After enduring the frustration of being unable to travel for an extended period, my dream finally came true! I was finally able to escape to Kanchanaburi. This province had been on my travel list for quite some time, and I had originally planned to visit during the winter season. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, I was forced to cancel my trip, much to my disappointment. As fate would have it, my mother, in her infinite wisdom, organized a family trip to Kanchanaburi, allowing me to finally fulfill my long-awaited desire. This trip was a true vacation, free from the constraints of budgeting and accommodation concerns, as my mother had meticulously arranged every detail, leaving me in awe of her organizational skills.

Embark on a Journey

Original Text:

ออกเดินทาง

This phrase can be translated in several ways depending on the context. Here are a few options:

• Embark on a journey (most literal translation)
• Set out
• Begin a journey
• Start a trip
• Head out

The best translation will depend on the specific context in which the phrase is used.

We departed on March 14, 2017, at 7:00 AM.

"Is it late? Yes, it is! But no worries. Today, after a short injury time, the wheels started rolling and I was able to leave home safely. Before leaving, I bought sticky rice with grilled pork as provisions for breakfast... and I realized that... the air this morning, even though the sunlight hasn't fully risen, is already hot enough to make me sweat. So, Kanchanaburi will definitely have heat waiting for us without mercy!"

Open Warp

As we weren't driving ourselves, we decided to be good passengers and take a nap to avoid disturbing the driver. When I woke up, I was surprised to find myself in Kanchanaburi! Feeling hungry after waking up, my dad and I decided to prioritize finding food before we starved to death. So, our first action upon reaching the Mon Bridge wasn't to admire the beauty despite the scorching heat, but to find a place to eat!

'Pami Friendship' … the name of the restaurant we chose to eat at. The service here is very friendly. The price is also affordable. Most importantly, there is a boat service to take us to see the temple that emerges from the water. The price is

1 temple 300

3 temples 500

The price is for a maximum of 6 people. Before we get on the boat, let's take a look at the recommended menu here. That is... "Grilled fish chili paste". I didn't take a picture of it because my hands were shaking from hunger, so the picture is blurry and you can't see how delicious it is. Anyway, I recommend you try it when you come here. Is it spicy? ... Spicy!! But it's so delicious that I have to sit and eat it until I sweat and smile with tears. 555+

This restaurant is located right next to the Mon Bridge. You can enjoy the view while you eat, which is very pleasant despite the surrounding heat. The restaurant tries to reduce the heat by spraying water on the roof with sprinklers, which helps to cool things down a bit.

After finishing your meal, if you need to contact a boat, you don't have to walk far to find one. They will arrange for a boat to pick you up near your table. Wow! That's great service! 555+

Cruising to find temples

We decided to visit three temples while we were there. Unfortunately, the third temple was only half-visible and inaccessible. Nevertheless, we continued on to the remaining two temples.

The first temple we visited was, if I recall correctly, the temple of Luang Pho Uthama. It was incredibly beautiful and had a magical atmosphere!

Flowers are available for purchase at 20 baht per set for tourists to pay respects to the Buddha.

The second temple we visited was 'Wat Somdet Kao'. Upon arrival, our group was almost too exhausted to walk any further due to the scorching sun. However, we had already paid for the boat ride, so we decided to climb the stairs and pay our respects at the temple.

The path leading up to the temple is approximately 80 meters long, according to the ship's children. In front of the path, there are food and water stalls scattered around. However, one particular stall caught my eye.

"Live coconut" !?!?!?!?!?! Seeing this reminds me of live crab restaurants by the sea 55555+

Let's go upstairs and pay our respects at the temple.

The burn marks on the incense and candle holder suggest that a candle may have fallen and ignited. Therefore, please exercise caution when lighting candles.

After paying respects to the Buddha and taking a well-deserved break, it was time to bid farewell to this place. Honestly, I wasn't quite satisfied yet. I wanted to stay longer, but the weather wasn't cooperating. I had to surrender to the relentless sun and scorching heat. As I walked down, I turned towards the boat... Wow! It was so beautiful, I couldn't resist taking a picture!

I boarded the boat feeling utterly exhausted. The boatman told me that if I wanted to see the next site, I would have to dive down, as only half of it was visible above the water. The rest was submerged. I would have to wait until April when the water level drops further for the entire structure to emerge. So, I decided to just admire the half that was visible and avoid any unnecessary risks.

We crossed to the other side because our accommodation is located here. Tonight, we are staying at Cat and Oil, which I must say, offers a million-dollar view for a price of just over a thousand baht! Let's take a look at the room first. Oh, and before we move on, an important note: **If you need to withdraw cash, please do so at the gas station outside the city or at the market before entering this town. This is because there are no ATMs or gas stations on either side of the town.** So, plan accordingly, or you might end up like me and my family, running around like headless chickens!**

The room I recommend is only on the 3rd floor. Because you will see the most beautiful view here. P.S. There is no elevator. Let's walk and exercise for good health. 55+

The bathroom and room are designed in a loft style without the need for wall paint, giving it a hipster vibe. The water pressure is strong, and there are two shower heads (one for cold water and one for hot water). However, the only issue with my room is that the water drains a bit slowly, but it's bearable and doesn't turn into a bathtub.

