River Kwai info

[Super Joe]

Kanjanaburi is worth 1-2 nights, just a day trip from HH is a bit hard.

I found this from ages back.
Going soon and we really need to do it in a day from here, ie: not stay overnight, Does anyone who's been think this is feasable ?
We'd get there around 11am and leave at 5pm and we're the sorts who have a fairly brief look round things.

We 'hoped' to fit in:
River Kwai Bridge
Death Railway
Jeath War & Railway Museums
War Cemetery
Central Thailand cookery course (modules 1 & 2), followed by a 2 hour foot massage and an ice cream.

We're prepared to leave off the last item if time does not permit.
Any advice greatly appreciated.
.

[STEVE G]

If you're not ticklish you could save time by eating the ice cream during the foot massage.

[Super Joe]

Steve, that'd be quicker than massaging an ice cream while eating my foot wouldn't it
.

[johnnyk]

sounds a bit ambitious for one day, you'll want to spend time in the museum its most intresting and very moving. the railway ride is worth it but takes a bit of time.
if you try to do it in one day you'll arrive back in bkk in time for late afternoon traffic and you'll have spent 4 hours or more of your day on buses. why not stay overnight? you'll feel less rushed.
there are some very nice bugalows @ very reasonable prices (well under 1000 baht) built right beside the river (sam's river house is very nice). the landscape is quite beautiful and conducive to a sundowner or three.

[redzonerocker]

it's possible but you would probably spend the next day (or two!)recovering .
i would take an overnight stop & add a river boat ride to the caves/cemetery to the itinerary

[Super Joe]

Thanks chaps,

Looks like the overnight stop is required, friends who are here have limited number of days which is the problem.

Cheers,

[Big Boy]

I have done it in a day, but the key to success is catching the train. If you are just a couple of minutes out in your planning, you're going to miss it, and your day will be ruined. Additionally, if you are not going by taxi, somebody will have to drive the Kanchanaburi to Wang Po leg or vice verse.

An overnight stay would be a lot more relaxing.

[crazy88]

SJ

As other posters point out an overnight would be easier .If you can drag yourself out of bed to get there by 10 am,it's a four beer journey for the driver, 6 for passengers (1.45-2.15 hrs) you can fit it all in and be back in Hua Hin in time to catch the first show at Blue Angel .Pick up a boat right by the bridge and charge down the river to the cemetary .Lunch on one of the floating places and the shorter train ride should take you to about 1.30 with or without a rather strange monkey show along the way .The museum is worth time and combined with having visited the cemetary is VERY moving and informative .

As for the cooking course for central Thai cuisine ?

Pt 1 : "Wheres my dinner,i'm starving ?

Pt 2 : "Sod this I'm going down the pub ! "



Enjoy

If you do decide to stay a night I have friends there in the tourist industry who will point you in the right directions .

Crazy 88

[Super Joe]

Thanks for the advice, as friends are strapped for time we've opted for the one day trip.

We know we'll see more and have better time if staying overnight, but hopefully next time.

Cheers,

[margaretcarnes]

Its a shame to have to rush it Super Joe - do try to go again when you have more time. I found that after the Jeath and cemetary you really need some quiet time just to reflect on it all. Very moving.

[suej]

We have done day trip on 6 occasions by mini bus and taxi. Though it is a long day you can fit most in. We usually do the cemetry, museum, bridge, boat trip and tiger temple ( which is a must if you go that far ). Hope that is useful. I can send mail of local taxi who takes us.

Daughter went in january and stayed there for a few days which she enjoyed staying on a barge on the river.

[JimmyGreaves]

Did the tiger temple last week. Set off from Hua Hin at about 8.30 am and got back at 5.00pm. Got a speeding ticket going and one on the way back. It's a long drive. I would not have liked to try and pull in all the other attractions that's for sure, in fact we decided against going to the bridge. So definetely recommend the overnight!

[Francois]

We have done day trip on 6 occasions by mini bus and taxi. Though it is a long day you can fit most in. We usually do the cemetry, museum, bridge, boat trip and tiger temple ( which is a must if you go that far ). Hope that is useful. I can send mail of local taxi who takes us.

Daughter went in january and stayed there for a few days which she enjoyed staying on a barge on the river.

I'd like to spend next week-end there but I don't have a car and won't rent one just for the trip.

I wonder if someone has already experienced such a trip and could recommend a good "tour operator" from Hua Hin.

Thanks in advance

[margaretcarnes]

Francois - Western Tours, near Admiral. Or - if its still there - the small European run travel place called Ken Diamond on Naresdamri. I always found them very helpful and they did regular Kwai trips.
Enjoy

[JD]

Ken Diamond Tours are very good, I've recommended them several times in the past. The feedback from people that have used them has always been good.

They do either one or two-day trips to Kanchanaburi, not sure of dates or timetables though in the low season.

The drivers for their minivans drive at a safe speed, which is a big plus, the only drawback is you will have to be ready for pick up early, around 6.30 am.

As Mags said they are on Naresdamri Road, enter from the beach road and they are about four or five shops along on the right hand side before the Hilton.