วันจันทร์ที่ 21 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2552
วันอาทิตย์ที่ 22 กุมภาพันธ์ พ.ศ. 2552
KANCHANABURI : Interesting Article
Holidaying in Kanchanaburi
by Stephen Cleary
Well, not having too much choice, I yet again chose Kanchanaburi as me destination for a few days. Asking me why I still like it, I can only say that most of the tourist areas there haven’t really changed over the years and some of the guesthouses are still looking exactly the same as they did when I first went there back in ’91’. There’s just one strip down by the river that has begun to blossom into the Khao Sarn Road of ’Kan’ with a steady influx of travellers and ex-pats but certainly nothing to the likes of other busy touristy destinations in the country.
Kanchanaburi has more than its fair share of tourist attractions including a few museums, a couple of wartime graveyards, a few shady rickshaw drivers and a bridge. There are also a few more attractions with absolutely nothing to do with the Second World War and one of them is the ’Terrifying Tiger Temple’.
Just a few years back, one of the province’s temples decided to look after a sick tiger and when it was seen that this feline was bringing the temple some attraction a few more tigers were brought in to boost tourist arrivals.
Then, until a few years back, if tigers weren’t your taste and you prefered a more tranquil sight, Kanchanaburi had its own ’Floating Nun’. For an entrance fee of just 20 baht the tourist could view one of the temple’s nuns who spent her afternoons miraculously floating while meditiating on the temple’s lake or whatever you want to call it.
When you are tired of visiting the sights of ’Kan’ or anywhere else one can just do what I did a while back and get into some conversation with a few of the frivolous Farang ex-pats. I have to disclose a little secret of mine and that is I enjoy playing the ’Dumb Farang’ at times i.e. I can’t be bothered telling any of the expats or local Thais working with the tourists that I’ve been living here for goodness knows how long and able to speak the Thai lingo. So, this time in Kanchanaburi I got chatting away to a couple of the expats there who proudly afforded me an insight into their triumphant business ventures in the province. They enjoyed completely exaggerating their knowledge of the Thai language, people, culture and ways. I couldn’t help but laugh under my breath at one of them who was sure his idea for a ’Turkey Farm’ was great business in the province. "All the Thais will be eating my turkeys within three years". Sure, man!
Kanchanaburi is great for one thing and that has to be its dirt cheap worthy accommodation down by the river. Just before the main strip before you go up the hill(as mentioned above) there are lots of really quiet places where you can get a room with a view on the river for less than 300 baht a night if you want. You have to be careful though of the hellish disco boats that have plaqued the River Kwae for years on end. A few years back, having not listened to the warning of ’Don’t stay too near the main bridge’ i was forced to put up with these incredibly loud ’disco boats’ that sailed past my hut ’til 6 in the morning. Of course i was absolutely furious, on having had a sleepless night, that the guesthouse staff had failed to inform me of such noise-pollution before I had checked-in. But i guess that’s business.
Such discos boats still exist today but they’ve been banned from going up near the ’main’ tourist accommodation area cause of the innumerable complaints received from elderly Farang visitors along the lines of "By jove, these owners have nay respect fir human life!" Probably even worse now has been the arrival of ’Karaoke Boats’. So, if you are incredibly unfortunate in choosing your riverside hut for the night you may have to tolerate an entire night of loud Bangkokian tourists blaring away into their microphones singing the likes of "And... I... did it Myyy way"
*Since I wrote up this blog a couple of friends asked me for my advice on places to stay. I stayed at the newly renovated VN Guesthouse on the river run by the friendly K. Natdina (all the rickshaw/motorbike-taxis know it). In fact everyone knows it as it’s been there for years and years. Great place and very clean and a bargain at just 250 baht a night (non air-con)
My blog, more stories!!
http://www.thai-blogs.com/index.php/c152/?blog=8
by Stephen Cleary
Well, not having too much choice, I yet again chose Kanchanaburi as me destination for a few days. Asking me why I still like it, I can only say that most of the tourist areas there haven’t really changed over the years and some of the guesthouses are still looking exactly the same as they did when I first went there back in ’91’. There’s just one strip down by the river that has begun to blossom into the Khao Sarn Road of ’Kan’ with a steady influx of travellers and ex-pats but certainly nothing to the likes of other busy touristy destinations in the country.
