The destination of this trip is Kanchanaburi. I've seen many reviews and my friends on Facebook have been going there a lot. Now it's my turn.

The concept is to travel in an unconventional way, to places with few tourists.


The plan is to have 2 days and 1 night, starting from Ayutthaya (friend's dorm) and exploring attractions along the way.

Our destination was to spend the night in E-tong, Thong Pha Phum. We did very little research before going.

Limited time, only planned the route, which is quite challenging. But since I've already made up my mind to go, let's just hit the road!


Number of Participants: 2

Transportation: Friend's car.

Accommodation: No reservation, planning to camp at the Elephant Tusk Hill (very reckless, stay tuned for updates 5555)

Note: The budget is summarized at the end.



Day 1

Leaving Ayutthaya at six in the morning, the roads were very clear. Heading towards Kanchanaburi in a relaxed manner, the first stop of the trip was...

Tham Kra Sae

We arrived early with the intention of capturing stunning views without any crowds, and our wish was granted. The experience was truly exhilarating, allowing us to take countless photos and strike various poses.

There are caves and Buddha statues for people to worship.

The river view alongside the railway enhances its beauty a hundredfold.

Couple photo 55555

This trip had a remarkable coincidence. We encountered a man at Tham Kra Sae.

We asked him to take a picture of us with our friend, and the next day we ran into the same guy again in Thong Pha Phum.

Despite the previous experience, they still asked someone to take another couple photo. 5555


As you walk along, you will come across a resort with stunning views. Guests are unlikely to be disappointed.

This is a new way to take pictures of trains. 5555

Who is Tum? Why did they do this?

"Off-road kitchen"

It's past noon and I'm starting to get hungry. Unfortunately, we don't have any plans for lunch, and I don't know any good restaurants in the area.

Therefore, I had to rely on applications like Wongnai (shamelessly plugging the app here) and reviews on Pantip.

Wongnai is our go-to platform for finding nearby restaurants. It provides reviews, ratings, and a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to discover new dining options.

The taste or quality remains to be seen.


The meal concluded at this establishment, where prices were relatively high. Initially, we anticipated standard portion sizes; however, upon arrival, the dishes were remarkably large, justifying the cost. We highly recommend the stir-fried fiddlehead fern salad and the shrimp in sour curry, both of which were exceptionally delicious. The rice presentation was aesthetically pleasing. The total cost for this satisfying meal was 375 baht.


"Khao Khaad" (translated as "Gap Mountain")

After recharging, I continued. I wanted to come here just because I saw it in a review. I don't know anything about its history.

The sky was overcast, and I was initially planning to bring an umbrella. So, I asked the person who was hailing a ride if it was going to rain.

The answer is no, it won't fall. It usually falls in the evening. Okay, I believe you. Little did you know that disaster was about to strike. 5555555

It is recommended to visit the museum before descending to Khao Khaad Cave to learn about its history. This will enhance your appreciation of the atmosphere below.

Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.

In summary, during World War II, Japan sought to construct a railway tunnel through this mountain, for which they conscripted prisoners of war.

The majority of the workforce for the mountain tunnel excavation were Australians, and there were a significant number of fatalities.

I can't recall the exact number of people, but when I actually walked down there, I felt goosebumps. It was a sad and depressing atmosphere, and I couldn't bring myself to smile (but I had to force a smile for the photo, right?).

The descent was easy, but the ascent was a struggle.

The scenery along the way was beautiful, but it was eerily deserted. I couldn't see anyone around.

Entering Khao Khad

As mentioned, most of the prisoners of war were Australian. Symbols and various items have been placed here as a tribute.

The highlight of the experience was the sudden downpour of rain while we were paying our respects and posing for photos in the middle of the Khao Khad gap.

No umbrella, looking left and right, no shelter anywhere. Screaming, running to find shelter from the rain. And then...

Seeking refuge under the protruding balcony meant for resting, I scanned my surroundings but found no one. Feeling both spooked and drenched, I couldn't help but laugh at my own misfortune.

"On the way back, I jokingly asked the girl who was flagging down a car, who was soaking wet, 'Didn't you say it wouldn't rain?' She replied, "

You made me fall because you came. Just kidding, let's have some fun.



"E-tong Village"



The initial plan was to continue traveling, but at that moment, we were exhausted. We decided with our friends, "Let's go to E-tong's house!"

The distance is not far, just over a hundred kilometers, but the road is very winding, with 399 curves according to reports. It also rained the entire way.

There were hardly any cars passing us, making it a bit eerie but also quite private. 55555

Note: There are no holes along the way. Help your friend watch the holes and curves. Hehe.


It takes about 2 hours to reach Pilok Subdistrict. A short drive further will take you to E-tong Village.

It is remarkable that there is nothing along the way, and it seems unlikely that anyone lives here.

However, our destination turned out to be a surprisingly large village hidden in plain sight.

This area was once a thriving center for tin mining, but the decline in tin prices has led to its current state.

As a result, the mines have all closed down, leaving behind only the descendants of the miners, whose main source of income is likely to be tourism.

What we found was 'heavy rain' falling constantly, making it impossible to see anything.

The plan to camp at Noen Chang Suk Hill has fallen through, so we're going to try to find accommodation in Ban E-tong. However, all the popular places are fully booked.

Feeling disheartened, I wondered where I would sleep. Fortunately, the kind locals suggested a place to stay: "Hill House."

