Bangkok Tourist Information

Bangkok Travel guide & Tourist Information

Sitting midway between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator, Bangkok is a major Asian travel and business hub as well as the capital and centre of political, spiritual and cultural focus for Thailand.

Featuring both old-world charm and modern convenience, at times served up in an apparently chaotic manner Bangkok is a massive sensory assault, visitors are immediately confronted by the heat, the pollution and the irrepressible smile that accompanies many Thais.
Bangkok Is the only truly Asian Big City within South East Asia, the development of all the other major cities within the region was controlled by out side influences - colonialism. Thailand is the only country within South East Asia that was not under the yoke of the British, French, Spanish or Dutch, you can also include the two main Chinese cities in the region - Hong Kong (British) and Macau (Portuguese).  Because of this Bangkok has developed quite differently to to the other large cities, less homogenous an more individual.

The Capital city of Thailand was moved to it's current location after the 1767 sacking of Ayutthaya, the then capital of Thailand. In 1782 King Rama I moved the capital across the Chao Phrya river to Bang Makawk (olive plum riverbank). Upon completion of the Royal Palace, temples and other buildings which made up the capital the city was given it's new name - ‘Krungthep mahanakhon amonratanakosin mahintara ayuthaya mahadilok popnopparat ratchathani burirom udomratchaniwet mahasathan amonpiman avatansathit sakkathattiya witsanukamprasit’ a rough translation of this is ‘Great City of Angels, the Repository of Divine Gems, the Great Land Unconquerable, the Grand and Prominent Realm, the Royal and Delightful Capital City full of Nine Noble Gems, the Highest Royal Dwelling and Grand Palace, the Divine Shelter and Living Place of Reincarnated Spirits’

Visting merchants continued to call the city  by the locations original name of Bang Makok which in time was abbreviated to Bangkok, Thai people generally refer to the city as Krung Thep (City of Angels)

How to Get There and Around

The most common way of getting to Bangkok is by air. Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi (pronounced Suwanapoom) Airport is a major international transit hub which connects Asia and Australia with Europe and Arabia and has direct flight from all over Europe as well as Australia, China, Japan and Korea and the Indian sub-continent. Domestic flights from all over Thailand are split between Suvarnabhumi and the former international airport Don Muang. Most of the country can be reached from bangkok by air using budget airlines, the full service national carrier Thai also flys to most domestic destinations

If you are coming to Bangkok from within Thailand an alternative to air travel are the Bus and Train services. There are three Bus stations on the Outskirts of Bangkok, the northern Bus station (Mo Chit) serves the North -East (Isaan) and the North (Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai), the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) serves Eastern Thailand (Pattaya, Koh Samet and the Cambodian border) and the New Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai) which links Bangkok with southern Thailand (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui and the Malaysian border. Trains also provide a link between Bangkok and the rest of Thailand but the network is quite old and quite limited compared to the Bus network.

By far the easiest way to move around Bangkok is the public transit network consisting of the BTS Skytrain, the MRT Metro and the ART (Airport Rail Link) using these you can get around most of central Bangkok quickly and quite cheaply. Another useful an inexpensive way to get around is the Chao Phraya Express boat which travel up and down the river through Bangkok.

Taxis and tuk tuks which should be a convenient way to get to exactly where you want to go but due to the massive volume of traffic plying through Bangkok's streets it can often be slower than walking, if taking a taxi use a Taxi-Meter and insist he uses the meter, for short journeys a tuk tuk can be fun, but with the street level pollution, heat and noise the fun factor soon wears off. There is also a very comprehensive and confusing local bus service, unfortunately the bus stop have no more information than the numbers of the bus stopping there (no listed destination in thai or english). If you use this make sure you know exactly which colour and number bus you need (buses of the same number but a different colour can have different routes!)

