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Bangkok Bhuddas, Palaces, & Wats |
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Kanchanaburi River Kwai Bridge & Railway |
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Chiang Mai & Hill Tribe Trek |
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Information: Background & Maps: Thailand Map |
| Background: This was my second time in Thailand. First visit was an unscheduled & uncomfortable two days at BKK trying to make an Australian connection with an un-endorsed standby ticket (!). Despite the situation, particularly a totally confusing excursion by local train to Bangkok, I was inspired to return for a look around in less fraught circumstances. The three albums here; Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, and Chaing Mai, reflect the three distinct parts to this visit. After my previous experience, the idea was to spend as little time as possible in Bangkok. Just long enough to organise transport North. On my return, though, I spent several days there and had a good time. My last venture had been to Morocco; and after the aggravating persistance of the Tangier & Marrakesh touts, it took me a while to adjust to the friendly & un-hurried atmosphere (everything's relative!) of the vendors & travellers around the Khao San Road. Kanchanaburi's international claim to fame is the "Bridge over the River Kwai" and it's connections with the Death Railway. It's also a popular river-side holiday venue for Thai families and ex-pats. Away from the resort areas, I guess Kanchanburi gives an insight into every-day town life compared to the polluted international bustle & urban sprawl that is BKK. Similarly, Chaing Mai is less daunting than Bangkok, but it is a large city and its road-side shopping venues compare (I'm told) with the Capital's. Its main draw is as trekking centre for the Northern Hill Tribes area. Page Links: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ |
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