Sightseeing Kanchanaburi in just 2 days!

If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday. ~Pearl Buck~

Kanchanaburi is a town in the West of Thailand. It is near Myanmar border. It is rich with historical sites, waterfalls, mountains, rivers and other tourists attractions. I have been to this place during one of our school field trips few years ago. This short expedition was unplanned but while looking at my photos makes me want to go back again.  If you’d come to Bangkok, you have to include this trip to town in one of your itineraries.

Overlooking province of Kanchanaburi, Thailand

First Day

The first sight that we’ve stopped was the Srinagarind Dam (Crest Dam). It was a huge dam. It regulates the river and one of the hydroelectric power generation in the country.

Srinagarind Dam (Crest)

Opposite view of the dam

The second sight was the place of Royal King Naresuan Place. This is where the thai movie plot was being held about the life of the legend King Naresuan. Admission fee was 100 baht for thai adults, 50 baht for children and 200 baht for foreigners.

Huge two idols @ the gate

Inside the temple 

Open air temple

The River Kwai …

Mida Resort Kanchanaburi is a very tranquil resort just right next to the river Kwai. We’ve checked in a tent- style hotel after visiting King Naresuan studio plot.

Second Day

7th Falls

Going to Erawan National Park was the awaited one. Erawan waterfalls were the next sight to spend freely and enjoy the nature. Erawan National Park is one of the famous national parks in Thailand. Admission fee for foreigners is 300 baht for Adults and 200 baht for children. While for the locals, 100 for Adults and 50 for children.

Swimming in a clear waterfall!

 

Due to limited time, we haven’t gone to an elephant camp, death railway, and other tourist spots. It was such a great experience even though it was a short outing.

“Life is like a waterfall, it is always moving and there is always an uneven flow to it.”

 

 

Into the Summit of Thailand

Doi Inthanon

“Those who travel to mountain-tops are half in love with themselves, and half in love with oblivion.” 
― Robert Macfarlane –

Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand located in the province of Chiang Mai. The elevation up to the peak at 2,565m.

Marking sign on top of the mountain

This is my second time to be here and I’m loving it. The climate is typically tropical and fairly cool like 6 degrees Celsius. For the months of March to June, temperatures are pleasant and rains up to November. In the winter months of December to February are packed with both locals and tourists.

One of the nicest view before you reach the top!

Camping is one of the activities I enjoyed when traveling to nature. It’s the coolest thing to do when you are surrounded by trees, mountains, nice view, cold weather and other animals. Don’t forget to bring your tent, foods, and maybe some drinks as you warm yourself through the night.

Inside Camp View

Waking up in a view where you can see the waterfall and strawberries plantations is spectacular. It makes you refresh, relax and escape the bustling sound of the city.

Another itinerary that you can do in the mountain is Trail Hiking. The name of the hill is Kew Mae Pan. It’s a 3km trail hike.

Panoramic view 

Getting truly experience by trekking along Kew Mae Pan trail through the beautiful green and panoramic view of the forest. I was delighted to see this magnificent view. Along the trail you can see also a small waterfall, rare flowers, birds, wildlife and Rhododendron trees is the highlight.

Keep off the grass!

 

Kew Mae Pan’s waterfall

I don’t know what’s the name of this flower!

How to get there? You can rent a car in Chiang mai city and drive to Doi Inthanon. There are also some public transport available.

I just don’t feel half-inlove with myself but I feel in love with nature and brings me closer to it.

 

 

Koh Phangan, not just a Full Moon Party

“We are all like the bright moon, we still have our darker side.”
– Kahlil Gibran –

Koh Phangan is one of my favorite islands in Thailand. It is located in the gulf of Thailand in South East in the province of Surat Thani. It is famous for its “full moon party” and a backpacker destination. According to the Southerners, Koh Pha Ngan is derived from “ngan” meaning “sand bar” because there are sand bars offshore.

Map of Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan can be reach by plane to Koh Samui and then ferry. There are also alternative route like from Bangkok to Chumpon then ferry. You can also go by train from Hua Lamphong Station to Surat Province. Other mode of transport are busses, private cars and others.

