Bridge Over the River Kwai (or Death Railway Trip)

The Kwai River Bridge was made famous by the 1960s movie about a bamboo bridge being built by British Soldiers in Burma during World War II. This movie was mostly fiction, the bridge is of concrete/metal construction and it is actually located in Thailand. Thailand Tourism authority offers a great service of train tours. These are low cost trips that you can take that range from day trips to long weekends to various scenic parts of Thailand. Most of the trips begin and end in the Hua Laphong Rail Station, the main rail hub for passengers for the entire country. Pictures of this station are shown above. The station is clean and organized, but beware, it is also VERY busy. As a side note: Thailand uses their rail and bus system as their major artery moving people and products throughout their borders.

The tour that I choose was a day trip that took me almost to the Thai border with Myanmar, ending in the Soiyak Water Falls but making stops in Phra Pathom Chedi, Bridge over the Rive Kwai, the “Death Railway”, and the Kanchanabury WWII Cemetery. I will describe each of these stops in detail below. The trip was a full day, starting at 7 am and not returning to Hua Laphong Station until after dark, around 7 pm. The train was un-air-conditioned but was comfortable, at least while we were moving.

Phra Pathom Chedi

Our first stop was at the temple called Phra Pathom Chedi , The Temple main feature was a huge pagoda (see the pictures below. The stop was just long enough to walk from the train station to the Temple without too much rush. To get to the temple we walk through a city market area where you can get anything from a quick snack to a glass of ice coffee.

Bridge over the River Kwai and the “Death Railway

The Bridge was made famous by a 1960’s film of the same name. The film, however was in fact fiction based loosely on the events surrounding this bridge. I will not go into detail of the differences between the film and this bridge but will let that up to you. Briefly, the bridge is located in Thailand, not Burma but many people (mostly British soldiers) did give their lives building this bridge for the Japanese during World War II. This is why this railway is known as the “Death Railway” in Thailand. The rail line leading from the Kwai River Bridge to the Soiyak Water Falls appears treacherous but is well maintained and safe for travel. The railway follows the river and often has sheer cliffs overlooking the river and can be quite scenic. However, these conditions lead to many deaths during WWII.

Kanchanaburi WWII Cemetery

The WWII Cemetery in Kanchanaburi is filled with the bodies of the people who gave their lives constructing the Kwai Bridge for the Japanese Army. This stop is quite sobering knowing these men gave their lives building the rail line that was we were just on.

Soiyak Water Falls

The Soiyak Water Fall is the final stop of this trip and it is quite refreshing. The waterfall is augmented in areas with concrete and being an geologist is could tell immediately that it wasn’t natural. The industrious Thai People have taken and natural water supply and made is a tourist stop. The surrounding area is a natural area and protected from development, which is good. There are hiking trails leading to the water falls source; a small stream filled with small fish and is icy cold. Also along the trail is a few caves to explore. The Thai People find these areas sacred, as evidenced by the presence of sacred images located in the caves. The trail are quite interesting, having many native plants and animals to observe along the way.

At the very end of the Railway sits an historic train, once used by the Japanese during the construction of the railway. The plaque commemorating the train and the people who died in its construction gave the trip some meaning for me.

We returned to the Hua Laphong Rail Station rather late and I was quite tired, but the trip was worthwhile and I would recommend this trip to anyone interested in learning some about historical Thailand. For more interesting travel ideas please visit my website: www.apllc-connect.com/travel/.

My Trip to Doi Pha Hom Pok, Thailand

Doi Pha Hom Pok (Pha Hom Pok Mountaian) situated in Chaing Mai as this mountain is the second highest mountain in Thailand.

I started my trip to Doi Pha Hom Pok from the city center of Chang Mai driving my Honda Civic 04 about 160 kilometers from the city center and then i arrived at Fang District. At first, my plan is to drive my Honda Civic to the top of the mountain but when i asked the local people they told me that you can’t drive this car to the top of Doi Pha Hom Pok because the road to the top of mountain is very high and slove.

