Kanchanaburi

While it's tempting to dramatize Kanchanaburi's World War II history, there is, in fact, so much more to the city than the popular trios: Death Railway, Bridge over the River Kwae (Kwai), and the Allied War Cemetery. The town offers a range of delightful diversions, whether bamboo rafting journeys along the River Kwae, Khmer temple ruins tour, or a day out shopping at the gemstone village. The scenic riverside area sets the stage for a stroll but can also become loud at night due to music from karaoke bars and discos.

Although a year-round destination, the best time to visit Kanchanaburi is November to February when temperatures are relatively more relaxed than the rest of the year; in the peak of summer (April), Kanchanaburi is one of the hottest places to be, so it's best to avoid coming during that time.

Nowadays, it's possible to walk across the bridge on narrow side platforms or take a short train from one side to the other. The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery nearby is the final resting place of the many prisoners of war who died here. At the same time, the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre recounts the story of the railway construction and the men who lost their lives for it, using interactive displays and video exhibits.

Two themed museums–the World War II Museum & Art Gallery and the JEATH War Museum–offer more insight into the times, with collections covering everything from paintings to documents to WWII weapons.