Kanchanaburi

Blessed with ancient rainforests, waterfalls and limestone caves, Kanchanaburi is a popular resort town located at the confluence of the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai Rivers in western Thailand. Regarded as Thailand's microcosm, Kanchanaburi and its surrounding region boast stylish resorts, scenic reservoirs, pagodas, historical sites, trekking, golfing and white-water rafting destinations. Located just 2 hours away from Bangkok, the town is mainly reachable by roadways and trains, with the latter being the more common.

Kanchanaburi attracts a lot of backpackers and those interested in Thailand's gruesome World War II history. Kanchanaburi's WWII-era Burma Railway, built by prisoners of war, was immortalised in the film 'The Bridge on the River Kwai'. The bridge, and the railway line, along with other war remnant historical sites and museums, stand as proof of this quiet town's past.

Kanchanaburi, as mentioned earlier, is blessed with untouched flora and fauna. Erawan National Park is a soothing contrast to the world war remnant experience of the town. The park shelters tropical jungles, gibbons, cobras and elephants, aqua-coloured seven-tiered waterfalls for swimming, and the extensive Tham Phra That Caves system. Travellers especially go on hiking trips to tourist hotspots within the lush vegetation or nearby villages.

While Kanchanaburi was mainly a backpacker's haven, over the years, many affluent resorts and hotels have come into business, providing a more modern stay experience without taking away from the old-world charm of the town and its surrounding regions. For those who wish to experience a bucolic Thailand and immerse themselves in a historical journey, this laid-back town is more than ideal.