Aventuras De Viaje's Blog, page 14

Caves of Kompong Trach Review, Kep, Cambodia

This post is a Caves of Kompong Trach review.

On our second full day in Kep we decided to hire a motorbike and go check out a few things out in the Cambodian countryside.

The first place we headed to was the Caves of Kompong Trach.

I’ve seen enough caves in my life that I don’t really have a massive interest in them anymore, but I wanted to find the “secret cave” where we could go swimming in it.

This Caves of Kompong Trach review also contains costs, directions, pictures, and other useful information.

Featured Image: Inside the main cave.

Cost(s): $1usd entry.

Address: Kompong Trach, Cambodia.

Caves of Kompong Trach Review

We found the main caves fairly easily. Once you are anywhere close kids tell you where to go, and also offer to be your guide.

They give you a flashlight and you can walk around on your own. Two boys kind of just followed us around so we ended up giving them a couple of dollars for their “services”. I guess they did help hold the flashlight once in a while and warned us to watch our heads. I think that was the only English they knew.

Some of the older kids spoke pretty good English and probably would had made quite good guides.

We went there on a Saturday. Maybe during the week there are less kids, as they should be as school.

The main cave system was nice. We spent about 30 minutes looking around.

Afterwards we went on to find the underwater cave, which in my opinion was much better. Much less people and no entry fee.

As usual, the scenery through the countryside was the big winner. I think these monks were doing the tourist thing as well, taking pictures of the mountain.

We chilled at this lake for a while. It was so serene.

After checking out the caves we checked out the Trach markets (standard market place), got some food, and headed to the salt fields and beach.

Need somewhere to sleep while visiting the caves of Kompong Trach near Kep? Find your perfect accommodation in Kep no matter what your budget.

Getting to the Caves of Kompong Trach

The best/cheapest way is to hire a motorcycle. We got one for $5/day although I think we got lucky with that. Expect to pay $7.

You could get a tuk tuk for the day. Maybe $15 to $20usd.

Do you agree with this Caves of Kompong Trach review? Feel free to leave your own Caves of Kompong Trach review (and anything else you want to say) in the comments

Sihanoukville Review, Cambodia

This post is a Sihanoukville review.

I’m not really a “beach bum” type of traveler, but I guess every once in a while I think it is a good idea.

A day or two later I remember why I don’t enjoy that much – mostly because of the copious amounts of sand, inflated prices, and masses of tourists.

Sihanoukville is a beach resort town in the south of Cambodia and we decided to go there after Siem Reap.

We booked five nights in a beach front bungalow but left after two.

Maybe if our accommodation was nicer we would have stayed longer.

Featured Image: Looking out to the beach from the deck chairs.

Sihanoukville Review

After a 12 hour bus ride we arrived from Siem Reap we arrived in Sihanoukville at about 7:30am and got a ride straight to our accommodation on Otis Beach 1. The first guy tried to charge us $12 but we managed to get it for $6, and I think even that was on the expensive side.

Street out the front of Otis Beach One.

We never actually looked around Sihanoukville town itself but I can’t imagine there being much of interest there, although a girl I talked to on the bus to Kep said there was a good car museum there.

Public Beach.

There’s minimal to do at Otis Beach also, but that is the general idea. You just go there to chill at the beach.

Of course there is no shortage of places to eat and drink. It more expensive than the rest of Cambodia, but stlll pretty cheap.

You can walk a couple of km to the market or to other beaches.

And there are plenty of people selling fruit, massages, and handmade souvenirs.

Apparently the “thing to do” is go to the island where you can snorkel and do other stuff. We didn’t go.

Need somewhere to sleep while visiting Sihanoukville in Cambodia? Find your perfect accommodation in Sihanoukville no matter what your budget.

Getting to Sihanoukville

From Siem Reap we caught a sleeper bus. It took about 12 hours and was actually quite comfortable. $15 per person.

Once in Sihanoukville you can catch a tuk-tuk or moto to your accommodation. Prepare to haggle.

