When we were looking to explore the Kanchanaburi Province, we have planned to visit some of the area’s off-the-beaten-path location. I am always on the hunt for something different to do when travelling and I simply love the next little destination spot that I was about to share! It really offers an interesting option for travelers looking to explore and see something different. This was what makes this region so much fun.

The off-the-beaten-path location was known as Ban I-Tong. Ban I-Tong is a remote village on the Myanmar border, and is surrounded by Thong Pha Phum National Park, which takes up most of the subdistrict’s area. Sometimes, it is known as Pilok Mine (Mueang Pilok). Pilok was a tin mine site. Nowadays, it is just a village of the old mine community site. In order to get there, we had to drive up all the way with 399 curves. To be honest, the journey has many bumps, twists and turns due to the uneven mountain ground road. The ride took about three hours from Kanchanaburi town through hilly road in order to get there.

Although it was an uncomfortable and rough journey, you will not have regretted. Halfway through the journey, there was a viewpoint to see the beautiful vantage point where we can relax and regularly rolls in over the surrounding hills.

After that, we drove up a steep slope with lower gear to visit the Myanmar Border Patrol and Station. It was right at the Nern Sao Thong Viewpoint. This was a must-see place if you are in this area. We took our time and enjoy the stunning view over the mountain range in Myanmar.

Luckily, we managed to catch the sunset over at Nern Sao Thong Viewpoint. It was casting an orange hue onto the rolling hills. It was a magnificent sunset view on the peak of Thai-Myanmar border. We experienced the peaceful nature and good weather.

There are times that we can’t avoid some travel problems such as wrong hotel booking. While we were enjoying the beautiful sunset, our driver asked us for our accommodation address. As we entered our hotel name onto the Google Maps, we realized that we did not book the hotel that was supposed to be located at Pilok Village. Instantly, we starting to feel panicky. As it took us about three hours to drive up this complicated route, it was no way that we can drive down these 399 curves to reach our booked hotel. We feel that the downhill cliff route was a little dangerous to travel at night. So, we began to call up some of the hotels or hostel located at Pilok Village. We phoned up several hotels and their reply to us was the hotel was already fully booked. We felt that we are entering crisis mode. Securing somewhere to live at a small town is our biggest worry. However, we stay calm. We decided to drive down to the main village in the Pilok region is Ban-I-Tong to find a suitable place to stay over for just one night.

At the time we arrived, the sun almost set and the weather was really cooling. We did not expect to see crowd here. It was so difficult to find a parking and there were many cars here. We went door to door to ask for any last-minute accommodation available for us. The response that came back was “Sorry, we are full.” Everywhere was fully booked. Then, our driver managed to ask the parking attendance for help. The parking attendance was nice and called his friend for help.

Thankfully, we managed to get a tent accommodation at one of the homestay’s roof top. That tent accommodation costed us 1000 baht. At that moment, it was not the price that matters. It doesn’t matter what kind of place it was… at least we have a roof over our head that served as protection against the cooling weather. I am really very grateful for the roof over my head. The weather was cool till we decided not to take shower. We did some simple wiping and tuck in early that night.

This was our first chill-er camping experience abroad.

The next day, we woke up at 6 a.m. We set out early to have breakfast and explore around Pilok village.

The morning scenery around Pilok village was quite peaceful with gorgeous blue skies. Although the sun was out, it was not hot and humid at all!

Next, we set off to visit the Jog Kradin Waterfall. Although not a huge waterfall but it’s easy to access with a very short distance walk from the parking lot. It was a perfect natural spot to get away and enjoy a short hike after breakfast.

We were greeted with another beautiful vantage point located at Thong Pha Phum National Park. It was accessible by car and we just need to walk a short distance to enjoy the breathtaking view.

This was really a suitable place for tourists who love nature and want to relax. Since the village was higher than 1,000 meters above sea level, the weather is cool and pleasant all year round just like with air conditioning blasting. For us, the once-in-a-live-time tent experience was really an epic momento for this whole trip road. A worthy stop for sure.

