Kanchanaburi
 

Can I please have some feedback? Is it worth a visit? What is a reasonable (US$50-75) type place to stay? How long is the drive? Any other inputs will be welcome too.

Just came back from a weekend there, nice weather to boot! I recommend the "Felix" hotel on the river Kwai, next to the infamous bridge. Stayed in a river view room - inc breakfast for 2,400 baht a night or about US$60. Probably the best hotel in town.

Nice restaurant directly across the river, sort of a restaurant on a floating pontoon. Good food.

Driving, from the centre of Bangkok it could take you up to 2 and 1/2 hours.

I agree with Hanuman, the Felix provides everything you need, there's a good choice of places, the River Rafts are good for those wanting river fun, bot overall the Felix is about the best.

Am coming over to Thailand next month and from what I've seen and read, it's very much worth a visit, and from what I gather, to wake up early in the morning on the river is really quite awesome. Am planning a 2 day, 1 night jungle rafts tour at http://www.hotelthailand.com/kanchan...age.html#tour2. Can anyone tell me whether I should book this online or should I simply book it a couple of days ahead from my hotel in BKK? Thanks

5.30 am on the river is quite something!
You can also get ideas from

http://www.freewebs.com/hua_hin_hotels/riverkwai.htm

I would book accommodation and then arrange any tours locally, it's best so that you can see how you feel and what you want to do, I would never book tours in advance because there is nothing worse than having to do a trip because you have paid for it when you just 'don't feel like it'.

We also stayed at the Felix in January where we were the only people from the US. All others were Japanese or French! We enjoyed the whole area--the train ride, walking across the bridge into the town from the hotel, the scenery, the long-boat rides, and even remembering the sad history. Don't miss it.