Do you agree with this Sihanoukville review? Feel free to leave your own Sihanoukville review (and anything else you want to say) in the comments

9 Awesome Things to do in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Discover 9 awesome things to do in Siem Reap.

Siem Reap is definitely the type of place I would describe as a tourist town, and it is not surprising since it is the gateway to the world famous archaeological site of Angkor Wat.

We went to Siem Reap for 5 nights and the only thing we had planned to do there was Angkor Wat. The rest of the time we kind of just chilled by the hotel pool, walked around town, and ate lots of good food.

This list of 9 awesome things to do in Siem Reap gives a short review of each of the things to do in Siem Reap as well as links to more detailed reviews (where applicable). It also has other useful information about Siem Reap such as accommodation in Siem Reap and how to get to Siem Reap.

Featured Picture: Aerial view of Angkor Wat miniature sculpture.

9 Awesome Things to do in Siem Reap1. Angkor Wat

I would say that 99% of tourists in Siem Reap are mainly there for Angkor Wat, and a good chunk may have this as the only reason to be in Cambodia itself. It is very impressive, more-so (in my opinion) than Machu Pichu.

2. Visit a Wat

There are a couple of Wat’s (Buddhist Temples) around Siem Reap. This picture was taken inside Wat Damnak which is located near the river. Very peaceful to just walk around.

Inside one of the Wats in Siem Reap.

3. Markets

There is an immense amount of market places in Siem Reap, and at night there are even more!

Mostly, they all contain the same tourist merchandise. Bargain a little to pick up some deals.

Inside one of the many markets in Siem Reap.

4. Pub Street

As the name suggests, pub street is a street full of pubs, most of which also sell food.

We were there on New Years Eve. It was like being in a packed nightclub with the bass pumping through your body and no chance of getting a drink any time soon. I hadn’t experienced that atmosphere in a while.

Normally it is not so busy.

Pub street on New Years Eve.

5. Ladyboy Show

Inside one of the night markets, at the back of it, there is a nightly ladyboy show that you can watch for free. Not only that, for $2 you can get a fish massage (where the fish eat the dead skin off your feet) and it comes with a free beer or soft drink.

A free ladyboy show in one of the night markets.

6. Massage

Massage in Cambodia is the cheapest I have seen anywhere in the world. In one place we found a 60minute foot reflexology massage for $1.

Be sure to try a traditional Khmer massage which is like a softer version of Thai massage. We got 60 minutes for $5.

There are also many fish massage places (where the fish eat the skin off you feet) for pretty cheap.

7. McDermott Gallery

A small gallery displaying mainly photo’s of Angkor Wat before it was a massive tourist attraction. Free with pieces for sale.

Front of the McDermott Gallery.

8. Mini Angkor

On my GPS I saw this thing called Miniture Angkor Wat and then after a quick google search discovered that it also in the lonely planet guidebook. It was only $1.50 to go in so we decided to check it out.

It was pretty cool. Whoever made the sculptures put some time into them and the lady was really nice.

Anchor Wat miniature sculpture.

9. Angkor National Museum

The final thing on this list of things to do in Siam Reap we didn’t actually do. Had we have spent a few more days there we would have. I hear it is very good, although somewhat pricey for Cambodia.

$12usd.

Entrance to the Anchor National Museum.

Getting to Siem Reap

Siem Reap is a fairly important city for tourism and getting to it should not pose any real problems.

You can fly in domestically and internationally.

We caught a bus from Phnom Penh. It cost $15usd each and took 5 hours. This was the fastest and most expensive bus (it was a minivan). You can get a ticket for as little as $8 on a big bus and it only takes an extra hour (apparently).

Accommodation in Siem Reap

Whilst doing all these awesome things to do in Siem Reap we stayed at Earthwalkers.

Cost:15usd/night. Double room with air-conditioning.

Address: NR6, Krong Siem Reap. earthwalkers.no.