Arrival at the port in Haad Rin

My first trip to Koh Phangan was filled with excitement and fun. I didn’t expect that the island has many fantastic views and activities to see and do. I thought this island is only common because of the famous beach party all over the world. When the moon sets into full moon and the ambiance and people are ready to rave and have fun along the coastal line of Haad Rin Beach in Koh Phangan

Partying in Smile Land

 

 

The beach is packed with people from all around the world. You can choose any bars that plays a different genre of music. But go for “SMILE LAND” if you are in to an Electronic Dance Music (EDM). There are also a variety of drinks to choose from.

Smile Land Bar

Full moon party on fire

 

Koh Phangan is really a party island for everyone. But my thai friend who lives and works there gave us a tour around the island.

What a picturesque!

The scenic view in the island reminds me that nature speaks itself!

 

Famous Haad Rin Beach Resort

 

This is the famous beach in Koh Phangan, the Haad Rin where the full moon party sets in. During the day, people are enjoying sunbathing, playing, and swimming and relaxing. The white sand beaches, umbrellas, tables and chairs are being set up for people to relax, enjoy and have fun.

First sunset at Koh Phangan

Sunset! Oh sunset how romantic would it be if you got someone special with you. A romantic dinner with candles? hahaha! This is taken to the resort we’ve checked in.

Have a watermelon shake anyone?

Oh the beach, the sand, the sun, my friends, and nature reminds me that life has so much to offer.

Relaxing under the coconut trees

Resting in the hammock like a baby, listening to the waves of the sea, kissing the gentle wind  and walking in the powdery sand beaches are the ones money can’t buy.

 

Swimming in one of the resorts

This beach resort has a man -made cliff where you can jump. Swimming is one of the the activities that I enjoy in the island.

Fun times with friends!

We went to another resort to fill our empty stomach. Foods are well served at a reasonable cost.

In the middle of the ocean!

Heading back to Bangkok by ship to Chumpon port then by bus. Indeed, my first time in Koh Phangan will have another second time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Koh Lipe, the Maldives of Thailand

“Someone asked me, if I were stranded on a desert island what book would I bring… ‘How to Build a Boat.'”

~Steven Wright~

Have you ever been to real Maldives? How about “Maldives of Thailand? A year ago, I have been to this small island that was considered Maldives of the South. A summer vacation to real Maldives would definitely cost me a fortune.But the island of Lipe is an alternative getaway to enjoy summer vacation that feels like real Maldives. Koh Lipe is a small island located in the Southern part of Thailand in the Andaman sea. It is famous for its powdery sand beaches, crystal clear water and abundant marine life. This island is flat and it consists of 3 beaches. The Pattaya beach, Sunset beach and Sunrise beach.

Pattaya Beach

Getting there

I flew via Thai airasia at Don Mueang airport to Trang Airport in Trang Province. From the airport you will be transported by van to the Hat yao port  and then ferry to Koh Lipe. For more info about ferries visit this website www.tigerlinetravel.com. There is another way to go there from Don Mueang Airport to Hatyai Province. Then from Hatyai you need to go to Pak Barra port.

Map going to Koh Lipe

Getting around

Koh Lipe is a small island and accessible on foot. I’ve stayed in Mali beach resort in Pattaya Beach area. Visit their website at www.maliresorts.com. The resort was amazing. The Balinese luxury tropical villa was spectacular. Very quiet place where it was nestled within the resort and experienced tropics. The food is well presented and tasted perfect. If you’d like sunset, you gotta stay at Sunset Beach. There were also convenience stores in the island (7-11) and walking street.

Mali Resort -Balinese Luxury Tropical Villa

Night Life/Activities 

There were several bars and restaurants in the island. I’ve enjoyed the island hopping and snorkeling. You can see a lot of services along walking street. So there were no hassles in preparing your activities. You can book right away and the agent will arrange your day tour surrounding islands in Koh Lipe. Snorkeling is my favorite part of the activities. Discovering coral reefs, fishes, marine life and other sea life creatures were among the greatest experiences.

Snorkeling in Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe has so much to offer. You can enjoy activities that fits your interest in one of considered island as “Maldives of Thailand”. Surely, I would like to come again to this one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand and to the world.

Beach front of Mali Resort

Floating in the sea

Luxury Balinese Tropical Villa

Long tail boat for island hopping

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