When to Travel to Bangkok and the Climate

Bangkok is a year round destination but the best time to visit is November through to February when it is dry but thanks to the North-East monsoon has cool breezes which keep the temperatures more tolerable. March through to May is also dry but with little wind the temperature starts to rise. June to October is the monsoon season with the majority of rain coming in august and September which often leads to flooding in October, a good month to avoid unless you want to capture some different images of Thailand
Throughout the year the day time temperature is around or above 30 C with the night-time temperature never dropping lower than 21C.

Where to stay

Bangkok is an ever expanding city and accordingly it has accomodation to suit all tastes and budgets spread all over the city. Everything from five star hotels to backpacker hostels including guesthouses, B&Bs and apartments.

Sukhumvit

This area is on the BTS skytrain line with easy access to the city. This exclusive district is popular with expats and Bangkok's upper classes and is filled with quality hotels, restaurants and night clubs. This area is also home to Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza two of Bangkok's more notorious night spots.

Sukhumvit is relatively close to Suvarnabhumi airport (40 minutes by taxi) aa well as a number of popular attractions such as the Erawan monument, Ancient city and the Crocodile farm.

China Town
At the heart of the historic city of Bangkok this area is a maze of old shop houses, narrow streets, markets and temples. Being the centre of the Chinese community this area also has a lot of gold shops.

During the Chinese New Year the area is filled with parades and dragon dances.

Being close to the river and many major temples this is a popular place to stay for people looking for something a bit different.

Silom
By day this is Bangkok's conservative financial and business district, but at night these two quiet streets transform into the massive and bustling Patpong night market surrounded by loads of theme bars offering a range of sex shows. This area has easy access to the BTS skytrain and the main railway station.

Pratunam

This is Bangkok's garment district with hundreds of fashion stores selling both wholesale and retail. As well as clothes this is a great place to buy electronics at the Panthip Plaza. The streets are lined with markets stalls and street food is everywhere.

Riverside

This area is about 1 hour from the international airport but gives easy access to the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Po temples. Hotels on the west bank have shuttle boats to take you across the river. This area is also very convenient for tours to Katchanaburi and the River Kwai.

Siam Square

This more modern part of Bangkok is a shopping heaven with many glitzy shopping malls such as Central World, Gaysorn Plaza and the MBK shopping mall. With the skytain intersection here this is the nearest thing Bangkok has to a city centre.

Khao San Road

Just on the northern edge of of “Old Bangkok” Khao San road is Thailand original backpacker hub with a plethora of budget hotels hostels and guesthouses. Khao San road and the neighbouring Banglamphu markets provide everything a backpacker is looking for. Being close to the Chao Phrya river it's quite convenient for most of Bangkoks tourist attractions. There's no skytrain here but plenty of tuk tuks and taxis.

Things to Do and Sightseeing

Being an old, yet at the same time a modern city there is a huge number of things to do and see here.

With a huge number of massive shopping malls, markets and street stalls selling almost anything Bangkok is a shoppers paradise.

Wat Po in Bangkok is the home of Thai Massage, this is very popular with the locals as well as tourists so there are many inexpensive massage shops in every shopping centre and on many streets.

As for sightseeing there is so much to see here that one visit will never be enough, a great way to start would be a river cruise which is an expensive way of seeing many of the more famous attractions of Bangkok. Bangkok is full of Thailands cultural heritage, with the royal palace and a huge number of buddhist temples. But if you head a short way out of Bangkok there is even more. Within the distance of a day trip is the bridge over the river Kwai and the Tiger temple as well as the floating market in Samut Songkram. Alittle closer on the outskirts of Bangkok are the Ancient City (Muang Boran), the Erawan Museum and the Bangkok Crocdile farm – all well worth a visit.

Bangkok Pro and Cons

To have an Easy Holiday we believe it is important to say what we think is good and what we think is not so good about Bangkok. So this is what we think you should know.

