Many Faces of Thailand: Kwai River

In the province of Kanchanaburi, in the north-west of Thailand, the Kwai River flows, which has a very interesting history. Its name was received because of the erroneous transcription of the Anglo-Saxons of the word "kwai". However, it quickly took root in the whole world. Not many people know that the river is not one, there are two of them, they flock together, forming Meclong: Kwae Yai and Kwae Noi.

The river Kwai gained fame all over the world, thanks to the French writer Pierre Boulou, to whom the beauty of this country made such a strong impression that he wrote the novel "Bridge over the River Kwai". The story became very popular and after a while was filmed, and tourists interested in "other" Thailand, certainly wanted to visit here.

The bridge itself was built in June 1942. The fact is that the Japanese needed a railway that would connect the Pacific and the Indian Ocean. One of the most difficult obstacles was Kwai. Therefore, many prisoners of war and workers from different countries were brought here who started building the road of Death. Epidemic, heat, humidity, fast current and wild animals - that's what the builders had to face. However, after 17 months the road was completed. During this time, thousands of people died, they are reminded of a memorial plaque set near the bridge. Moreover, every year the "Bridge Week" takes place in this country in honor of the memory of the dead. The main culminating event is the staging of his bombing.

According to tourists who visited Thailand, one of the most unforgettable events are excursions, where you can learn more about local nature and make a trip through such a mysterious reservoir as the river Kwai. Reviews tell us that the main means of transportation of residents living in the province on the river bank are long-tailed boats. Residents are sure that in every vehicle lives the spirit of a woman who is behind the driver and protects him from various incidents. In order to appease this woman, the boats are decorated with various flowers, incense.

During the journey by boat, the river Kwai opens in a completely different way. The excursion most often includes visiting thermal springs and rafting on rafts, riding elephants through the jungle and visiting waterfalls. Of course, travel agencies offer several rafting along the river: a conventional / motor boat, a bamboo raft or independently in life jackets. As part of the tour, you can visit the Royal Teak Factory. There are a lot of carved furniture, panels and miniature handmade figurines. You can visit the temple of the cave of Tigris, which is on the mountain. In order to get into it, you need to overcome 150 steps and make a wish, stepping on each. You can visit the reserve and feed curious monkeys. If you want to see the waterfall, you will need to climb the mountain. According to travelers' reviews, in this place you feel like a pioneer, because there are wild jungles, and there are practically no people. The water in the waterfall itself is very warm, there are "kissing fish" in it, which will make you a foot massage.

As we see, Thailand is multifaceted ... On the one hand, the magnificent service of five-star hotels and a gentle turquoise sea with sandy beaches, on the other - wild jungles and small hotel complexes on the water. Having visited the river Kwai, tourists with great desire return to this part of the country in order to spend their time unforgettably.