Then, i park my Honda Civic at the Mae Fang Natural Park and hire 4wd truck to take me and my friends to the top of this Mountain (there’re many 4wd truck available for hire at the Mae Fang Natural Park). About 1 hour from Mae Fang Naturak Park, i arrived at the camping area of Doi Pha Hom Pok as the weather here is great but quite cold for me (However i like this kind of weather). I could sleep for now because i must walk up at 3 Am in order to trekking to the top of Doi Pha Hom Pok to see the beautiful sunrise in the morning.
On the the next day, i woke up at 3.30 Am which is litte bit late because many travellers already start their journey to the top of Pha Hom Pok, therfore, we have to start our journey by ourselves. The road to the top of mountain is very cold and dark that we can’t see anything and when we walk about 90 minutes the battery of the spotlight is now empty (Oh my God). For Now, we can’t see anything and nobody walking around, it’s looking we lost in a jungle.

Fortunately, i still have my sony ericsson k750 as i use it little camera light to show me the way. At this time, i start to shout in order to ask anybody for help and then i hear the sound of people who already arrive at the top of Doi Pha Hom Pok. Surely, i follow that sound and finally i arrived at the top of Doi Pha Hom Pok (approximately 3 hours from the camping area.) At the Top, i can see the most beautiful sunrise that i’ve ever seen in my life and the weather at the top is colder than camping area. I feel like i want to stay here all day because the viewpoint is very fantastic for me.

Lastly i want to tell you that anyone who like to travel to fantastic mountain, you must come to Doi Pha Hom Pok and you will always remember this place.

Information taken from http://thailand-travel-story.blogspot.com/

What to look for when buying an external frame backpack

There are many brands and styles of external frame backpacks to choose from, but how do you know which one to buy? Buying an external frame backpack can be a confusing thing when it comes to what to look for that will work the best for you. Here are some tips for buying the right external frame backpack.

First of all, make a list of all the items you will usually be carrying in the backpack so that you can make sure you buy a backpack that can hold all of your necessities.

Measuring the width of your shoulders is a good idea, so that you do not buy a back pack that is too wide for your body. If you buy a backpack that is too wide for your body, chances are that you are going to bump into things with the outside edges of your backpack. If your backpack is too wide, you will not have as much support and control of your body as you would with one that is closer to your body width.

Try the backpack on before you buy it. Trying on a backpack before you buy it can give you a feel for it. If the backpack is too heavy with nothing in it, for instance, you should probably find a different one that is more suitable for your level of strength.

Check the back pack for durability. Look at the stitching and the material of the backpack to decide if this backpack is going to last you a long time, or if it can withstand what you are going to be putting it through. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on a bag that is going to fall apart after minimal use.

Decide whether you need a waterproof backpack or not. In most cases, a backpack is worn outside, and you never know when it is going to rain. It is always a good idea to buy a waterproof backpack.

In closing, there are many different packs to choose from, and even asking a salesperson in a sporting goods store can be beneficial. Find a backpack that most closely fits your backpacking needs.

How to adjust your backpack

Your backpack is supposed to make your pursuit easier, not more uncomfortable. Here are several key tips for adjusting your backpack to make sure it’s right for you.

SIZE DOES MATTER

Outdoor backpacks are categorized by size, from day packs up to expedition backpacks. They are also categorized by whether they utilize an internal or external frame. How you adjust your backpack is determined by what categories your pack is in.

DAYPACKS

Day packs don’t utilize a frame, so there is far less to be worried about when making adjustments. There are only two or three ways to adjust your daypack.

1) Shoulder straps can be tightened or shortened by pulling down on the short webbing ends that extend out of the tension lock buckles. These buckles are designed to allow you to pull on the strap to adjust, but won’t allow the webbing to slip under other conditions. In order to lengthen the shoulder strap you need to lift up on the lip of the tension lock and allow the weight of the backpack to pull the webbing through the buckle. In older backpacks that use a slip lock rather than a tension lock, you will need to feed the webbing through to adjust the length of the shoulder strap, both to lengthen and shorten the shoulder straps.

2) More and more daybacks are being designed with a waistbelt or hipbelt. Waistbelts use side release buckles to connect together. The side release buckle has a webbing maze at each end, similar to the tension or slip lock on your shoulder straps. Simply take the loose end of the belt on each side and pull until comfortably tight. To loosen, lift the outside lip of the buckle or feed the webbing through the maze until you’ve reached the correct length.