Not So Good -  The massive number of vehicles on the road in Bangkok, either passing through,  bringing goods and people into or out of the city or circulating around the city's road network means that there is often heavy congestion and long waits in traffic.
All these vehicles as well as industry in Bangkok has led, as in many big cities, to fairly high pollution levels and a permanent smog cloud over the city.
Because of it's location in the tropics Bangkok is always going to be a hot place but with it's mass of concrete buildings and it's smog blanket Bangkok can become stiflingly hot and humid.  Due to this most shopping and eating areas are air-conditioned leading to the vicious circle of energy use - energy production - pollution

Prices - Being both economically and physically the centre of Thailand everything comes through Bangkok, this means that the prices here are as low or lower than any of the other tourist destinations in the country.  Bangkok has everything, if you're on a tight budget you can find low cost accommodation and plenty of good cheap food, if you want to live the life of luxury Bangkok can provide this too - at a price.

Shopping- Bangkok has over 150 shopping malls, including two of the 50 largest in the world, add to this the hundreds of weekly and daily markets and street stalls then this city is truly a shoppers paradise. The shopping malls carry everything from clothes and sporting goods to electronics and jewellery with many thing in between that you didn't realise you wanted, until now!  Some of the malls and markets specialise in electronics or clothes but many have a truly eclectic mix of shops and stalls, and the food outlets are often strategically placed to entice the unwary shopper.

Good - With the addition of the BTS Skytrain and the Airport Rail Link to the already excellent metro Bangkok's public transport system has removed the need for road travel.  Add to the train systems the very useful river ferry network and if you really need to the mindbogglingly complex but very efficient bus service everywhere in the City is in easy reach at quite low prices.
Not only is Bangkok the political and commercial capital of Thailand it is also the major repository of the Nations history and culture.  there is so much to see here that even after two or three visits you would still would not have seen all that Bangkok has to offer.

History Closeup – Visit the River Khwae Yai

Visit and explore the River Khwae Yai better known by westerners as the scene for the block buster movie “Bridge over the River Kwai” set during World War II.  This magnificent river runs through Kanchanaburi Province, flowing through Sangkhla Buri, Si Sawat, and Mueang Districts of Kanchanaburi Province, where it merges with the Khwae Noi to form the Mae Klong River.   Please note that in Thai it is pronounced ‘quay’ not ‘qui’ as was pointed out to me by my long time Thai girlfriend while actually watching the movie one night.

The Bridge on the River Kwai has been a magnetic draw and a fascinating attraction for countless tourists.  The river flows to the echoes of war-time stories of 1945 that has left its tragic imprint on the Bridge over the River Kwae. As a river flowing in western Thailand near the border of Myanamar, the River Kwae starts at the meeting place of Songkalia, the Bikhli Rivers and Ranti in Thailand. It merges with the Khwae Noi River where it forms the Mae Klong River and empties into the Gulf of Thailand at Samut Songkhram. The Vajiralongkorn Dam originally known as the Khao Laem Dam, is a hydroelectric dam on the river.

As a much-heard of river, tourists staying in comfortable accommodations would be interested in knowing that the Khwae River system is an important fishery area where 33 species of freshwater fish were recorded. Families and groups staying in colourful and elegant accommodations would love to see the mammals that include macaque monkeys, two or three species of leaf monkeys, otters, Asiatic Black Bear, Hog Badger and the Asian Wild Dog. Wildlife enthusiasts would love to see the fascinating array of wildlife in the lush forest area that is home to leopards, tigers, Asian elephants, Tapir, Banteng and Gaur, Water Buffaloes, the Sumatran Rhinoceres and the Brown-antlered Deer. There are 61 species of reptiles and 17 species of amphibians. Naturalists will be intrigued by exotic fauna and the wondrous sights at the Huai Kha Khaeng and the Thung Yai Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Visitors will have a great time at the week-long festival held in Kanchanaburi during late November to early December that commemorates the destruction and the last bombing of the bridge over the River Kwai. Displaying a stunning pyrotechnic show, this festival at Kanchanaburi has drawn thousands of visitors who have enjoyed the sound and light show, a carnival, folk and cultural programs, rides on vintage World War II trains and historical and archaeological exhibitions. With the first fair held in 1980, the tradition has been carried on ever since and exhibits local crafts, open theaters, exhibitions of pictures of World War II, food products and handicrafts. Tourists from spectacular accommodations can view the black iron structure that was constructed after the war and is still in use today. Families and groups can visit the small train museum that is located in front of the bridge and displays original war-time engines. Visitors can go sight-seeing in Kachanaburi with its lovely waterfalls, interesting caves, tall mountains, the much-talked of rivers and absorb a pure atmosphere that erupts with rich flora and fauna. Guests staying in great accommodations will find Kachanaburi attractive with many sight-seeing spots that include the Neolithic burial site at Ban-Kao.