Earthwalkers was a great place to stay for us since we had a week in Siem Reap and the only thing we really wanted to do was go to Angkor Wat for a day. Mostly for the rest of the time we just chilled by the pool.

Staff are friendly and very helpful. They arranged our bus to Sihanoukville and even let us stay until 6.30pm instead of the usual noon checkout.

Pool is awesome as is the internet. Lots of cheap food close-by and walking distance into town (just).

Book your stay at the Earthwalkers Hotel or some other accommodation in Siem Reap.

Getting to Earthwalkers Hotel

We paid $3usd from town (where the bus dropped us off from Phnom Penh) to get there, but you can get it for $2usd if you really haggle.

Got anything to add to this list of awesome things to do in Siem Reap? Let us know them (or anything else you want to say) in the comments

Angkor Wat Review, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Angkor Wat Review, Siem Reap, Cambodia

This post is a Angkor Wat review.

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat is probably the most famous attraction in Cambodia, if not in all of South-East Asia.

It is the biggest religious monument in the world and is the main reason we went to Siem Reap, as it probably is with most tourists.

The actual site is huge with much more than just Angkor Wat.

We only spent one day exploring Angkor Wat, and we only did a very small section of it. They do have multi-day passes which last for up to a week, but I’m no archaeological enthusiast so one day was enough for me.

Featured Image: Angkor Wat.

Cost(s): $20usd for a one day ticket. Multi-day passes also available. Prices set to increase in 2017 ($37 for a one day ticket.)

Address: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Angkor Wat Review

We decided to rent push bikes to explore Angkor Wat and found some for $2 per day. It is possible to get them for only $1 but we didn’t feel like using up our daylight just to save a couple of dollars.

Once on our bikes we went to the ticket office which is quite inconveniently located. We rode past the original on the way to Angkor Wat and I can see why they moved it. It is much bigger now.

Anyway, the new office is on street 60 – pretty close to this point on the map.

After taking the hectic ride through traffic to get to Angkor Wat we parked our bikes then went in to have a look. Ankor Wat is much bigger than I anticipated and we spent at least 90 minutes in there.

Originally it was built as a Hindu Temple but over the year converted to Buddhism.

Many of the sculptures had been broken, .e.g, heads and arms torn off. We thought it may have been Pol Pot trying to erase religion, but apparently it was Thai thieves breaking off anything they could.

After the first part we realised that there is a second. This is the more famous one you see in postcards with the sun rising right above the middle of the temple.

Clearly I’m no professional photographer. Between my phone camera and the cloudy day, this is the best shot I got.

All around the outside the walls are carved with stories. You can stare at them and imagine what they mean for a while, or just wait for a guide to explain it to a tour group. Hopefully it is in a language you understand.

Imagining it for yourself might be more fun anyway.

Being such a massive tourist attraction I was surprised how often we found areas void of people. It may have been due to the time of day, i.e., the middle of it. I did notice many more people coming to watch the sunset on the way out.

Watch the sunset or avoid the crowds? Tough decision.

After Angkor Wat we checked out Bakheng Hill. It was a nice walk up and peaceful on the top. As we were leaving some tour groups showed up. 2pm, everyone is back after lunch.

Also – elephant rides. Sad.

Our final stop was to Bayon. Same theme as Angkor Wat. Not as big but just as impressive. We decided to stay there for a while instead of riding on.

There are basically two tour circuits you can do. Small and big. We started late, took our time, and went home before sunset, so we only did about 1/4 of the small circuit. I think you could do the large circuit in one day if you start early and don’t stay too long at any of the places.

Need somewhere to sleep while visiting Angkor Wat in Siem Reap? Find your perfect accommodation in Siem Reap no matter what your budget.

Getting to Angkor Wat

First you have to get to Siem Reap. Fly or take a bus. It is a major tourist town so you shouldn’t have any problems with this.

From Phnom Penh we caught a minivan for $15 each which got us there in 5 hours.

Once in Siem Reap there are a few ways to get in and around Angkor Wat.

