Just 38 miles (50 kilometers) from the Cambodian border in Thailand’s Isan region, the Phanom Rung Historical Park (Prasat Hin Phanom Rung) houses a spectacular Khmer temple perched atop an extinct volcano. Follow in the steps of long-dead pilgrims up the warm sandstone staircase to discover towers, bridges, galleries, walkways, and more.
Lopburi is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, dating back to the Dvaravati period when it was known as Lavo. The influence of the Khmer Empire is particularly evident throughout the city, but it reached the peak of its commercial, cultural, and political importance in the 17th century, when King Narai made it his second capital.
Sprawling over 370 square miles (958 square kilometers of forest right up to the Myanmar border, Sai Yok National Park offers elephants, raft resorts, magical caves, weird and wonderful wildlife, and more. Most travelers visit for small but beautiful Sai Yok Yai waterfall or Sai Yok Noi falls, near Nam Tok, the end of the Death Railway.
Khao Laem Lake in the heart of Kanchanaburi is an artificial reservoir but has become a vital haven for wildlife. Rich with biodiversity, Khao Lem has mangroves, swampland, and forests along its length of 37 miles (60 kilometers). Locals live on the water in houseboats, and there are houseboat hotels to stay in that keep you close to nature.
Home to migrating birds and vast fields of hot pink lotus blooms in season, Bueng Boraphet is Thailand’s largest freshwater lake, spanning over 80 square miles (210 square kilometers). A tourism complex features an aquarium, a crocodile farm, an indoor food hall, a walking loop trail, and a dedicated waterfowl park for bird watchers.
Check out the Buddhist temples hiding in the hills near Kanchanaburi, especially Khao Pun Cave Temple (Wat Tham Khao Pun), known as one of the best. Statues of the Buddha, Hindu deities, stalagmites, and stalactites all take residency in this impressive cave system.
Located in Thailand’s Kanchanaburi Province, Erawan National Park is one of the most famous natural areas in the country. Known for its impressive seven-tiered waterfall and abundance of native flora and fauna, the park is a popular weekend spot for locals from Bangkok and Kanchanaburi as well as for international visitors.