With the River Kwai holding old memories of the war, it is peaceful and tranquil today that would prompt visitors to take long walks along its banks or go canoeing, sailing or rafting. Guests staying in exotic accommodations can view the green trees, mountains, the city area with resorts, restaurants and traditional houses. They can also visit the War Museum that showcases war instruments, many World War stories and artifacts, uniforms and photographs. The second and third floors of the house an Art gallery filled with paintings of the battles between the Burmese and the Thais. The third floor murals display the history of the Thais, portraits of political figures, Kymer-style wood carvings, lovely paintings of Chinese deities and Burmese Buddhas.

Amphoe Muang, Kanchanaburi, Thailand, outside the Town Hall is a bustling area. The river bank functions like the town's main street, with busy ferry landings, floating restaurants serving succulent freshwater fish and as the launching pier for Kanchanaburi's notorious disco rafting parties.

The river at this point broadens up to a width of almost a kilometer. It is here that the floating disco party special, a popular local outing, originated. The party venue is on a pair of big two storey raft houses floating in tandem, one serving as restaurant and the other a disco floor with powerful disco noise boxes. A tugboat tows out the floating party house pier down or up river to make merry out in the open waterway. While in the city, dining or lunching on the floating restaurants lining the riverbank is an unforgettable experience for the succulent freshwater fish and the local scenery. Ferries laden with farmers, their bikes and pickups ply the crossing every few minutes. An enlivening spectacle for diners is the departure of the disco party rafts, floating their merry ways down river until disappearing around the bend with their noisy music still reverberating over the water. Kanchanaburi borders with Myanmar (Burma).

A rugged mountain range, the Tennasarim, and almost impregnable jungle separate the two countries. British engineers surveyed the indomitable terrain in 1905 for a projected rail route and forthwith declared impossible to build. The Japanese army did it in 17 months in war-time conditions. A grim toll of over 100,000 lives was sacrificed to the harsh conditions, mostly sickness, through malnutrition, lack of medicine and medical care, resulting in epidemics which wiped out campfulls of POW's and laborers by the thousands.

Every year, on April 25, friends and relatives of the Allied POW's come to visit their graves. The main cemetery is opposite Kanchanaburi train station with 6,982 copper-plaque tombstones. An other is at Chungai district across the River Kwai with 1,750 headstones. The cemeteries are immaculately tended all year round.

There are many attractions for visitors to see, including multiple museums and cemeteries, below is a partial list:

Kanchanburi City Gate an interesting site to see in the remains  of Kanchanaburi town is the Gate which was built in 1831 during the reign of King Rama III. It is located on Lak Mueang Road near the meeting point of the Khwae Yai and Khwae Noi Rivers.

The Chong Kai War Cemetery situated only 2 kilometers south of town on the bank of the Kwai Noi River, the cemetery occupies the site of the Chong Kai which once was the prisoner of war camp. Smaller in size, the cemetery attracts visitors to see its peaceful, well-designed landscape where 1,740 POWs rest in eternal peace.

War Museum and Art Gallery, located not far away from the Bridge on the River Khwae is a private museum which features the World War II story and art objects such as war weapons, army uniforms, photographs, jewelry, etc.  Opening Hours: Daily from 07.00 a.m. - 06.30 pm.  Admission: is 40 baht/person.