You could do an organised tour.Hiring a tuk-tuk for $15/day is a good option. They take you around and wait for you at each stop.And of course, ride a bike, which is the cheapest and in my opinion, the most enjoyable.

Don’t forget to buy your entrance ticket first or you will be sent back to get it.

Do you agree with this Angkor Wat review? Feel free to leave your own Angkor Wat review (and anything else you want to say) in the comments

6 Interesting Things to do in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Discover 6 interesting things to do in Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia and was the first place in Cambodia we visited.

I’m not really a fan of big cities but there is history in Phnom Penh that I was interested in, i.e., the genocide of Khmer Rouge. Also, I entered and exited from there.

This list of interesting things to do in Phnom Penh gives a short review of each of the things to do in Phnom Penh as well as links to more detailed reviews (where applicable).

Featured Picture: From the third floor of S-21 museum.

6 Interesting Things to Do in Phnom Penh1. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Tuol Sleng, also known as S-21, was a secret torture center in the era of the Khmer Rouge. It is now a memorial museum and is really interesting, although the subject matter may disturb some people.

Inside the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

2. Botum Park

This is located just a few streets inland from the Mekong Shore Boardwalk. There’s lots of street food, people dancing, skateboarding, and generally just hanging around. Good for people watching.

A street Vendor in Botum Park.

3. Mekong Shore Boardwalk

I was expecting loads of street food and possibly entertainment. None of this but a nice stroll all the same. There was some food, but nothing like the choices at Botum Park.

Mekong River boardwalk.

4. Killing Fields

Also known as the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, this is where prisoners from S-22 (and other places) were taken to for termination. This is just one of 300+ such killing fields that have been uncovered in Cambodia. Interesting if not disturbing.

$3usd entry + $3usd for the audio guide, which I highly recommend.

Pagoda at the killing fields.

5. Markets

There are a couple of markets in Phnom Penh.

The Russian market is in the south of the city. Not sure why it is called the Russion Market. Another one is the Central Market. They are essentially the same although the central market seems a bit bigger and has more jewelry.

There are money exchangers around both but try a few first because the rates differ quite a bit between the different shops.

Inside the Russian Markets.

6. The Royal Palace

Probably the biggest attraction in the city of Phnom Penh. Nice for a walk around the gardens, see the architecture, and look at some artefacts.

Inside the Royal Palace grounds.

Getting To Phnom Penh

Being the capital city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh is fairly easily accessible from anywhere.

You can fly in or take a bus.

Accommodation in Phnom Penh

Whilst doing all these interesting things to do in Phnom Penh I stayed at the Base Hostel.

Cost: 21USD/night for a double room, private bathroom, air-conditioning.

Address: #29, St 222, Donpanh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Great little place in a good location. Amazing staff, pool, activities, bar, restaurant at reasonable prices. Also has lots of information about things to see/do in Phnom Penh.

I recommend staying there.

Book your stay at the Base Villa or some other accommodation in Phnom Penh.

Getting to Base Villa

From the airport you can catch a tuk tuk to anywhere in the city. Don’t pay more than $7usd.

You could also catch the bus from the airport (fare is less than a dollar) into the city and then walk in to the Base Villa. It’s in a pretty central location, about 15 minutes walk from the riverside.

Got anything to add to this list of interesting things to do in Phnom Penh? Let us know them (or anything else you want to say) in the comments

Royal Palace Review, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

This post is a Phnom Penh Royal Palace review.

After the last two days of learning about the horrors of Cambodia’s past we decided to go look at some of the beauty.

Unfortunately, natural beauty is pretty much non-existent in the capital of Phnom Penh, but we could at least see some man-made beauty in the Royal Palace grounds.

Note: The Palace grounds are closed from 11:00am to 2:00pm.

Featured Image:Overlooking one of the gardens and one of the buildings in the Royal Palace grounds.

Cost(s): $6.50usd.

Address: Samdach Sothearos Blvd (3), Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Phnom Penh Royal Palace Review

Being palace grounds you are required to wear appropriate clothing such as you would in a temple. Cover your shoulders and have knee length bottoms.

