Blogs from Kanchanaburi, Western Thailand, Thailand, Asia - page 56

Visit to Kanchanaburi Province We knew that with only three days in Thailand, we would have to pick and choose among the icons that the country presents, missing some things that should not have been missed, and perhaps doing some things that might not have been as rewarding. We also knew that we were confident enough to use public transport within Bangkok, but would use a commercial tour company for any travel outside the city, whcih meant that we might not get the absolutely best arrangements, but those that made it attractive to a wide audience and were easy to run with a larger group. Some venues did not open every day, which might also limit our choices. Finally, we had wanted to have the major activities already booked before we left Australia, and we would ... read more

Folks Don't forget, if you want to contact us, don't reply to this message, please Email us on steve-ellison@hotmail.co.uk. (We'd love to hear from you).... read more

Hello again everyone! After three days in Bangkok, we were most definitely ready to leave. It's a great city, but it's a bit.....overwhelming. The smog, the traffic, the constant questions (Where are you going? Where are you from?)- these are not friendly chit-chat, but openings to sell you something/send you somewhere/get your money somehow. After reviewing our friends' notes and the always helpful Lonely Planet, we decided to head west to the small town of Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi was an easy 2 hour air-con bus ride from Bangkok, and arriving there was like a giant exhale from the chaos of Bangkok. The town is situated on a river, with some mountains in the background and a friendly strip with several nice guesthouses. As it's still in the lowlands, and landlocked, the temp was still very hot, so ... read more

Kanchanaburi Thailand-Burma Railway Centre A fantastic museum in Kanchanaburi that explains why the railway was built during WWII for aiding the Japanese troops in transporting supplies and ammunition safely overland to Burma. The museum certainly illustrated quite graphically the suffering and torture that was endured by those POW having to contruct the railway through such mountainous terrain. Kanchanaburi War Cemetary Across the road from the railway centre is the cemetary where hundreds of British, Dutch and Australians are buried following WWII. Hellfire Pass Walked through Hellfire Pass - large cutting through the mountain (approx. 25 metres high) where the POW constructed the railway day and night until it was completed. Called "hellfire" because it was hell for the POW having to work under such terrible conditions with inadequate rest, food and disease. The fire co... read more

Hiya everyone, We had the most amazing three days ever! Kanchanaburi has been an unforgettable experience. On our first day we started off by heading to a world war II war cemetary and museum and the Bridge over the River Kuah. The museum was very interesting, it gave the history of the Death Railway and the brutal treatment the prisoners of war and civilians had to endure buiding it. The cemetery is where the 12,000 people out of 150,000 people who died to build this railway are buried. Later that day we got to ride a train along the Death Railway, the views were spectacular but there was something a bit eerie about knowing how many people died while forced to build it, definitely an interesting experience though. After the railway we visited a beautiful waterfall ... read more