The Jeath War Museum, the name JEATH is derived from countries which engaged in the WWII death railway construction from 1942 to 1945, which included Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand and Holland. Located in the area of Wat Chai Chumphon, the museum is a reconstruction of the POWs thatched detention hut with cramped, elevated bamboo bunks. On the wall of the huts, photographs and illustrations of the POWs living conditions are on display. POWs who survived from the camp have donated items to enhance the museums atmosphere and authenticity.  Opening Hours: Daily from 08.30 a.m. - 06.00 pm.  Admission: is 30 baht.

Tham Khao Pun Temple (Wat Tham Khao Pun), once a major POW camp, the temple where many Buddha images are enshrined is located in the middle cave and is surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites. The temple is 3 kilometers from Chongkai War Cemetery.

Tham Mangkon Thong Temple (Wat Tham Mangkon Thong) situated 5 kilometers from town, the splendid temple is located in a cave which is only assessable via steps flanked by dragon carvings on both sides. The temple is well known for the incredible performance of a nun floating on the surface of a deep pool. A small museum displaying a variety of ancient objects found in the area is located nearby. Visitors can take buses from Kanchanaburi - Dan Makham Tia and get off at the temple.

Tham Phu Wa Temple (Wat Tham Phu Wa), the compound which is set in natural surroundings is situated approximately 15 kilometers away from the city. The temple is famous for meditation courses. In addition, there is a beautiful cave with plenty of stalactites that is worth a visit.

Ban Kao National Museum, a small Tambon (sub-district) located on the bank of the Kwai Noi River approximately 35 kilometers from the city is a site where some ancient Stone Age tools were found. In addition, a Neolithic burial site was discovered by the Dutch Allied POW, Dr. Van Hickderen who was forced to build the Death Railway. The consequences of findings revealed that tambon Ban Kao was once a dwelling of prehistoric men. Some critical discoveries included skeletons of prehistoric men, tools made from gravel stone and axes. The Ban Kao Museum houses skeletal remains, pots, axe heads, jewelry made from animal bones, and other artifacts dating from that period.  Opening Hours: Wed - Fri from 09.00 am. - 04.30 pm.  Admission: is 30 baht. 

Somdet Phra Sri Nakharin Park, covering an area of 200 rai, the park is situated in Kanchanaburi's Agricultural College, tambon Nong Ya, approximately 9 kilometers from town. Local residents also dubbed the place as the Stone Garden as there are stones of different sizes and shapes scattered in the park.

Thailand - Burma Railway Centre, it is located near the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (Don Rak), it puts on an exhibition of history of the Thailand – Burma railway from the invasion of the Imperial Japanese Army, planning and construction of the railway, its geography, living condition in POW camps, medical aspects, summary of deaths, operation, bombing and end of the railway, as well as aftermath of the war. Hours: Daily from 09.00 am. – 05.00 pm.  Admission: is 80 bath for adults and 40 bath for children under 14.

Ancient Town of Kanchanaburi, located in Tambon Lat Ya between Km. 2 – 3 on Highway 3199 off Highway 323. It used to be a border outpost confronting Burmese armies arriving through the Three Pagodas Pass since the Ayutthaya period and through to the Rattanakosin Period (ca. 1548 – 1784). Mounds of the rectangular earthen wall measuring 167 x 355 sq.m. and four corner fortresses still remain to be seen.

Pa Lelai Temple (Wat Pa Lelai) known locally as Wat Pha Ok and built in the Ayutthaya Period. The Mondop – a square building – once enshrined a seated Buddha image in the gesture of subduing Mara, which was drilled through the chest – ‘Pha Ok’ in Thai. An image of the Buddha receiving offerings from a monkey and an elephant known as ‘Palilayaka’ - Pa Lelai - was later constructed to replace the former one. Remains of architecture within the temple include Mondop, Wihan and round brick Chedi with clay mortar and cement coating.

Khun Phaen Temple (Wat Khun Phaen) from the side entrance of Wat Pa Lelai toward the training camp of the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, this is an abandoned temple built in the Ayutthaya Period. The complex included Phra Prang, which was the principal building of the temple, remains of which are still to be seen, Phra Ubosot, directional and satellite Chedis, and Wihan.