Kanchanaburi has more than its fair share of tourist attractions including a few museums, a couple of wartime graveyards, a few shady rickshaw drivers and a bridge. There are also a few more attractions with absolutely nothing to do with the Second World War and one of them is the ’Terrifying Tiger Temple’.
Just a few years back, one of the province’s temples decided to look after a sick tiger and when it was seen that this feline was bringing the temple some attraction a few more tigers were brought in to boost tourist arrivals.
Then, until a few years back, if tigers weren’t your taste and you prefered a more tranquil sight, Kanchanaburi had its own ’Floating Nun’. For an entrance fee of just 20 baht the tourist could view one of the temple’s nuns who spent her afternoons miraculously floating while meditiating on the temple’s lake or whatever you want to call it.
When you are tired of visiting the sights of ’Kan’ or anywhere else one can just do what I did a while back and get into some conversation with a few of the frivolous Farang ex-pats. I have to disclose a little secret of mine and that is I enjoy playing the ’Dumb Farang’ at times i.e. I can’t be bothered telling any of the expats or local Thais working with the tourists that I’ve been living here for goodness knows how long and able to speak the Thai lingo. So, this time in Kanchanaburi I got chatting away to a couple of the expats there who proudly afforded me an insight into their triumphant business ventures in the province. They enjoyed completely exaggerating their knowledge of the Thai language, people, culture and ways. I couldn’t help but laugh under my breath at one of them who was sure his idea for a ’Turkey Farm’ was great business in the province. "All the Thais will be eating my turkeys within three years". Sure, man!
Kanchanaburi is great for one thing and that has to be its dirt cheap worthy accommodation down by the river. Just before the main strip before you go up the hill(as mentioned above) there are lots of really quiet places where you can get a room with a view on the river for less than 300 baht a night if you want. You have to be careful though of the hellish disco boats that have plaqued the River Kwae for years on end. A few years back, having not listened to the warning of ’Don’t stay too near the main bridge’ i was forced to put up with these incredibly loud ’disco boats’ that sailed past my hut ’til 6 in the morning. Of course i was absolutely furious, on having had a sleepless night, that the guesthouse staff had failed to inform me of such noise-pollution before I had checked-in. But i guess that’s business.
Such discos boats still exist today but they’ve been banned from going up near the ’main’ tourist accommodation area cause of the innumerable complaints received from elderly Farang visitors along the lines of "By jove, these owners have nay respect fir human life!" Probably even worse now has been the arrival of ’Karaoke Boats’. So, if you are incredibly unfortunate in choosing your riverside hut for the night you may have to tolerate an entire night of loud Bangkokian tourists blaring away into their microphones singing the likes of "And... I... did it Myyy way"
*Since I wrote up this blog a couple of friends asked me for my advice on places to stay. I stayed at the newly renovated VN Guesthouse on the river run by the friendly K. Natdina (all the rickshaw/motorbike-taxis know it). In fact everyone knows it as it’s been there for years and years. Great place and very clean and a bargain at just 250 baht a night (non air-con)
My blog, more stories!!
