9 Best Hotels in Around Bangkok, Thailand

At this ultra-contemporary boutique resort set on the banks of the river a few miles south of the famed bridge, all rooms offer panoramic river views. A table beneath a huge old tamarind tree, with the river flowing nearby, makes a perfect spot to relax. An infinity pool parallel to the river is a particularly nice touch.

The small wooden bungalows surrounding a pond are a bit rickety, but they're clean and comfortable. The pond is connected to the canal, and the water is beautifully floodlighted at night. An outdoor restaurant is on-site. The staff can call a tuk-tuk or a boat (B400, up to 10 people) to take you to the Damnoen Saduak floating market, 3 km (2 miles) away.

Kanchanaburi's first luxury hotel has faded somewhat, but it still offers excellent value, with cool airy rooms with polished wood floors and wicker headboards. Set amid tropical gardens, the large pool, with a shallow end for kids, is a great place to relax. The hotel is close to the River Kwai bridge and is within walking distance of the town center.

Just a 5-minute walk from the famous floating market, this classy resort feels removed from the mercantile frenzy farther down the canal. A range of room options include private villas with balconies, sundecks, and gardens, as well as more functional deluxe rooms with trimmings such as minibars and flat-screen TVs. Other highlights include two saltwater swimming pools, complimentary push-bikes, and an on-site spa. The resort has its own pier on the canal. Longtail boats can be hired for B800 per hour; longer boat tour packages that include sightseeing canal-side temples and fruit orchards are available.

Wealthy Bangkok residents who want to retreat into the country without giving up creature comforts head to this resort near the Erawan Waterfall. Tropical flora surrounds the complex, and the River Kwai flows serenely past. The minimally furnished rooms have polished wood floors and balcony views. Expect air-conditioning and bathrooms with both tubs and showers. The large dining room serves Thai and Western dishes.

Most of the simple rooms in this jungle hideaway in the River Kwai Valley are in single-story log cabins, but more adventurous types can opt for "raftels"—rooms on rafts floating in the river. The cafeteria-style restaurant serves Thai and Western dishes, but it's more fun to eat at the raft restaurant. Package tours come with transport to and from the hotel, which is 72 km (45 miles) from Kanchanaburi.

A popular launching pad for treks, Sam's House has air-conditioned rooms by the water that are nice, if a little cramped, as well as less expensive rooms set away from the river. The staff is happy to arrange tours or help with rentals of motorbikes (from B150 to B250 per day) and cars (starting from B1,200 per day).

In an old wooden house close to the market, this boutique hotel by the main canal is a perfect weekend escape from Bangkok. The rooms are clean and comfortable, simply but tastefully decorated and overlook a small garden. The staff can arrange boat excursions and firefly tours. Rates are cheaper on weekdays. Book ahead if you go on weekends.

Rooms at this chic boutique hotel are in two-story buildings set around lush green courtyards, one of which is home to an inchan, the ancient two-centuries-old tree which lends its name to the property. The riverside deck is an ideal spot for sundowners. It's only a 5-minute walk to the Bridge on the River Kwai.