The furniture here looks new and clean. The only downside is that the curtains don't block out the light very well. The room is fully equipped with a refrigerator, air conditioning, and a TV. There is also a balcony where you can enjoy the fresh air and stunning natural scenery. It's truly amazing!

The balcony of this room is located on the bridge side, offering stunning views of the surroundings both day and night. Comfortable chairs and a spacious balcony provide a relaxing atmosphere where you can easily lose track of time. ... After enjoying the classic ambiance, my body began to signal that my battery was running low, so I took a moment to recharge.

This evening at the Mon Bridge.

"Wake up, son," Dad's voice boomed across the room from the balcony. I groggily sat up, exhausted. I debated for a while whether to get up or not. The air conditioning was so cool, and my body craved rest. But then again, I was on vacation, so I couldn't just lie around and sleep. I pulled myself up, looked at my girlfriend, and took her hand, ready to explore.

Before heading up to the bridge to relax, I dragged my girlfriend down to take some photos below. Here are some of the shots we captured before the sun set.

This magnificent spot boasts a bridge stretching over the water, offering a serene platform for capturing stunning photographs. Visitors are encouraged to time their visit to coincide with the optimal lighting conditions for an unforgettable photographic experience.

Sure, let's take a selfie.

This image reminds me of my time in India, where carrying goods on one's head was a common sight.

The charm of this place never fades with time. The longer you stay, the more you get lost in the moment, forgetting all about time. The atmosphere, the cool breeze that blows against your face, the sound of the water carried by the wind, it's all so captivating.

No matter how good the atmosphere is... without you, it wouldn't be good! Oops... I'm flirting! 555+

The sun quickly set, leaving us in darkness. It was time to find something to eat and head back to our accommodation. **Note: There are no convenience stores here, so don't wait until late to buy anything. Make sure to purchase what you need before the shops close.**

Offering alms to monks in the morning at Sangkhlaburi

A Rude Awakening

The morning began with an unwelcome surprise. My partner, in a rather forceful manner, roused me from slumber by turning on the lights and blasting me with a hairdryer. Still groggy from the previous day's fatigue, I stumbled to the window to witness the sunrise.

The air was remarkably cool, a stark contrast to the previous day's warmth. It felt like a different season altogether. The sudden shift in temperature was a shock to the senses, a reminder of nature's unpredictable nature.

This temple offers dry food and rice for guests to purchase for making merit. Perfect for those who wish to perform this act of kindness but lack the time to prepare the offerings themselves. Simply come downstairs and purchase a set for only 99 baht. ^^

Thank you to the presenter.

The accommodation informed us that the monks would walk past the front of the property at around 7 am. We arrived early and waited, worried that we might miss the opportunity to offer alms. I walked to the beginning of the lane to see if the monks had arrived. The area retains its local character, with the residents diligently preserving their traditions. The peaceful atmosphere perfectly complements the cool surroundings.

The priest has arrived… hurry back, what are you waiting for!!

After finishing the alms offering, I returned to the hotel lobby. The hotel offered breakfast, including bread, hot dogs, and fried eggs. Did I eat a lot? The answer is "very full."

After lunch, the first program for today is to explore the temples in this area. The first stop is the Mahabodhi Temple! (Insert TV Champion sound effect)

Words cannot do justice to the breathtaking beauty of this place. It is an experience that must be witnessed firsthand.

And here... Many thanks to the kind shopkeepers, the shop next to the temple offers free sarongs for those who forget to bring long pants.

We then moved on to the temple of Luang Pho Uttama, where we could only admire the exterior as a group of young children were on a field trip. We didn't want to intrude on their enjoyment of the beauty, so we decided to just walk around the outside.

Three Kings Monument

In addition to the archaeological history available for our study, there is also a market selling various goods. In fact, the goods sold here are not the main point, as they can be found elsewhere. However, the important thing is to pay respects to the three pagodas here. If you come to Kanchanaburi, you will regret missing this place.

Those who wish to travel to Burma can also travel through this route. On the Thai side of the border, there are private vehicles available to transport those who wish to travel, but the price is negotiable.

Rest at Sai Yoke View Resort when you're tired.

I want to preface this by saying that I am not receiving any compensation for advertising this place. Therefore, all of my praise comes from my own genuine experience!

I fell asleep on the bus out of habit, just like astronauts sleeping in capsules in movies. It's a great way to kill time on a journey, especially when you're sitting in the back! When I woke up, we were only a few kilometers away. I was silently wondering if it would be as good as I thought....

Upon reaching the entrance... wow... incredibly secluded! The entire garden, forest, and everything else is so vast that it's hard to even imagine... Soon enough, we arrived at the hotel... Oh my god!!! Wowwww... I'm speechless.

The price here is 1200 baht per night. Is it expensive? At first, I felt it was expensive, but when I realized what we would get... well, it's not expensive! Personally, just seeing the lobby made me forget about the price. I was in awe! ... What are you waiting for? Check in!

The lobby is stunning. After checking in, head straight to your room.

