Is there a better way to experience Thailand than with a local expert? Phil Hawkes and his wife Nicole recently explored Kanchanaburi with the help of local guide Suree. Here they share their experiences with us…

Is there a better way to feel like a VIP than having a local guide show you some of Thailand's historical and scenic sites? Our trip to the Kanchanaburi region was made truly special thanks to our knowledgeable Thai guide, Suree.

Suree was knowledgeable, professional, and very entertaining; she even pointed out during our meals which dishes might be too spicy for us. I know of no better way to learn about Thailand's culture and history than through a local guide.

Our first stop in Kanchanaburi was on the banks of the River Kwai, where we enjoyed a wonderful lunch, followed by a visit to the famous bridge and the JEATH (Japan–England–Australia–Thailand–Holland) Museum, before heading to our accommodation for the night, the River Kwai Jungle Rafts.

A longboat takes us upstream, about 54 km from the bridge to the rafting resort, which is about a 30-minute drive away. Imagine camping on a river, with some added amenities like beds, bathrooms, and an excellent restaurant – all floating on the water.

The resort is mainly run by local Mon villagers who greet us upon our arrival with traditional face painting and show us around their village.

Every morning we are also greeted by elephants from the nearby village, who are brought here for their daily bath.

The river flows quite fast downstream, and one of the best ways to cool off in this tropical climate is to jump in and float downstream to the end of the rafting resort, which we did repeatedly – ​​so relaxing.

The following day we visit Hellfire Pass, a moving memorial to the Allied prisoners of war who suffered here during World War II while building the 110-meter-long and 17-meter-deep cutting of the unfinished Death Railway.

Our accommodation tonight is near Hellfire Pass: the Hintok River Camp. Comfortable, air-conditioned tents with semi-open showers give you the feeling of camping in the middle of the jungle – without all the associated discomforts. The food, served à la carte around a crackling campfire, is fantastic.

“Glamping” in a jungle clearing allowed us to appreciate the dense, untamed vegetation that became a prison for those enslaved at Hellfire Pass.

We spend our last night at the Sampran Riverside Hotel, where we immerse ourselves in traditional Thai culture.

We tried our hand at bamboo dancing and weaving, and watched Thai silk being spun. I also enjoyed the most authentic and professional Thai massage I've ever experienced. I especially loved seeing how the herbal compresses were made, which were so skillfully applied during my treatment.

Hotel director Khun Kris showed us the hotel's own organic farm, which supplies the in-house essential oil distillery. This distillery, in turn, produces the spa products sold in the hotel shop. (I stocked up right away – you never know when you might be back.)

All in all, it was a truly unforgettable trip, and for me, the elephants are always the absolute highlight. We were especially lucky on this trip to get so close to them while they were bathing.

PS: If, like me, you crave good coffee while traveling, you should definitely visit Yuk Coffee (easy to remember, and not at all unpleasant) – another treat for on the go. Sangchuto Road, Lum Sum