http://www.thai-blogs.com/index.php/c152/?blog=8
KANCHANABURI : Attraction
The Bridge on the River Khwae (the Death Railway Bridge) Thanks to several films and books, the Bridge on the River Khwae has become notoriously famous and attracted both Thais and foreigners to the site. If an ordinary black iron bridge can tell a story, you can be sure it's a dramatic one.The bridge spans across Maenam Khwae Yai which is a branch of Maenam Mae Klong. During the Japanese occupation of Thailand in World War II, the Japanese Imperial Army brought the iron bridge from Java. It was then resembled by Allied Prisoners of War (POW) under Japanese supervision. The bridge was part of a strategic railway route to Myanmar in which the Japanese aimed to secure supplies with which to conquer other western Asian countries. It was 415 kilometers long (about 303 kilometers in Thailand and about 112 kilometers in Burma) and passed through the Three Pagoda Pass in Sangkhlaburi District, the northern most part of Kanchanaburi province.Construction started on September 16, 1942 at Nong Pladuk, and was completed on 25 December 1943. It is estimated that over 16,000 POWs from England, Australia, Holland and America died while building the bridge which was a target of bombing raids in 1945. In addition to this, approximate 90,000 laborers from Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia died during its construction.Rebuilt after WWII, the bridge is still in use today with the curved portions of the bridge being that of the original. An attraction of note is the annual light and sound event at the bridge to commemorate the Allied attack in 1945.The railway currently ends at Ban Tha Sao or Namtok Station, a distance of some 77 km. from Kanchanaburi Station. A special train running from Bangkok to Namtok Station is available on weekends and national holidays. For further details, please contact the State Railway of Thailand, Tel. 0 1690, 0 2220 4334 or www.railway.co.th.
Erawan National Park
The national park is 65 kilometers from Kanchanaburi along Route 3199. The park, covering 550-square-kilometers, is the site of the seven-tiered Erawan waterfall, one of Thailands loveliest waterfalls. The second tier has a pool, which is ideal for swimming and is particularly picturesque. However, the most popular activity in the park is trekking. Bungalow accommodations and camping facilities and a daytime food market are available.
Shelters and camping are available for tourists in the park. Admission is Bt200 for adults and Bt100 for children. For more details, please contact the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Bangkok at Tel. 0 2562 0760 or ‘www.dnp.go.th’ or Erawan National park Tel. 0 3457 4722, 0 3457 4234
Visitors may take a bus departing from the Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal to the waterfall every 50 minutes from 8 a.m. to 5.20 p.m. The journey takes 1.5 hours.
Sri Nakarin National Park
It was announced on 23 December, 1981, to be a national park with an area of 953,500 rai (1,496,800,000 square metres). Interesting tourist attractions are as follows:
Tham Sawan The cave has just been discovered in the area of Khuean Srinagarindra National Park, near Ban Ton Maphrao, Tambon Mae Krabung, Amphoe Si Sawat. The characteristic of the cave is a natural hole which is 9 metres wide, 9 metres high and 150 metres long. There are also prehistoric cave paintings. To get there, the cave is situated on the way from Namtok Huai Mae Khamin to Namtok Erawan. Turn right at Ban Ton Maphrao School and go straight on for 1.5 km. until getting to Ban Ton Maphrao. Take a car from the village to the entrance of the cave another 500 metres. A four-wheeled drive car and a local guide from Ban Ton Maphrao are suggested.
Tham Neramit It is a massive cave divided into many rooms with amazing strangely-formed stalagmites and stalactites, located 10 km. before Namtok Huai Mae Khamin. Go along the way to Wat Tham Neramit for 2 km. and walk on for 300 metres. 4 km. from the cave; another three large caves; Tham Nam Mut, Tham Phra Prang and Tham Phra Kho, are situated. Please contact guides or Khuean Srinagarindra National Park officials. Travelling by a pick-up or four-wheeled drive car is recommended.
Tham Nam Mut It is situated in the area of Khuean Srinagarindra National Park in Ban Nam Mut, Tambon Mae Krabung. Its entrance is 15 metres in width and 10 metres in height. It contains a deep hole and stream continuously flowing out of the cave.
Erawan National Park
The national park is 65 kilometers from Kanchanaburi along Route 3199. The park, covering 550-square-kilometers, is the site of the seven-tiered Erawan waterfall, one of Thailands loveliest waterfalls. The second tier has a pool, which is ideal for swimming and is particularly picturesque. However, the most popular activity in the park is trekking. Bungalow accommodations and camping facilities and a daytime food market are available.
Shelters and camping are available for tourists in the park. Admission is Bt200 for adults and Bt100 for children. For more details, please contact the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Bangkok at Tel. 0 2562 0760 or ‘www.dnp.go.th’ or Erawan National park Tel. 0 3457 4722, 0 3457 4234
Visitors may take a bus departing from the Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal to the waterfall every 50 minutes from 8 a.m. to 5.20 p.m. The journey takes 1.5 hours.
