28 November 2025 -Day 15 — Farewells, Festivals & Fireworks Over the River Kwai
Saying goodbye to the Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn is always the hardest part. The staff there aren’t just familiar faces — they’re part of your Thailand story now, woven into every return visit. So of course the morning came with that little tug at the heart.
The hire car arrived at 10:45 am, and lovely Jhajah was right there, making sure every bit of paperwork was correct. Classic Eastin care.
By mid‑afternoon — around 3 pm — we rolled into Kanchanaburi, checked into the hotel, and immediately set off for the River Kwai Festival. And wow… this year it was huge. Bigger than ever. Maybe even bigger than the Surin Elephant Festival — and that’s saying something.
Stalls stretched endlessly, selling everything from snacks to souvenirs to things you didn’t know you needed until you saw them. The whole place buzzed with that unmistakable Thai festival energy: loud, colourful, joyful, and just a little chaotic in the best way.
Eventually we crossed the iconic River Kwai Bridge, wandering slowly across the steel beams as the late‑day light softened. On the other side, we settled in with a cold Chang beer, overlooking the bridge — one of those perfect little travel moments where everything feels exactly right.
After a long day on the road and on our feet, we wandered back to the hotel with fireworks bursting overhead and Thai music drifting through the night air. Even with the festival noise nearby, sleep came easily — the kind of deep, contented sleep that only follows a full, happy day.
29 November 2025 -Day 16 — Border Roads, River Views & a Night at the Bridge
Breakfast at the Makan Resort never disappoints, and today was no exception — good quality food, good coffee, and that comforting feeling of slipping back into an easy routine. After a few days of Bangkok buzz and festival crowds, the slower Kanchanaburi rhythm felt perfect.
Today’s plan: head toward the Phu Nam Ron checkpoint on the Myanmar border. The drive out was peaceful, the landscape opening up into wide stretches of green. At the checkpoint, we tackled our first staircase of the trip — a tradition at this point — climbing up to Wat Phu Nam Ron Rattana Khiri. The steps were steep, the air warm, and the view worth every breath.
From there, we wound our way along back roads toward Tham Krasae, perched on the banks of the Khwae Noi River. Lunch was simple and perfect: Alison with a red curry and rice, Steve with pad Thai chicken. The kind of meal that hits the spot without trying too hard.
Back at the hotel, we took an hour’s sleep — a small luxury that made the whole day feel smoother.
By 5 pm we were heading toward the River Kwai Bridge for the evening show. A staff member waved us into the fast‑track entrance for the foreign section, which was very much appreciated. It meant we could sit comfortably for an hour before the show began — a rare treat at a Thai festival.
At 7 pm the lights dimmed and the show came alive. It was spectacular — dramatic storytelling, music, and the unforgettable moment when a massive steam engine crossed the bridge as part of the finale. We’d seen it from the opposite riverbank in previous years, but this new angle made it feel even more impressive.
After the show, we wandered back through sideshow alley, watching families laugh, play games, and enjoy the night. There’s something so joyful about seeing locals having fun — it’s infectious.
Day 16 wrapped up with tired feet, full hearts, and that lovely festival buzz still humming in the air.
30 November 2025 -Day 17 — Lotus Cars, Limestone Stairs & a Waterfront Surprise
After a couple of huge festival days, we treated ourselves to a well‑earned sleep‑in. By 10 am we were checking out of the hotel — a quick thank‑you and farewell — before heading off to gather supplies for the next leg of the trip to Sangkhlaburi / Mon Bridge.
While shopping, we stumbled across a yellow Lotus sports car, gleaming like a tropical fruit in the sun. Absolutely gorgeous. One of those unexpected little travel bonuses that makes you stop and say, “Wow!”
Our last stop before hitting the road was the PTT for fuel and a few more essentials for the four‑day stay ahead.
Then came the tradition: the temple on the limestone karst. Steve reminded Alison that every time we pass this way, we climb the massive staircase to the top — so by 1:30 pm we were on site, stepping our way up the steep ascent. The view, as always, made every step worth it.