The Royal Palace is quite a large area. There are several buildings you can wander through, and several more you can’t.

There are a couple of large murals which are quite interesting to look at.

Inside the buildings are artefacts, treasures, paintings, etc., and outside are very nice gardens.

There are a few Buddhist things and some other structures as well.

One of the pagodas.

Maybe we missed it but there didn’t seem to be any information on the history of the palace. I suppose we could have hired a guide.

Overall it was a pleasant hour or so walking around.

Need somewhere to sleep while visiting the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh? Find your perfect accommodation in Phnom Penh no matter what your budget.

Getting to the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh

We just walked there. It is across the road from the riverside and is very hard to miss.

Tuk tuk or motorbike is always an option and wold cost less then a couple of usd depending on where you start from.

Do you agree with this Phnom Penh Royal Palace review? Feel free to leave your own Phnom Penh Royal Palace review (and anything else you want to say) in the comments

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center Review, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

This post is a Choeung Ek Genocidal Center review.

After visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocidal Museum we decided to get the full history lesson on this dark period of Cambodia so the following day we headed to the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, otherwise known as the Killing Fields.

The Choeung Ek Geonicidal Center is about less than an hour tuk-tuk ride from the center of Phnom Penh.

Featured Image: The memorial Stupa.

Cost(s): $3usd entry + $3usd for the audio guide which I highly recommend.

Address: Phnom Penh, Cambodia. cekillingfield.org.

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center Review

Many victims of the Khmer Rouge were brought to one of the 300+ killing fields in Cambodia to be systematically “disposed of”. The Choeung Ek Geonicidal Center is the most famous one, probably due to its ease of access and its shared history with the S-21 torture center.

Many of the “exhibits” are just pictures as the real buildings were dismantled by the survivors of the regime and used for survival, including the items used for the murder such as farming hoes.

They drove the victims in at night, took “roll”, then bashed their heads and slit their throats. Bullets where too expensive and noisy. Men, women, children, and babies.

They buried them and the mounds grew due to swelling of the dead bodies.

Apart from all the horror, the grounds where actually very nice. You can take a walk around the lake while listening to stories from survivors, which are mostly pretty horrific.

The lake still has bodies in it. They didn’t excavate them like the others.

The Stupa is filled with the skulls and limb bones of the excavated victims, and stacked categorically. Small bones have been left in the ground.

There is also a small museum.

Need somewhere to sleep while visiting the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh? Find your perfect accommodation in Phnom Penh no matter what your budget.

Getting to the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center in Phnom Penh

We got a tuk-tuk from right out the front of our accommodation. It cost 15usd for the return trip. We didn’t bargain very hard.

It took under an hour each way. On the way back we got dropped off at the Russian Market. I think he would have waited for us but we decided to walk back anyway.

You could also catch a bus (line 02) most of the way and then a tuk tuk for the final bit.

Do you agree with this Choeung Ek Genocidal Center review? Feel free to leave your own Choeung Ek Genocidal Center review (and anything else you want to say) in the comments

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Review, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

This post is a Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum review.

Tuol Sleng, also known as S-21, was a secret torture center in the era of the Khmer Rouge. It is located in the city of Phnom Penh in Cambodia and is now a memorial museum.

This Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum review also contains costs, directions, pictures, and other useful information.

Featured Image: Overlooking the memorial from the third floor of one of the “torture buldings”.

Cost(s): $3usd or $6usd with the audio guide (highly recommended).

Address: St 113, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. tuolslenggenocidemuseum.com.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Review

After everyone in Phnom Penh was relocated to the countryside the Khmer Rouge converted a high school into a torture center. The grounds are actually very nice, but inside the building tells of a horrifying past of torture and death for men, women, and children.

This is where they hanged people by the wrists until they passed out. Then they would put them head first into a barrel of human waste to revive them, only to hang them up again.

