Kanchanaburi or better know as River Kwai is an area not only of vast beauty but significant world history. It is here that the "Bridge over River Kwai" was built by prisoners of war and the Japanese which was a major part of the Burma Railway. This railway is still in use today and you can experience a short ride for yourself. The river area is fascinating including POW camps, Japanese baths as well as local village life and culture. I have visited the 'Jeath' Museum which stands for Japanese, English, American, Thai, Holland - it is a tribute to soldiers from those countries who gave their lives during the construction of the bridge under the Japanese occupation. In addition, visit the War Memorial Cemetery where Japanese, British, Australian, American and Thai troops are all laid to rest together. The area is also well renowned for gem stones and there are many stalls and markets selling sapphires, rubies, emeralds and diamonds. My advice is that unless you are an expert in gems, exercise caution when purchasing stones and make sure you only buy from a licenced dealer. The Kanchanaburi province is a worthwhile visit for two or three nights and I recommended one of those on a Floating Jungle Raft, it is a unique experience you will never forget.

Located in the area of Nakhon Pathom, not actually River Kwai but is part of our region "Western Thailand". This unique property is located on the banks of the Ta Chine River. Of course the hotel has its own hotel style air conditioned rooms but a unique aspect of this resort is its commitment to the preservation of Thai Culture and teaching guests who want to learn and understand the concept of "Thai living". Guests can experience first-hand the old world charms of rural Thai lifestyle, customs and traditions. Traditional cooking in a modern kitchen is adapted to guest preferences. Enjoy a leisurely cruise along tranquil waterways and visit the night market with their local foodstalls. The resort has its own golf course with its 180 plus all female caddies and is in the world’s top 100 golf courses.

Once in a while we all come across a unique and special experience, and here you have the opportunity to stay on a real floating jungle raft. The ride to reach the raft is an adventure in itself, travel by traditional Thai longtale boat passing through gorges and dense tropical jungle, it takes around 50 minutes. Once there, you will experience a truly unique couple of days (2 nights is recommended), there is no electricity, instead kerosene lanterns and candles. Take a shower or bath ala natural and enjoy the jungle. I enjoy my creature comforts as much as anyone and I can assure you that whilst this experience is primitive I at no stage felt uncomfortable. Take a moment to sit back with a Mekong (local Thai whisky) and soda and reflect as the entire shape of the jungle changes from daylight to night.

This is the closest and most luxurious accommodation near the famous River Kwai Bridge. There is a choice of hotel style or floating raft accommodation.

Also known as Khao Phang Waterfall, it is located just 60 kilometres from the town and is the first of several waterfalls. The roadside cascade is best visited between July and September when the water is most plentiful. It is also located just 2 kilometres northwest of Nam Tok Railway Station, which was the terminus of the branch line originating in the provincial capital, and which crosses the world famous bridge.

Located only 75 kilometres from Kanchanaburi this is the largest cave in the area and houses many stalactites and stalagmites in several different chambers. If you want you are able to hire a boat from the Kwai Noi river Pak Saeng Pier at Tambon Tha Sao to explore the cave. After you have explored the cave, travel upwards upstream to the riverine Sai Yok Yai Waterfall.

If you are in for a bit of history why not visit the Cultural Centre. Located at the Rajpatara Institute, the Cultural Centre houses a permanent exhibition of ancient and modern Thai lifestyles.

Located just 130 kilometres from Kanchanaburi, these springs occupy a hollow just 3 kilometres from Route 323. This is the perfect place for you to really relax at.

Just 8 kilometres from Prasat Muang Sing, this museum overlooking the Kwai Noi River was constructed beside a Neolithic burial site which was discovered during the construction of the "Death Railway". The ban Kao Museum houses skeletal remains, pots, axe heads, jewellery made from animal bones and other artifacts dating from the era of the Neolithic people. These people lived, roamed and hunted beside the Kwai rivers and sheltered beneath rock overhangs or in nearby caves.

On Saeng Chuto Road this immaculately maintained enclave contains the remains of 6,982 Allied prisoners-of-War who perished during the construction of the "Death Railway". An estimated 16,000 Allied prisoners-of-war, and 49,000 forced laboureres, died during the construction of the "Death Railway" and bridge over the River Kwai.

There is also the Chong-Kai War Cemetery which is on the bank of the Kwai Noi River. This cemetery occupies the former site of the Chong-Kai Prisoner-of-War Camp. This second cemetery is more peaceful, attractively landscaped and contains about 1,750 remains.