Adventure in Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand.  In and around Kanchanaburi there is plenty to do for the whole family including children. These include the visit to the famous "Bridge of the River Kwai", the Elephant farm, the Tiger Temple and the Mon (Burmese) Village.

1. Travel Itinerary for a two nights , 3-day visit
          Day 1 - Travel by land from Bangkok to Kanchanburi
                     First stop:   Bridge of the River Kwai (132 km, 2 hours 15 mins)
                     Second stop:  Boutique Raft Resort (60 km, 49 mins)
          Day 2 - Sight Seeing
                     First stop:  The Elephant Village  (approx 25 minutes from Boutique)
                     Second stop:  The Tiger Temple (approx 30 minutes from The Elephant Village)
          Day 3 - Visit to the Mon (Burmese) Village by boat (approx 40 minutes from Boutique)
                     -Travel back to Bangkok (approx 3 hours travel time)

2. The Bridge of the River Kwai is historically known.  According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission:

"The notorious Burma-Siam railway, built by Commonwealth, Dutch and American prisoners of war, was a Japanese project driven by the need for improved communications to support the large Japanese army in Burma. During its construction, approximately 13,000 prisoners of war died and were buried along the railway. An estimated 80,000 to 100,000 civilians also died in the course of the project, chiefly forced labour brought from Malaya and the Dutch East Indies, or conscripted in Siam (Thailand) and Burma. Two labour forces, one based in Siam and the other in Burma worked from opposite ends of the line towards the centre."^[1]

Today, may local and foreign tourists visit the famous bridge which was re-constructed in 1964.  The bridge, which is still usable,  is open to the public to see and move around.  Parking is available on the streets and in paid-parking facilities in the area.  Souvenir stores and food shops surrounds the main entrance to the Bridge.

Beside the bridge you can also visit the Allied War cemeteries and museums.  It has floating restaurants on both sides that offer buffet and ala cart lunches and  caters to visiting tourists. The place has also attracted many tourist because of its Jewelry Market that is famous for its onyx precious stones.  The Jewelry market is located just beside the Bridge of the River Kwai and has restaurants, money changers and ATM machines. Parking area in this market is big enough to accommodate even tourist buses.


3.  Boutique Raft Resort was highly recommended to me by my friends from the UN.  The resort is indeed very nice.  With its friendly staff, the resort is very private and offers good restaurant and lodging facilities.  It has about 9 River Kwai Suite floating rooms located in the banks of River Kwai (plus three other rooms off the river).  It has one Honeymoon Suite (which I luckily got for my family) which is an independent floating room in the river.  It offered large bedroom with tub, fully kitchen facilities (but not sink) and with a uniquely designed private swimming pool in its private balcony. The Honeymoon Suite has two beds (queen)  and one large sofa.

Resort can arrange for your SPA and body massage in your room. Breakfast comes with your room and with a choice of continental, American or Asian breakfast (congee and fruits). You can try taking dinner or lunch at its restaurant overlooking the hanging bridge and the river.  Or, you can consider room service for your meals and enjoy them in your balcony fronting the river itself.   There is also a public swimming pool (beside the Honeymoon Suite) where you can also do your sun bathing. The Resort has nice areas to walk on with picnic tables, swing and dart facilities for everyone. Try walking through the hanging bridge for a nice experience.  Parking is spacious and safe.  Finally, there are good restaurants off the main highway.  Ask the front desk for suggestions and directions.

Enjoying the cool breeze & sound of the river in the hammock



The floating Honeymoon Suite

Contact: info@boutiqueraft-riverkwai.com

Tel. +66 34 634 191

Address: 413 Moo 3, Wangkajae, Saiyok, Kanchanaburi, Thailand 71150

4.  The Elephant Farm (Mahawangchang Elephant Camp) is approximately 25 minutes drive from Boutique Raft Resort.  The Farm offers several activities --- elephant riding (at Baht 200 or US$ 7.00 per person per hour); elephant bathing (Baht 300 per person); elephant show; and bamboo rafting.  Elephant feed (banana) is Baht 20 per bag. 

www.mahawangchangelephantcamp.com
198 Moo. 6 Wangkajea Saiyok, Kanchanaburi 71150
Tel. 087-7477912; 085-2626078; 081-3787380

5.  The Tiger Temple (Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yannasampanno Foresty Monastery) is a wild life sanctuary in a monastery who propagates Buddhism.  The Tiger Temple has five areas for the public to see --- the Tiger Canyon (tigers are taken her for their afternoon exercise from 1-3:45 pm); the Tiger Walking way; the Dhamma Plaza; the Tiger Falls; and the Tiger Island Area.  Entrance fee per person is Baht 600 (US$20) per person. The Temple is open daily from 12pm to 3:15pm.  Selling of entrance tickets is close by 3:15pm.

