Kanchanaburi

Two rivers, the Khwae Noi and the Khwae Yai, flow down from the western ranges and meet at Kanchanaburi town to form the Mae Klong. Limestone hills rise across the province, many with caves that monks have used for meditation for generations.

Much of the land is protected forest. Erawan, Sai Yok and Khuean Srinagarindra national parks, and the Thung Yai Naresuan wildlife sanctuary further north, shelter some of the largest wild areas left in mainland Southeast Asia.

The quiet forests and caves of Kanchanaburi have long drawn monks who follow the Thai forest tradition. Temples range from busy hilltop shrines to simple hermitages where monks live among the trees.

The Dharma Meditation Center sits in Kaeng Sian subdistrict, close to Kanchanaburi town, so retreatants can reach it easily while still practising in a forest setting.

During the Second World War, the Japanese army forced Allied prisoners of war and hundreds of thousands of Asian labourers to build a railway from Thailand to Burma. Tens of thousands died. The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and the Thailand–Burma Railway Centre in town honour those who lost their lives.

Many visitors find that a quiet visit to these memorials sits naturally alongside reflection on impermanence and compassion.

For directions and what to bring, see Visit the center.