Old Kanchanaburi Town

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00

 

Old Kanchanaburi Town is an important historical site located in Lat Ya Subdistrict, Kanchanaburi Province. This area once served as a western frontier town of the Siamese Kingdom, playing a crucial role in blocking military advances by Burmese forces that entered through the Three Pagodas Pass into the central plains. This strategic role continued from the early Ayutthaya period through the early Rattanakosin period, approximately between 1548 and 1785.

 

The selection of Lat Ya as the location of Old Kanchanaburi Town reflects careful strategic consideration. The area lies close to natural routes from the western frontier, which were the primary military paths used by Burmese armies. It also allowed effective control of transportation routes connecting the Mae Klong River basin with the inner regions of Siam. As a result, this frontier town functioned as an outer defensive shield, delaying enemy forces before they could penetrate the heart of the kingdom.

 

Archaeological evidence indicates that Old Kanchanaburi Town was designed as a fortified settlement with a rectangular layout measuring approximately 168 x 355 meters. The town was enclosed by earthen walls constructed to support defensive operations and maintain internal control. Fortifications were positioned at all four corners of the town, serving as observation points and defensive bases in the event of an attack. These structures reflect the military knowledge and urban planning skills of Siam during a period when border warfare posed a significant threat.

 

In addition to its military role, Old Kanchanaburi Town was also a residential community in the past, surrounded by several temples and religious sites. Wat Khun Phaen, Wat Mae Mai, Wat Pa Lelai, and Wat Nang Phim stand as evidence of the close relationship between religion, community life, and governance. These temples were not only places of worship but also served as spiritual centers, shelters, and focal points for social cohesion among residents and soldiers stationed in this frontier town.

 

As time progressed into the early Rattanakosin period, political and military circumstances began to change. The necessity of maintaining Old Kanchanaburi Town as a frontline military base declined. Combined with evolving transportation and economic factors, the administrative center was relocated to Pak Phraek, the site of present-day Kanchanaburi town. Consequently, Old Kanchanaburi Town gradually lost its significance and eventually became abandoned.

 

Although it no longer serves as a central settlement, traces of Old Kanchanaburi Town remain visible today, including sections of earthen walls, the original town layout, and surrounding temple areas. These remnants constitute valuable historical evidence, allowing visitors and researchers to visualize the former frontier town that once played a vital role in safeguarding the nation.

 

Getting There Visitors can travel from Kanchanaburi town by taking Highway No. 323, then turning onto Highway No. 3199 and continuing to the 2–3 kilometer marker, where the Old Kanchanaburi Town archaeological site is located. Traveling by private car is the most convenient option, with an approximate travel time of 20–30 minutes from the town center.

 

 

A: It served as a crucial frontier town that helped defend Siam against western invasions by Burmese forces.

 

A: It played an active role from the early Ayutthaya period through the early Rattanakosin era.

 

A: Visitors can still see sections of earthen walls, the ancient town layout, and surrounding temple areas.

 

A: The site is ideal for historical tourism, educational visits, and learning about frontier towns.

 

A: Approximately 1–2 hours are sufficient to explore the area and study the ancient town layout.