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Bridge
On The River Kwai
 The
real name for this famous waterway is actually "Kwae"
(pronounced "Kware") and is a tributary of the Mae
Klong (Mekong).
The
river has gained international fame due the construction of
the Death Railway and the famous
"Bridge
on the River Kwai".
The curved spans of the bridge are the original sections.
Although the movie of the same name is highly inaccurate in
it's facts, there's no question the horror that the prisoners
of war had to endure during construction of two bridges.
All
over Kanchanaburi
are testements to the suffering of the labourers who were
forced to work under appaling, inhumane conditions.
An
estimated 16,000 war prisoners and over 100,000 local labourers
died between 1942-1943.
The
celebrated war cemeteries and war
museums are beautifully kept and maintained and help keep
Kanchanaburi
in the minds of historians from all over the world!
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| The
River Kwai is an important landmark in
central Thailand. Along the banks are several guesthouses,
hotels and some excellent restaurants.
The main "Travellers District" of Kanchanaburi
follows the river down from the bridge. |
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Each
year in November is the "Light
& Sound Show", which replays the
events leading to the destruction of the bridge using impressive
lasers, fireworks and sounds!
This
event brings in thousands of visitors and is quite spectacular!
River boats and floating restaurants cruise up and down the
famous old waterway offering excellent views of the show and
some superb photo opportunities!
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