I have to be present at a seminar in this town in a month or so's time, which will involve staying two nights.

 

I passed through the town briefly several years ago on the way to Kanchanaburi, and saw only a dusty clump of buildings along the main road.

 

Does it have anything or anywhere to recommend it, beyond the local temple with the giant chedi and an old canal?

There are quite a few bars if that is what you want. The Whale hotel has a massage place if that is your thing. Usual selection of restaurants. Difficult to say when you don't mention your interests.

I'm just looking for a recommendation of a decent restaurant or two, somewhere to maybe have a beer. No massages required.

9 minutes ago, Eleftheros said:

I'm just looking for a recommendation of a decent restaurant or two, somewhere to maybe have a beer. No massages required.

Take a stroll along Ying Pao road, LP Steak and Pizza has a brick pizza oven. Several other restaurants and a few bars on that road as well. The bars are more Thai style than tourist beer bars.

Excellent, just the sort of info I was looking  for. Thank you very much.

why you not just google for "things to do in" ???????????