Day 1, Sunday 22 March
Final throw of the dice…….. Every day until my departure from Bangkok on the 27th increases the worry from the coronovirus. Once back in the UK, I can go into isolation as recommended. The long flight home is concern but I have no real choice. I can’t stay in Thailand forever.
With five days left, we commit to take a trip into the mountains of Kanchanaburi, something we had in mind to do all along. The region is quite isolated anyway and seems a better bet than staying in Bangkok. Obviously, we’re aware of the need to keep to the medical advice regarding hand washing, social distancing etc. As it will be a short trip, there’s little preparation necessary and we’re on our way by 10.30am. Hopefully it will help take my mind of other worries for a while at least.
Our route takes us across the northern part of the city, into Nonthaburi province, then Nakhon Pathom province and on towards Kanchanaburi. From there we follow the Kwae Noi River deep into the mountains.
Tham Krasae…….. Tham Krasae is not a new location. We arrived near here to take photos of the Krasae Bridge on tour 15A (Western Provinces). However, we are more equipped these days and find a road taking us right up the Tham Krasae railway station. It's the first time I’ve managed to visit the cave itself housing a large gold Buddha image. There is another bonus too. A sprinter train returning to Bangkok passes through the station and makes its way carefully along the Krasae Bridge built by the Japanese during the war. This bridge is a major tourist attraction perched so precariously on the edge of the mountain overlooking the Khwae Noi River. It’s a real bonus to have arrive while a train is crossing. For the reason I have suggested, sightseeing is not the number one priority under the circumstances. Nevertheless, I will not pass an opportunity like this by, even though we’ve covered most of the important sites in Kamchanaburi province already.
Thong Pha Phum…….. Thong Pha Phum is one of the remoter districts of Kanchanaburi province and has a border with Myanmar. It’s not our final destination but puts us close enough to some significant natural attractions which are no doubt on the itinerary for this tour. Now later in the afternoon, I would be happy to find a comfortable room with services nearby. It sounds simple but you’d be surprised how hard it has been to do that during recent travels.
Thong Pha Phum River Resort…….. Thong Pha Phum River is just the second accommodation we check. It’s within walking distance of the main services in the town. As for the rooms, I’m happy that they tick all the boxes. Located beside the Kwae Noi River, they offer amazing views of the river and the mountains of the Tenasserim Range. The room is a little on the small side but it’s really easy to settle into. Were soon out looking for dinner and take only our second Korean BBQ in five weeks of travelling. Today has been straightforward and it’s not often I’ve been able to say that.
Next Page.
Final throw of the dice…….. Every day until my departure from Bangkok on the 27th increases the worry from the coronovirus. Once back in the UK, I can go into isolation as recommended. The long flight home is concern but I have no real choice. I can’t stay in Thailand forever.
With five days left, we commit to take a trip into the mountains of Kanchanaburi, something we had in mind to do all along. The region is quite isolated anyway and seems a better bet than staying in Bangkok. Obviously, we’re aware of the need to keep to the medical advice regarding hand washing, social distancing etc. As it will be a short trip, there’s little preparation necessary and we’re on our way by 10.30am. Hopefully it will help take my mind of other worries for a while at least.
Our route takes us across the northern part of the city, into Nonthaburi province, then Nakhon Pathom province and on towards Kanchanaburi. From there we follow the Kwae Noi River deep into the mountains.
Tham Krasae…….. Tham Krasae is not a new location. We arrived near here to take photos of the Krasae Bridge on tour 15A (Western Provinces). However, we are more equipped these days and find a road taking us right up the Tham Krasae railway station. It's the first time I’ve managed to visit the cave itself housing a large gold Buddha image. There is another bonus too. A sprinter train returning to Bangkok passes through the station and makes its way carefully along the Krasae Bridge built by the Japanese during the war. This bridge is a major tourist attraction perched so precariously on the edge of the mountain overlooking the Khwae Noi River. It’s a real bonus to have arrive while a train is crossing. For the reason I have suggested, sightseeing is not the number one priority under the circumstances. Nevertheless, I will not pass an opportunity like this by, even though we’ve covered most of the important sites in Kamchanaburi province already.
Thong Pha Phum…….. Thong Pha Phum is one of the remoter districts of Kanchanaburi province and has a border with Myanmar. It’s not our final destination but puts us close enough to some significant natural attractions which are no doubt on the itinerary for this tour. Now later in the afternoon, I would be happy to find a comfortable room with services nearby. It sounds simple but you’d be surprised how hard it has been to do that during recent travels.
Thong Pha Phum River Resort…….. Thong Pha Phum River is just the second accommodation we check. It’s within walking distance of the main services in the town. As for the rooms, I’m happy that they tick all the boxes. Located beside the Kwae Noi River, they offer amazing views of the river and the mountains of the Tenasserim Range. The room is a little on the small side but it’s really easy to settle into. Were soon out looking for dinner and take only our second Korean BBQ in five weeks of travelling. Today has been straightforward and it’s not often I’ve been able to say that.
Next Page.
Thong Pha Phum National Park
Tahm Krasae Railway Station
Tahm (Cave) Krasae
Khwae Noi River
Death Railway
Tahm Krasae Bridge