I wake this morning after a good night's sleep, but no joy for Katoon as she reports a disturbance in the next room late last night. There was also a weekend concert taking place nearby, which didn't help. Still, we have a good breakfast to look forward to. As mentioned before, there is no full breakfast which would typically include American style, but there is a rice dish which I fancy today and a substantial variety of snacks, coffee, toast, etc. All in all, it's been great value here, but it's time to up sticks.
It's quite a late start as we head north across country into the next province north, arriving around midday. With time to spare before lunch, we're off temple hunting again, heading into the hills south of Kanchanaburi.
We have a particular temple in mind but soon find another on the way. Positioned on the side of a steep hill, this temple is distinguished by a huge Buddha image on a pedestal.
Wat Tham Khao Laem is a hidden gem for those seeking peace away from more tourist-heavy sites like the Bridge over the River Kwai. The temple's name translates to 'Cave Mountain Leaf Temple', hinting at its cave features and verdant surroundings. It's particularly appealing for its panoramic views of the Kanchanaburi River and surrounding hills, making it ideal for meditation. For those with energy to spare, there are steps up the mountain leading to the image. We reset to head for our original destination.
Wat Tham Mangkorn Thong, translating to 'Golden Dragon Cave Temple', is a captivating Buddhist temple nestled in the hilly terrain. Built in 1904 during the reign of King Rama V, it embodies a harmonious blend of natural cave formations, intricate artistry, and spiritual devotion. This temple stands out for its dramatic red staircase guarded by dragon sculptures. Here, I decide to redeem myself by making it to the top and into the cave. In an area littered with caves, this one is unremarkable. It's time for lunch as we find a noodle shop. It's just plain and simple today. There is still one more temple we could try today, but a quick check of the timetable shows the arrival of a train in Kanchanaburi within the hour, but it's no ordinary train despite its class. This is a service along the 'Death Railway', which terminates at Sai Yok. This train is a returning train from there. While I've lost count of the number of times I've been to the famous Saphan Nam Khwae (Bridge over the River Kwai). It's always a great spectacle to watch a train passing over this famous bridge. It seems that every time I come here, there is an increase in commercialism. It really is that popular. Of course, I won't be delving deeply into the bridge's role as it relates to WWII history; I'm not here for that. Instead, it's time to check out our accommodation for tonight.
We've selected BH Place some way from the town, as the popular accommodation is fully booked. It's not likely to be up to the usual standard for just 500 baht, though, and so it proves. As an older-style apartment block, it lacks so much convenience compared to last night, but the room is spacious and clean. With entertainment on again tonight, all we ask is that it is comfortable. By 5 PM I've written up some notes but lament the lack of a counter to work on, a bamboo coffee table having to suffice. With that job done, it's time to go out again.
Before the game, we decide to head for the night market to collect something to eat before kickoff, fearing it would be busy at the stadium. However, on arrival we're not allowed to take food inside the gate, so we have to consume it first. OK, all the grounds are different, and it's the first time we've been here. The next job is to secure tickets for which we pay 160 baht: not expensive but higher than the league average. We can now settle down inside the stadium. Kanchanaburi Stadium is a municipal stadium capable of hosting various events and more than enough for Kanchanaburi Power FC, who play their games here.
Today at 6.30 PM the stadium is being used for a Thai Premier League football game as Kanchanaburi Power entertain Rayong. I've come to Kanchanaburi today to visit the last of the current stadiums I will have visited. As a newly promoted team, Kanchanaburi were bound to struggle a bit and currently lie third from bottom. By contrast, Rayong are the more established team. It's another game that is hard to call. The game kicks off on time under pleasantly cool conditions for the time of year.
Kanchanaburi are wearing their new attractive split red and white shirts, while Rayong are in yellow. The home team will be playing towards my end of view. The game starts with each team sizing the other up with few chances to score. Both teams look organised to deal with threats, and it's hard to see where a goal is coming from, but finally Kanchanaburi sends in a quality ball which reaches centre forward Aboubakar Kamara unmarked at the back post. It's an easy header. Quite late in the half, Rayong don't have time to respond, and it's advantage to the host at half time.
Into the second half, Rayong have to up their game, but the game continues as before with few chances created. Then in the 71st minute a rare penetrating attack by Rayong sees them level as winger Brazilian Junior Batista volleys in from the edge of the box, missing everyone in the crowded penalty area, including the goalkeeper. It seems a bit harsh, as it's the home team who have done most of the pressing. The last 20 minutes become frantic as Kanchanaburi go for the winner and tempers flare, with tackles flying in everywhere. Two players had already been subbed with injury. It would have been better for the home team to show some composure rather than the bull-in-a-china-shop approach. In the end that cost them the win they really deserved. At least this game had a couple of goals and provided the entertainment I came for as we head back through the city picking up something for breakfast tomorrow.

Source: Visit