Some people committed suicide by jumping from the buildings, so the Khmer Rouge put the barbed wire fence to stop them. One person even doused his head in kerosene and set himself on fire. I guess that was better than being tortured up to three times a day.

One story from a survivor was that in his cell he was given a bucket and tin to defecate in, and if he missed he had to lick it off the floor to clean it. These were the cells for those being tortured. It was easier to move them in and out (so they could et tortured numerous times a day) as opposed to the “mass” cells upstairs which was just one room with many prisoners chained together.

There were many photos inside the rooms of men, women, and children victims as well as interrogators, and the audio guide gives a wealth of information.

Need somewhere to sleep while visiting Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh? Find your perfect accommodation in Phnom Penh no matter what your budget.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh

We just walked there from the Base Villa (where we stayed). It took under 30 minutes.

A tuk tuk would probably cost a couple of dollars. I wouldn’t pay more than $2 from anywhere in town to get there.

Do you agree with this Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum review? Feel free to leave your own Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum review (and anything else you want to say) in the comments

Arts of the Kingdom Museum Review, Bangkok, Thailand

This post is a Arts of the Kingdom Museum review.

Arts of the Kingdom Museum, also known as The Ananta Samakom Throne Hall, is found a couple of km north of Khao San Road in Bangkok.

Being in Bangkok was mainly a logistical stop on my way to Kanchanaburi so the Arts of the Kingdom Museum is basically the only thing I saw worth writing about.

This Arts of the Kingdom Museum review also contains costs, directions, pictures, and other useful information.

Featured Image: Ananta Samakom Throne Hall.

Cost(s): 150THB.

Address: Bangkok, จังหวัด กรุงเทพมหานคร 10300, Thailand. artsofthekingdom.com. +66 2 283 9411.

Arts of the Kingdom Museum Review

On my way out of the KS Guesthouse (where I stayed whilst in Bangkok) I saw this guy sitting on the couch. I can’t remember his name, but it was the same guy I had met in Bagasbas Beach earlier that year! After a bit of a catch up chat he recommended I go see the Vimanmek Mansion. The Arts of the Kingdom Museum was on the way so I popped in for a look.

First I went for a look around the grounds and took a few pictures, and it is lucky that I did because you can’t take anything into the museum, not even water.

The ticket office and gift shop.

Appropriate attire is required (cover your legs and shoulders). They can rent you a sarong but I make a habit of carrying my own around so that was good. Saved me 50THB.

After looking in the garden I bought a ticket. They give you a locker and then an audio guide once you are inside. There were a lot of tour groups.

Something they are still building in the garden.

There is a lot of different (and impressive) artworks inside. My favorite was the embroidery. These things are huge and very detailed. Makes you think “holy sh*t”. Kind of reminded me of the Batik in Indonesia.

Unfortunately no pictures. I guess you’ll have to go see it yourself

10 Amazing Things to do in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Discover 10 amazing things to do in Kanchanaburi.

Kanchanaburi is located about a two hour drive west of Bangkok and is famous for its WW2 history, such as the Bridge on the River Kwai.

I had a few days to kill in Thailand before going to Cambodia but did not want to spend them in Bangkok. After having a cross referece between the map and wikitravel I chose to go to Kanchanburi since it was close and had a few things that interested me.

This list of 10 amazing things to do in Kanchanaburi gives a short review of each of the things to do in Kanchanaburi as well as links to more detailed reviews (where applicable). It also has other useful information about Kanchanaburi such as accommodation in Kanchanaburi and how to get to Kanchanaburi.

Featured Picture: Overlooking one of the many Wats (temple) in Kanchanaburi.

10 Amazing Things to do in Kanchanaburi1. Visit the River

I arrived in Kanchanburi by bus at about 3pm and after checking into the Sornwaree Apartments I went for a walk along the river.

You can’t really walk “along” the river. There is no boardwalk or anything. Seems all the riverside real-estate is occupied with floating restaurants and guest-houses.

Floating houses and restaurants.

