So I’ve hearing people singing the praises of Kanchanaburi for as long as I have been in Thailand. People saying, “I like it better than Chiang Mai.” That’s a bold statement seeing as Chiang Mai is a much revered tourist destination in Thailand as well as the 2nd largest city. After spending the weekend there, I knew why. The place has this mellow charm, the people are friendly, it’s got amazing history, you can touch tigers there, it isn’t too far from Bangkok, and the price is right!More on Kanchanburi:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanchanaburi
Jess and I arrived in Kanchanaburi about 8 at night at checked into our “Raft room” – which is a room that is right on the river. These rooms are pretty neat but you must stepped carefully and speak softly 
or else you’ll disturb your neighbors! The next day, we decided to go with an organized tour –just for simplicity, but already after the first hour, I immediately began to feel remorse for not having listened to my Lonely Planet guide that said, “If you can arrange your own transportation, go with it, but if you want to do elephant trekking or rafting then go with a tour.” Well, Jess and I weren’t doing anything the really required a guide, we decided to go the museum and historical sites route – which really would have been great without the tour – because you’re on this strict timetable, and I don’t know about you, but when I go to museums or historical site I like to take my time to take it all in. I feel if you rush it, it really cheapens the experience. So the tour started with a 3 hour trek (which we did individually, it didn’t require a guide because we followed well distinguished paths up to “Erawan Falls.” Erawan Falls has 7 levels , ( I felt I was in a video game, every time people mentioned getting to level 7 or some other number ) the top is suppose to have an amazing view, but since Jess and I weren’t equipped with the proper footwear we only went up to level 5. The waterfalls were amazingly beautiful. A postcard worthy landscape, it didn’t feel real. The water was so clean and pristine and the layout of the waterfalls was as if someone had designed it!
or else you’ll disturb your neighbors! The next day, we decided to go with an organized tour –just for simplicity, but already after the first hour, I immediately began to feel remorse for not having listened to my Lonely Planet guide that said, “If you can arrange your own transportation, go with it, but if you want to do elephant trekking or rafting then go with a tour.” Well, Jess and I weren’t doing anything the really required a guide, we decided to go the museum and historical sites route – which really would have been great without the tour – because you’re on this strict timetable, and I don’t know about you, but when I go to museums or historical site I like to take my time to take it all in. I feel if you rush it, it really cheapens the experience. So the tour started with a 3 hour trek (which we did individually, it didn’t require a guide because we followed well distinguished paths up to “Erawan Falls.” Erawan Falls has 7 levels , ( I felt I was in a video game, every time people mentioned getting to level 7 or some other number ) the top is suppose to have an amazing view, but since Jess and I weren’t equipped with the proper footwear we only went up to level 5. The waterfalls were amazingly beautiful. A postcard worthy landscape, it didn’t feel real. The water was so clean and pristine and the layout of the waterfalls was as if someone had designed it! After reaching level 5 – I decided that since I brought my bathing suit, I better jump in the water. I w
ent down to where there were others enjoying the water, and hesitated at the shore for a bit…there were fish, and the fish were BIG! They weren’t afraid of people, so they would just cluster near the nooks of the shore of the lagoon. After about 7 minutes of trying to talk myself into just getting in (there was a German girl next to me, screaming and yelping every time she attempted to slide in) I finally did it…and the fish didn’t bother me! The water was so invigorating! It was worth it….but then, no sooner than I was bathing in my glory did I feel it – a few fish were near me and taking little bites on my legs – it didn’t hurt, but it was a feeling that I would have preferred not to feel! I made my way toward the shore and promptly got out. It was a great dip, but I really didn’t feel like dealing with the fish. After that, Jess and I joined our group and had lunch (a rushed lunch – with only further ignited my irritation with the tour!)
ent down to where there were others enjoying the water, and hesitated at the shore for a bit…there were fish, and the fish were BIG! They weren’t afraid of people, so they would just cluster near the nooks of the shore of the lagoon. After about 7 minutes of trying to talk myself into just getting in (there was a German girl next to me, screaming and yelping every time she attempted to slide in) I finally did it…and the fish didn’t bother me! The water was so invigorating! It was worth it….but then, no sooner than I was bathing in my glory did I feel it – a few fish were near me and taking little bites on my legs – it didn’t hurt, but it was a feeling that I would have preferred not to feel! I made my way toward the shore and promptly got out. It was a great dip, but I really didn’t feel like dealing with the fish. After that, Jess and I joined our group and had lunch (a rushed lunch – with only further ignited my irritation with the tour!) 
