Train to Kanchanaburi - Take the train to Kanchanaburi.

Hello everyone, my name is Jamroern. This is my first time writing a long review, so I would like to introduce myself and ask for your support. Hehe.

In this first review, we will share our experience traveling to Kanchanaburi. We have visited this place many times before, usually by motorbike. However, this time, we decided to try taking the train! (At first, we were worried about our male companion, who seemed to be afraid of riding the train, as she prefers riding a motorbike. But it turned out to be more fun than expected, so our partner didn't complain. Haha!)

This trip lasted three days and two nights, taking place during the recent Buddhist Lent holiday.

Day 1

Our journey began at "Bang Sue" station. (Oh, I should add that we were on a special "Waterfall Tour" train. It's actually a one-day trip, but we chose to get off at Kanchanaburi and stay overnight.) Our train arrived at 6:30 a.m. sharp.

- We've been waiting here since 5:30 AM, afraid of missing the train. Haha!

- The morning light has started to shine, so I'll take some photos while I wait to go.

The train we were scheduled to board arrived, and we promptly secured our seats. This particular sightseeing train offered both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned compartments. Those who are sensitive to heat could opt for the air-conditioned option, but we prioritized affordability and purchased regular tickets. However, given the rainy season, the non-air-conditioned compartment was surprisingly comfortable, with a pleasant temperature. The round-trip fare for the morning and evening journey was 120 baht per person.

The first stop where the train allowed us to disembark and explore was Nakhon Pathom Station. The station is conveniently located near Phra Pathom Chedi, which is just a short walk away. However, if you plan to pay your respects at the chedi, be sure to manage your time wisely. The allotted time is not very long, if I recall correctly, around 30 minutes. Most people simply worship from outside and then grab some breakfast.

Additionally, our travel date coincided with the Buddhist Lent period, which resulted in significant congestion around the temple area. Be cautious of vehicles while navigating the crowded streets to avoid potential accidents.

After a short walk, I felt the need for some caffeine to kickstart my morning. Fortunately, I found a "Café Amazon" nearby, which was a lifesaver as I couldn't find any other coffee shops in the area. It's always a bit tricky to navigate when you're not familiar with the local scene.

- Let's go! It's time for the train to depart.

After departing from "Nakhon Pathom Station" for a considerable time, we arrived at our destination, "Kanchanaburi Station". If you intend to start your journey at the "Bridge over the River Kwai", you can disembark at the station located near the bridge. However, considering the late hour and the potential crowds at the bridge, we decided to alight here and wait for our hotel check-in time.

Upon arrival at the accommodation, we were informed that check-in was not yet available. We left our luggage with the hotel and went for a walk in the vicinity. Hunger pangs soon struck, as we had not eaten anything due to concerns about potential stomach upset during the journey. Fortunately, we stumbled upon "Library Cafe" while walking and decided to grab a bite to eat.

Upon entering the restaurant, I immediately ordered "Stir-fried Rice with Spicy Shrimp Paste Dip" and devoured it. However, my male companion ordered "Bingsu" to eat. I asked him if he wasn't going to eat rice, and he replied, "It's hot, so I'm just going to eat this." Great! He's not eating rice and is instead eating bingsu.

- Captured a few shots of the store. I particularly liked the Meeting Room, which is designed to resemble a library.

After finishing our meal, we had ample time before our check-in, so we decided to walk towards the bridge over the River Kwai. As we approached the bridge, we stumbled upon the "World War II Museum," located at its base. We opted to explore the museum, with an entrance fee of 40 baht per person.

The interior houses various artifacts and vehicles from World War II, which are sure to delight male visitors. History buffs and antique enthusiasts will particularly enjoy exploring the exhibits. The 40 baht entrance fee is well worth the opportunity to view the fascinating collection.

- Photos inside the "World War II Museum"

After checking in, we headed back to our accommodation for the day, "The Bridge Residence Hotel." We had booked a Superior Room, which was spacious and comfortable. The hotel also offered amenities such as a fitness center and a swimming pool. The breakfast was excellent, with high-quality ingredients and a variety of options that changed daily. We stayed for two days, and the breakfast menu was different on both days. However, the shower pressure was a bit weak, and the bed linens and towels had a slight musty odor. Overall, it was a good experience. (We got a deal on Booking for 1800 baht per night.)

The hotel's location is convenient, being close to motorbike rental shops and situated on a main road. It is also not far from the city center and various landmarks.

- Images of the guest room and the mountain view from the second-floor swimming pool.

• Some of our breakfast pictures.

That concludes the first day of our trip...we're going to rest up today because we walked a lot, haha.