Free photos with tigers at the Tiger Canyon.  Lines may be long during peak travel season.  Persons wishing to have photos with the tigers are quietly guided individually within the area of about 15 tigers by trained staff.  Hand over your camera to your guide as she/he will take charge of taking your photo.  Visitors are advised not to wear "bright color" (red or orange) outfits as these would attract the tigers.

Contact Information:  www.TigerTemple.org

Tel. no. 034-531 557

6.  The Mon (Burmese) Village is accessible through a 45-minute boat travel from Boutique Resort to River Kwai Jungle Raft Resort,  a unique eco-floating resort that is reputed for its unique natural surroundings with no electricity in the whole resort.  The visit to the Mon Village will allow you to see the actual housing and living conditions in the Village.  The Village also offers its visitors with a small souvenir shop, elephant ride, a temple, meeting room and sight of a cliff walking through its thick forest.

We arranged our boat to the Mon Village through Boutique Resort (front desk)  at the rental cost of Baht 1500 (US$50) for three-hours.  Each boat can accommodate eight persons.

Contact information:  www.RiverKwaiJungleRafts.com

                                   River Kwai Jungle Rafts

                                   Baan Tahsao, Amphor Saiyoke, Kanchanaburi 70150, Thailand

                                  

                                   Bangkok Sales and Reservation Office

                                   133/48 Ratchaprarop So1 12, Ratchaprarop Road

                                   Makkasan, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400

                                   Tel. +662 642 5497

Things to come back for in our next trip:

1. The 7-stepped waterfall of Erewan National Park where one can hike, swim and discover the beautiful jungle of Thailand.

2. The Lawa Cave which we may have visited on our way to the Mon Village.  Entrance to the Cave is Baht 200  (US$7.00)  per person.

3. The Hellfire Pass and Memorial Museum, very impressive and moving experience on the war history.

4. Various beautiful temples like "wat tham suea" and "wat ban tam", both located on a mountain with a fantastic view over the River Kwai.

5. The Elephant's World, a sanctuary of sick, old, disabled, abused, illegal and street elephants (www.elephantworld.org) run by a non-profit organization. You can join the "All Day Visit" program with elephants who enjoy their own natural environment until their last breath. Activities include feeding and bathing elephants, preparing and cooking sticky rice for old elephants, gathering and planting food for the elephants (banana trees, sugarcane, banagrass), etc.

December 2012

Elephant Ride in Thailand



The Elephant Village at Ratchaburi is just 5 minutes away from the Damneon Saduak Floating Market.* It features a baby elephant show but most people go there for an elephant ride for approximately 30 minutes in the jugles and in the water.  Each elephant has a master and follows a path through the jungle where you see monkeys and fruit trees. An elephant can accomodate up to two persons plus the master. The ride is bumpy and the elephant sometimes stops to poo (and sometimes smelly).  Elephant ride is recommended for the adventurous, young or old.

Elephant ride per person is Baht 600 (approximately US$20).  Tickets are purchased from the main store of Village which is located at the entrance.  You can also buy bananas there to feed the elephants and the monkey.

If you forget to bring your camera you can purchase your photo (taken by the Village official photographer) at the end of the elephant ride. Each photo with a frame costs Baht 200 (approximately US$7.00).  By the way, don't forget to give a small tip to your elephant traineer after the good ride.

Finally, while at the Elephant Village, you can also watch a monkey show for 20 minutes at Baht 200 (US$7.00) per person.

(*Damneon Saduak Floating Market is approximately 1.5 hours drive from Bangkok)

November 2012

Floating Market in Thailand - Damneon Saduak

Venture from the exotic and colorful Bangkok on a day trip to the countryside and visit the Damneon Saduak floating markets, one of the most famous floating markets and a major tourist destination in Thailand.  At the floating market, you will see many people move and live beside the canal. It shows the old traditional way of selling vegetables, fruits, etc. from small boats. Don't miss eating the Thai noodle soup on the canal with the locals making fresh noodles in hot pots.  The market also a place where you can get your souvenir items from Thailand.

