Vol. 04 - Oct 2025

Thailand has so many different sides: busy cities, quiet villages, beaches, mountains, rivers. Each visit feels different. In Kanchanaburi you might spend the morning at a war museum, the afternoon swimming at Erawan Waterfall, and the evening having dinner on the deck of a floating resort.

That’s the idea behind “Your Stories Never End.” You can always add a new experience to your Thailand trip.

amazingthailand.com.

Kanchanaburi is surprising. Just 3 hours from Bangkok by train or car, it’s an easy escape that feels like a world away. Of course, we knew about the famous bridge, but the other highlights were just as interesting. A floating river resort, beautiful multi-level waterfalls, and relaxed cafés and restaurants made it a very comfortable place to spend a few days.

📍 We’ve added our favorite Kanchanaburi spots to our Insider Google Map. You’ll find the link in the ‘Insider’ section below.

🍲 For the food and drink recommendations we have now added the Thai language description, easy to show your waiter or bartender when you want to order!

✨ In The Thai List Insider we added a new part to ‘Local Treasures’. The ‘Hidden Gems’ section lists special spots that many guidebooks miss.

Happy reading,
Ploy & Jochem

A travel story

Just a few hours from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is an easy and rewarding escape.

It’s THE tip we give people who are in Thailand for just a week, or want to discover with Bangkok as their base location. It’s kids friendly and has enough to offer for a full weekend of history and fun.

Most people come for the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, and it’s definitely worth a visit - walking across the historic tracks gives you a real sense of the area’s history. You can also explore the JEATH War Museum and the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, which share the stories of the railway and the people who built it during World War II.

Beyond the history, Kanchanaburi is full of natural beauty. Erawan National Park is a highlight, famous for its seven-level waterfalls and crystal-clear turquoise pools. Each level has its own charm: some are easy to swim in, others are surrounded by jungle trails and limestone cliffs, perfect for a short hike. The higher you go, the quieter it gets, with birds and butterflies adding to the peaceful atmosphere.

Kanchanaburi offers the perfect mix of history, nature, and downtime - all just a short trip from the capital!

Where travel meets lifestyle

After a day at Erawan Waterfalls, we headed back to the river and checked into The Float House River Kwai. Each villa is built right on the water, with a private deck where you can sit and watch longtail boats pass by. At night, you hear the sounds of the jungle and even fish splashing in the river below.

The Float House has a relaxed, romantic feel - quiet, private, and a little different from anywhere else we’ve stayed. Dinner is served by the river, with Thai curries, grilled prawns, and a cold ‘Singha’ beer to go with it. Simple, fresh, and just right after a busy day exploring.

It’s not luxury in a flashy way, but it’s special because of the setting - floating on the river, surrounded by a lush jungle.

People in Kanchanaburi (and the rest of Thailand) use it often, it’s the perfect word to describe the lifestyle here.

Thailand is embracing October with a rich tapestry of festivals and cultural events, offering both locals and visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the nation's vibrant traditions.

Songs for discovering Thailand: from scenic drives to hidden escapes. New vibes added every week .

Click on any of the tracks below to get in the travel mood.

If you liked this week’s edition, here’s how we’d spend a day in Kanchanaburi:

• 7:00 am : Join monks on their morning alms round and feel the calm energy of the town. Then enjoy a hearty breakfast of rice soup (“Khao Tom” (ข้าวต้ม) with a traditional Thai tea (“Cha” (ชา).

• 8:30 am : Take the train across the iconic Bridge over the River Kwai. History, river views, and cliffs - all in one ride.

• 12:00 am : Swim and hike at Erawan Waterfalls. Seven levels of turquoise pools and jungle trails, adventure and refreshment guaranteed.

• 4:00 pm : Check into The Float House River Kwai. Relax on your private deck with a cold drink (we love Nam Bai Toey (น้ำใบเตย), a traditional Thai cold drink made with pandan leaves).

• 5:00 pm : Kayak, float, or drift along the river. Lush scenery, calm water, and pure relaxation.

• 6:00 pm : Sunset dinner on your own deck or at Float House’ restaurant. Fresh river fish, local herbs, and a golden-orange sky.

• 8:00 pm : Lanterns glow, water gently goes by, and the day winds down in perfect peace.

• Khao Tom (ข้าวต้ม) : A comforting Thai rice soup, usually with pork or shrimp, topped with garlic and cilantro. Popular for breakfast or a late-night snack.

• Grilled River Prawns (กุ้งเผา) : A Kanchanaburi specialty. Huge freshwater prawns, grilled over charcoal and served with spicy seafood dipping sauce.

• Cha Yen (ชาเย็น) : Thai iced tea, sweet and creamy with condensed milk, the perfect drink to cool down.

• Nam Bai Toey (น้ำใบเตย) : A fragrant pandan leaf drink, naturally green, lightly sweet, and refreshing over ice.

• Sai Ua & Sticky Rice (ไส้อั่ว & ข้าวเหนียว) : Northern-style herbal sausage (often found in riverside stalls here too), eaten with warm sticky rice (Khao Niao) and chili dip.

💡 Tip: when eating in Kanchanaburi, don’t miss out on the freshwater river prawns and fish. They’re often sold by weight, so before you order, check the price per kilo written on the board or ask the vendor first. This way, you’ll avoid surprises and get the best value for your meal. Pair the grilled prawns with spicy seafood dipping sauce (nam jim seafood) - it’s a true local favorite!

Kanchanaburi’s best spots that should not be missed during a visit here:

• Erawan National Park : Famous for its seven-level waterfalls and turquoise pools. A must-visit for nature lovers.

• Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple) : Hilltop temple with a giant golden Buddha and sweeping views of the Mae Klong River.

• Blue Rice Café : A cozy café known for its butterfly pea rice dishes and colorful local desserts.

• Death Railway Train Ride : A slow, scenic ride along wooden bridges and cliffs overlooking the river, history and beauty in one.

• The Float House River Kwai : A boutique floating villa resort with teak-wood villas on the river, jungle views, and a peaceful, romantic atmosphere.

• Sai Yok Noi Waterfall : Smaller than Erawan but easy to reach, with far fewer crowds. A refreshing stop if you’re exploring the national park area.

• Kanchanaburi Night Market : A lively evening market near the train station, with everything from grilled river prawns to sweet roti and fresh sugarcane juice.

Every week we drop new pins onto our Local Secrets Map - special spots you won’t always find in the guidebooks. Street stalls tucked down alleys, rooftop bars only locals know, temples that feel like they belong to you alone.

This map is just for Insiders, and it grows with every edition - a living guide that keeps unlocking Thailand, piece by piece.

This week’s new pins: floating raft houses, riverside cafés, Erawan waterfall trails, the Bridge over the River Kwai, night markets, and small riverside bars with live music added to our Local Secrets Map.

👉 Tap the link on your smart phone or computer, and choose “Open in Google Maps” for the full interactive experience.

Pack water shoes if you plan to visit Erawan Falls. The rocks are slippery, and little fish love to nibble at your feet while you swim. Shoes with grip make it safer, and a lot more fun to explore all seven levels of the waterfalls.

That’s this week’s adventure. Next stop: Krabi - limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and island adventures waiting to be discovered 🌴🌊

We hope you enjoyed this edition of The Thai List. If you did, please share the love by inviting your friends and family to join us. Each week we uncover local secrets, hidden escapes, and the best food and drinks Thailand has to offer. Don’t miss out on the journey.

Wishing you save travels,

The Thai List - Your weekly postcard from Thailand.