Sri Nakarin National Park
It was announced on 23 December, 1981, to be a national park with an area of 953,500 rai (1,496,800,000 square metres). Interesting tourist attractions are as follows:
Tham Sawan The cave has just been discovered in the area of Khuean Srinagarindra National Park, near Ban Ton Maphrao, Tambon Mae Krabung, Amphoe Si Sawat. The characteristic of the cave is a natural hole which is 9 metres wide, 9 metres high and 150 metres long. There are also prehistoric cave paintings. To get there, the cave is situated on the way from Namtok Huai Mae Khamin to Namtok Erawan. Turn right at Ban Ton Maphrao School and go straight on for 1.5 km. until getting to Ban Ton Maphrao. Take a car from the village to the entrance of the cave another 500 metres. A four-wheeled drive car and a local guide from Ban Ton Maphrao are suggested.
Tham Neramit It is a massive cave divided into many rooms with amazing strangely-formed stalagmites and stalactites, located 10 km. before Namtok Huai Mae Khamin. Go along the way to Wat Tham Neramit for 2 km. and walk on for 300 metres. 4 km. from the cave; another three large caves; Tham Nam Mut, Tham Phra Prang and Tham Phra Kho, are situated. Please contact guides or Khuean Srinagarindra National Park officials. Travelling by a pick-up or four-wheeled drive car is recommended.
Tham Nam Mut It is situated in the area of Khuean Srinagarindra National Park in Ban Nam Mut, Tambon Mae Krabung. Its entrance is 15 metres in width and 10 metres in height. It contains a deep hole and stream continuously flowing out of the cave.
KANCHANABURI : How to get there
By carRoute 1: a 2-hour drive along Highway No.4 (Phetkasem) via Nakhon Chaisi Province, Nakhon Pathom Province, Ban Pong, Tha Maka and Tha Muang (of Ratchaburi Province) to Kanchanaburi.
Route 2:drive along Highway No. 338 from Bangkok to Nakhon Chaisi Province then switch to Highway No.4 to Kanchanaburi.
By BusNon air-conditioned buses leave Bangkoks Southern Bus Terminal daily every 15 minutes from 4 a.m. until 8 p.m. The trip takes about 3 hours. Call 02 434 5557-8 for more information.
First class air-conditioned buses (blue color) leave Bangkoks Southern Bus Terminal daily every 25 minutes Call 02 435 5012, 0 2435 1199 or 02 884 6249 or visit www.transport.co.th for more information.
There are also buses leaving frequently daily for Kanchanaburi from Nakhon Pathom. The journey takes up to 1.5 hours. From Ratchaburi and Suphan Buri Bus Stations, there are several buses leaving directly to Kanchanaburi. The trip takes some 2.5 - 3 hours.
By TrainOrdinary trains leave Bangkoks Thon Buri Railway Station (Bangkok Noi Station) daily. Only 3rd class seats are available. The journey takes approximately 3 hours. For more information, call Thon Buri Railway Station at tel. 02 411 3102 or Kanchanaburi Railway Station at tel. 034 511285.
The weekend special train leaves Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) at 6.30 a.m., returning at 7.55 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and on public holidays. The trip usually includes several stop-overs at Phra Pathom Chedi (Nakhon Pathom), Death Railway Bridge, and a transfer (by minibus) to Phrasat Mueang Singh Historical Park, etc.
There are also special steam trains operating between Kanchanaburi and Wang Pho.
For more information, call the State Railway of Thailand at tel. 1690, or 02 223 7010, 02 223 7020 or visit www.railway.co.th.
Travelling around Kanchanaburi
Although the city of Kanchanaburi is possibly accessible on foot, it requires strenuous efforts in completing such a trip. Normally, bicycles, motorcycles and cars are common means of transportation. Bicycles and motorcycles can be rented from shops, guesthouses and hotels located along Maenam Khwae Road. Visitors can capture the citys atmosphere along their way to see the Bridge over the River Khwae, the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, the waterfront Song Khwae Road area, and the JEATH War Museum. For visitors who enjoy driving themselves, cars can be rented on a daily or weekly basis at several outlets on Saeng Chuto Road and around the Song Khwae Road area.