By 3:30 pm, after winding through the hills and valleys, we stopped at a 7‑Eleven for milk — the true travel essential — before heading down toward our accommodation.
That’s when the surprise hit.
Last time we visited, the water level had been much lower. This time, the route we remembered was completely underwater. We backtracked, found another way in, and discovered that the lake was hugging the accommodation itself. A true waterfront room — literally. Unexpected, a little wild, and absolutely beautiful.
After settling in, we took an afternoon walk and ended up at our little café/bar by the lake to watch the sun set. The colours stretched across the water, soft and glowing — one of those sunsets that feels like it was made just for you.
Alison spent the evening doing Pixar‑style art for the local kids, who absolutely loved it. Their excitement was infectious, and the whole moment felt warm and joyful.
A great day, and an even better evening — the perfect start to your Mon Bridge chapter.
1 December 2025 – Day 18 — Foggy Mornings, Jungle Buddhas & a Sunset by the Lake
We woke early and peeked outside to find the world wrapped in fog and cloud — that soft, dreamy kind of morning that Mon Bridge does so well. Breakfast was pure comfort: Weet‑Bix and coffee in bed, the perfect slow start.
Out on the bridge, the monks were already making their morning alms rounds. Locals and tourists lined the walkway with offerings, and the whole scene had that peaceful, timeless rhythm that makes this place feel special. We took our photos, soaked in the moment, then ducked back to the hotel to drop off our coats before heading out again.
A wander through the local markets became our morning tea mission. Alison was in her happy place — Thai bananas, sweet and tasty, are one of her great loves. With 10,000 steps done and dusted, it was time for an afternoon nap.
Later, we decided a drive was in order, so off we went into the unknown. The road wound deeper into the hills until we reached a Thai Black Army 1404 special forces checkpoint, where a friendly guard informed us that the next stop was Myanmar — and their training area. That was our cue to turn around.
But the detour paid off. On the way back, we spotted something extraordinary: a massive Buddha rising above the jungle canopy, its head visible long before the rest of it appeared. This was Wat Wiakadi, unexpected and impressive, a little mystery tucked into the landscape.
Back at the hotel, we rested for a bit before heading out again — this time to our favourite lakeside café. A Chang beer for Steve, dinner with a view, and the sun melting into the water. Pure magic.
And then came one of the sweetest moments of the trip: Alison teaching one of the local kids how to create AI images. He picked it up instantly — clever, quick, and full of excitement. Later he sent a cartoon of Steve and Alison dining together, and it was stunning. A tiny artist in the making.
We ended the day feeling full — of good food, good views, and good company.
2 December 2025 – Day 19 — Steep Climbs, Giant Buddhas & Lunch With Feet in the River
By now we were fully settled into our Sangkhlaburi routine — waking early to check the fog and cloud before sunrise, enjoying Weet‑Bix and coffee in bed, then heading out to meet the monks on their morning alms walk. The Mon Bridge was alive with locals and tourists offering food, flowers, and prayers. It’s a rhythm that never gets old, and every morning feels a little different.
After dropping our coats back at the hotel, we set off for a walk around the area. Today’s mission: climb to Phra Puttha Rup Ong Yai, the huge Buddha overlooking the region. The road up was steep — very steep — and we stopped at two seats along the way, laughing about the memories it brought back of Mount Sheila. Some climbs stay with you.
Reaching the top was worth every step. The Buddha was far more complete than when we last visited, and the view from the vantage point was stunning — a sweeping panorama of jungle, hills, and misty distance. One of those “wow” moments you can’t quite capture in a photo.
On the walk back we stopped by Wat Wang Wiwekaram, letting the calm of the temple settle around us before heading back to recharge our phones.
Then it was into the car for a drive to Three Pagodas Pass — a place where Thailand brushes right up against Myanmar. We wandered the markets, admired the three little chedi, and soaked up the border‑town atmosphere.
