Thursday, July 31, 2008

Sri Nakarin Dam

In Si Sawat District, close to Erawan National Park, this impressive hydro-electric power plant sits on the River Kwai. On the top level of the site is the lake, an excellent spot to fish or just relax.

Sai Yok Yai

Flows directly into the River Kwai, the natural beauty of the area has been celebrated in Thai literature and is one of the most famous waterfalls in Asia.

The best known caves, Tham Lawa & Tham Daowadung have impressive stalactites and stalagmites, plus if you have good eyes you might catch a glimpse of the world's smallest mammal, the hog-nosed bat which, when fully grown, reaches a weight of just two grams!

Three Pagodas Pass

Known as "Phra Chedi Sam Ong" in Thai, Three Pagodas Pass links Sangkhlaburi on the Thai side with Pyathonzu just over the border into Myanmar (Burma).

Over the course of history, the pass has been the route into Thailand for invading Burmese armies as well as traders and Buddhist Monks from India.

The three pagodas themselves, believed to have been built in the 4th century, are fairly small but hold great sway with the locals as peace symbols.

During World War II, the infamous Death Railway was built through the pass by the allied prisoners of war.

Several hill tribes live in the area including the Karen, Mon and Burmese, who are neither Thai or Burmese nationals.

There have been several confrontations between the Karen and the Mon tribes for control over the years, but now the Myanmar authorities remain in control of the border region.

Visitors are allowed to visit the Burmese border town of Pyathonzu with a special one-day pass, issued at the border.

Great items can be bought for souvenirs including wooden carvings, ornaments, jade and textiles.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Kanchanaburi Golf Courses

Kanchanaburi Golf Courses

Grand Garden Golf Club
Only a 20 minute drive away, this is the perfect course for less experienced golfers. Enjoy this beautiful par 72 course without any pressures!

Greenworld
Tee off across the famous River Kwai! Not just a magnificent course, also boasts hot springs, sauna, swimming pool and 5 Star Hotel!

Mission Hills Country Club
Every golfers dream course! Mission Hills is a Jack Nicklaus designed course with all the facilities you expect, including the "First Class Hotel".

Nichigo Resort & Country Club
Over 9 or 18 holes, choose to play either the Lake, River or Mountain course. The club also offers restaurant & hotel facilities.

River Kwai Golf Club
Described as "The golfer's course", the elevation has to be played to be believed! Another superb venue with restaurant & hotel facilities.

Blue Sapphire Golf Club
This relatively new course offers challenges to those who love to play over water! The club also offers a sauna, fitness center and fishing lakes!

For details of superb golfing packages, please visit our friends at River Kwai Golf

Monday, July 28, 2008

Kanchanaburi - Tiger Temple


As adult tigers fell victim to poachers, several cubs were given to the temple and so far a further several cubs have been born. There are currently more than a dozen tigers who call the temple home!

Once a day, the tigers are led on leashes to their own quarry where they can roam around, with visitors able to watch from around 10m away.

More often than not, one of the monks will bring one of the tamest tiger to be stroked by visitors*.

Donations can be made at the temple and the Monks continue to collect funds in order to build a larger sanctuary which would allow the tigers to live in a more natural habitat.

*Although the tigers appear tame, let's not forget these are still naturally wild animals. Sudden movements and too many camera flashes at one time can spook them. However in ten years there has only been one serious attack on a visitor, who survived!

Young children are not allowed near the animals and will not be allowed into the quarry where the tigers roam free!

The Thailand-Burma "Death Railway"


Built as an aid to moving supplies, after the capture of Thailand by the Imperial Japanese Army, thousands of allied POW's were transported from Singapore to begin working on the line, as well as the famous "Bridge On The River Kwai".

Beginning in 1942, the workforce was subject to constant battles against not only the brutality of their captors but also appalling living conditions and the constant threat of death and disease.

Sections of the old route are still in use today. Most notably the section from The Bridge up to Nam Tok station at Sai Yok National Park.

Kanchanaburi - JEATH War Museum

JEATH stands for Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand and Holland, representing the nationalities of the prisoners of war (POW's) who were forced to work on the construction of the famous "Bridge On The River Kwai".

The museum is on the bank of the River, inside Wat Chai Chumphon temple. The present Chief Abbot, the Venerable Phra Theppanyasuthee, takes responsibility for the upkeep of the museum.

This tribute was established to show actual items that were connected with the construction of the Death Railway by POW's between 1942-1943.

The first thing that strikes you when you visit the museum is the bamboo hut with a collection of photographs displayed. The hut is a replica of the conditions the POW's were forced to live in.

The museum displays graphic images of the terrible conditions inflicted on the many young men that died and the many that survived to tell the story.

