The U Inchantree hotel in Kanchanaburi was the most pleasant surprise I’ve had with a hotel for quite some time. While you couldn’t really describe it as a luxury resort, it nonetheless offered just about everything I really want in a place to stay. The Inchantree was right on the river, a short walk from the famous bridge on the River Kwai. Rooms are comfortable, with all the necessities. In addition, the wireless was free, as were bicycles that guests could use to get around town.

My room at U Inchantree

The hotel has just 26 rooms, in two two-story wings arranged around a large open courtyard. The open air lobby forms another side of the courtyard, while a fourth single floor building offering meeting rooms, a library and other facilities forms the fourth. There is a pool near the river side. It’s long and narrow, making it good for laps. There’s also a riverside terrace as well as the main restaurant, which is near the pool on the river.

Rooms had all the modern conveniences: air conditioning, hot water, flat screen televisions, safe, mini-bar and hair dryer. They also had the unusual feature of an iPod with docking station for listening to music. The bed was large and comfortable, with good firm pillows. The bathroom had a large walk-in shower, but was otherwise a bit cramped. The vanity would be way too small for many people, with almost no room for your toiletries.

The riverside pool and restaurant of the U Inchantree

Breakfast was served in the riverside restaurant, which had seating both indoors and outside. There was a small buffet of fruit, pastries and juices, but the breakfast mains were cooked to order. There is a menu of five or six options you can select from – the Spanish Omelet was especially good – but you can also order exactly what you want. The coffee – or cappuccino if you preferred – was freshly brewed. It was done using a fully automatic machine, but even that is a refreshing change from the usual hotel fare.

Kanchanaburi isn’t anywhere near the top of my ‘POSH destinations’ list, but the U Inchantree is definitely a great place to stay for those visiting the historic and natural sights of the area. For more information and links to where you can book the hotel, see the U Inchantree details page.