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Day 2

We started our second day by waking up early at 6 am and borrowing bicycles from the accommodation (available for free!). We then cycled to the bridge over the River Kwai to take photos. I highly recommend going early in the morning, especially during holiday weekends. After 8 am, the place gets very crowded and stays that way all day. If you want beautiful photos, trust me, wake up early. ;)

How's it going? You have to come early in the morning like this to avoid the crowds, as you can see. And we were lucky enough to have a train pass by just as we were taking pictures. (I didn't check the schedule beforehand...pure luck!) This bridge was built by prisoners of war captured by the Japanese military during World War II. The history of this bridge is truly sad and depressing. If you're interested in the history of this bridge, do some research. I guarantee you'll be even more moved when you visit.

- Morning view on the bridge

After exploring the bridge, we returned to the hotel for a hearty breakfast. We then hailed a local tuk-tuk (similar to Bangkok's motorcycle taxis, with fares starting around 30 baht for short distances within 1-2 kilometers) to take us to the "Don Rak Allied War Cemetery." Fans of the film "The Railway Man" will find this location particularly moving, as it served as one of the filming sites (along with the bridge itself).

The cemetery is meticulously maintained, presenting a serene and picturesque landscape. However, reading the heartfelt messages of mourning inscribed on the tombstones evokes a profound sense of sadness, prompting reflection on the emotions of the bereaved.

After visiting the cemetery, we walked a short distance to the "Thailand-Burma Railway Centre Museum." Inside, the museum exhibits the history of the Thailand-Burma Railway, which was ordered to be built by Japan during World War II. The exhibits vividly portray the brutality of the war and its devastating consequences. (Admission fee is 100 baht per person. At the end of the tour, there is a complimentary tea and coffee service. Photography is permitted, but video recording is prohibited.)

- Replica of a boxcar used to transport prisoners of war (left)

- Some of the belongings and equipment of the prisoners of war were inscribed with accounts of their experiences.

After visiting the cemetery and museum, we took a short trip to a nearby area to try the drip coffee at "Gravité drip coffee", which was recommended by our friend's boyfriend. He emphasized that we should not miss it... and we will also emphasize to everyone who reads this that "you should not miss it!!" Haha. Just watching the owner brew the coffee was a pleasure, and there were a variety of coffee beans to choose from. (Feel free to ask the owner, who is very friendly.)

- A close-up of the coffee we ordered.

After enjoying a cup of coffee together, we headed back to our accommodation to rest... That concludes our trip for today!

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Day 3 (Departure Day)

We woke up early again today to check out and have breakfast, making sure everything was done in time for our return train journey. We chose to take the train from Saphan Kwai Yai station in the morning so that we could visit the "Sai Yok Noi Waterfall" first, before heading back to Bangkok.

The train has arrived! The advantage of taking this special sightseeing train is that it does not stop at intermediate stations like the regular line. It only stops at stations that are sightseeing destinations. Moreover, the train's guide uncle is also very funny, like a stand-up comedian. Whenever the uncle comes out to speak, everyone on the train is guaranteed to have a good laugh.

• While waiting for the train to depart, I captured some images of the old locomotives near the station.

The train will slow down at "Tham Krasae Cave," a significant landmark, as it departs from Saphan Kwai Yai Station. (However, the train will not stop for sightseeing. Passengers who wish to visit the cave can inform the staff, but they will miss the waterfall and must wait for the return train from the waterfall to pick them up. Choose wisely.) The guide also mentioned, "Touch the cliff face with your hand, then touch your forehead, and your wish will be granted… but don't touch your forehead to the cliff face." This is a typical remark from the guide.

• Image of a person about to touch the cliff face (right).

- Travelers to "Tham Kra Sae"

• A stunning view of the dense forest from the other side of the "Tham Krasae" cave.

After passing the "Tham Krasae" cave, we will arrive at the "Waterfall Station". At this point, the train will reverse for a short distance. (Don't worry, it's not returning to Bangkok yet.) This is because ascending to the "Nong Pla Lai Waterfall Station" requires a lot of momentum due to the steep incline.

• View of the path leading up to "Sai Yok Noi Waterfall Station"

Our final destination for this trip was "Sai Yok Noi Waterfall". When we arrived, it was raining quite heavily, so we didn't take many photos because our camera isn't waterproof. Haha. The area where the water flows down had a good amount of water, as we saw children jumping into the water. (The waterfall staff had to keep shouting at them to stop, haha.)

- Image of Trai Yok Noi Waterfall

- Thank you for the beautiful clothes in this picture from "The Choco Mint".

Our train trip to Kanchanaburi has come to an end. If you are interested in taking a train trip like ours, you can inquire about this train route with the "PR Team of the State Railway of Thailand". See you again on our next trip... May you all be prosperous!!

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