After lunch we headed off to “Hellfire Pass.” Hellfire pass has significant importance to WWII because this is where some POW’s from America, England, Australia, Holland were kept. The Japanese overtook Burma, but to keep their site in Burma stocked with supplies they needed to build railroad – this is where the POWs came in. They were forced to worked insane amount of hours, live in unsanitary and miserable conditions, and live in disease to make this railroad possible. In addition to the POWs, there was also laborers who came that were promised good wages – but were in fact treated far worse than the POWs. There were many deaths from the laborers and POWs due to the miserable conditions on all fronts. This historical site that we visited pays homage to the people who suffered there.More on Hellfire Pass: http://www.hellfirepass.com/
So after walking around the deathly hot area of hellfire pass, which only brought more to light just how unforgiving the conditions must have been for those who worked on Hellfire Pass, we got the chance to look at the museum, however we were again rushed to the next site – which was to make the trainride. Now this time, Jess and I weren’t the only people on the tour that were upset with being rushed, there were quite a few people who said a few snippy words to the guide – but I have to say I understand she was just doing her job. Again, at places of importance, you just don’t want to be rushed!
We headed over the catch the trainride, the train itself was in o.k. condition and there were fans inside to keep us cool. Being in the train provided some great Photo Ops.
After the train, we headed over to the “Bridge over River Kwai.” You may have heard of the movie, I never saw it but I’ve been told that it’s pretty famous. The bridge was beautiful, and I again was able to get some great shots. After that, we were finished with the tour and Jess and I were exhausted. We went back to our guesthouse and enjoyed our watermelon shakes as we had the great timing for the sunset over the river. It was so relaxing and the perfect conclusion to our long day!
After the train, we headed over to the “Bridge over River Kwai.” You may have heard of the movie, I never saw it but I’ve been told that it’s pretty famous. The bridge was beautiful, and I again was able to get some great shots. After that, we were finished with the tour and Jess and I were exhausted. We went back to our guesthouse and enjoyed our watermelon shakes as we had the great timing for the sunset over the river. It was so relaxing and the perfect conclusion to our long day!
The next day, we decided to rent bicycles (because we just missed them so much from our time in Ayutthaya!) and decided to ride on to the ever so kitschy “WW II Museum.” It was neat to go near the bridge again and check out some of the random artifacts and memorabilia from that era. Some of it was a bit morbid – such as remains from WWII. But it was interesting all the same. My Lonely Planet guide said we should head over to other museums but said this one was worth a look.
After the museum we rode our bikes back to our guest house and had lunch. There we
After the museum we rode our bikes back to our guest house and had lunch. There we
waited for our next activity, heading to the famous “Tiger Temple.” It is there we you can TOUCH and take photos with tigers. Yes, even being in Thailand and having Yahoo as my homepage, I heard about the sad tiger attack at the San Francisco Zoo, but I just couldn’t pass up the chance to do this! My friend Jessica and I heard many different stories about the temple. We heard combinations of the monks having the ability to soothe and calm the tigers to the jaded but possibly true notion that perhaps the tigers are drugged or sedated. When we arrived at the tiger temple there was a mixture of emotions and thoughts amongst everyone in our songtaew headed to the tiger temple. If the Tigers were exploited and living sad lives, then we would feel bad for patronizing such a self serving enterprise. Especially if they are forced to take these pictures with the hoards of tourist that come. But hey, who was I to judge when I was that very tourist.
Once we paid our fee (which is said that the proceeds go back to the tigers in the quest to build a be
tter environment and facilities for them) we past through the gates and saw ponies! We had no idea there were other animals there! However, I got a little scared when they began walking toward me and the gentleman at the gate kept trying to keep them away and threw up the danger signs – and started to kick his legs back – indicating that the ponies can kick! …Well, the ponies kept following me as I proceeded to walk. And finally I got to the point of the pony possibly biting me, so out fear, I threw down my bag and the pony immediately picked up my hand bag – but thankfully, Cristal, A kind Dutch girl and now my hero jumped in between the pony and said, “I’ll protect you!” she then grab my handbag out of the pony’s mouth and shooed it away from me. …funny thing is, going to the tiger temple I didn’t expect to be afraid of Ponies! Well, after thinking about it – as to why the pony was so interested in my bag – I was carrying a plastic bag – and I believe the pony associated the sound of the crinkling plastic bag as I walked with the prospect of getting food from me…So, yeah if you’re ever heading to the tiger temple or possibly going to be around ponies that are roaming free because they’re domesticated- don’t bring a plastic bag with you!
tter environment and facilities for them) we past through the gates and saw ponies! We had no idea there were other animals there! However, I got a little scared when they began walking toward me and the gentleman at the gate kept trying to keep them away and threw up the danger signs – and started to kick his legs back – indicating that the ponies can kick! …Well, the ponies kept following me as I proceeded to walk. And finally I got to the point of the pony possibly biting me, so out fear, I threw down my bag and the pony immediately picked up my hand bag – but thankfully, Cristal, A kind Dutch girl and now my hero jumped in between the pony and said, “I’ll protect you!” she then grab my handbag out of the pony’s mouth and shooed it away from me. …funny thing is, going to the tiger temple I didn’t expect to be afraid of Ponies! Well, after thinking about it – as to why the pony was so interested in my bag – I was carrying a plastic bag – and I believe the pony associated the sound of the crinkling plastic bag as I walked with the prospect of getting food from me…So, yeah if you’re ever heading to the tiger temple or possibly going to be around ponies that are roaming free because they’re domesticated- don’t bring a plastic bag with you! 
