CH230: Kanchanaburi - The Bridge Over River Kwai

Do you know that movie "The Bridge Over River Kwai"?

Well, I don't. I didn't know about it till a friend living in Bangkok told me about it and said that instead of the initial plan of us going to Siem Reap, we should go instead to Kanchanaburi to see the 7-tier waterfall in Erawan National Park as well as the Bridge over River Kwai. I didn't mind the change in plans, in fact I was excited since I've both of us have been to Siem Reap anyway.

I was asked what were the things I wanted to do. Do I want to do a tour with elephants? I said, not really. I don't know how well the elephants are treated "behind the scenes" and I don't want to be an enabler for their abuses, so I'm okay not doing an elephant tour. I just said I'm up for anything, I just need to get away from Singapore and get some R&R.

So, after a weekend in Kanchanaburi, I must say, it was a very nice experience! It was very rustic staying in a resort by the river as well as doing things that I didn't really get to do in the Philippines. Erawan National Park is almost similar to Mt Makiling in Laguna. Although, the difference is that, the main attraction is the waterpark which has 7 tiers you can hike up beside. It rained a bit before we went up so it was a bit muddy - but nonetheless enjoyable! More enjoyable I guess because I had a mosquito patch and my usual worries about becoming mosquito bait was abated.

Anyway, Kanchanaburi is about 2-3 hours away from Bangkok. But if you're looking for something more rustic and laid back, it is definitely worth a visit. Of note though, it felt like I was the only Asian tourist in the town we were at. In the restaurants we visited, nope, no Asians. The only time I saw other Asians was during the time we were in the tourist attractions - Erawan as well as the Bridge over River Kwai (mostly Thai tourists).

Pictures!

from the airport straight to kanchanaburi - thats why i was wearing something not suitable for a tropical weather

had lots of mango fruit juices!

CH138: Swept Away

It feels weird to be typing this entry in the room I'm actually paying for to live in. Quite frankly, tonight will be the first night since I got back that I can actually get to sleep in my own place. Since I arrived last Monday, around 330 am SGT. I've been swept away.

CP pulled a prank on me during my stopover in Narita. I was supposed to have a call with CP to use up the top up I put in the prepaid SIM I bought.

CP: "Just in cinema now [...] as rainy here, seeing twilight again...will nip out for toilet in bit :) [...] xxx"
Me: "That's too bad your friend won't be able to see universal...pft twilight. Okay, tell me when to call. [...] xoxo"

After 40 minutes.

Me: "Nevermind :-/ I'm boarding now. Enjoy the movie. xoxo"
CP: "Ah baby, I'm so sorry...[...] xxxx"

I was of course fuming/disappointed as I boarded the plane. I was even sulking during the first hour or two. I calmed down when they served drinks and I got myself a Riesling. Immersing myself in the very extensive in-flight entertainment of Singapore Airlines did help...and a Chardonnay to go with my meal next.

Fast Forward:
As I walked to head straight to the taxi queue after I got my bags, someone to my left started waving at me. And my initial reaction was "WUT? Wait. Ah, is this happening?"

SS4: Bangkok Experience

The intersection between Silom and Rajanagarindra, Bangkok Thailand

Expectedly, I could not help but compare the Philippines to Thailand. I did mention before that the tourism industry of Thailand is way ahead of the Philippines. It's very systematic and the infrastructure which serves as the tourism backbone is strong.

Myself at the SkyBar @ Lebua State Tower where a scene from the Hangover 2 was shot

I went to Bangkok just recently, and city wise, I am quite amazed how progressive it is. And you have to only wonder how much longer will Bangkok become a step higher into the world classifications that are 1st, 2nd, etc etc.

One of the things I observed was how convenient the transport system is. They have the MRT lines similar to the Philippines, but they are not as crowded. And the interchanges between the lines are also convenient. Queuing for tickets and getting into the trains are, i must note, very organized. I did not experience any pushing or whatnot. It's very much comparable to Singapore save for some differences like they are mostly above ground. Maybe because they don't have the same constraints as Singapore's land area.