Archive for the ‘Kanchanaburi’ Category
Bridge over the river Kwai – Kanchanaburi
Taken on 2008-07-06 20:10:30 by whitecat singapore.
A Company Outing to Kanchanaburi, Thailand
One of the most interesting aspects of the economy in Thailand is the annual or semi-annual business trip.
Officially, the event will be an extension of the office, but in a relaxed atmosphere. The reality is that there is usually a formal meeting, where company executives and managers to give a speech to staff, and the rest of the long weekend is about getting better have with your colleagues, new friends, and usually a really big break. And just as a farang, a foreigner in Thailand, you are more in line with the interruption, the more you will enjoy it. Of course there will be cases when a complete ass of himself, but hey, it’s a break, it’s free, and it is really fun!
Some time ago I went on a business trip, was invited by my local partners to join the company on its first outing of the year. The goal was a “resort” hotel, the River Kwai Village Hotel, or “Jungle Resort” in Sai Yok district, Kanchanaburi province, to a sixty kilometers to the town of Kanchanaburi town.
Sai Yok is very similar to many of the districts in the province of Kanchanaburi, as it has lush forests and jungles, beautiful rivers and streams, including outstanding waterfalls during the rainy season, and of course, like everywhere in Thailand, some very interesting temple.
A little more than four hours after the next on luxury coach in Bangkok, we arrived at the Rive Kwai Village Hotel. By car, you can probably do it in two and a half hours, but if you have ever been on a business trip in Thailand, you know, you have to stop every two hours of mandatory snacks!
Bask in the company held on the first morning, and after three very short pep talks we have in our exciting weekend. On the banks Kwai Noi River, and many of the rooms situated boasts spectacular river and mountain so that the first day is devoted to exploring the river on a Thai-style raft. This should not be confused with Western floats – these houseboats, and large enough for forty people, drawn by strong long-tail boats and come with a mobile disco. , Food and a wide range of drinks, great enough for one day.
The Kwai Noi is remarkably insensitive to the contamination at this point, and is ideal for swimming in many large, shady pools that dot the banks of the River. Add in a fantastic scenery, pristine jungle, excellent dining al fresco and a few beers and you have all the ingredients to a truly beautiful day in Thailand.
The second day consisted of an extremely well-oiled touring in many neighborhoods around Kanchanaburi district. Methods of transportation are our luxury bus, commuter trains and minibuses. For me it was the highlight of the day goes to Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park on the local train from Kanchanaburi town to the station at Tha Kilen. Part of the trail follow the path of the infamous Death Railway, one has to wonder and ask how the unfortunate souls that would have forced labor during World War II was never built.
Prasat Muang Sing was probably built during the height of the Khmer influence and guess at an outpost of Angkor. As such, the style of Khmer ruins. From my description, you can feel that even if some information is about his origins, yet much remains unclear. This may be partly because the site was overgrown, much the same way as Angkor temple complex of Prasat Muang Sing and was restored only about thirty-five years.
This was the last stop of the weekend, and it was again Tha Kilen to pick up the car, which had somewhat miraculously came back to the station with us in Bangkok!
For those of you who do not have the good fortune to arrange such a vacation for you, then I have a few suggestions for you. Rent a car in Bangkok, I recommend Thai Rent A Car, (+66 (0) 2737 8888), and drive to Kanchanaburi. So you have full freedom to travel and discover this remarkable province bordering Myanmar. Alternatively, visit the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) in Bangkok by taxi or 511 air-conditioned bus, and then another air-conditioned bus to Kanchanaburi town.
I prefer to go there, but it can also somewhat nerve-wracking experience. I have also taken the bus, and a very viable and cost-effective alternative, and even allows you to choose from a full range of travel packages and hotel package when you get to Kanchanaburi.
And finally, if somewhat late, a happy and successful 2009 to my friends in Thailand Web Zone, www. thailandwebzone. com, which is a new Thai social networking community site, and Thailand. The exchange of information in Thai and Thailand forum articles, meeting people, find photos, music and videos, and travel information about Thailand. Meet new friends from all over the world! For those readers who have not visited, TVI, go look now!
Stroking Tigers at the Kanchanaburi Tiger Temple in Thailand
Since visiting the Tiger Temple in 2006, a 2-year investigation by ‘Care for the Wild International’ revealed disturbing evidence of animal abuse and illegal trafficking at the temple. Click the link for the report. www.careforthewild.com “The Temple’s popularity is based around claims that its tigers were rescued from poachers and move freely and peacefully amongst the temple’s monks, who are actively engaged in conservation work. But this utopian façade hides a sinister reality of unbridled violence and illegal trafficking of tigers between Thailand and Laos.” cwis Chief Executive Dr Barbara Maas.
Little Thai Girl in Kanchanaburi
Image taken on 2007-06-03 05:39:52 by J. Griffin Stewart.
