Welcome to KanchanburiAfter arriving early in Bangkok we decided to set out for the small town of Kanchnaburi. We were only aware of this beautiful place from Amber and BJ's trip around the world. They sent back some of the most beautiful pictures of the water falls they visited. When I first viewed them I knew this was a place we must see for ourselves. After a two hour bus ride we arrived in Kanchanburi. We found a cheap guest house and settled in.
On the second day Kristen starting coming down with a sore throat. We decided to take it easy and give her a chance to rest. It gave me a chance to see some of the town, which turns out to not contain too much. On the third day she hadn't improved much. So I went to go see the Tiger Temple without her. She really didn't care to touch the tigers anyhow. The Tiger Temple is a sanctuary ran by Monks . It is an actual Temple, so you must dress appropriately. After a one hour ride I had arrived.
I followed a trail to "Tiger Canyon" where you are allowed to take pictures with these massive cats. Upon entering the canyon you see several of the large cats peacefully sleeping while chained to the ground. They explained to me that they were taking their nap after lunch. It appeared that not only were these cats sleeping, they were barely breathing. Tourist were allowed to pose and even cuddle with the tigers. I would say from closer inspection that their lunch probably consisted of raw meat and a heavy dose of tranquilizers. As the guide led me from tiger to tiger they snapped photos while I petted the heavily sedated cats (speculation). For an additional fee, the monks would even curl you up in the tigers arms. After a few photos I headed off to explore the rest of the grounds. I came upon an area where they allowed you to pet and play with tiger cubs. I have always wanted to pet them and this was a real highlight for me. They were so cute as they swated at the water bottle I carried. I could of played with them all day. As I conituned, I noticed all types of animals wandered freely about. There were water buffalo, peacocks, cows, and varieties of deer. It also appeared that the place was undergoing large renovations. It seems that in the very near future it will be a safari zoo.
Miguel aka Beast Master
Please don't wake up big kitty
On our last day there we decided to do as much as we could. Kristen, being the trooper she had been through this trip, toughed it out. Our first destination was an elephant camp. We took a thirty minute journey on the back of the great beasts. We did a brief trek through the jungle, then a quick stint through the river Kwai. I was even allowed to ride on the back of the neck of the elephant, just like their mahouts (elephant keepers) do. It was absolutely thrilling to get so close to these great mammals.
Thai Taxi
Mahout training
This elephant was over 70 years old
After the elephant trek we headed to the Erawan waterfalls. There are many waterfalls surrounding Kanchanburi, but these are by far the most popular. The Erawan waterfalls consist of seven different tiers. It's about a forty five minute hike in steamy hot weather up a hill from the first to the last tier. Even though Kristen was still not feeling well we managed to make it to five of the seven. Each tier is different and they are all enchanting in their own way. The water is a emerald green color and is full of fish. You can swim freely almost anywhere you like. The third tier even has large boulders that act as water slides. It is very popular with the locals. After our steamy hike the water was pure refreshment. It was cool and clean. I was completely overwhelmed by the beauty as I swam through the water and sat under the waterfalls. The fish made sure that you were in constant motionj, for if you stopped they began to swarm around you, pecking at you for a free meal. They were quite aggressive. The guides claimed that they were beneficial because the cleaned your skin. If they had teeth I am sure they would have devoured me in seconds. After my refreshing dip we took a local bus back to our hostel. The following day we were off to Bangkok for some hardcore shopping. If you are ever in Bangkok, look at a day trip to Kanchanaburi. The short two hour journey is easily worth seeing some of the spectacular waterfalls.
Tier 3... So beautiful. Best swimming pool ever!
Tier 4. You can almost see the magic
Tier 2. The water slides
Fish waiting for their next meal... enter at your own risk!
Tier 1. Just breathtaking
On the second day Kristen starting coming down with a sore throat. We decided to take it easy and give her a chance to rest. It gave me a chance to see some of the town, which turns out to not contain too much. On the third day she hadn't improved much. So I went to go see the Tiger Temple without her. She really didn't care to touch the tigers anyhow. The Tiger Temple is a sanctuary ran by Monks . It is an actual Temple, so you must dress appropriately. After a one hour ride I had arrived.
I followed a trail to "Tiger Canyon" where you are allowed to take pictures with these massive cats. Upon entering the canyon you see several of the large cats peacefully sleeping while chained to the ground. They explained to me that they were taking their nap after lunch. It appeared that not only were these cats sleeping, they were barely breathing. Tourist were allowed to pose and even cuddle with the tigers. I would say from closer inspection that their lunch probably consisted of raw meat and a heavy dose of tranquilizers. As the guide led me from tiger to tiger they snapped photos while I petted the heavily sedated cats (speculation). For an additional fee, the monks would even curl you up in the tigers arms. After a few photos I headed off to explore the rest of the grounds. I came upon an area where they allowed you to pet and play with tiger cubs. I have always wanted to pet them and this was a real highlight for me. They were so cute as they swated at the water bottle I carried. I could of played with them all day. As I conituned, I noticed all types of animals wandered freely about. There were water buffalo, peacocks, cows, and varieties of deer. It also appeared that the place was undergoing large renovations. It seems that in the very near future it will be a safari zoo.
Miguel aka Beast Master
Please don't wake up big kittyOn our last day there we decided to do as much as we could. Kristen, being the trooper she had been through this trip, toughed it out. Our first destination was an elephant camp. We took a thirty minute journey on the back of the great beasts. We did a brief trek through the jungle, then a quick stint through the river Kwai. I was even allowed to ride on the back of the neck of the elephant, just like their mahouts (elephant keepers) do. It was absolutely thrilling to get so close to these great mammals.
Thai Taxi
Mahout training
This elephant was over 70 years oldAfter the elephant trek we headed to the Erawan waterfalls. There are many waterfalls surrounding Kanchanburi, but these are by far the most popular. The Erawan waterfalls consist of seven different tiers. It's about a forty five minute hike in steamy hot weather up a hill from the first to the last tier. Even though Kristen was still not feeling well we managed to make it to five of the seven. Each tier is different and they are all enchanting in their own way. The water is a emerald green color and is full of fish. You can swim freely almost anywhere you like. The third tier even has large boulders that act as water slides. It is very popular with the locals. After our steamy hike the water was pure refreshment. It was cool and clean. I was completely overwhelmed by the beauty as I swam through the water and sat under the waterfalls. The fish made sure that you were in constant motionj, for if you stopped they began to swarm around you, pecking at you for a free meal. They were quite aggressive. The guides claimed that they were beneficial because the cleaned your skin. If they had teeth I am sure they would have devoured me in seconds. After my refreshing dip we took a local bus back to our hostel. The following day we were off to Bangkok for some hardcore shopping. If you are ever in Bangkok, look at a day trip to Kanchanaburi. The short two hour journey is easily worth seeing some of the spectacular waterfalls.
Tier 3... So beautiful. Best swimming pool ever!
Tier 4. You can almost see the magic
Tier 2. The water slides
Fish waiting for their next meal... enter at your own risk!
Tier 1. Just breathtaking
I'm so glad you liked Kanchanaburi. Our floating hotel robbed us of some of our things when we were there but it was still one of my favorite places in Thailand. I can't wait to see you guys and hear more of your awesome adventures. Keep kickin the world's arse and come home safe!
ReplyDeleteLove you and miss you guys!
We miss you too so much... can't wait for your wedding in Maui!!
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