Lesson Learned: No matter what the weather’s like, define your own condition. Smile in the rain. Cuddle as temperatures drop. Look forward to snowmen and igloos carefully created on upcoming snow days. No matter what the weather, this is our season to enjoy what is beautiful and to create warmth with those we encounter.

Home Phutoey River Kwai Resort offers panoramic views of the Kwai Noi River. Other than mineral hot spring bath, this relaxed international resort with a thatched-roof terrace offers a variety of activities, such as boat trips and a treetop adventure park, plus several WWII memorials. In fact, we really have an unforgettable and memorable two-night stay here.

After we checked out from Home Phutoey River Kwai Resort, we decided to visit the Hellfire Pass (known by the Japanese as Konyu Cutting). The name of a railway cutting on the former Burma Railway (“Death Railway”) in Thailand was built by forced labour during the Second World War. The Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre and Memorial Walking Trail was built and maintained by the Australian government. This is dedicated to the Allied prisoners of war and Asian labourers who suffered and died at Hellfire Pass and elsewhere in the Asia Pacific region during World War II.

The Hellfire Pass Interpretive Center was a very somber place with interesting visual learning experience so that you can immersed in the stories from the Hellfire Pass. It was a moving place to visit and remember those who worked and gave their lives as prisoners of war building this infamous railway line during the Second World War. In the small museum, there were graphic videos revealing their moments of absolute sufferings, cruelty of war, inhumanity, and heroism experienced during the construction. There was also first-person narratives and experiences of survivors. The testimonials from these heroes were truly moving.

After watching the video, we went to the Hellfire Pass Walking Trail. The trail (with the gripping audio guide) takes the experience to another level completely. There were two walking routes. Walk 1 through Hellfire Pass is about a 1km roundtrip and not difficult. Walk 2 out to Hintok Cutting is about 5km and had some steep climbs and uneven surfaces. We took the Walk 1 route. As you walk past imposing walls of rock, you can catch sight of occasional nails protruding from the chiseled surface too.

In the interests of public safety, the Cutting was temporary closed due to Thai wet season, landslide.

Konyu Cutting was one of the most notorious stretches of the Death Railway constructed. It was why it was a well worthwhile historic place to visit if you are around Kanchanaburi.

After a tragic part of history but a must visit place, we went to Thong Pha Phum. We went to a restaurant recommended by our driver to have our lunch with a bridge view.

After lunch, the driver showed us Wat Tha Khanun, a Buddhist Temple located in Thong Pha Phum at the Khao Laem reservoir. There wasn’t much to see in Thong Pha Phum but this temple and it’s Buddha up on the hill above it. It can be reached via walking up 285 steps on the hill’s south face to a pagoda on the top of the mountain. It has a beautiful view of Thong Pha Phum Village.

However, we did not have the luxury of time to head up. So, we walked over the Wat Tha Khanun rope bridge and spotted good backdrop of the lake.

It’s incredible astounding scenic. Let’s slow down for a second here…

Stay tuned for the next posts with more pictures about my road trip journey through Thailand.

“Convince yourself every day that you are worthy of a good life. Let go of stress, breathe. Stay positive, all is well.” ― Germany Kent

It was our third day of this road trip. Home Phutoey River Kwai Resort was set on the bank of the river Kwai in Sai Yok area approximately in the middle of the road between 2 Sai Yok waterfalls. It was an amazing location with a stunning view over the river Kwai. The room was spacious and luxurious too. The splendid view and facilities were just perfect for a family stay. The breakfast was average. I have expected higher quality and wider range of breakfast than what the hotel had offered.

After a good night rest, we woke up early in the morning and soak ourselves in their hot spring pool. That day, the temperature was 22 degree Celsius. It was a magnificent foggy morning and soon there were growing patches of blue in the sky. After entering the hot spring, I felt the charm of a space in this serene atmosphere. We feel the refreshing mountain air while soaking in the beautifying hot spring bath.

