Like everywhere else in Thailand, there are plenty of events and festivals in Kanchanaburi. The two most important are:

Boat and Raft Day

Local long-boat teams race boats with great gusto at the water front of the provincial Kwai Yai River to celebrate Boat and Raft Day, generally during October.

River Kwae Bridge Week
Each year, late November and/or early December, the world famous bridge becomes the focal point of celebrations. Highlights include exhibitions and historical and archaeological displays; a carnival featuring sideshows, roundabouts, folk entertainment, and cultural performances; rides on trains hauled by World War II vintage steam locomotives; and a nightly light and sound presentation re-enacting the bridge's Second World War history, including an Allied bombing raid.