Brief Insight on Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is located west of Bangkok and accessible by a 2.5 hours drive. Many Singapore males would be familiar with this quaint little town as they might trained in the region during national service overseas exercises as the region houses the Royal Thai Army’s, which has a training base nearby.

The key attraction here is the Bridge Over River Kwai, as well as the start of the infamous World War II Death Railway to Myanmar, as well as the many associated museums. International visitors are gradually discovering why Kanchanaburi, is one of Thailand’s most underrated destinations, with its accessible waterfalls and national parks.

Kayaking at River Kwai

The River Kwai, merges with the Khwae Yai River to form the Mae Klong river, which empties into the Gulf of Thailand at Samut Songkhram. You can enjoy kayaking from a few kilometers upstream and enjoy beautiful scenery along the way.

The kayaking (about 2 hours) culminates at an end point just further down from the famed Bridge Over River Kwai.  Feel like a ‘celebrity’ as many visitors on the bridge usually wave to you as you paddle under the bridge.

Visit the famous Bridge Over River Kwai

The River Kwai Bridge have gained worldwide fame, when it was featured in movies and books. The cliff-hugging tracks and the natural beauty of the mountains and valleys are well captured in David Lean’s movie, Bridge Over River Kwai.  The track have been added with walkway and side platforms facilitating crossing the railway bridge on foot. These platforms also function as viewpoints and for avoiding oncoming trains.

Every year between November and December, River Kwai Bridge Festival is organized to commemorate the Allied bombing on November 28, 1944. Spectacular light and sound show is the highlight of the festival. For the best experience, a meal break at one of the floating restaurants to round up the visit is a must.

Local visitors enjoying themselves at the bridge. Two dummy bombs marked the start of the bridge and there’s many food and souvenir stalls around this venue. Special trains run from Bangkok for tourists during weekends.

Local children busking just steps away from the Kwai Bridge, providing a spot of music entertainment at the vicinity.

A group of novice monks on a day out at the bridge. As a travel photographer, photo opportunity like this are god-send. Pardon the pun.

Erawan National Park

As Thailand’s 12th National Park, this huge park covers an area of 550km². Established in 1975, it is one of the most famous national parks and in my humble opinion, makes Kanchanaburi, one of Thailand’s most underrated destinations. If there is only two “must-do” activities in Kanchanaburi, it have to be a visit to the Bridge over River Kwai and this beautiful park.

The key attraction is its 7-tiers Erawan Falls with emerald green ponds, named after the three-headed white elephant of Hindu mythology. The top tier of the falls is said to resemble the elephant’s head. Rainy season is May to October , where the waterfalls are more spectacular (however, hot and dry season can change all this). Cooler weather is November to January, although average temperature of 30°C is remotely cool really.  The hot and dry season is February to April. The picture above is tier #04.

Beautiful waterfall at tier #03, the cool emerald water are perfect on a hot summer day. For visitors less inclined to climb the steeper steps at the park, this is no.3 tier waterfall would usually be the last as the paths to waterfalls higher up get more challenging. Changing rooms are available and rest areas are available at each tier for visitors conveniences.

Waterfall tier #02. An easy stroll along cemented paths to reach this spot. There many fish in the pond which may nibble on the skin of your feet when you placed it in the water. Sort of fish-spa if you like, free of charge.

At tier #05, it gets less crowded as most visitors are deterred by the steeper climbs and trekking needed to reach the spot. Comfortable hiking shoes or sandals will go a long way in ensuring a better experience at the park. On the return trek near the tier #02, a paid buggy service is available to ferry tired visitors to the park entrance for a token fee of 30bht/pax.

Hin Dat Hot Spring

Hin Dat Hot Springs is one of most popular tourist spots. Many locals and foreign tourists (especially Russians) come to enjoy this natural hot spring. The draw of this venue are the minerals in the water, giving the skin a smooth feel after soaking in it. This is natural hot springs is available throughout the year. The ponds are divided into 3 pools – hot, warm, and lukewarm pool for children. The stream that runs alongside the hot spring have refreshing cool water to chill off. Sheltered kiosks with masseurs providing traditional Thai body and foot massages  are available for those who don’t want to get wet.

Hellfire Pass Memorial

Hellfire Pass is a 500 meters long and 26 meters deep section of rock that was dug out by Prisoners of War with the objective to allow the ‘Death Railway’ to continue its route from Bangkok to Rangoon. Soldiers were forced to remove the rocks using no more than basic tools like hammers, picks and their bare hands. Of the 1,000 Australian and British soldiers who took 12 weeks to clear the stretch of mountain, 700 died.