After breakfast, it’s time to take a day tour to the sleepy town of Kanchanaburi. One of the highlights of this trip was exploring the Thai-Burma Railway – also known as the death railway where many POWs lost their lives during its construction in World War II. The Tham Krasae overlook located at Lum Sum, Sai Yok District holds scenic views of the River Kwai with tracks cutting along the mountainside and suspended above the river on a wooden bridge. We took a stroll on the tracks without any railings. Almost all the wooden bridges on the railway have disappeared. The Wampo Viaduct was used today and maintained by the State Railway of Thailand. It has been extensively repaired and strengthened to endure in the blazing heat of this tropical climate. Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to catch any trains passing by. If you do the walk, maybe you can take an extra few minutes to explore the Krasae Cave.

Next, we began to tour at the Bridge on the River Kwai (แม่น้ำแดว) (pronounced “quail” but without the “l”). We walked on the bridge that inspired 1957 Oscar winning movie “The Bridge Over River Kwai” and reflect on the tragic history of WWII. This picturesque bridge spans a breathtaking serene view of this countryside. After our lunch, we were lucky to caught sight of the passing train from the restaurant. It was really moving slowly toward the train station.

To sum up, both the Tham Krasae overlook and Bridge on the River Kwai remains in place in Kanchanaburi as a tourist attraction and functioning railway bridge over which trains passing by daily. Although the Death Railway has never again reached the Myanmar border, this makes the Bridge on the River Kwai one of Kanchanaburi’s most popular war-related attractions – there are still many crowds snapping photos at the area.

After exploring those 2 places, it’s almost time for dinner and sunset. We decided to head to a noodle shop with a wondrous view – Rakkanna noodle shop. It was located behind the Wat Tham Sua temple. It took us about 1.5 hours drive from the Bridge on the River Kwai to the noodle shop. When we arrived, the sunset was almost over but not yet. I was feeling lucky that I managed to capture that stunning green paddy fields sunset view. The picture-perfect setting of the green paddy fields placed against the pagoda of Wat Tham Sua temple turned out to be a great sunset location. Immersed with the sunset as our background, we were slurping the noodles with satisfaction.

After some real food, it’s time to get some rest…

“Sunset is a wonderful opportunity for us to appreciate all the great things the sun gives us!” ― Mehmet Murat ildan

It was our second day of this road trip. After the massage, all of our body were well rested. We were really feeling refreshed and energized. After breakfast, we were ready to set off to our other planned destinations. However, there were some “miscommunication” just after our breakfast. It was my first time traveling in a group of three and with a senior elderly so to speak. I understand that people have different preferences. The more people you bring together, the greater the variety of difference. The greater the variety of difference, the greater the challenge to manage those differences and find a suitable compromise. At that moment, I really felt that ‘stress travel’. I was a little bit pissed and it did ruin my mood a little.

Anyway, we went to the Khao Ngu Stone Park. This was a scenic place to visit where it really brings the calmness back in me. The park was packed with panoramic vistas of magnificent mountains engulfed in lush greenery. We took a leisure stroll through the park. However, beware of monkeys who can create some nuisance.

After that, we went to visit the Mini Grand Canyon at Pong Yup. It was located in a private area which looks almost like a ghost town. It was a jaw-dropping natural phenomenon with weird looking walls as high as 5 meters. Certain areas of this “Grand Canyon” were made up of pillars and a big sinking hole with soft soil. To me, this private “attraction” that charges foreigners twice the price of Thais was not worth the price. Honestly, there was nothing here and I think the tickets were overcharged. The place was not well maintained. It was full of grasses and without any signboard. Also, there was no proper counter for ticket purchase. The lady charged us 80 Baht for each adult admission. In fact, we spent less than 30 minutes and walk out of this place. It was not what we expected. Partially, it could be because we do not know how to angle our shots.

Next up, we went to Bo Khlueng Hot Spring. Bo Khlueng Hot Spring was located in Suan Phueng. The hot spring was a rocky small pond. It was my first-time dipping inside an outdoor hot spring. The water was warm but as we move towards the bigger rocks it was slightly hotter. Being able to submerge my body in a warm hot spring, it really helps to relax my body and mind.