To bring these atrocities to the public domain, the museum exhibits many photographs taken of real situations either by Thai's or POW's.

There are also many real accounts written by former POW's, their relatives, friends and authors that interviewed the many prisoners that suffered at the hands of the Imperial Japanese Army.

The Bridge on the River Kwai


Although the movie of the same name is highly inaccurate in it's facts, there's no question the horror that the prisoners of war had to endure during construction of two bridges.

All over Kanchanaburi are testaments to the suffering of the labourers who were forced to work under appalling, inhumane conditions.

An estimated 16,000 war prisoners and over 100,000 local labourers died between 1942-1943.


Around the promenade by the bridge are numerous market stalls selling the usual souvenirs, t-shirts, collectables etc. and you can find many bargains.

The celebrated war cemeteries and war museums in town are beautifully kept and maintained and help keep Kanchanaburi in the minds of historians from all over the world!

Light & Sound Show
Each year in November is the "Kanchanaburi Light & Sound Show", which replays the events leading to the destruction of the bridge using impressive lasers, fireworks and sounds!

This event brings in thousands of visitors and is quite spectacular! River boats and floating restaurants cruise up and down the famous old waterway offering excellent views of the show and some superb photo opportunities!

Getting to Kanchanaburi is very, very easy due to it's close proximity to Bangkok. 99% of visitors, regardless of where you are travelling from in Tha

From Bangkok...

Bus
From the Southern Bus Terminal ("Sai Dai"), buses leave every 30min for Kanchanaburi, the last one departing at 10.30pm. The journey takes a little under two hours.

Tickets for a standard air-con bus are 95 Th.Baht one way. This is by far the easiest way to get from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi!

Train
As the railway link between Bangkok and Kanchanaburi is only a local line, this is a journey to be undertaken only by the VERY brave! From Thonburi station in Bangkok, only 3rd class trains run along this route and the journey takes a staggering FIVE HOURS!

Definition of 3rd class? - No windows, no fan, wooden seats, lots of chickens!

Taxi
The fastest, but most expensive way to get to Kanchanaburi! From any where in Bangkok, taxi drivers will be able to get you here in about 90 mins for anywhere between 1,000-3,000 Th.Baht, all depending on your bargaining skills!

If you can find a Thai speaker to do the bargaining for you, it would be a lot better!

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery


In the heart of town, this is the final resting place of almost 7,000 POW's who lost their lives during the construction of the "Death Railway".

The Japanese Army, following their invasion of Thailand during World War II, brought British, Dutch, Australian and American prisoners to Thailand from Singapore.

Chong Kai War Cemetery

The Chong Kai Cemetery, on the banks of the River Kwai, is smaller but more peaceful than the one in town and is beautifully kept with all kinds of flowers and plants.

Almost 2,000 POW's are buried here at Chong Kai. The cemetery can be reached by boats, available at the pier in front of the town gate and also from the Bridge.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Shopping in Kanchanaburi

Major souvenir shops are concentrated around the eastern approaches, and riverine enviornment, of the world famous bridge. Almost every handicraft produced in Thailand can be purchased there. Browsing to compare quality will ensure favourable prices for readymade leisurewear and other apparel and popular sourvenirs such as jewellery and handmade handicrafts.

Hin Tok River Camp @ Hell Fire Pass

Outdoorsmen have long known that sleeping in a tent gets you a lot closer to nature than any solid-wall edifice. After all, flexible structures blur the line between indoors and outdoors: Screens and flaps offer an intimate connection to the surrounding landscape, natural light radiates through the walls, and the soothing sounds of birds and other wildlife become in-room entertainment.

Located on a riverside where the only other footprints to be seen are those of farmers and birds “Hintok River Camp” must be one of the most idyllic locations to be found. The majority of the Tents face to catch the beautiful sceneries over the River Kwai. There can be no more beautiful location near the walking trail of The Hell Fire Pass.


Ten Canvas Tent, each 20 sq.m. All have private sit out for sunbathing. The tents feature twin beds, attached a 3 sq.m. bathroom - tent. All the tents are 1 foot platform and interior canopies are furnished in Safari style and are separated by green lawns and overlooking a tropical river. Each tent has an air-conditioned or fan and refrigerator. There is a fully equipped kitchen and cook will prepare all your meals.

Twenty Canvas Tents, each 20 SQM. All have private sit out for sunbathing. The tents feature twin beds, attached a 6 SQM. Bathroom Tent. All the tents are 1.30 meter platform and interior canopies are furnished in Safari style and are separated by green lawns and overlooking a tropical river. Each tent has an air-conditioned, fan and refrigerator. There is a fully equipped kitchen and cook will prepare all your meals.

