Kanchanaburi

Located in western Thailand, Kanchanaburi is the capital of the province of the same name. Built at the intersection of the Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai Rivers, the area became known as the birthplace of the Buddhist monk Phrabhavanaviriyakhun, and a number of shrines were built in grottoes near the city portraying The Buddha at different points in his life.

The town was famously portrayed in the film Bridge on the River Kwai, which showed the building of the Burma Railway and the River Kwai Bridge by forced laborers in World War II. The area, under Japanese control at the time, was the site of an allied POW camp. The Bridge over the River Kwai is the beginning of what became known as the Death Railway to Burma. The surrounding area is home to a number of museums dedicated to World War II history.

Kanchanaburi is surrounded by picturesque countryside with waterfalls, bike trails, caves, and national parks. It has recently become popular with backpackers and visitors to the country due to its relaxed ambiance. The city makes for an excellent side trip, and can be reached by rail from Bagkok's Hua Lamphong Station or by bus from the Southern Bus Terminal.