Kanchanaburi Culture Travel Guide

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Thais are very traditional and religious people and in Kanchanaburi you will have the opportunity to experience first hand some of the most remarkable dances of the region. The Mon songs and dances are a treasure, make a point during your visit to see one. [more]

No matter where you come from I am sure you have heard of the delicious Thai food. The culinary art in Thailand not only pleases the palate by your eyes. Dishes are prepared in a perfect balance of sweet and sour tastes and artistic rendition. One interesting fact is that Thailand is the only oriental country that eats food with a spoon and soup with chopsticks!

Thai dishes can be categorized into central Thai food (around Bangkok), northern Thai food (from the northern region around Chiang Mai, with Burmese and Chinese influence), northeastern Thai food (from the Isaan region bordering with Laos) and southern Thai food (with heavy influences from Malaysia).

Out in the countryside many villages distil their own moonshine (laew theuan), which is strictly speaking illegal, but nobody seems to mind very much. Especially when hilltribe trekking in the North you're likely to be invited to sample some, and it's polite to at least take a sip.

Typical foods of the region are the Coconut Jelly and preserved mango. The coconut jelly is refreshing, exotic and served chilled. Preserved mango is prepared by housewives all over Kanchanaburi, and is very popular among locals.

Wunsen Tha Ruea (Glass Noodle)

Thais are great noodle eaters and in Kanchanaburi the specialty are noodles made from mung beans (wun sen) known as glass noodles. You can find many outlets serving them in Saen Chuto Road.

Kanchanaburi Festivals

River Kwai Bridge Week

This is the most famous festival of all in Kanchanaburi. Usually takes place in late November or early December. A reenactment of a second world wide raid with light and sound show is impressive. Highlights are cultural performances, dances, fire works, carnival and train rides with hauled by vintage locomotives. Kanchanaburi explodes in activity and gala!

Loi Krathong

Is celebrated on the full moon night of the twelve lunar month every year, usually in the month of November. People all around Thailand prepare floats elaborated with banana leaves beautifully decorated with colorful flowers, fruits, incense sticks and candles. Couples launch their floats into the river hoping for a long sail, which is an omen of ever lasting love. Kanchanaburi bursts in activity for three days in which music, food, beauty pageant, fireworks, parades, foods and parties are endless. This festival has deep religious and traditional importance for all Thais. The kratong is also seen as an offering to the goddess of the water, Buddhist see it as a tribute to Buddha and homage to ones ancestors. All are welcome to participate, particularly beautiful is the Miss Noppamas Contest and the Khon Drama Show all taking place at the banks of the River Kwai. For more information you can contact the Kanchanaburi Education Division Municipal Office telephone 66 3451 2502 and 66 3451 1325.

To get an idea on how memorable the celebration is go to www.loikrathong.net

Songkran

This is the water festival and in Kanchanaburi everybody gets wet! Kanchanaburi is famous for this national celebration of the New Year, traditionally held in April. For days people throw water at each other!