3. Sternum straps are connected to the shoulder straps about sternum high and are used to stabilize and pull the weight closer to your back for more comfortable carrying. A sternum strap should be comfortable but not tight. Sternum straps are like miniature waistbelts and should be adjusted accordingly.

PACKS WITH FRAMES

Larger packs will utilize either an internal or external frame to stabilize the weight and direct the weight to the appropriate parts of your body. However, we are all built differently so the generalizations made when building a pack frame require adjustment before we use the pack on the trail.

There are two major adjustments that can be made with an internal frame pack: torso length and waistbelt height. Torso length is typically adjusted

Why is Thailand Such a Popular Travel Destination?

Thailand, or the “Land of Smiles”, as it is also called, is one of the most popular tourist destinations. When you ask someone what are his top travel destinations, Thailand will often be the answer. What makes Thailand such a popular tourist destination? We will see that there are quite a few contributing factors that make Thailand such a popular country.

First of all, Thailand isn’t called the “Land of Smiles” for nothing; there is a good reason why it has that name. Thailand has the reputation of being a country that is extremely hospitable for tourists. Thais are such nice people, always smiling and trying to help whenever they can. They are genuinely interested and have at heart that everyone who visit’s Thailand enjoys their stay. Even though this is a very good reason to visit Thailand, there are a few more that make’s it a must for any tourist.

Another reason would be the rich culture and history of the country. When you visit Thailand, you will be amazed at the number of great temples that you can find a bit everywhere. While in Bangkok, everyone should stop by the Grand palace and the temple of the Emerald Buddha. After that, whether you go up North towards Chiang Mai or down south towards Phuket, you will find many temples and a rich culture that is truly unique. Ayutthaya is such a grand sight to behold and is an UNESCO world heritage site. But there are not only nice temples and ruins to visit in Thailand, the natural beauty of the country is one of its greatest assets.

Beautiful beaches in the South, mountains and rainforest to the North, there is really something for everyone in Thailand. Phuket is one of the top destinations in South East Asia and for good reasons. The beaches are superb, the weather is great, what can you ask more? In Thailand there are more beautiful beaches than you can possibly hope to visit during your trip, so you should choose carefully. Koh Phi Phi is one of the most popular and became famous after the movie The Beach. There are hundred of tourists that visit Koh Phi Phi every day. But the North also has its charm, although a different kind of charm. If you want to do some jungle trek, you will be very happy by going around Chiang Mai. It is a very fulfilling experience to do a jungle trek in the mountains around Chiang Mai and to visit some small villages.

Shopping is another reason why so many people go to Thailand. Bangkok is quickly becoming a shopper’s paradise. There are huge shopping malls being built around the city and the prices are very good. You can find many bargains if you look around and can also find the top brands in the bigger shopping malls such as Siam Paragon and Central World. If you stop by Bangkok, you should definitely go to the Chatuchak weekend market, the biggest open market in the world. There are over 15,000 stalls and each day hundred of thousands of people go to the market.

Thai food is another reason why people want to go to Thailand. Everyone knows about Thai food, it is very popular and gaining in popularity in Europe and North America. In Thailand, Thai food is much better than what you will find anywhere else and there are restaurants everywhere. There is so much choice of food that when arriving in Thailand you won’t know where to eat. Thai cuisine is very diverse, as there are specialties form the North of Thailand and also form the South. You should definitely try a Pad Thai when you arrive in Thailand, you will fall in love with that meal.

Finally, the last reason is the price. Aside from the air ticket, staying in Thailand is very cheap. You can find nice hotels for about 30$ US and if you eat in smaller restaurants it will cost you around 2$. Activities are also very cheap, as is travel. Staying in Thailand won’t cost you as much as the air ticket if you want to stay on a budget. You could easily spend a lot of money if you stay in the top hotels, as there are prices for everyone, but you can also easily spend very little each day.

So with all these nice factors that make Thailand truly unique, it is no wonder that it is such a popular destination. Everyone should visit Thailand at least once in their life. All of these factors individually could be enough to visit this wonderful country, but when you add them all together, you get a destination that you won’t want to leave.