The Hellfire Pass Memorial and Memorial Museum were set up to commemorate the fallen. The memorial comprises a museum and a trail where visitors follow the old railway track into the jungle. This site is of particular significance to Australians as four hundred Australian prisoners began work at Hellfire Pass on Anzac Day in 1943. The site plays an important part in annual Anzac events in Thailand. Entry to this venue is complimentary, though donations are appreciated.

The museum contains write ups, pictures and tools alongside video exhibitions about the war period. Visitors with relatives or friends connected with the war atrocities will definitely get emotional here as it can be a heart-wrenching experience here.

A picture of serenity and calm, the bamboo shaded wooden path leads to the pass with a dark period in history.

Do spare a moment as you stroll along this man-made pass, to ponder on the extreme sufferings and death of prisoners of war. Then take a moment silence to offer prayer for the fallen.

Some of the tools used in the excavation of rocks and boulders to create the pass. These war relics are secured on the rocks to prevent pilferage.

The floral, fauna and wildlife of the Hellfire Pass will appeal to nature lovers, such as this white-rump Shama bird out foraging for food.

Nature finds a way, as can be seen in this unique little plant growing out of the cracks and crevices at the pass.

Conclusion

Kanchanaburi, is certainly one of Thailand’s most underrated destinations. The activities above are just a glimpse of what the beautiful town has to offer. There are many temples, animal conservatories, nature parks and great restaurants that will bring a smile to vacationers looking for off-the-beaten-path attraction. It’s best to stay at a good resort over at least 3-4 days, like in X2 Kwai Resort which is the most instagrammable resort in the province, then partake these attraction or activities according one’s interest. Do check out my other blogs of hotels and activities in Thailand.

Footnote : All pictures used in this travelogue are copyrighted to Jensen Chua Photography and Holiday Tours and Travel (Singapore) and all rights reserved.

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The Resort

U Inchantree Kanchanaburi is part of U hotels, which offer luxury accommodation infuses local heritage and design accents with modern amenities, services and facilities. At this resort, the ambience is one of understated luxury that quickly soothes the minute you arrived. And you get to choose from 4 types of soap ingredients – jasmine, bamboo, lemongrass or orchid, during check in or during online booking.

Resort Lobby

The lobby is rustic, chic and quickly puts one at ease. There’s also some complimentary Inchantree fruits for tasting at the reception, just for the experience.

At night, the lovely lighting ensures the cosy and peaceful ambience remain. Walking around feels safe as it is well lit and security guards takes care of the compound.

The superior rooms wing at night

The 2-storey rooms looks out on to a courtyard and features an ancient ‘Inchantree’ from which the resort derives its name. The overall design of the resort is a rustic river lodge style surrounded by landscaped gardens.

Peppers, the resort diner

The restaurant envelopes diners in a relaxed atmosphere. The signature-dining venue of the hotel, Peppers, offers breakfast daily and then transforms to a lunch and dinner venue serving Thai food and Western specialties.  The River Kwai Bridge can be seen from the diner. The air-conditioned indoor section is tastefully designed with a modern yet rustic feel. 

Resort new wing – Deluxe room

The deluxe room in the new wing is much more spacious than the superior rooms in the old wing and just as well furnished. Being a boutique development, the resort boast a “unique services and luxurious facilities including breakfast “whenever wherever” no matter what time you start your day, we serve you anywhere whether in your room or at the restaurant”.

A typical day scene at the resort. Serene and calm with staff going about keeping the resort neat and clean.

Resort swimming pool

The compact infinity-edged plunge pool is adjacent to the River Kwai and perfect for a dip in the hot summer afternoon.

The Terrace Bar

The resort bar lounge with terrace is suspended over the river with the picturesque backdrop of the River Kwai and River Kwai Bridge. Perfect setting to while away the time watching the sun go down. 

Most lovely view of the River Kwai Bridge from U Inchantree Resort, with the Erawan national park mountain range in the background.

My most fave part of staying at this resort is the fabulous view in the morning as you enjoy your breakfast. You will appreciate the peaceful environment and observe herons or egrets looking for their own breakfast at the river bank across the river. It’s certainly a highlight of any vacation in Kanchanaburi.

Conclusion

Kanchanaburi is definitely one of the most underrated destinations in Thailand. This lovely laid-back town have so much adventures and off-the-beaten-path attractions to offer to it’s visitors that it’s a waste to miss all that gems. A good stay at Kanchanaburi would be an average of three to four days to better enjoy this quaint town. Do check out some of the activities in my recent blog. Thank you for coming along this pixels adventure.  

Footnote : All pictures used in this travelogue are copyrighted to Jensen Chua Photography and Holiday Tours and Travel (Singapore) and all rights reserved. Stay at this resort is not sponsored.

