13 December 2023
Chasing Sunsets, Hot Springs, and a Spectacular Re-enactment
We set off from our Suphan Buri hotel just after 9am, eager to begin our journey to Kanchanaburi, our home for the next three days.
Our route presented a familiar sight – Wat Khao Tham Thiam, a temple we’d visited a few days earlier. This time, arriving at 9:30am proved to be a wise decision, as the morning sun bathed the site in a much more photogenic light compared to our afternoon visit. A friendly local in an electric buggy whisked us up to the temple area, where we even met a kind Thai photographer who shared some helpful tips to capture the best shots. The 84-meter tall Buddha carved into the old quarry is a truly awe-inspiring sight.
We were also excited to see a new sky walk under construction along the quarry wall, promising even more breathtaking perspectives on future visits.
Our next stop was Wat Sa Long Ruea, a stunning temple with a unique highlight – the Suphanhong, a boat-shaped building nestled in the centre of a large pond. One of the buildings offered a glimpse into Thai beliefs through graphic murals depicting heaven and hell. We wandered through the temple grounds, captivated by its beauty and uniqueness.
As midday approached, we refueled at a PTT station, indulging in some delicious Pad Krapow Pork at a food stall conveniently located there. Back on the road, we continued our journey towards a hot spring, taking a moment to appreciate the local rice harvest in progress. By 12:40pm, we reached the hot mineral springs, marveling at the mineral deposits coloring the surrounding bamboo structures.
Next on the agenda was a truly surreal experience – “Car Henge,” a field filled with full-size cars arranged in a manner reminiscent of Stonehenge. Adding to the intrigue, a quick look around revealed the Grand Prix Golf Club perched on a nearby hill.
Finally, at 1pm, we arrived at our cozy haven for the next three days – Chez Bure (Bure Homestay). After a quick rest, we set off to explore the famous River Kwai Bridge by 5:30pm, catching the breathtaking sunset as a backdrop. A vibrant local market provided the perfect spot to pick up dinner, which we enjoyed by the riverside near the Concentration Markets across the river.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the River Kwai Bridge re-enactment, which began at 7pm. It was a truly mind-blowing spectacle! Drone aircraft buzzed overhead, explosions rocked the water, and simulated gunfire filled the air, all brilliantly enhanced by fireworks. The inclusion of a vintage steam train in the re-enactment added another layer of authenticity and amazement.
Walking back to our hotel after the spectacular display, we carried with us a sense of awe and a deeper appreciation for the history of this place.
14 December 2023
Caves, Temples, and Unexpected Monkey Encounters
Our day in Kanchanaburi began with a leisurely start, followed by a lunchtime adventure to Krasae Cave. This cave serves as an access point for capturing stunning photos of the Thai-Burma Railway, also known as the Death Railway.
By 12:30pm, we found ourselves at Tham KraSae railway station. We embarked on a walk down the historic railway tracks, following the “Death Railway” towards the Tham Krause Railway Bridge. The reward was a breathtaking vista of the railway line snaking alongside the river. The cherry on top? A train graced the bridge just as we were snapping away!
Our next stop, Tham Phu Wa Temple, awaited us at 1:30pm. This captivating Khmer-style temple left us speechless with its magnificent topiary surrounding the grounds.
The Wat itself boasts a large cave with multiple levels and numerous “rooms” filled with stalagmites, stalactites, and several Buddha statues. A magnificent reclining Buddha also graced the site. Back in Kanchanaburi, a late lunch at KFC satisfied our hunger pangs.
By 4pm, we found ourselves at the foot of a stairway leading up to Wat Tham Khao Laem, a temple very much in progress. A friendly monk and the builders even offered us a glimpse into their process of creating mouldings for the temple. Adding a touch of amusement (and perhaps a little surprise) were curious monkeys peering down at us from the scaffolding above.
Dinner time arrived, and Robinson’s Food Hall provided the perfect solution. A delicious Pad Thai hit the spot!
Disappointingly, the River Kwai re-enactment wasn’t happening that night. However, we weren’t about to let that dampen our spirits. Instead, we strolled back across the bridge to the Concentration Camp Markets, where we enjoyed a relaxing sunset with a cold beer in hand.
A short walk back to our hotel concluded a day filled with historical exploration
15 December 2023
Mon Bridge and Beyond
Today’s adventure took us on a 200km journey to the intriguing Mon Bridge, following a scenic route that traced the path of a defunct railway line. The winding road, though picturesque, offered only one way in and out, adding to the unique charm of the destination.
Our first stop was Wat Tha Khanun, a temple perched atop a dramatic limestone ridge. We conquered the steep 106-meter staircase, rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. The temple’s crowning glory was the resplendent Golden Stupa.
Back on the highway, we couldn’t resist a photo stop at the Rantee Bridge. The smog-free day offered stunning vistas of the reservoir, with billowing clouds mirrored on the water’s surface. Fishing shacks perched along the banks and bobbing on the water added a touch of local flavor.
By 1pm, we reached Mon Bridge. We crossed the Songaria River by road bridge to the Mon community on the other side . A captivating sight awaited us – a long wooden bridge stretching for what seemed like over 800 meters! As we walked over Mon Bridge, local children played in the river, gleefully diving in as we captured their moments on camera.
Next, we ascended the steps of Chedi Phuttha Khaya. We followed the tradition of ringing the bells, their varying sizes creating a symphony of sounds. The golden pagoda, adorned with a staggering 6kg of gold and boasting an unusual design, was a sight to behold. The reward for venturing towards the back was a spectacular vista of the lake.
Our final stop in Mon Bridge was a glimpse into the future – “The Big Buddha,” a colossal Buddha statue under construction. We can only imagine its magnificence upon completion.
As the day drew to a close, we retraced our steps back to Kanchanaburi. The evening offered another dose of history with the re-enactment of the destruction of the River Kwai Bridge. Following the show, we indulged in a delightful dinner of red curries and beer at the vibrant Coco River Kwai Restaurant and entertainment area, complete with live music.
A perfect ending to an action-packed day!