Now on to the good stuff! So after the pony encounter- we were free to mozy toward the tigers. Once we got to where they were – we were all in just awe. The tigers where just laying, chilling out, with people around. They were NOT in cages! It was the first time I have ever seen anything like it! (I’ve never seen a Siegfried and Roy show – but I heard they’re doing a comeback show) Then we looked to the left and saw this huge line to take pictures – but that’s why we came to the Tiger Temple – to touch tigers! So, We got in the line and waited for about 45 minutes. As we were waiting, we noticed there were a few individuals that paid an extra amount – got to skip the line and got to take pictures as a group! I would have possibly done that if I had more money ( it was REALLY hot) but I decided to wait! So after seeing that, I was thinking, man this place is all about making money. Two friendly Dutch girls, Cristal and Natasja ( who were on the tour with Jess and I the day before) began to inquire with a few volunteers at the temple who were from all over the world. The volunteers came to the tiger temple for the opportunity to work in the unique environment. One fellow from New Zealand roughly said, “While this place isn’t perfect, the objective it has is for the tigers, I know if I were coming in the same way you guys are - I would think this is all about someone getting money, but the head abbot of the Temple is doing this soley for the animals. I know because I see everything that goes on behind the scenes. The costs simply for food for the animals is about $70,000 U.S. every month – so the fees from all this go to the animals. He went on to further say that people aren’t going to give money unless there’s something in it for them – so taking pictures with people is necessary to support this effort. To me, it made sense. If the place was out to make money- they’d be open for more than just 2 hours, 1 day a week. Now, I don’t know everything about the organization, but after he had sufficiently provided that bit – I felt a little more comfortable about it all. The New Zealander fellow also commented on how people think the tigers are drugged. He chuckled, and said “yes, I’d think that too since they’re mellow but they aren’t drugged. They are simply resting and are doing so after their exercise. They have been around people all their lives and they are just use to them.” That being said, it is very much possible to get attacked – but he said in 6 years of doing this, no person has gotten attacked. When visiting the tiger temple – we aren’t suppose to wear any bright colors as this may excite the tigers – also, we were to remove our accessories and anything that dangled from us, as the tigers like to play with trinkets such as necklaces and sunglasses on our heads.
The whole time I was in line, I wasn’t nervous – but once I was next, I got a little anxious! Before I knew it, I handed over my camera to the volunteer photographer and held the hand of another volunteer who basically watches over you while you’re in the tiger area. You only get about 10 -15 seconds in the tiger area. But, man, do those 10-15 seconds seem like forever! It was amazing! I was flabbergasted! The volunteer showed me how to pet my first tiger – she did it so 
rough! I kneeled ever so gently by the tiger slowly and carefully, then decided to lightly touch the tiger…It was a surreal experience! The tiger’s fur was not as soft as I hoped – it had a rougher texture, like that of my old Great Dane, Roxxy. A few pictures were taken of me and my first tiger- then I was hurried off to the next. We were taken to about 3-4 tigers and had pictures with each, and before I knew it- it was done! I had my tiger experience. It was awesome to have done it! A little fear and anticipation – then finally doing it! It was awesome!
After we all finished up with the big tigers – we got the scoop that there were tiger cubs! We hurried over and saw them – they were so cute! They were like little kittens. Again, we got to sit with the cubs and take a picture with them. The cubs were just walking around free as if they were kittens, in contrast to the full grown tigers, who had chains or leashes – it was surreal! It was an epic day for me – it’s definitely something I would never ever be able to do back in the states! I am so glad I did it Another thing of my checklist!
rough! I kneeled ever so gently by the tiger slowly and carefully, then decided to lightly touch the tiger…It was a surreal experience! The tiger’s fur was not as soft as I hoped – it had a rougher texture, like that of my old Great Dane, Roxxy. A few pictures were taken of me and my first tiger- then I was hurried off to the next. We were taken to about 3-4 tigers and had pictures with each, and before I knew it- it was done! I had my tiger experience. It was awesome to have done it! A little fear and anticipation – then finally doing it! It was awesome!After we all finished up with the big tigers – we got the scoop that there were tiger cubs! We hurried over and saw them – they were so cute! They were like little kittens. Again, we got to sit with the cubs and take a picture with them. The cubs were just walking around free as if they were kittens, in contrast to the full grown tigers, who had chains or leashes – it was surreal! It was an epic day for me – it’s definitely something I would never ever be able to do back in the states! I am so glad I did it Another thing of my checklist!