2. Temples

After walking for a bit I spotted a temple, so I went to it. Turns out there are a few temples in and around Kanchanaburi, and they all seem to be free entry.

This is a picture of either Wat Thawon Warawam or Wat Thewa Sangharam. They are connected to each-other.

3. Chinese Cemetary

Continuing my journey I came across the Chinese cemetery. I quite like cemetery’s. They are peaceful.

The Chinese Cemetery.

4. Memorial Cemetary

Next to the Chinese Cemetery is the very well maintained war memorial cemetery. The bodies that rest here where transported from where-ever they where buried – somewhere in the jungle. They died whilst building the Thailand to Burma railway.

The memorial cemetery is very well maintained.

5. Night Market

Close to the cemetery is the night market. I arrived there at a very good time since it was still light but everyone was set up.

It is a bit like a swap meet. A lot of people just selling second hand stuff.

There is also a lot of cheap street-food.

The night market.

6. Bridge on the River Kwai

The next day I hired a motorbike (200THB) and the first place I went was to the Bridge on the River Kwai. This is probably the most famous attraction in Kanchanaburi since a book and movie were made about it.

It’s free to walk over the bridge and you can catch the train over if you want. The train has a charge. I don’t know what it is.

Bridge on the River Kuai.

7. Hellfire Pass

After the bridge I went to Hellfire Pass which is about 80km North of Kanchanaburi. This is the section of the “death railroad” where they (POW’s and other workers) had to cut through a mountain. They had no machinery and did it in torturous conditions, both environmentally and at the hands of the Japanese.

It is free entry (donations accepted) and you get an audio guide. Hellfire Pass is (in my opinion) a must do.

8. Soi Yok Noi Falls

On my way back to Kanchanaburi I stopped in at Soi Yok Noi Falls. It was nice to get off the bike for a while. Not really that spectacular but free entry and I ate some good beef noodle soup.

Soi Yok Noi Falls.

9. Erawin Falls

I wasn’t planning on going to Erawin Falls but was convinced by the owner of the Sorn Waree Apartments (where I stayed). It was a great day. I am really glad I went.

It cost 300THB to get in + 50THB each way for the bus.

Where I went swimming in Erawan Falls. One of the few places where there weren’t any other people.

10. Death Railway Museum

The last thing I did in Kanchanburi was visit the Death Railway Museum which is located across the road from the Memorial Cemetery, not far from the train station. Entry fee was 140THB. It was pretty good, although much of it was re-hashed information from the Hellfire museum.

Death Railway Museum taken from within the Memorial Cemetery.

Getting To Kanchanaburi

To get to Kanchanaburi I took a bus from Khai San Road in Bangkok. They told me to come at 12:00 and said it would take about 90 minutes. The bus picked me up at about 10 past 12, then we picked up some more people before all getting on different vans. Then they took me to the bus station where I got on a different minibus which took me to Kanchanaburi. I arrived around 3:00pm. It cost 150THB.

One the way back I took a minibus from the Kanchanaburi bus station to the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok. It cost 100THB and took a couple of hours. They stop at a gas station on the way to fill up and you can have a toilet break. Most people got off at a bus stop so I followed suit. From there I caught a bus towards Kai San Road (10THB) and then walked to the KS Guesthouse.

Accommodation in Kanchanaburi

Whilst doing all these amazing things to do in Kanchanaburi I stayed at the Sorn Waree Apartment.

Cost: 450THB / night.

Address: 211/1 Sangchuto Road23 Bantai Muarng district, 71000 Kanchanaburi, Thailand.

This place was incredible value for money. Nice large room, fridge, cable TV, air-conditioner, really nice owner, and walking distance to the bus station. Might be considered a bit far out of town for some, but I could walk to the train station in about 30 minutes.

Street food market a short walk up the road, and even just a nice local restaurant just as you exit to the main street.

Book your stay at the Sorn Waree Apartment or some other accommodation in Kanchanaburi.

Got anything to add to this list of amazing things to do in Kanchanaburi? Let us know them (or anything else you want to say) in the comments