Mae Mai Temple (Wat Mae Mai) built in the Ayutthaya Period and located some 300 metres to the east of Wat Khun Phaen. There are 2 groups of architectural remains. The remains in the north include a large round Chedi situated on a plinth and rectangular west-facing Wihan. The remains in the south include a medium-scale east-facing Wihan, satellite Chedis and rectangular boundary wall, with a so-called ‘Sa Lang Kraduk’ or ‘bone-washing’ pond in between. Ruins of Wat Nang Phim or Wat Kanchanaburi Kao are located nearby.

The Nine-Army Battle Historical Park established by the Royal Thai Army, the park is located at tambon Chong Sadao, approximately 40 kilometers from town on Highway No. 3199. It was built to commemorate the great battle under the command of King Rama I to defend the kingdom against the invasion by King Bodawpaya of Burma in 1795. Thais know this event under the name of the Nine-Army Battle. The park is a center for historical research and conservation tourism that also provides information on the great battle. A sand table displaying battlefields and diagrams depicting the battle strategy are on display.  Opening Hours: Daily from 08.00 am. to 05.00 pm.
 
As you can see, the area is rich in history from many era’s with no lack of museums and things to see and explore.  If you want to learn more about Thailand, don’t hesitate to contact us to arrrange your adventure into the past.

More about Kanchanaburi

More on tours in Thailand at www.easydaythailand.com

Kanchanaburi – il fiume Kwai (Che)

Kanchanaburi – il fiume Kwai (Che)

La Thailandia e’ diventata una affermata meta turistica negli ultimi dieci anni e la maggior parte la conosce per le spiagge di Phuket e Samui, i centri commerciali di Bangkok e la vita notturna di Pattaya.

In questi ultimi anni anche il nord del paese si e’ fatto un ottima fama grazie a Ciang Mai e Ciang Rai , molto ancora resta da visitare e come per l’Italia le tante cittadine di provincia offrono occasioni uniche per le vacanze.

Una di queste e’ Kanchanaburi a 130 Km ovest di Bangokok un posto dove assaporare la filosofia di fare le cose con facilita e in relax insomma “Easy”. Dall’aeroporto di Bangkok un minivan ci ha portato sulle rive del fiume Kwai (Che) in un paio d’ore con una sosta per mangiare qulacosa per strada attraversando Bangkok. Siamo ad Aprile e’ quasi capodanno Thailandese (Song Kran) il periodo piu caldo dell’anno e si sente ci saranno 40 gradi in citta. Ma a Kanchanaburi subito un po di sollievo grazie al fiume e ai monti alle spalle della citta coperti di giungla e che segnano il confine con la Birmania.

Ci fermiamo due giorni in citta’ al Felix Resort che e’ proprio sul fiume e a pochi passi dal famoso ponte sul Fiume Kwai, parte della ferrovia costruita durante la seconda Guerra mondiale dai Giapponesi sfruttando i prigionieri di Guerra catturati in Sud Est Asiatico (Inglesi, Australiani, Americani, Francesi e Asiatici). L’hotel e’ un po datato ma ottimo l’architettura Thailandese rilassa e mette a proprio agio, la grande piscina centrale e quella piu profinda sul fiume offrono un ottimo sfogo per rinfrescarsi e i bambini nel gruppo le hanno sfruttate al Massimo. Prezzi onesti per un grad hotel e ottimo servizo, camere spaziose con tutti i comfort.

Per girare in citta siamo andati dal ponte verso il tempio e abbiamo affittato un Song Teo (pick up con il cassone coperto e due panche) che puo portare fino a una decina di persone, per 11 euro ci veniva a prendere all’hotel, andavamo a spasso e poi rientravamo all’hotel. Da notare che il ponte non e’ in centro citta ma circa tre km fuori. Cenare a Kancanaburi e’ facile, divertente e a prezzi veramente modici si mangia al ristorante con circa 3 euro a testa inclusa birra … a volonta!

