Kanchanaburi is probably the closest soft adventure destination to Bangkok (130kms) and offers some of the country’s best biking and hiking trails through lush, rolling mountain scenery as well as kayaking along the river and the chance to explore the wonderful waterfalls and hidden caves that dot the limestone landscape.

Bridge Over the River Kwai

However you may still be scratching your head until we mention the River Kwai, as this area is better known in the UK as the location of the infamous ‘Death Railway’ and real life ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’. As reasons to visit they may be poles apart in their appeal, but Kanchanaburi is a great base from which to enjoy two very different holiday experiences.

Two museums show the horrific conditions endured by the POW’s and these are graphically brought to life by the featured images, photographs and first-hand accounts of life in the camp. The nearby cemeteries are home to 9,000 who lost their lives and are beautifully maintained. The railway itself is a big draw and you can ride the train along the original route beside the river. The most famous section further north towards Burma is "Hellfire Pass", pounded out through solid rock. Mostly reclaimed by the jungle you can still walk down the valley and the cuttings can clearly be seen.

Spectacular Countryside

Away from the town and railway the scenery gets better and better and although you can see a lot in a day, we recommend that you stay at least another day and explore some of the spectacular surrounding countryside that makes up Thailand’s largest area of protected forest. As with anywhere that is close to a major city, the further you get away the better the experience. For example Erawan National Park boasts some superb walks and one of Asia’s most beautiful series of waterfalls that cascade over 7 tiers to create a magical sight as you walk for over a mile past a never ending chain of aquamarine pools and cascading water.

Kanchanaburi can just be added to a stay in Bangkok or as a staging post on a tour of the north. If you’re interested in Thailand’s rich history include a visit to Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, or if you’re more interested in the natural world keep going to Chiang Mai.