The two major routes used to explore Kanchanaburis attractions are Highway No. 323 and Highway No. 3199. Highway No. 323 runs parallel to Maenam Khwae Noi to Sangkhla Buri District (approximately 230 kilometers from the city) via Sai Yok, Thong Pha Phum, and Vajiralongkorn Dam while Highway No. 3199 follows the Khwae Yai River to Sri Nakharin Dam (69 kilometers away from the city).
Travelling Between Districts
Transportation between the districts is also conveniently arranged by regular buses. Major destinations include Bo Phloi, Tham Than Lot (Than Lot Cave), Namtok Erawan, Namtok Sai Yok Yai, Thong Pha Phum, Sangkhla Buri, the Bridge over River Khwae and the War Cemetery. They are mostly non-air conditioned buses which leave every 20 minutes up to 2 hours. Others have their own fixed itineraries. Check for details at 0 3451 1182, Kanchanaburi Bus Station.
Traveling around Kanchanaburi by train is also popular. It is inexpensive, reliable and offers a more panoramic view of the area. The route from Kanchanaburi to Namtok Station near Namtok Sai Yok Noi Waterfall is recommended for visitors wishing to explore the notorious historic railway. Trains leave Kanchanaburi Railway Station 3 times daily and stops at the Bridge over the River Khwae, Tha Kilen (near Phrasat Mueang Singh Historical Park), Tham Krasae, Wang Pho and ends at Namtok Railway Station. For more information, call Kanchanaburi Railway Station at tel. 0 3451 1 285.
Alternate trips to out-of-town attractions
There are ferry services across Maenam Mae Klong that costs 5 baht per person. You can bring your motorcycle or bicycle on board in order to explore the other side of the town. Also in operation are boat services to several interesting destinations.
From the Pak Saeng Pier in Tambon Tha Sao, visitors can hire a boat (carrying capacity of 10-12 persons) to visit the Lawa Cave and Namtok Sai Yok Yai. The 1-hour boat ride to Namtok Huay Maekhamin starts from the Tha Kradan Pier, 12 kilometers from Sri Nakharin Dam.
Visitors are advised to check with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Office at 034 511 200 and 034 512 500 or email tatkan@tat.or.th for details on arranged transportation during public holidays and weekends.
วันจันทร์ที่ 9 กุมภาพันธ์ พ.ศ. 2552
KANCHANABURI : General Information
According to most historians, the ancient town of Kanchanaburi was located near Ban Lat Ya, a small village situated approximately 16 kilometers north of the present town. The site was repeatedly recorded in Thai history as an invasion route which the Burmese used to enter Thai Kingdoms.
Kanchanaburi, which has mostly mountainous terrain, covers an area of approximately 19,473 square kilometers and is the third largest province in Thailand after Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima. Situated approximately 129 kilometres west of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi shares a border with Myanmar to the west, Tak and Uthai Thani Provinces to the north, Suphan Buri and Nakhon Pathom Provinces to the east, and Ratchaburi Province to the south.
In north and west Kanchanaburi, the terrain is comprised mainly of mountains and high plains, with the Thanon Thongchai Range acting as a natural border between Thailand and Myanmar. The range is the source of Kanchanaburi’s two most important rivers Maenam Khwae Noi and Maenam Khwae Yai, which form the famous Maenam Mae Klong. As a result, several of Thailand’s largest Namtok (waterfalls) and most extensive wildlife sanctuaries are found in this area.
The magnificent landscape and charming beauty of Kanchanaburi have resulted in major tourist attractions including several well-known waterfalls, caves which were once inhabited by Neolithic man, pristine national parks, tranquil rivers, virgin forests, and reservoir. Together, they offer an intriguing experience for first-time or repeat visitors. Whether its fishing, rafting, canoeing, mountain biking, bird-watching, star-gazing, golfing, elephant and jungle trekking, or even living in bamboo rafts, Kanchanaburi takes pride in offering them all.