Il terzo giorno siamo andati alla stazione e abbiamo preso i biglietti “classe speciale” per il treno fino alle cascate di Say Yok Noi, la nostra meta era Say Yok Yai dove staremo Quattro giorni in un resort galleggiante sul fiume.

Il viaggio in treno dura due ore e mezzo e nel bilgietto speciale sono incluse, bibite, caffe e dolcetto, la guida in inglese e un certificato di partecipazione. Il treno e’ un vecchio convoglio diesel caldo e poco comodo ma decisamente divertente il paesaggio bellissimo e dal treno lo si gode appieno. Dalla campagna di fondo valle si passa in piccoli canyons e poi si costeggia il fiume il binario e’ ancora quello originale della II Guerra mondiale ed e' impressionante vedere cosa hanno costruito a costo della vita i prigionieri. Arriviamo a Say Yok noi e con un altro Song Teo ci trasferiamo 30 KM a nord a Say Yok Yai, una barca ci attende sulla riva per trasferirci al resort, bisogna pagare l’ingresso del parco nazionale.

Il resort e’ bellissimo sono un serie di zattere su cui sono costruite le camere, tutto e’ di legno e paglia e si inquadra nella giungla circostante, qualche istruzione ai bambini su come muoversi sulle passerelle e poi tutti nella piscina galleggiante. Servizio e camere ottimi e sopratutto lo scenario fa dimenticare tutto una esprienza assolutamente da fare. Le camere sono direttamente sul fiume, una zattera comprende sei camere e nel mezzo uno spazio comune dove alla sera rilassarsi e chiaccherare niente TV e la musica va portata da casa, fantastico il lento scorrere del fiume rilassa e si porta via i pensieri. A disposizione degli ospiti ci sono delle zattere che possono essere noleggaite oppure una comune che parte tutti i pomeriggi per le cascate. Fantastico stare sotto la cascata a rinfrescarsi e poi per rientrare al resort ci si mette un giubbino di slavataggio e ci si lascia portare dalla corrente. Cibo in abbondanza che pacchia. Stando sul fiume vedrete realmente il mercato galleggiante infatti alcuni abitanti dei villaggi usano le barche come negozi galleggianti per vendere frutta, cibo e cucinare per I villeggianti che affittano le chiatte e stanno sul fiume qualche giorno.

Noleggiando un minivan si possono fare gite nella zona e una consigliata e’ fino al passo delle tre pagode al confine con la Birmania una meta turistica per Thailandesi dove i turisti starnieri sono ancora pochi, nella vicina citta di Songkla Buri si puo visitare il tempio e tantissimi i ristoranti dove pranzare i prezzi qui sono al minimo.

Dopo il relax sul fiume sempre in treno siamo tornati in citta per altri due giorni per visitare il museo dedicato ai caduti per la ferrovia e che spiega ottimamente il progetto e la storia e poi un giorno al tempio che ospita il centro di riabilitazione per animali selvatici particolarmente noto per le Tigri che passano la maggior parte del tempo libere nella grande riserva naturale. Durante le ore piu calde del giorno fanno la siesta ed e possible farsi fotografare al loro fianco con l’aiuto del personale del centro.

Ci sono anche altri posti a pochi chilometri dalla citta come le famose 7 cascate di Erawan e le rovine delle cittadelle antiche del confine Birmano, ma il tempo non era sufficiente sara per la prossima volta.

Kanchanaburi

The province Kanchanaburi is Thailand´s third largest out of 76 provinces. It’s located 130 km west of Bangkok and it covers an area of 19,480 km². Approx 735,000 inhabitants are living in Kanchanaburi province which borders Myanmar (Burma) at the north-west.

Kanchanaburi town is the capitol of this province and has a population of 54,000. Kanchanaburi was originally established by King Rama I as a first line of defence against the Burmese, who might use the old invasion route through the Three Pagodas Pass on the Thai-Myanmar border. It is situated on the River Kwai and is the home of the famous Bridge on the Kwai. Every year in late November and early December the River Kwai Bridge Festival is held at the bridge to remind to the history of the Death Railway and the bombardments during World War II.

