Comprehensive report Phil and very nice pictures. Just one correction though; the war cemetery is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission - not Australia alone.

I too had assumed this, when I wrote an article for The Age newspaper here in Melbourne some years ago, and my assertion that the cemeteries in Kanchanaburi were solely looked after by the Australian Government was corrected by several readers, who all pointed out that the Governments of Australia, UK, Canada and New Zealand all contribute to the upkeep of allied war cemeteries wherever they may be located.

As for the Erawan waterfalls Phil, I made it up to the 7th tier last year, but I won't do it again. It absolutely knackered me and looking back it was just not worth the effort.

The River Kwai village hotel is in a lovely setting, quiet, secluded, meditative and soothing.

However, the meals leave a lot to be desired.

Thanks for that - we were told at the Cemetery that it was tended by the Austrailian's- but they must have been mistaken then - is it possible they all pay but the Austrailian's actually tend it ? - again I could be wrong but I am not right in saying that the Austrailian graves outnumber all the others

So glad I did not go to the top at Erawan then if it were not worth the effort - which in my case was considerable just getting to the fourth one

Yes, probably correct Phil, in that the direct source of the finance comes from the Oz Government, but the funding would be secured from the escrow of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

And actually Phil, I think there are more UK graves there than Australian ones. The Poms had far larger armies in SE Asia than did the Aussies who were recalled from North Africa and Europe in 1941-2-3.

So to pattaya - the journey was smooth as usual - our driver picked us up right after breakfast - and oft we went - but Pattaya itself after being recommended by my football mate was I have to admit a disappointment - I should have remembered that my mate is single and always on the look out shall we say - IMHO Pattaya is a glorified PatPong only more in yer face - although the surrounding areas are nice to visit - our hotel was great though and I made friends with the bar staff as I do in most bars I might add - I gave away a few badges as I do to with Man City - but a conquest was had - I got a convert when he found out that the mufc machine are not from Manchester I had a born again and to celebrate he was given one of my “smaller” man city shirts - there were a few good eateries in the place and we passed three days - but I have no desire to go back there ever again - apart from the friendships forged in the hotel - sorry but that’s the way I see Pattaya - sad place for sad ex pats - etc

hotel in Pattaya

our driver on the way there

not much more to say about pattaya as it was get in and want to leave - I really do not like the place although it has to be said that, that is of course a personal view - some love it - for me on this trip bad decision wasted three days - I know this bit is short - but for obvious reasons - and the delay in doing this bit has to be the fact that I did not want to do it - it really is that bad for me - still not to worry we were off to Phuket next and a life changing experience was to be had - we were to be lifted next morning and taken to BKK airport to be flown to Millionaires Island

After our three days in Pattaya - things took a little step back for me and I approached our next destination with less gusto - we were lifted in good time by our driver (god knows what time he left BKK) and were taken back to BKK airport - where we boarded Thai Airways for our six day stay in Phuket - On arrival at Phuket we waited and we waited then we waited some more for the car we had booked to take us to the hotel - when I could wait no longer I rang the hotel who said you do not have a car booked - I assured them I had - they assured me I hadn’t - but they still sent the Limo anyway - what a car that was - so we eventually arrived at the hotel about 2pm and were starving it must have been obvious as the staff were sent to the kitchens to rustle up something for us - just nibbles and snacks but a very nice gesture (we were not charged for this) we were swiftly checked in - it also transpired that the car I had booked was not a hotel one but the booking company’s own - but the hotel sorted that as well saying they did not want anything to spoil our stay - so they billed the booking company for the trip they made - then the receptionist said we are very sorry sir there is work going on around the pool so to make up for that we are going to upgrade your room (the work turned out to be very minor and did not stop us using or enjoying the pool - already I was impressed with this hotel - so where was I - The Twin Palms Hotel in Surin beach - One of the best hotels I have ever stayed in its not cheap but I had managed to book a buy one night stay another free which meant I had got a £120 $190 aus 5000 bt a night room for half that for the six days and been upgraded

When we arrived in the room the porter opened the door and my wife who had been talking away just stopped abruptly as she walked into the room I followed closely behind and turned to tip the porter as he left and I turned around my wife just said ohhhh mmyyyy goodddd look at this - it was a fantastic room all done in black and white with the bed in the centre of the room facing a balcony overlooking the swimming pool - the bathroom was as big as the bedroom with two sinks two showers a bath and Jacuzzi - there was a state of the art TV - DVD - sound system - sat TV - just a breath taker - when Heather more than I recovered our breath we unpacked took a few photos and went for our orientation around the place and the surrounding area - The hotel has its own section of beach just across the road (3min walk) - turning left out of the hotel there were various little bars and shops plus a beauty parlour - within 2 mins we were at the centre of Surin where the local Tuk Tuk mafia congregate there are a few nice hotels of to the left a few hill restraunts also up there but as I am not a hill person we went left - the 7/11 was about a 5 min walk there was a market on - the laundry we use now whilst in Surin is two mins from the crossroads on the right - so everything we wanted was on tap - we stocked up on nibbles and beer etc for the room (remember empty the fridge and replace with your own when you leave put theirs back) - the only thing concerning me at this point was there was nothing to do other than eating and drinking and beach so that’s fine for a lot of people but I like to get out and about - and from the signs I had seen at the TukTuk places and taxi places Phuket was not going to be cheap to get around - so remember to take this into account when in Phuket - we now always hire a car without fail when in Phuket - on a by note the Tuk Tuks in Phuket are small Mitsubishi vans with a few seats in the back unlike the ones you will be used to in BKK

After out little orientation exercise we went back to the hotel and chilled out at the pool with a few beers then back to the room where Heather enjoyed pampering herself in the massive bathroom and dressing area so whilst she did that I chilled with yet more beer and put a DVD on we had bought in BKK - by the time Heather had finished in the bathroom I was a little tipsy shall we say so whilst she put on the war paint I went for a shower - we had never spent so much time in a hotel room before it was a pleasure - once we were ready we headed down for a meal in the hotel and a few more beers - of course we were talking to a few people there and the very welcoming staff - and picked up a few tips for Heather to get her hair done - which laundry to go to - etc I let it slip that I had dived many years before and would like to so again before I die - within minutes one of the staff had leaflets there about diving full costing the whole lot - so under the influence I decided I am going for it - but despite my best efforts Heather would not go so she compromised and said she would go snorkelling at the same time from the boat - so I booked that two days away - we had, had a great time today just mixing walking around learning etc - so we were off to bed - an internet mate who lived in Phuket was coming around the following day so we could meet for the first time (he is also a man city fan) - but little did we know our day was not over yet - we arrived back in the room to be greeted with an ice bucket containing a bottle of champers and two glasses accompanied by a note wishing Heather a happy birthday - to this day she is convinced I set it up I did NOT - the hotel get her birthday from her passport and sent up the champers - as we were opening the bottle there was a knock on the door and we were met by a member of staff with a massive bunch of roses who said happy birthday Heather please can I open your champagne for you - I will let you imagine the rest of our first day in Phuket - goodnight all

Heather with the roses - she wont like me showing this one in her nightdress




quick put a t shirt on

the hotel