Every year in late November to early December, a week-long festival is held in Kanchanaburi to commemorate the final bombing and destruction of the infamous bridge over the River Khwae. The spectacular pyrotechnic show attracts thousands of tourists for the week, and it may be difficult finding a place to stay in Kanchanaburi.

The Bridge over the Khwae has been popularized in numerous novels and films since the end of the war. Spanning the Khwae Yai River, about 3 km north of Kanchanaburi town center, the iron bridge is part of the 'Death Railway', built by the Japanese during World War II as a supply route linking Thailand and Burma. Allied prisoners of war and Asian slave laborers built the railway through dense mosquito-infested forests and mountainous terrain. An estimated 16,000 prisoners of war and 100,000 Asian coolies perished as a result of brutal treatment, starvation, disease and exhaustion during the 16 months it took to complete the 415-km railway.

Allied bombs destroyed the original bridge in 1945. The black iron structure that stands today was built after the war and is still in use. A small train museum in front of the bridge has some of the original war-time engines on display.

In addition to the light and sound show, the festival features historical and archeological exhibitions, a carnival, folk and cultural performances and rides on vintage World War II trains.

The Bridge over the Khwae is easily reached by songthaew from the town center or by train from Kanchanaburi or Bangkok. The drive from Bangkok takes about two hours.

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