The district is home to the "bridge over the River Kwai", part of World War II's Death Railway.

Neighboring are (from west clockwise) Tanintharyi Division of Myanmar, Sai Yok, Si Sawat, Bo Phloi, Tha Muang, and Dan Makham Tia of Kanchanaburi Province and Suan Phueng of Ratchaburi province.

Phu Nam Ron[3] is a transnational cross-border point at the western end of the district.

It is expected to gain in importance if the planned Dawei deepwater port project goes ahead, along with a highway and a railway line between Bangkok and that harbor.

Missing numbers belong to tambon which now form Dan Makham Tia