This trip took place before the bridge across the rice field to Wat Tham Sua was built. I saw many people posting pictures of Wat Tham Sua in Kanchanaburi, and I wanted to see it for myself. The next day, I set off on my journey and got better pictures than I had imagined. This time, I still used my mobile phone (5s) to take the pictures.

The plan was to wake up at 7 am and leave early, but I ended up waking up at 9:30 am. Oh no! I had to leave today no matter what. I took a quick shower but still spent half an hour sipping coffee. I finally left home at 10:30 am and took a taxi to the Southern Bus Terminal, which took 30 minutes. I rushed to the Kanchanaburi sign. This time, I decided to take a van for speed. I searched online and many people suggested taking the Happy van. I found the driver reading a newspaper intently. I told him I was going to Tha Muang. He asked if I was going to the market. I didn't have that information, but going to the market seemed like the easiest option. So I agreed to get off at Tha Muang Market. The driver said the van would arrive in 10 minutes. I paid 100 baht and sat next to him. After a while, someone else came to buy a ticket, and the driver still said 10 minutes. In the end, I waited for the van for 30 minutes (the first person to arrive waited the longest).

The car has already left, but today I was a little surprised why it wasn't fast. As soon as I passed the checkpoint at Salaya, it was fast. I was very happy. I fell asleep and woke up to arrive at Tha Muang at 13:30. I was surprised to see the time and thought I would stop by to eat something first. No need, let's go. I met Uncle Win and told him that I was going to Wat Tham Sua. He asked if I wanted him to wait for me to take me back. I said yes. We agreed verbally without asking for a price before using the service. I thought that Uncle wouldn't cheat me much. That's all I needed to feel comfortable. I jumped on the back of his bike. He wore a helmet, but I had nothing in the bright sunshine on a cloudless day.

A short drive brought us to an elephant-shaped pillar, marking the entrance to the soi. The signs here were all purple, perfectly matching the name of the district, Tha Muang (literally "Purple Port"). (My uncle was driving behind a bus, which is why we got this shot.)

Continuing on, we encountered a clock tower, but we were unable to capture it in time. The uncle turned onto the Mae Klong Dam road and began acting as our guide, telling us about the dam's clean water and abundant fish. He mentioned that in the evenings, the dam's edge is filled with people. Looking where he pointed, we realized he was right; it would likely be comfortable in the evening. After a short conversation, we arrived at the temple. Ten kilometers passed quickly, perhaps due to the captivating rice fields on either side of the road. Upon exiting the vehicle, we immediately took a photograph, albeit with the sun in the background.

The cable car service costs 10 baht for Thai citizens and 20 baht for foreigners for a round trip.

A short walk from the cable car brings you to the first major landmark: the Phra Chin Pradan statue. This impressive Buddha statue stands 9 wa and 9 inches tall, with a lap width of 5 wa, 3 sok, and 9 inches. The open-air statue is truly majestic and awe-inspiring. It's worth paying your respects with a prayer.

Then, walk to the corner that can be seen from the photos taken by others.

The next stop is the octagonal ubosot, which is surrounded by bas-reliefs of various deities.

The exterior features a bell tower.

Next is another chapel with a Buddha statue and murals on the walls.

A little further on, there is a sacred well with crystal-clear water.

The surrounding rice fields were then photographed, some still green, some nearing harvest.

The Phra Chedi Kaew Prasat is an octagonal-shaped stupa, 75 meters high, with a total of 9 floors. In the center, there is a spiral staircase that leads to the top floor. Each floor has windows with sliding glass panels all around and Buddha statues enshrined in the window niches. Visitors can climb to the top floor to pay homage to the relics of the Lord Buddha, which were enshrined by His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch in January 1990. Seeing that everyone had already descended from the Phra Chedi Kaew Prasat, I decided to take one last photo before heading down the stairs.

Upon reaching the top, we encountered a gardener who was already taking photos of the popular angles. As we ascended to the highest level, we observed two students paying their respects to the Buddha's relics. We opted to sit in a different corner from them to avoid disturbing their devotion. After completing their prayers, the students departed, leaving us alone. We seized the opportunity to capture the scene from various angles, fulfilling our photographic desires.

Relics of the Buddha

The top of the Phra Chedi Kaew Prasat

A popular photo spot for visitors.

Surrounding views

The other side offers a view of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda and the Khao Noi Cave Temple area. The Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda is an octagonal Chinese pavilion with seven floors. Inside, a spiral staircase leads to the top floor. Each floor is a hall with open doors and windows. The walls, floors, and balconies are decorated with glazed tiles, mosaics, and some walls are adorned with glazed tiles depicting Chinese deities. Each floor of the pagoda has a connecting balcony that circles the building, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic views from every level. The top floor houses the relics of the Buddha, received from the Supreme Patriarch of the Mangkon Kamalawat Temple.

After spending about an hour at the temple, we started walking down. We stopped by the Phra Chin Pradan statue and took some photos before continuing our walk.

We did not take the tram down, but walked down the path to the cave.

Before descending, I paid my respects to the remains of Luang Pu Chuen, which are enshrined in a glass coffin. I did not take any pictures. Upon reaching the bottom, I walked back up to take a commemorative photo of the 157 steps leading up.

Upon encountering Uncle Win, he inquired if we had ever visited Wat Baan Tham. Given our proximity, we decided to make a brief stop. After reviewing the time, we felt comfortable with the detour and agreed to accompany him. The drive extended for approximately 4-5 kilometers, revealing numerous temples along the way. We resolved to revisit these temples on a future occasion.

Upon arriving at Wat Ban Tham, the first thing that caught my eye was the staircase. The path leading up to the cave is a staircase that goes deep into the mouth of a large dragon.

This temple does not have a cable car. You have to walk, but it's fun. Take your time. When you exit the dragon's belly, you will see a Buddha statue and the shrine of Luang Pho Hen Ta, who had the ability to see with his third eye.

Ascending the stairs leads to the interior of the cave, where the revered Luang Pho Yai Chinraj statue is enshrined.

Phra Siwali within the cave

Replica of the Buddha's footprint

The stalagmite resembles a woman, believed to be Nang Bua Kleep, the wife of Khun Plan, according to the historical legend of Khun Chang Khun Phaen, which has been passed down for generations.

Stalactites and stalagmites resembling elephants.

Emerging from the cave, one ascends a series of iron stairs, followed by a spiral staircase, and finally, steps carved from stone. After a tiring climb, one reaches a pavilion housing the statue of Phra Sivali.

View from Phra Siwali Pavilion

After a tiring climb, you will find the entrance to the magnificent Manwichai Cave. Inside, you will be greeted by stunning stalactites and stalagmites, illuminated by strategically placed lights.

Climb back up and continue up the stairs until you reach the pagoda.

The higher the view, the more beautiful the surroundings.

It's time to get off. I also took a picture of my legs in the dragon's belly.

Upon reaching the bottom, my clothes were soaked through. I informed the uncle that I would not be continuing and requested to be dropped off at the van terminal.

On the way back, I had the chance to take a picture of the clock tower I mentioned, but it wasn't clear because I was on the back of a motorcycle.

The uncle dropped us off and asked for 400 baht for the trip. It was a little over 4 hours, so it wasn't too expensive. We were grateful to the uncle for taking us around. We ended the short trip happily and got sunburned.

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