Hin Tok River Camp ideal for

  • Anyone looking for a difference holiday.
  • Nature lovers and Bird watchers
  • Those in search of peach and tranquility
  • Those looking for historical of World War II
  • Families, Couples, or even Singles.
These experiences will guarantee a life time of true meaning of this historic river at the River Kwai. Recreational activities includes swimming in the natural pool from spring water, tour excursion services.

Many activities will acquaint you with close contact to nature such as mountain biking, trekking, canoeing, bamboo rafting and visiting Mon tribal village and their cultural performances.

Pongsuda Chalet

Just 38 km. from downtown Kanchanaburi, or a mere 30 minutes of pleasant driving on the highway hugging the hills, you will enjoy a panoramic view of unspoiled nature which stretches to the horizon in every direction. Spend a weekend at Pongsuda Chalet, and you will long cherish the sweet memory of being embraced in the wonder of nature, utter relaxation to remove the stress accumulated during your working days.

A world totally of your own, so far away and yet so.



[ DELUXE ROOM (for single or couple per room) ]

To enjoy the scenery of Kwai Noi River, you and nature closed to each other.

Basic facilities in all Deluxe rooms :

  • Individual Air Conditioning
  • COLOR TV
  • Private Bath Room with Bath tub and Shower
  • Hot and Cold water
  • Refrigerator & minibar

[ FAMILY ROOM (for 4, 6, 6and 8 persons per room) ]

A large (riverfront) room for big family or closed friend group for your holiday. Private time surrounded by calmness and comfort. To enjoy a beautiful Kwai Noi River view.

Basic facilities in all Family rooms :

  • Individual Air Conditioning (* 2 air conditionings in room for 8 persons)
  • COLOR TV
  • Private Bath Room with Shower and Bath tub(* 2 private bath rooms in room for 8 persons)
  • Hot and Cold water
  • Refrigerator & minibar



[ Swimming Pool ]

Our swimming pool located on the hillside overlooking Kwai Noi River, surrounded by natural scenery, offering you rest and relaxation.


[ Other Services ]

  • Snooker
  • Computer Karaoke
  • Biking Trails
  • Internet Corner
  • Throwing arrow game
  • Throwing rubber ring game

[ How to go to Pongsuda Chalet ]

-- BY CAR --
Get along Phetkasem Road or Barom Ractchonni Road , though Nakhon Chaisri , Nakkhon Pathatom , Ban Pong , Tha Maka , Tha Muong to Kanchanaburi , Distance : 129 kms. , then only 38 kms. off Town to Saiyok , is at km. 29 of Route 323 and entrance to Amphoe Saiyok. From Amphoe Saiyok Office, go on for 800 metres To PONGSUDA CHALET.

--BY BUS --
At the Southern Bus Terminal , bus leaves every 15 minutes from 04.00-20.00 hrs. Bus trip takes about 2 hours to Kanchanaburi. By air- conditioned bus : First class air conditioned bus leaves the Southern Bus Terminal every 15 minutes from 05.00-22.30 hrs. Whereas the second class air conditioned bus leaves the terminal every 20 minutes from 05.10-20.30 hrs. The trip takes about 2 hours hours to Kanchanaburi . Then can go by bus No.8203 , leaving from the bus terminal daily every 30 minutes from 6.45 –18.30 hrs. and take off at km. 29, entrance to Amphoe Saiyok. You can hire motorcycle. From Amphoe Saiyok Office, go on for 800 metres. To PONGSUDA CHALET.

-- BY TRAIN --
Two trains leave Bangkok Noi Railway Station at 07.50 hrs. and 13.45 hrs. respectively. On holidays (Sat-Sun) have special trains. To Wang Po Station at 12.16 hrs. and 18.11 hrs. PONGSUDA CHALET located near Wang Po Station , just only 800 metres.

Comsaed River Kwai Resort

Comsaed River Kwai Resort is a picturesque resort with a natural charm that compliments perfectly the magnificent luxuries found within. It is conveniently situated within the beautiful, world-renowned province of Kanchanaburi, and upon the banks of the famous River Kwai.

Comsaed River Kwai Resort offers luxury guest rooms of one-bedroom and two-bedroom villas. Amenities such as fully equipped kitchens, living and dining areas and more are a reservation away. Come enjoy a wonderful villa vacation experience. A diverse and exhilarating range of activities and services, innovative cuisine and an exceptional spa all allow you to experience the ultimate in resort destinations.

Comsaed River Kwai Resort is a place where you can connect with life, health, and nature. More than a vacation, it is a place of time-honored tradition where you can appreciate the moment … and bring life into balance with nature.

