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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 kilometres west of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi shares a
border with Myanmar to the west, Tak and Uthai Thani Provinces
to the north, Suphan Buri and Nakhon Pathom Provinces
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, caves
which were 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 a 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 as the provinces high tourism potential
has made Kanchanaburi number one among the west provinces
in having the highest number of visitors each year.
Residents of Kanchanaburi are engaged
in agricultural activities. Most of the locals are of
Thai ancestry with notable Mon and Karen minorities. Rural
dwellers enjoy living simply and respecting nature. Moreover
folk music and dances dating back at least 500 years are
still performed today.
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