The walkway to the room is a small passage, with our room located on a raft tied together... As soon as I opened the door, my jaw dropped!

The room is suitable for those who prefer a vintage and natural style. It is equipped with air conditioning, hot water, a hairdryer, and electrical outlets. However, there are only two electrical outlets available, which may be insufficient for some guests.

The bathroom was very clean, but a bit small to save space. While sitting on the toilet, you could comfortably rest your arms on the sink and rest your chin on it. It was a unique and stylish experience. The hot water here uses a gas system. When you turn on the water, the water heater makes a loud "whoosh!" sound. It startled me at first, but after using it a few times, I got used to it.

It's not just the interior that I like, but the exterior is amazing!

We spent about an hour and a half playing in the water before it was time to board the wet raft provided by the hotel. The raft took us to the headwaters and then we jumped into the water with a big splash. We then floated along with the current for about 2 kilometers until we reached the raft that was waiting to pick us up. The water was quite shallow in that area, so there was no need to worry about floating away. The departure times for the raft can be found at the hotel.

The point where we were dropped off was almost at the bridge over there...

My boyfriend used to be afraid of water because he couldn't swim... but look at him now... he's definitely not afraid anymore!

Upon arrival at the accommodation, a buffet dinner awaited our eager appetites.

The food here is delicious. We are all starving after playing in the water for so long. It's like we haven't eaten in days!

Sweet dreams, sleep tight, see you tomorrow...

Journey to Mallika City

This morning, we woke up to the sound of water crashing against the raft we were staying on. It was quite a shock, but not really dangerous. We're not used to such strong water currents, so it startled us a bit. Curious about the loud noise, we opened the door to take a look. Wow! The water level had risen significantly since last night, and the current was much stronger!

The morning mist and flowing water create a cool and comfortable atmosphere for dining. This ambiance is so inviting that it makes one want to continue sleeping. The sight of the mist and water is as harmonious as bread and jam.

The mist that graced us with its presence did not linger long, as the sun's rays began to dissipate its ethereal form, replacing it with warmth. At this juncture, seeking refuge in the comfort of our rooms seems like a prudent course of action.

After showering and dressing neatly, we went looking for a place to take photos to commemorate our time here before leaving.

We departed from the hotel around 11:00 AM, heading towards Mallika R.E. 124, a renowned destination that attracts numerous visitors. Given our proximity, we decided to seize the opportunity and explore this iconic attraction.

Upon arrival, we were immediately captivated by the (extremely) magnificent setting that Mallika had prepared for our reception. Aside from the scorching sun that was beating down on me at the moment, everything else was absolutely delightful. Even from the outside, the atmosphere evoked a sense of old-world charm, as if we had been transported into the enchanting spell of this place.

Admission fee here

Adults 200 baht

Child 100 baht

Mullika City offers a delightful dinner experience accompanied by a captivating Khon performance. Unfortunately, my schedule did not permit me to stay for the show. However, I vow to return and immerse myself in this enchanting atmosphere at a later date.

This ticket grants you legal entry into the city. Before entering, we recommend exchanging currency and renting traditional Thai clothing to enhance your experience and immerse yourself in the authentic Thai atmosphere.

The coins you see here are the only currency accepted in this city. Shops will only accept these coins, and there are no modern payment methods or credit card services available. Therefore, your life will depend on these coins.

The exchange rate is 1 satang equals 5 baht.

There are two coin exchange booths: one outside near the ticket office and one inside the shop area behind the bridge after the city gate.

After exchanging your money, don't rush into the city. Instead, take a walk and try on a Thai outfit, as many people have recommended in their posts. The rental fee for a Thai dress for women is around 200 baht. I forgot the price for men's outfits because I wasn't planning on wearing one (it was too hot!).

The air-conditioned fitting room provides a refreshing escape from the heat, making it tempting to linger and avoid the reality of the sweltering temperatures outside. Once you have chosen your outfit, proceed to the changing room.

The changing rooms are separated for men and women, and staff are available to assist with dressing. Lockers are also provided for storing your belongings. Security is ensured by the presence of staff members.

After changing clothes, there will be a cashier desk ready and a small umbrella to provide shade and heat protection for all ladies.

The umbrellas come in a wide variety of colors, so just tell the staff which color you want. They will give you a card to return the umbrella, so be sure to keep it safe!

Ready to go after changing clothes!

The city is incredibly vast, and the scorching heat makes it feel like escaping death in an ancient city. However, if you imagine the absence of sunlight, this city would be one of the most attractive tourist destinations. To get a sense of its scale, check out the photos I took from the observation tower.

Before leaving, I saw the stairs and felt an itch to climb them, so I decided to give you a little show.

This place perfectly preserves the concept of city people. Everyone speaks politely!

The officers' attire was similar to this. Do I know if officers dressed like this in the past? I don't know! But I do know that when I look at them all together, they are incredibly charming.

Capture every angle, choose your spot on the map, and explore wherever your heart desires!

Alright, before this turns into a full-blown MINI Review, let's wrap things up. If you're interested in exploring the mountainous and aquatic wonders of Kanchanaburi, I encourage you to delve deeper into the wealth of information available online. Until next time, farewell!