Places to stay

A private-beach dive resort at Mae Haad built around three outdoor pools — one a deep training pool — with an on-site PADI centre and air-conditioned rooms with private balconies, a short walk from the pier.

A Thai-style beachfront hotel on its own 150-foot private beach near Mae Haad, with a pool, a beach bar and a free shuttle from the pier — an easy, sociable base a short walk from the ferry.

A private four-bedroom courtyard villa with its own plunge pool, a short ride from the Night Bazaar — breakfast and parking included, the whole place yours, hosted by Jane.

Chiang Mai's celebrated Lanna heritage retreat — a riverside estate of 5 teakwood suites with a private pool, tropical gardens and daily breakfast by your private chef. An 8-year Airbnb Superhost, 4.92★, taken as the whole villa.

A new floating raft on the Kwai Noi, six minutes from Kanchanaburi town — a two-bedroom family room and two twins, each opening onto its own riverside balcony, with breakfast brought to the door.

The simplest rooms at Kohkorya and the cheapest way onto the river — garden on one side, the Kwai Noi on the other, breakfast for two in the rate.

Floating raft rooms on the Kwai Noi, two or three to a room with breakfast for all of them — the quiet, do-nothing end of a weekend two hours out of Bangkok.

A small villa on the edge of the Kwai Noi — warm, plain and named for watching the stars — from ฿1,800 a room with breakfast for two.

The deluxe grade at Kohkorya — the Kwai Noi moving slowly in front, green on the other three sides — from ฿2,500 a room with breakfast for two.