"The hidden sign is scary 5555 but the room is okay"

The owners of the accommodation were very kind and helpful. The room was clean and well-equipped, but there was a slight musty smell from the wood.

The room has one double bed and one single bed, accommodating up to 3 guests. The bedding may feel slightly damp due to the weather conditions.

900 baht per night, breakfast not included. However, drinking water, instant noodles, porridge, coffee, and Ovaltine are provided free of charge.

It has a slightly bitter taste, similar to mineral water.

The view from the room is completely obstructed, leaving me feeling disheartened.

This is the most relaxing health station. I envy the staff there.

The parking lot is convenient and not muddy.

Exploring the village in the rain. If the sky were clear, it would be nice, but thinking positively, it creates a good atmosphere. Smiling and wiping away tears at the same time. 5555

A helicopter landing pad amidst the fog.

A temple amidst the mist

An old mine lies shrouded in mist.

Tourists amidst the fog

We saw a sign that there would be a walking street on Saturday evening, but with this kind of rain, how can we walk? TT

The majority of tourists are big bike riders, who come in large groups. This is likely due to the challenging and enjoyable riding experience offered by the road.


"The Last Kitchen"

I need to take a break, I'm starving! No matter how tired I am, I have to struggle to find food. 55555

This restaurant has been praised for its delicious food, including both local and southern Thai dishes. Let's take a look at what two petite women ordered to eat.



The pork leg was delicious, but it was a bit too rich after eating a lot.

Stir-fried kale with crispy pork. We're starting to wonder if we can tell the difference between kale and Chinese broccoli, or if it just looks like Chinese broccoli. But it's delicious.

Stir-fried Bai Liang with Egg - A dish worth traveling far for, even to the top of a mountain.

Everything is delicious, especially with the heavy rain and cold weather, it's so enjoyable.



For those visiting Kanchanaburi, I highly recommend purchasing Burmese peanut snacks. They are incredibly delicious.

There are souvenir shops selling postcards and mineral-based jewelry.

Let's go to Burma.

Tomorrow, we have plans to visit the scenic Neung Chang Suk Hill and Thong Pha Phum National Park. Before going to bed, I prayed for the rain to stop.

It has been raining nonstop since we started climbing the mountain. TT


Day 2


Waking up with a gloomy mood. The rain hasn't stopped yet.

Let's go all the way since we're already here. The original plan was to go to the viewpoint at Khao Chang Suk.

After showering, getting dressed, and packing our bags, we bid farewell to the village of E-tong.


"Elephant Tusk Hill"

As expected, I can't see anything. 5555555555

This image is a taunt. We will not give up.


"Thong Pha Phum National Park": A Land of Cold Rainforests and Mists

Shortly after driving back from Baan E-Tong, we encountered the entrance to the park. The fog was not as thick as it was in Baan E-Tong.

The view is spectacular, like a million stars.

The highlight of the trip was unexpectedly running into the same person we met at the Krasae Cave again. We ended up bragging about our trip to Kanchanaburi and taking turns taking photos.

Another friendly encounter from a great trip. : ) I managed to get a sneaky photo of him from behind, the angle was perfect.

Title this image "Man in the Mist" 555555

If the fog weren't obscuring the view, this would be the majestic Elephant Mountain that many dream of conquering. We are among those dreamers.

Taking a deep breath of fresh air, we continued on our journey. Returning via the same route, the 399 curves left us feeling carsick and hungry, having not yet eaten breakfast.



"Vachiralongkorn Dam"



Initially, I intended to follow the reviews to the Phee Fort, but I was extremely hungry and couldn't find it. As a result, I ended up at a restaurant in the dam, which resembled a welfare canteen.

The food was delicious and affordable. We ate like we always do, haha.

A cursory glance at the dam's vista reveals its undeniable beauty.


"Sai Yok Yai Waterfall"


Stop by for a visit on your way back.

Wow, so beautiful! This area has a lot of floating platforms, and it's stunning. I'll definitely come back next time. The water looks so inviting!

Raft

A view of the chic bridge.

Gazing at the towering banyan tree from afar.

"Coffee Roastery"

After a satisfying meal, a coffee craving sets in. As you leave the dam, continue driving until you encounter a large sign indicating a restaurant and lodging establishment named Rong Na Coffee.

Sure, we wanted to have coffee, so we turned in right away.

The place is more stylish than I thought, and there are many photo spots. I'm done, hehe.

Once you fall in love with me, there's no turning back.

We ordered less sugar, but it was still too bland. It seems they don't make it very sweet to begin with. My friend ordered iced milk tea, which was delicious.

"Go on, Mr. Suchart!"


"Death Railway"


Located in the city of Kanchanaburi, it was the first place where we encountered a large number of tourists, both Thai and foreign. It seemed very crowded and chaotic.

Fortunately, a train arrived just in time.

Choo choo

The last stop was a cemetery for prisoners of war from World War II. It was a desolate sight. We stood in silence for a minute to pay our respects.

This concludes our review. While there are many photos, I wanted to share my experience.

Kanchanaburi is a province with an abundance of stunning tourist attractions.

Enjoy your trip!



Summary of expenses

  • Fuel cost 1000 baht.
  • Accommodation 800 baht

- Park entrance fee (2 people + 1 car)

Gold leaf, 110 baht

230 Baht for Sai Yok Yai

- Food expenses: approximately 1500 baht

The total cost is 3640 baht, which is 1820 baht per person.

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