The Province itself captivates beautiful nature and friendly people with their native charm. The Major attractions include waterfalls, mountains, caves, national parks and of course River Kwai.

The unique Erawan Waterfalls are most famous waterfalls in Kanchanaburi. Seven levels set in jungle in the Erawan National Park. The falls are worth a visit and among the most beautiful falls in whole Asia.

Kanchanaburi features also 3 war museums, 2 war cemeteries, a national museum, a historical park, hot springs, a few worth to visit Thai and Chinese temples.

Details Info about Kanchanaburi you can find here:
Weather 
History Closeup

Kanchanaburi - River Kwai

Bericht von Egbert S. und seinem Besuch in Kanachanaburi

Wir flogen alle mit Thai Airways von Phuket nach Bangkok. Ich blieb zwei Tage in Bangkok und wartete auf Thommy der aus Deutschland kam. Die anderen unserer Gruppe fuhren mit dem Minibus direkt weiter nach Kanchanaburi. Dort übernachteten sie 2 Tage Im Felix Resort von wo sie anschließend weiter Sai Yok fuhren.

Als unser Freund Thommy ankam fuhren wir mit einem Taxi vom Flughafen direkt in den National Park von Sai Yok mitten im Dschungel der Provinz Kanchanaburi in Nord west Thailand. Ein Wolkenbruch ging bei unserer Ankunft auf uns nieder, was unserer guten Laune jedoch nichts anhaben konnte. Ein Longtail Boot brachte uns auf dem River Kwai zu unserm Rafting Hotel "Sai Yok View Raft", welches auf dem Kwai Fluss liegt. Mitten im Urwald verbrachten wir hier 4 wunderbare Tage.

Nach dem Frühstück fuhren wir auf einem großen Ponton den Fluss entlang. Hausboote die von Longtail Booten gezogen wurden begegneten uns. Diese Hausboote kann man auch mieten und dann an einem schönen Platz ankern. An Fluss entlang sind einige wunderschöne Wasserfälle. An einen fuhren wir ran und uns erwartete eine kühle Dusche. Es hat riesigen Spaß gemacht. Dann zogen wir uns Schwimmwesten an, sprangen in den kühlen Fluss und ließen uns Kilometer weit bis zum Hotel zurück
treiben. Einmalig das muss man mitgemacht haben.

An einem anderen Tag zog uns das Longtail Boot wieder an eine seichte
Stelle, ankerte dort, und wir blieben den ganzen Tag hier. Die Kinder
hatten viel Spaß und planschten im Wasser.

Zu Essen und Trinken gab es reichlich. Ab und zu kam ein Boot vorbei und
man konnte Obst , Getränke oder alles mögliche zu essen kaufen. Am
Nachmittag holte uns das Boot wieder ab .Wir machten auch einen Ausflug zum "Drei Pagoden Pass". Das ist die Grenze zu Burma. Auf der Fahrt dorthin erwartete und eine atemberaubende Landschaft.

Die Tage vergingen zu schnell. Ich hätte noch länger bleiben können. Das war aber bestimmt nicht das letzte mal das ich hier war. Dann hieß es Abschied nehmen. Mit einem Pick Up fuhren wir zur Bahnstation. Mit dem Zug dem legendären "Death Train" fuhren wir nach Kanchanaburi. Das ist noch die Original Strecke die die Japaner mit Kriegsgefangenen gebaut haben. Am Ende der Strecke fuhren wir über die berühmte River Kwai Brücke.

Im Felix Resort verbrachten wir noch einmal 2 herrliche Tage. Ein Besuch im Museum vom Brückenbau, dem Soldatenfriedhof und dem Tigertempel stand auch noch im Programm. Das war der Ausklang einer wunderschönen Reise. Der Flieger brachte uns zurück nach Phuket.

Ich kann nur jedem empfehlen der hier nach Thailand kommt diese Reise auch zu machen. Sie ist für jeden unvergesslich.