The FloatHouse River Kwai

Sleep right on the waters of Thailand’s renowned River Kwai surrounded by tropical forests and rugged mountains in the Kanchanaburi Province, three hours from Bangkok. And when we say sleep on the waters, we mean literally. 

Hugging the river’s lush banks, Floathouse River Kwai’s thatched-roof villas float directly on the gentle waters of the River Kwai, which was made famous for its appearance in the 1957 film Bridge Over the River Kwai. While floating hotels are a popular type of accommodation in the area for the views and cool temperatures close to the water, Floathouse River Kwai elevates the concept to a luxurious level with elegant interiors of teakwood and bamboo, massive beds, and plenty of modern comforts like TVs. But why watch television when the river is the star of the show? Step outside onto your private open-air patio to listen to the gentle whisper of the water and take in the scenery. 

Even though staying here is all about shirking city life and immersing yourself in nature—the property is accessible only by boat and located an hour from the town of Kanchanaburi —you’re far from roughing it. Dine al fresco on Thai and international dishes at the floating Pontoon Restaurant and treat yourself to soothing, riverside massages at the spa. 

Sandwiched between two national parks, days are filled with outdoor adventures like exploring underground caves in Sai Yok National Park, bathing in waterfall-fed pools in Erawan, and trying to spy some of the region’s rich wildlife such as barking deer, gibbon, and Tickell’s blue flycatchers on boat rides and treks.