaceful and well kept, with the graves of 1750 prisoners of war. To get there, take a boat from in front of the town gates, or go by tuk-tuk or bicycle.
Kanchanaburi’s lak muang (city pillar), encrusted in gold leaf and draped with flowers, can be seen in the middle of Lak Muang Road. Close by are the gates to Kanchanaburi town. Walk through the gates and turn right (north) for the old and most attractive part of town with wooden shops and houses.
