Kanchanaburi is a quiet town known mostly for an infamous piece of engineering. The Bridge over the River Kwai, built by allied POWs during World War II (and popularized by the movies), is located in Kanchanaburi. However, there are numerous attractions in and around the city that make the four-hour trip from Bangkok a worthwhile one.

The actual Kwai River Bridge is not the original one. A section of the original sits in The World War II Museum, labeled with the acronym JEATH (Japan, England, American, Thai). This is not to be confused with the decidedly offbeat Art Gallery and War Museum, which has bizarre murals, and an exhibit that pays tribute to former Miss Thailand winners.

Kanchanaburi’s tourist trade is mainly geared towards the bridge and the role the area played in World War II, but there are some great trekking opportunities near the city.

Erawan Waterfalls are the best place to visit. A bus trip takes just under two hours, and renting a car and driver might cut the trip further. The falls are inside a national park, which is named after them. The spectacular seven-tiered wonder is best viewed during the monsoonal rain season, when the volume of water tumbling over down the rocks increases the spectacle ten-fold. Taking a dip in the crisp, blue pools at the foot of the falls rounds out the experience nicely.

A group of travelers might be able to hire a boat for a cruise on the River. There are several temples and riverside attractions, as well as natural scenery to make a trip like this worthwhile for a larger group. Drinks will be provided, but cost extra.

Wat Tham Seua, on a hilltop about ten miles from Kanchanaburi, is a great place to see the surrounding area from on high. A steep climb is part of the price visitors must pay to see some of the most spectacular views in the area. A small cave below the temple itself holds numerous Buddha statues. Another interesting aspect of this hike is the bird sanctuary, which houses colorful peacocks, among other tropical birds.

If you are heading west from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is the perfect place to make your first stop. At once rugged and peaceful, this place has one of Thailand’s most well-known tourist attractions, but also some out of the way places that are equally rewarding to see. Even a day or two in the surrounding provinces will reveal marvels both natural and man-made.