The city of Kanchanaburi is located at the point where two tributaries, the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai meet and form the Maenam Mae Klong. This is the location of the notorious Death Railway and the Bridge on the River Khwae one of the worlds famous World War II sites which have been immortalized in print and film.
In economic terms, Kanchanaburi has been doing well on a national scale, with over 10 per cent growth annually. Important industries include sugar, agricultural products and jewelry. Tourism is also a main source of income for the locals as the provinces high tourism potential has made Kanchanaburi number one among the west provinces in having the highest number of visitors each year.
Residents of Kanchanaburi are engaged in agricultural activities. Most of the locals are of Thai ancestry with notable Mon and Karen minorities. Rural dwellers enjoy living simply and respecting nature. Moreover folk music and dances dating back at least 500 years are still performed today.
Distances from Amphoe Muang (Town) to Neighboring Districts :
Tha Muang 12 kms.
Phanom Thuan 24 kms.
Tha Maka 30 kms.
Dan Makham Tia 30 kms.
Sai Yok 50 kms.
Thong Pha Phum 145 kms.
Sangkhla Buri 230 kms.
Si Sawat 102 kms.
Bo Phloi 40 kms.
Nong Prue 75 kms.
Huai Krachao 60 kms.
Lao Khwan 97 kms.
Kanchanaburi, which has mostly mountainous terrain, covers an area of approximately 19,473 square kilometers and is the third largest province in Thailand after Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima. Situated approximately 129 kilometres west of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi shares a border with Myanmar to the west, Tak and Uthai Thani Provinces to the north, Suphan Buri and Nakhon Pathom Provinces to the east, and Ratchaburi Province to the south.
In north and west Kanchanaburi, the terrain is comprised mainly of mountains and high plains, with the Thanon Thongchai Range acting as a natural border between Thailand and Myanmar. The range is the source of Kanchanaburi’s two most important rivers Maenam Khwae Noi and Maenam Khwae Yai, which form the famous Maenam Mae Klong. As a result, several of Thailand’s largest Namtok (waterfalls) and most extensive wildlife sanctuaries are found in this area.
The magnificent landscape and charming beauty of Kanchanaburi have resulted in major tourist attractions including several well-known waterfalls, caves which were once inhabited by Neolithic man, pristine national parks, tranquil rivers, virgin forests, and reservoir. Together, they offer an intriguing experience for first-time or repeat visitors. Whether its fishing, rafting, canoeing, mountain biking, bird-watching, star-gazing, golfing, elephant and jungle trekking, or even living in bamboo rafts, Kanchanaburi takes pride in offering them all.
The city of Kanchanaburi is located at the point where two tributaries, the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai meet and form the Maenam Mae Klong. This is the location of the notorious Death Railway and the Bridge on the River Khwae one of the worlds famous World War II sites which have been immortalized in print and film.
In economic terms, Kanchanaburi has been doing well on a national scale, with over 10 per cent growth annually. Important industries include sugar, agricultural products and jewelry. Tourism is also a main source of income for the locals as the provinces high tourism potential has made Kanchanaburi number one among the west provinces in having the highest number of visitors each year.
Residents of Kanchanaburi are engaged in agricultural activities. Most of the locals are of Thai ancestry with notable Mon and Karen minorities. Rural dwellers enjoy living simply and respecting nature. Moreover folk music and dances dating back at least 500 years are still performed today.
Distances from Amphoe Muang (Town) to Neighboring Districts :
Tha Muang 12 kms.
Phanom Thuan 24 kms.
Tha Maka 30 kms.
Dan Makham Tia 30 kms.
Sai Yok 50 kms.
Thong Pha Phum 145 kms.
Sangkhla Buri 230 kms.
Si Sawat 102 kms.
Bo Phloi 40 kms.
Nong Prue 75 kms.
Huai Krachao 60 kms.
Lao Khwan 97 kms.
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