After soaking, we went to Baan Hom Tian – Candle Factory. The entrance was 60 baht for adults, including 1 free candle. It was a well-known attraction in town and is home to the most ambient little candle shop I have ever seen. It was not a big place but it’s a wonderful place for spending your time and money for a good souvenir. At the top, there was a nice viewpoint, where you can relax and have a drink or small snack. The decorations here also bring back old memories. Lots of small shops around there too. Overall, the use of wax for decorations made this place very unique.

We came to Coro Field to have our late lunch cum dinner. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Coro Field in Ratchaburi. This place consists partly of shops and part restaurants as well as a large garden to walk through. Visiting here was a fun and eclectic experience with the culmination being a lovely meal in their greenhouse like restaurant. We were hungry so we ordered a spaghetti carbonara, stirred-fry sweet and sour pork, tom yum ramen, and passion fruit tea. The meal was extraordinary and left an amazing aftertaste which lasted for hours. We were excited to try their melon desserts. It was really delicious! This is a modern farm with organic foods experience which we won’t soon forget.

After a hearty meal, we headed back to our next accommodation place located at Saiyok, Kanchanaburi – Home Phutoey River Kwai Resort. This was a peaceful place surrounded by jungle. We chose this resort because of their hotspring nature. By the time we reached, it was pitch darkness. [Photo to be reviewed later…]

“I finally figured out the only reason to be alive is to enjoy it.” ― Rita Mae Brown

On Day 1, we arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok around 10am. We were promptly picked up by our specially hired driver. He drove a Honda 4-seater car to welcome us. For this trip, we decided to explore lesser known destinations. When travelling to lesser known destinations in Thailand, hiring a good navigator is very important. Fortunately, this driver whom we hired made it easy for us as he is confident driving us on foreign roads. With our customize tour from Bangkok to Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi and Pilok, having a personalize driver would be perfect for these 6 days road trip!

While we were on our way to Ratchaburi, we went to one of the Thailand’s best-known floating market – Damnoen Saduak floating market. It took us about 2 hours to get to Damnoen Saduak floating market. Owing to its huge popularity, this floating market can be very crowded and touristy. By the time we get there, it was less crowded as they were closing soon. We had our lunch – pork rice and pad thai at one of the approachable coffee house.

After that, we went to the Mae Klong Railway Market as it was nearby about 10 minutes’ drive. We went there because we want to find a hidden Ba Mee restaurant – Gong Meng Chan 廣銘珍 Ba Mee Kiao (ก๋องเมงจั้น). During our last trip, we were here but we unfortunately miss it. This time round, we made it here to have a taste. Long awaited! The noodles here are really different. They make them fresh daily and are placed in the drawer, making this shop also known as “noodle in drawer”. It’s slightly different from the usual Ba Mee you eat in Bangkok as this version is softer and easier to chew. The pork (char siew) is roasted to perfection giving it a blanded-sweet caramelised taste. The soup was cooked with many fish bones and head which made the soup simple, tasty and nutritious. It was so nice to had it on a rainy day.

After lunch, we were ready to visit our next 2 attractions – The French gothic Nativity of Our Lady Cathedral and Wat Phra Christ Phra Haruthai. As one of our friends is a Christian, we decided to explore these two religion buildings.

The Nativity of Our Lady Cathedral is a Catholic Church located in Bang Nok Khwaek. The Gothic-style cathedral interior has one of the most beautiful stained-glass windows. The interior was very impressive, as the place is decorated with stained glass windows imported from France.

Next, by the time we get to Wat Phra Christ Phra Haruthai, the church was closed. So, we set off to check in our hotel at Tara Spa Ratchaburi and we did our massages.

Upon arrival at our hotel, the scenery creates an overall tranquil atmosphere.

“Be joyful, beautiful, tranquil like a tree.” ― Debasish Mridha