Comsaed River Kwai Resort opened in late 1994 with a certificate of guarantee showing it to be the outstanding resort of the year. It is 128 km from Bangkok and only 19 km from downtown Kanchanaburi. With a unique atmosphere of tranquility and warm hospitality, Comsaed River Kwai Resort is the ultimate "Hideaway Retreat"

Comsaed River Kwai Resort has 110 beautifully furnished, spacious deluxe rooms. We offer the utmost in privacy and a choice of different room styles.


.....::::: Accommodations :::::.....

- River Wing - Each room boasts a gorgeous view of the River Kwai. Enjoy the country air and splendid riverside scenery from a private spacious balcony. There are 24 River Wing rooms, of which 4 are luxury suites. Each room has the gardens and Kwai-Yai River just outside its door.




- Mountain Wing - This small village of exotic bungalow-style lodgings set on low-level stilts is located in a lush tropical forest where beautiful orchids grow all-year round. 28 Mountain View rooms are located on the high ground. They look on the one side out towards the mountains, and to the beauty of Comsaed on the other.

- Garden Wing - There are 20 Garden Wing rooms, proudly sitting in the center of the gardens. Each bathroom has a window onto its own tropical garden.


.....::::: Facilities & Services :::::.....

- Restaurants & Bars -

  • The Jungle Pub - With a cheerful, friendly atmosphere, this is a great pub in which to enjoy karaoke with friends.

  • The Castle Restaurant - Pamper taste buds with a superb range of Thai and international cuisine in a luxurious setting.

  • Coffee Corner - At the lobby, take time out with some unique blends of coffee, or a variety of cocktails, pastries, and ice-cream. Enjoy soothing background music in the company of Comsaed’s hospitable staff.

  • Lobby Terrace - The Lobby Terrace is located adjacent to the Coffee Corner. The terrace offers magnificent views of the lavish landscape courtyard.

- Facilities & Services -

  • Comsaed Spa

  • Comsaed Massage

  • Meetings & Banquets

  • Function room

  • Swimming Pool - Our 3 swimming pools have designed to meet specific requirement : large, medium and a small pool for children complete with waterfall, fountain and sliders. A salt-chlorinating system has also been applied to bring a non-allergic quality to the water so that you will never experience and irritation to your eyes and skin at Comsaed's swimming pool.


Legacy River Kwai Resort.

Log Cabin-Style Country Home under the Roof of Impressive Comfort
We carefully blend every inch of the architecture in harmony with surrounding nature. Piece by piece, wooden walls are properly interlocked. The roof is delicately put together from small pieces of authentic wood.

Accommodation
All bedrooms are artistically designed. The living room is large and open, perfect for warm and relaxing days of your family. All bathrooms are clean and spacious, catering to every casual movement you may desire. Come and enjoy the experience of a complete country home, with choices of single or double bedrooms. See for yourself how days and nights can become so memorable.

Dining
The Legacy resort provides delicious foods; Thai, Chinese, Continental cuisines as well as health food, specially prepared by professional chefs, served in any atmosphere, whether in elegant Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai dining rooms by the garden, the floating restaurant by the river or the open-air buffet location, offering privacy for visitors.

Modern Seminar Center amidst Green Forests and Fresh Streams
Amidst secluded atmosphere of mountain range, green forests and lively rivers hides a seminar center with the most modern facilities in the western region of Thailand.

At the legacy River Kwai, we offer you seminar rooms, large and small. Maximum capacity surpasses over 300 participants. High-standard equipment, and the best quality sound system, are ready to be used at any time. All seminar rooms are of noble style and unique.

The Legacy River Kwai also offers a special choice of an open-air seminar location whether on the riverside or on the 100-plus-rai natural island offshore of the River Kwai Noi where participants will breathe fresh air kindly rendered by surrounding nature. Best quality of delicious specialties prepared by our professional chefs to be served in any atmosphere of your choice, whether it be an elegant dining room by the garden, a floating restaurant by the river, or an open-air buffet location.

Enjoy a Variety of Sports on Your Relaxing Day
At the Legacy River Kwai, fun sports are waiting just for you, either indoor-outdoor or water sports. Our sports club is fully equipped, closely taken care of by sports specialists. You have choices of swimming, fishing, basketball, tennis, snooker, sauna, petanque, and even more. The clubhouse also provides you with relaxing corners close to nature where you can freshen up after a healthy exercise.

River Island Suitable for Various Activities
As nature is our theme, and on our 100-plus-rai island, you will find trails leading to lush and green jungles, offering you memorable moments to closely enjoy with a rich variety of plants, at a simple earth and walk rally activities, refreshing streams, and friendly trees. Camping sites are also available, or for your private reunion with nature.

Location