The post U Inchantree Resort – Most Romantic Resort by River Kwai Bridge appeared first on Jensen Chua Photography.

I was especially impressed by the resort’s chain mantra – “to have a very unique and unequivocal persona that is embraced by all elements of the resort. Whether it be design, service, location”. As a travel photographer, a destination’s uniqueness and resort character helped plenty in my quest to capture better pictures. And after experiencing several resorts in Kanchanaburi, I can attest that X2 Kwai Resort is the most Instagrammable resort in the province. The theme is one of “industrial chic design”, “sexy and strong”, as enthused by the resort founder Anthony McDonald.

X2 Kwai Resort Kanchanaburi’s most Instagrammable Resort

After about a 3 hours car journey from Bangkok, the sight of the lobby, be it day or night, sets you at ease. The attention to detail, colours and lighting is certainly commendable. The reflecting pond base is stained red, lifting the ambience significantly, especially at night.

Even the icy cold welcome drink, coloured with Butter Pea flowers, is so lovely. It just adds to the chic ambience.

These blue ethnic motif tiles at the swimming pool certainly lend an eclectic feel to the resort.

Looks artsy but the water took longer to reach the spray head. But who’s complaining?

Sun deck loungers just outside the PoolXide Cabin. The rooms are designed to look like cabins and are luxurious and well-furnished.

Nice bedroom at the XFloat Cabin, cosy, well furnished and spacious at 65m2 (699 sg.ft with a moon deck). Sleep quality was fabulous, of course.

The X Float Cabin are a superb choice for its riverfront view and a lovely moon deck on top for stargazing. Although it’s floating on the river, it felt stable as if it’s built on land.

Sleek retro furnishings add to the eclectic ambience, balancing modernity and the archaic.

The bathroom fixtures are rustic, and edgy yet functional. You will feel at ease quickly.

The cabin balcony catches the early morning sun. Perfect place to have a cuppa here and draw in the fresh riverside air. I was happy to be awakened by Nature’s best alarm clock – the chirping of birds along the riverbank.

Dusk comes and cloaks the resort with an even lovelier ambience. The skilful attention to lighting placement creates just about the perfect night picture of the resort.

The hub of the resort, The Bridge Bar and Bistro, lit up like a jewel among the resort landscape. Excellent food and beverages await those who enter.

Enjoy low-carbon activities at the resort

Earth-friendly, low-carbon footprints are part of the buzzwords of the resort. So when you are here, slow down, chill out and reconnect with yourself. Try catching up with life at the reading corner.

The immensely beautiful raintree festoons the resort, providing cool shade and nice picture framing too.

Be prepared to be enthralled by nature as the sun rises over the placid Kwai River, just outside the room balcony.

For XFloat Luxe Cabin, an attached netting sun lounger over the river. You can’t get any closer to nature.

The pace is never hurried and the space is aplenty. Cause there are only 22 rooms at the resort. Finally, a holiday retreat!

Stargazing from the XFloat cabin moon deck. Scene like this, money can’t buy. Perchance, see shooting stars, make a wish.

Explore in-house food and beverages

Afternoon tea session at the Bridge Bar and Bistro. Did I say this place is very food instagrammable too?

Deep fried spring rolls with minced pork with a punch, super spicy! (you have been warned) Popiah Lab Moo Tod – the cafe’s signature dish.

With such attention to detail, the fruits during breakfast are cut big, chunky and placed individually in a little glass bottle on an ice bath.

Champagne breakfast. Have a bubbly start to the day. Not into alcohol? no worries, there’s fresh milk, and freshly made fruit juices. Never go thirsty.

Healthy brekkie, love the brown rice porridge (1st time being feasting on this at a resort stay) and a side dish of vegetable spring roll Viet style.

The resort signature fried rice – X2 Special Fried Rice – fragrant white jasmine rice stir-fried with spicy shrimp paste, and gourami served with blanched veg and salted egg.

Darjeeling for you?

For a virtual tour of the resort. Click here.  Do check out a Youtube video of the resort below.

Conclusion

Having experienced this gorgeous resort, I would not be wrong to call it one of the best-kept secrets of Kanchanaburi. Do check out my article on adventures in Kanchanaburi that you can do in this lovely town. Many thanks for coming along on the pixel journey. Please feel free to check out my other blogs on hotels and activities in Thailand here. Hope you find my article “X2 Kwai Resort Kanchanaburi’s most Instagrammable Resort” useful.

Footnote: All pictures used in this travelogue are copyrighted to Jensen Chua Photography and all rights reserved. Stay at the resort is not sponsored.

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