1.  Location:  The Floating Market at Domnoen Saduak in located in Ratchaburi, Thailand.  Just 93 kilometers from Bangkok, you can reach the floating market in just 1.30 hours drive through a nice highway.

2. Tours:  Many tour companies in Bangkok offer half-day tours to Damneon Saduak. Most hotels can link you up with these private tour operators.  Prices starts from US$70 per person depending on the number of sites to be visited apart from the floating market---Rose Garden Thai Village, Elephant Village, Crocodile farm or the Bridge of the River Kwai in Kanchanburi.

3. The Cheaper Way to do your tour is to consider contracting a taxi which your hotel can arrange for you.  An air conditioned Taxi to Domnoen Saduak will cost you Baht 1800 (or approx. US$60) round trip for the whole day. This cost is inclusive of the services of a driver,  gasoline and toll fees.  Taxi van  can accommodate up to 7 passengers.  You can also consider renting for the whole day an air conditioned  12-seater van for Baht 2600 (or approx. US$87). This price is  inclusive of a driver, gas and tolls.  Of course, a token tip for the driver may be added.

4. Boat Tickets.  There are many establishments offering boat rental or tours to the floating market. Don't be deceived by where your taxi or rented car/van driver will bring you who will offer you boat rental for Baht 2000 to 3000. You can haggle for better prices.  In our case, we managed to get the rate of Baht 600 for the whole boat for eight persons for one and a half hour.  Boat comes with a driver who will guide you through the travel.Tipping is about Baht 100 or US$3.

The main entrance of the market is where you take your boat.  Each boat is marked with a number (remember your boat number so you would know which boat to take  in case you get off from it in the market).   There is ample parking and toilet facilities at the main entrance.  It also has a small lounge for waiting drivers. It is best to call and reserve your boat ahead of time.  I suggest you call Khun Pong at A-NU-RUK at Tel. +66 89 743334 and ask for a boat at Baht 600.  At first he will offer you Baht 2000 per boat but this rate goes down as you haggle.

5. Buying stuff is fun.  Souvenir shops line up along the canals while food and farm vendors in boats paddle near you to offer their products. You can ask your boatman to stop anytime for you to see any of the shops or to purchase anything from among the boat vendors.  Just like many tourist places, vendors  of souvenir items would normally offer products at high prices as they expect tourists to bargain. 

6. From the floating market, you can make a side trip to the nearby Elephant Village which is just about 5 minutes away.  On the way back to Bangkok, try to stop in stalls selling sea salt along the highway. The stalls also sell locally produced fish sauce, shrimp paste and dried fish.

November 2012

Some Updates -

Better deal:  My second trip to the floating market allowed me to explore a cheaper way to  hire a boat to the market.  I went to the first boat terminal (Coke Pier) which I saw after turning from the traffic light of the main highway and got a good deal of only Baht 800 for the whole boat (with capacity of 8 persons) for two hours.  The boat even brought us to the coconut farm, the big temple and the floating market itself.  In fact, you can call in advance to reserve at Tel. 086-5285831 or 082-7201614 and look for Ms. Nam.  The boat terminal isn't as big as the first but it has clean toilets, waiting lounge for drivers, spacious parking and small snack bar.  As usual free cold mineral water is given free after your boat trip.  By the way, don't forget to give a tip to your boat man. Baht 200 for two-hour trip may be reasonable.

December 30, 2012

                  

Great Sledding in Gstaad, Switzerland

 

GSTAAD is a village in the German-speaking section of the Cantone of Berne in southwestern Switzerland located right on the border with the French-speaking part of Switzerland.  Gstaad is known for its luxurious hotels and shopping, nightlife and fine dining.  This car-free resort of Gstaad is a popular destination for international celebrities.  It is the home of the largest ski areas in the Alps (220 km of slopes).

                  

Itinerary: Day trip from Geneva by panoramic train

          You can make an enjoyable day trip to Gstaad from Geneva by land or by

taking the panoramic train from Montreux.  The following itinerary is suggested:

          Onward

                   Geneva to Montreux          7:56am / 9:04 am            1.06 min.

                   Montreux to Gstaad           9:45 am/ 11:03 am          1.18 min.

