16 December 2023
Southern Thailand Adventure: From Friendly Farewells to Drag Racing Thrills!
Our day began with a warm goodbye to the friendly staff at our hotel in Kanchanaburi. With south on our compass, we hit the road, opting for the scenic route along the Myanmar border. This road less traveled offered stunning vistas and a true sense of adventure.
By 10am, we found ourselves stretching our legs at Wat Tham Charoentham, a beautiful temple complex that likely involved a climb up a set of steps (those who have been there, you know the ones!).
A quick stop at Wat Rai Thong Phatthana at 11am rounded out our morning’s temple visits. We were eager to see more, and the day was far from over!
Our wanding path then led us to Wat Chong Lom around 12:30pm. Here, we were greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of a giant green Ganesha, a truly unforgettable stop.
With renewed energy, we arrived at our hotel, Baan Lamoon, by 1:30pm. After a quick pitstop to drop off our belongings, we were back on the road, this time with a much different destination in mind: the drag strip!
By 3:30pm, we pulled into Thep Nakhon Race Track, eager to experience a local drag racing event. The atmosphere was electric! From small, engine-revving motorbikes to heavily turbocharged racing trucks, every kind of vehicle imaginable roared down the quarter-mile track, leaving behind a trail of burnt rubber and pure adrenaline.
The entire experience was incredible. We left the track a little worse for wear (diesel smoke and burnt rubber tend to stick!), but undeniably happy. The friendly locals made us feel right at home, inviting us to get up close to the action.
This was a day we won’t soon forget – a perfect blend of cultural exploration and heart-pounding excitement!
17 December 2023
Floating Markets, Trains, and Nighttime Delights!
Our adventure continued the next day, fueled by a delicious breakfast. By 8:45am, we were checking out of our hotel, Baan Lamoon, and setting off to explore the local area’s train and floating markets.
First on the list: Amphoe Floating Market. While it was a bit quieter than expected, we enjoyed wandering around and capturing some unique photos.
Next, we set our sights on the famous Mae Khlong Train Market. However, high tides in the area presented a bit of a challenge, flooding some of the streets along the way. Despite the detour, we persevered and reached the market, where the thrill of trains running through the stalls is truly an experience!
After the excitement of the train market, we cruised over to Tha Kha Floating Market. Here, we soaked in the sights and sounds of this bustling marketplace.
No Thailand trip is complete without a visit to Chinatown, and this day was no exception. We explored the waterfront area, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Hunger pangs struck, and we opted for a familiar favorite: KFC. Refueled and ready for more exploring, we headed back to the hotel for a well-deserved afternoon rest.
As evening approached, we strolled around the corner to a restaurant we remembered fondly from our previous visit. The owners warmly welcomed us back, and we savored a delicious Krapow Moo for dinner.
After dinner, we couldn’t resist a final visit to the Chinatown markets. The evening buzz was electric, and the stalls offered a wide variety of high-quality goods. We capped off the night with a refreshing 7-Eleven ice cream, the perfect ending to another action-packed day.
18 December 2023
Cave Explorations, Local Eats, and New Friends
Our exploration of southern Thailand continues. By 10:30am, we arrived at Khao Bin Cave, ready to delve into its depths. The cave likely offered a fascinating glimpse into the area’s geology and perhaps even some hidden treasures!
After our spelunking adventure, our stomachs began to rumble. Luckily, BigC was nearby, and by noon, we were enjoying a delicious lunch of omelet, green curry, and red pork with rice – a perfect Thai feast.
With full tummies, we opted for a relaxing afternoon, taking some time to recharge for the next adventure.
As evening approached, our taste buds led us back to Baan Chan Kitchen, a restaurant we discovered and loved on a previous trip. The owners’ warm hospitality made the dining experience even more enjoyable. We savored another delectable meal, this time unsure of the specifics but certain it was delicious!
After dinner, we enjoyed a leisurely walk, taking in the sights and sounds of the area. By 8pm, we were back at the hotel, ready to unwind. The night took an unexpected turn when we joined a couple of locals and the security guard for a quiet evening. This chance encounter provided a delightful opportunity to connect with the local community and share stories. It was a perfect ending to a day that balanced exploration with relaxation and unexpected connection.