Following 2 very hectic and fun filled days in Bangkok, we were off to Kanchanaburi.

A somewhat tired crew (it had nothing to do with the late night/early morning finish at Patpong), met at 6:30am for breakfast at the PP, in readiness for our pick-up at 7:15am.

The folks from Good Times Travel (a local Kanchanaburi tour operator) were waiting for us in the foyer and assisted in transferring our luggage (including all the recently acquired goodies from our Bkk shopping spree) into the back of a new Toyota a/c van. Given that there were 9 of us (our 19yo daughter, the 10th member of the touring team was scheduled to meet us in Phuket), we had some misgivings that we would have enough space to accommodate the crew. However all of my correspondence with GTT had paid off and the van proved to be spacious and comfortable. Our guide Anna spoke extremely good English and our driver Toc (as he explained as in 'Tic') had a wicked sense of humour which provided us with many laughs during the 2hr journey to Kanchanaburi. Anna provided us with an insight to her working arrangements (Uni qualified - working 7 days a week when their is demand for around 150Bht a day - a real eye opener - we enjoyed her enthusiasm, and apparent love of her job)

The bride and I had been on a similar tour some 18months ago, so our travelling 'Thai newbies', would be taking the trip alone to Hellfire Pass and then onto the Tiger Temple, as we had other plans.

On arrival in Kanchanaburi we visited the War Cemetery which is a most sobering experience (many of the floral arrangements from the Anzac Day service will still in place). On leaving the cemetery, we were taken to the Felix River Kwai to check in for our overnight stay.

The rest of the crew then re-boarded the van for their tour whilst the bride and I felt that we needed some relaxation time and had booked a 1/2 day pampering package at a local relaxation centre, Suan Nanachaat.

We were picked up at the Felix and transported (10min drive) to Suan Nanachaat which is set amidst a tropical Thai garden. Now I'm not normally one for pampering (must confess that I'm a 1st timer when it comes to some of the finer services) but our afternoon was amazing. The local Thai staff treated us to a fuIl 'body salt' scrub, followed by an hour and half oil massage. Following a light lunch of fresh sandwiches (home made bread) and a fruit smoothie (no icy Singha's at SN) we had a soothing facial (not something that I would admit to the boys!) - but it was brilliant. It was an amazing afternoon, and just what we needed following the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. Suan Nanachaats owners (Helen & Craig) are from Great Britain and are now well and truly settled in Kanchanaburi, were entertaining hosts - it was really interesting reading the comments in the guest book of their many customers from all around the world.

We were taken back to the Felix where we found the rest of our touring party lazing around the beautiful pool at the Felix enjoying their 1st Singha for the day. They filled us in with their stories from their tour - the visit to Hellfire Pass was memorable (and well worth the visit). The Aust Govt have contributed funding to maintain this site in memory of the thousands that lost their lives during the construction of the railway - their stories coming to life through the headsets which provide a running commentary of the diggers experiences at numerous check points throughout the Pass.

The Tiger Temple was also a highlight of their day and we enjoyed the many pics that were taken during their visit.

After such a big day, it was time for dinner. We had planned to dine at the floating restaurant adjacent to the famous Bridge on the River Kwai, but Helen and Craig had recommended a restaurant next door to this, also on the river. We were keen to walk the bridge but as it was dark, were unsure if there was a path from the hotel (I had read that it existed). The staff at the Felix discouraged us from making the trek, citing that it was dangerous (I suspect that they were keen for our business in one of their restaurants!).

Not sure if it was our relaxed state of mind or a bit of the true Aussie spirit following the visit to Hellfire Pass but we elected to walk! We initially struggled to find a path to the bridge but was joined by one of the hotels enthusiastic security staff on a motor scooter who directed us to the bridge using his light. He saw us to the start of the bridge, advised us to stay within the rail track and wished us good luck! We must have looked a sight, for those that could see us edging our way across the bridge in the moonlight. We made it successully - greeted by a bunch of Chinese tourists who snapped some photos of us as we emerged from the darkness!

The restaurant (cannot recall it's name but it has a sandstone facade), offered some interesting dishes, made difficult by some of the 'creative' descriptions on the menu. The food was good and very affordable - with a brilliant setting across the river and back to the bridge....forgot to mention the Singha's were icy (coolers also provided)

We tackled the trip back across the bridge with plenty of gusto (perhaps the Singha's helped!) - and were amazed at the site of several dogs sleeping on the bridge (only inches from the edge), at various intervals across the span and seemingly oblivious to our presence.

Breakfast (which was satisfactory) was provided in a garden setting at the Felix (the rooms here were excellent, with double doors opening out to the river). We then had a couple of hours to relax by the pool, prior to our pick-up by Toc from GTT for our trip back to Bangkok Airport.

Kanchanaburi is an excellent destination, and provides a very different perspective of Thailand - our 1 night stay was not long enough to take in all the sights. Good Times Travel also provide an excellent and very affordable service.

Next stop.....Phuket.....

Absolutley brilliant,leo.More,More,More,More.What more can i say?
Cheers laurs

Looking forward to more

__________________
Kiss
God laughs at people who make plans.

Ice cold Singha's you cant beat them