122km NW of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is notorious for the 'death railway bridge' constructed during the 2nd World War, by Asian forced laborers and Prisoners-of-war.
Kanchanaburi is in an area of great natural beauty. There are several national parks in the area and many opportunities for hiking and water-based activities.

The riverside has been developed in a resort like way, there are many boat-restaurants, guesthouses and discos. It can be very noisy at night.