          Return

                   Gstaad to Montreux           1737H/ 1913H

                   Montreux to Geneva          1919H/ 2024H

Ticketing  and Travel Arrangements

1.     You can travel all the way in this trip using a Day Ticket purchased from your local commune at the price of CHF 40.  Make sure you purchase your Day Ticket in advance as there are limited number of tickets.

2.     Alternatively, if you have a Half Fare card, you can also consider purchasing a Geneva-Gstaad-Geneva ticket at the price of only CHF 47.

3.     It is necessary that you reserve your seat at the panoramic train. You should go to the train station for this and pay CHF 7 for one way seat reservation. Seats for return travel from Gstaad may not be necessary.

4.     You should check on the weather condition in Gstaad to make sure the ski facilities, cable cars, etc are in full operation on the day of your travel. You can make a quick call or access to:

Gstaad Saanonland Tourismu

Haus des Gastes

Promenade 41

3700 Gstaad

Tel. +41 323 748 81 81

http://www.gstaad.ch/

Lunch and Sledding at Eggli

          Eggli is a mountain resort nearest the main town of Gstaad. It is a ski resort which also provides good facilities for a 5 km sledding.

Directions and cable car to  Eggli

1.     You can walk 15 minutes from the train station of the main town of Gstaad to reach Eggli.  Signage will guide you until the Eggli ticketing station or you can ask the local tourism office for direction.

       If you are driving, you can set your GPS to :

                       Eggli (Gstaad) BDGAG-Ige
                       Saanen

                      BDGAG-Ige stands for Bergbahnen Destination Gstaad AG

2.     a 15-minute cable car ride will bring you up to the main resort area of Eggli.  You can purchase your  cable car tickets from the ticketing station at the following prices:

Gstaad – Eggli Cable Car

          One way/return       CHF 18.00/ 26.00 (half fare card holders, pay 50% off)

          For children            CHF 9.00/ 13.00

If you are a group of more than 10, ask for the applicable special rates.

Taking Lunch at Eggli with a beautiful view of the mountains

3.     You might wish consider taking the special MOUNTAIN LUNCH at Bergrestaurant Eggli for the package price of CHF 35/ 24 (for children).  This price is inclusive of a delicious dish of the day (roast beef with sidings of potato and vegetables). It also includes the two-way cable car fee.  Those with Half Fare cards are given the special price of only CHF 24 for the whole package.  Note: lunch does not include cost of drinks and dessert.

It is recommended that you call the restaurant ahead to reserve your lunch seat:

              Bergrestaurant Eggli

              Tel +41 33 748 96 12

This restaurant has terrace with a good view of the mountains. In reserving your lunch you should specify where you want to be seated.

Sledding

4.     The down hill run begins a few yards from the back of the mountain restaurant (Bergrestaurant).  The delightful run takes you through forests and Gstaad’s tranquil mountain scenery before ending in Grund.  From there you can walk back to the Eggli valley station (ticketing station).

5.     This 5 km sledding area is suitable for families and children. You can navigate this distance in  30 minutes of continuous run or about 2 hours of leisurely sledding.  This sledding run is also used as a winter hiking trail. There are no restaurant or toilet facilities in the sledding run.

6.     Sleds are available for rent from the Eggli Valley Station  (behind Bergrestaurant) for CHF 10 who the whole day.  You can request for either small or long sled which can ride two persons.  You can return the sleds at the ticking station below as you finish your sledding.

7.     Tip for those with small children:  the end of the sledding area is a long walk to the ticketing station of Eggli.  Therefore, it is recommended that those sledding with children consider having them picked up by car at the end of the sledding area to avoid the long after a tiring day.

8.     Adults and children must always be mindful of the sledding safety tips including the use of sledding helmet and warm outfit.

             

Other activities to consider

          While sledding at Eggli may already take your whole day, the following other activities are recommended for those who do not go sledding:

1.     Visit to the Gstaad Main Town  --- main town is small compared to the towns found in Chamonix or Zermatt.  It is lined up with lots of shops and restaurants.  The restaurant just in front of the Train station serves good cheese fondue (CHF 23 per person) and other local dishes.

2.     Visit to Glacier 3000  -  You need to take a 30-minute bus from Gstaad to reach Glacier 3000. Glacier 3000 is a world-renown resort where you can enjoy a cable car ride to see the scenic mountains (Alps), experience riding a ski-lift, walk through the snow, try the dog sled rides (huskies),  drive the snow bus  and experience the Alpine coaster (roller coaster in snow).  Cable car fee is CHF 61 per person. 

January 2012