By afternoon we were ready for something cold and something delicious, so we returned to a café we’d visited last year. Alison ordered a Chang beer for Steve, water for herself, and the classic Thai favourite phat kaphrao kai dao — holy basil stir‑fry with a fried egg. We sat with our feet in the river, eating, drinking, and letting the cool water run past. Simple, perfect, unforgettable.
Day 19 was full of climbs, views, temples, border adventures, and a riverside lunch that felt like pure holiday magic.
3 December 2025 – Day 20 — Artists, Rainforest Roads & a Night of Song by the Lake
Our last full day in Wang Kha, the quieter side of Mon Bridge, began softly. Fewer monks than yesterday, but more people — a gentle trade‑off that made the morning feel lively without losing its calm.
As always, the interactions were warm and friendly. This place has a way of making you feel part of the village, even if you’re just passing through.
We ran into Nong, the local artist we’d met before. He welcomed us into his shop again, showing us his work with that quiet pride artists carry. Then came the unexpected invitation: an evening of songs, drinks, and views at his friend Eddie’s land. A promise of something special.
The rest of the morning was spent walking, then driving through the surrounding rainforest. The greenery was thick and lush — the kind of deep, layered green that only comes from constant rain and heat. There aren’t many roads out here unless you’re heading into a national park with proper gear, and it’s easy to imagine how impossible these tracks would be in the wet. Of course a stop at 7eleven for an extreme ice cream is always welcome.
By afternoon we were back at the hotel, resting and watching boats drift across the lake. Life here moves at a different pace, and it’s impossible not to fall into step with it.
Around 5 pm we set off to find Eddie’s place, KFC takeaway in hand. Eddie greeted us with a huge Thai smile — warm, open, instantly welcoming — and to our delight, he spoke English. His land overlooked the lake with a view that made you stop mid‑sentence. Just… wow.
Soon after, Jeff arrived — the legendary Perth expat we’d heard so much about. Turns out he’s from Esperance and looks like a perfect Paul Hogan/Stropp hybrid. The stories were true.
Not long after, Nong joined us, and the evening unfolded into one of those magical travel nights: music, laughter, cold drinks, and a sunset that painted the lake in gold. It felt like a gathering that could only happen here — spontaneous, warm, and full of character.
We made our way back around 10:30 pm, tired but glowing from a night that felt like a gift.
A terrific day, and an even better night.
4 December 2025 – Day 21 — Last Sips, Last Snaps & One More Festival for the Road
Our final morning in Alison’s favourite corner of Thailand arrived far too quickly. One last wander to the bridge, one last chance to watch the monks glide across the planks in their saffron robes, one last round of photos to tuck away for the year. The light was soft, the air warm, and the whole scene felt like a gentle farewell.
We met up with Nong and Jeff for coffee at Anne’s little shop — a cosy spot run by a woman who makes excellent coffee and excellent milkshakes, a rare and wonderful combination. It was the perfect final get‑together: easy conversation, shared laughs, and promises to meet again next year for more celebrations.
After coffee, Jeff took us to a few souvenir shops and shared more stories about the challenges many Myanmar people face in this region. Sobering, thoughtful, and grounding — the kind of insight you only get from someone who’s lived here long enough to understand the layers.
We took a short walk before packing up the car and beginning the drive back to Kanchanaburi. Lunch was at the local Robinson’s mall — simple, cool, and exactly what we needed after the rising heat. And yes, the heat had definitely cranked up over the last few days. Thailand likes to keep you glowing.
By early evening we were back out again, heading to the River Kwai Festival for one more dose of colour, music, and energy. The crowds were lively, the atmosphere buzzing, and it felt like a fitting bridge between the quiet beauty of Mon Bridge and the bustle of Kanchanaburi.
Back at the hotel, we were delighted to find our room was at the back this time — much quieter than last visit. A small mercy, and a very welcome one.
Day 21 was a day of goodbyes, good coffee, good company, and one last festival glow before the next chapter.