Nature and Sport in Kanchanaburi : River Kwai

The River Kwai is the main river of Thailand. It is also known as the Khwae Noi or Khwae Sai Yok. It originates from the conflux of the Songkalia, Ranto and Bikhil rivers.

It merges with the Mae Klong river to form the Khwae Yai River which then goes into the Gulf of Thailand.

The river is mainly known for the bridge constructed over it. Several Dutch, Australian and British prisoners were forced by the Japanese authorities to construct 2 parallel bridges covering the length of the river as part of Burma Railways.

However, many lives were lost during the construction phase and it has since become famous as ‘Death Bridge’. Recently, a hydroelectric dam, called Vajiralongkorn Dam has also been built over the river.

Several short longboat tours are offered for the visitors to cruise on the river and a one-day tour is also on offer which covers all the attraction on the banks of the river.