In Thailand, the sightseeing options are overwhelming, and asking Google only makes it worse. So many tempting destinations.. Where to start? What to see first? How to get there? A bitter pill to swallow, but it may give you some ease: you can’t see everything in two weeks, not even in two months. So relax and pick your highlights; Thailand will always have something in store for you.

When looking for the top attractions around Bangkok, one place is sure to pop up: Erawan Falls. Most tourists squeeze everything into a day trip, but if you listen to me, you give yourself and the area at least two days. Here’s why:

DAY 1

Kanchanaburi is the base town from where you’ll reach the national parks and other sights. The easiest way to get there from Bangkok (Mo Chit or the South Bangkok station) is to hop in a minivan (bus). The ride takes about 2,5-3 hours (depending on traffic), and the ticket costs 130 THB – no need to buy a ticket online; those sites charge unnecessarily more. The busses leave hourly, and the counter guys shout to attract you and put you on the right one, so no worries.

I recommend leaving in the morning (no need too early) so you’ll have enough stamina and time to explore things on the same day. The Kanchanaburi bus station is in the heart of the town, from where just call a Grab to reach your accommodation (you can bargain with taxi drivers, but I like to keep things smooth and easy).

There are plenty of accommodation options, from hostels to resorts, including (highly recommended) raft homestays. Well.. I considered sleeping in one, but these rooms are floating on a river, with boats constantly passing (creating loud noise and waves), and the metal bridges and floaty containers (holding the buildings) make a continuous squeaking sound. I wasn’t sure about the mosquito situation either, so I followed my instincts and skipped the experience. I chose Scenario instead, and it was good: surprisingly quiet nights, comfy bed in the private room, and perfect cappuccino in the café downstairs.

After dropping off your bags, rent a scooter (daily price is 250-500 THB, depending on the bike) and explore the town area. You can walk, but why would you do that.. you’ll walk a lot later, so save some kilometers for your legs.

It’s worth visiting a few temples and pagodas (I really liked the Chinese complex with Wat Thaworn Wararam by the river), but the most famous sightseeing spot here is the bridge over the River Kwai.

Honestly, I don’t know how many people are genuinely interested in history or how many are just ticking off items on the itinerary. I couldn’t be bothered visiting war memorials, cemeteries, and historical museums; I have no relation or interest in these. Also, we have all these war sites to remember and reflect on, and yet still kill each other. People don’t learn from the past, so from my ignorant perspective, it’s a waste of my time.

After crossing the bridge back and forth, go under the bridge on a SUP board. A sunset SUP tour is a perfect way to enjoy the scenery and the beautiful colours of the golden hour on the sparkling river.

In the evening, the walking street and the JJ Night Market are the must-go. As for food, I had a great khao soi at Kin Khao Lam, which seemed always busy, so the other dishes must be good too.

DAY 2

The next day, get up very early, grab some food from the morning stalls, and hit the road to chase waterfalls.

Erawan National Park is the highlight of the region, which means crowds. If you have your own bike and arrive when the gate opens at 8 am, you’ll have a kinda unspoiled experience. Otherwise, you’ll get stuck between groups and wait in line to take the same shot as everyone else. Entry is 300 THB (+ vehicle, 20 THB for bikes), it’s moderate trekking up to the seventh level of the famous waterfall, the water is beyond refreshing (for me, the knee-deep water was too cold to dive in), and it’s full of fish.

If you don’t pack a lunch, you can find moderately bad food in the parking area, which is exactly what you’d expect at any major tourist spot. At least the coffee is alright.

And here comes the real deal. The crowd stops at Erawan, but there’s a greater gem nearby: Huay Mae Khamin. Sri Nakarin Dam National Park has the same entry fee (300 THB + vehicle), and I haven’t seen a combo ticket. However, this one is more local (even the signs are mostly written in Thai), with an easy trek to reach all levels, very peaceful, and most importantly, breathtaking – I would definitely put this one first.

If you visit both national parks on the same day, you’ll be pooped enough when arriving back to Kanchanaburi to only crave a satisfying dinner and a good shower.

DAY 3

After a well-deserved sleep, wake up at sunrise and check out two spots south of town before catching a bus back to the capital (or wherever you’re heading next).

Nothing beats the crisp morning air with its mist and the first rays of sunshine in mountain areas. To level it up, Wat Tham Suea is not only eye-catching but gives you a gorg view of the valley. The Tiger Cave Temple is busy with tourists during the day, but at 7-8 am, you’ll likely be the only one walking around.

Then, change location to sip a coffee overlooking the river’s curve (W Story Cafe on the map). I love these low-profile places that surprise you with their simple beauty.

Everyone has their own way of travelling and discovering new places. This is how I would explore Kanchanaburi, which will present you with sweet memories.. no matter if you visit it on your first or tenth Thailand trip.

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