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Personality Of Kathmandu – Charming And Beautiful

It is hard to find words that do justice to wonderful Kathmandu. One ridge away from the highest mountains in the world, and thronged by a million Hindus and Buddhists, this pricely city is the archetypal mountain kingdom – mystical, magical and arcane. Temples loom out of the mist around every corner and the cobbled streets resound with the chanting of mantras and the chiming of temple bells. At dusk, the city is transformed into a cut-out of stupas, prayer flags and temple spires. On clear days, a wall of snow-covered mountains rises behind Kathmandu and eagles soar majestically overhead on the high Tibetan winds – it is like the special effects from The Lord of the Rings, but right there, alive in the real world.

The main reason for Kathmandu’s remarkable state of preservation is its unique geographical situation. There are only two roads out of the Kathmandu Valley, one going north to Lhasa in Tibet and the other winding down to the Terai plains – a five hour journey to cover a distance of 50 kilometers. Historically, this was Kathmandu best defense against foreign invaders. Unlike India and Tibet, Nepal was never conquered by the British.

The city’s meteoric rise to fame began in 1769 when Gurkha king Prithvi Narayan Shah swept eastwards from his base at Gorkha, conquering the towns on the valley rim and isolating Kathmandu. Bhaktapur and Patan from the outside world. This marked the start of the golden age of Kathmandu architecture – temple-strewn Durbar Square has barely changed since. As the city grew, the natural fortifications of the valley walls became a hindrance rather an asset. Everything has to be trekked in from the plains of India and builders had nowhere to go but up, explaining the rather chaotic skyline of leaning brick towers.

Politics also played a role in Kathmandu’s status of suspended animation. From 1816 to 1950, Nepal was completely cut off from the outside world, vanishing into legend as another forbidden kingdom of the Himalaya. The Swiss explorer Toni Hagen was the first European allowed in and walked all over the country, setting a precedent for the 200,000 trekkers who now visit every year.

Backpack weight reducing tips – Part 1

In backpacking, the benefits of packing light far outweigh the benefits of lugging around a rucksack full of items that you do not need. The general rule is to take along only the things you need to survive. After all, backpacking is a wilderness experience; it is not a Club Med vacation.

While a heavy backpack may not seem like a handicap at first, it will become more of a detriment the longer the hike endures. The longer the hike, the lighter you should pack. If you are embarking on a short hike, it really makes no difference what you pack because the hike will be over before fatigue starts to set in. If you are planning a long hike, it is imperative to reduce as much weight as possible in your pack, yet still maintain the essentials for survival.

The first tip for reducing weight lies in the backpack itself. Choose the lightest backpack available that is still rugged and durable enough to withstand the rigors of hiking. Next, the backpack should be stocked with the essentials, such as a first aid kit and a fire-starting kit. Depending on the duration of your hike, you may choose to bring along cookware. If this is the case, oft for an aluminum skillet with a folding handle. Aluminum cookware is lighter than stainless steel or cast iron. A Swiss Army knife is also a good thing to have, since it can do the job of several different tools.

When reducing weight in your backpack, it is also a good idea to purchase powdered foods, such as military-grade MRE’s (meals ready to eat). These lightweight packets of freeze-dried food transform into full meals with the addition of hot water. MRE’s can often be purchased at camping and outdoors retailers as well as military surplus stores. You can also add a handful of protein bars to your backpack. They are nutritious, portable, and lightweight and do not take up much space in a backpack.

Sleeping bags and tents may also be necessary for your hike. If weight is an issue, it may be a good idea to substitute a military-style wool blanket in place of a sleeping bag. A wool blanket requires less space, is lighter in weight, and is just as warm as many sleeping bags on the market. When selecting a tent, there are many dome-style or hoop-style tents that are specifically made for backpackers. These tents are not very spacious, but they are designed to be compact and lightweight.

Finally, clothing is another consideration. One trick to minimizing weight and maximizing space is to master the technique known as the “military roll”. Using this technique, it is possible to roll clothing into very compact cylinders. Another benefit of the military roll is that the clothing will be entirely wrinkle-free. It is perhaps the best-kept secret in backpacking.

Travel destinations: Agra, India

Travel destinations: Agra, India

The Taj Mahal! Makes you smile just thinking about it.

A symbol of love, the Taj Mahal is one of the most imposing structures and the finest example of India’s Islamic architectures.

Shah Jahan, the Mugal emperor who ruled India in the 16th century had many wives, but was deeply in love with Arjumand Banu Begam when he was still a teenager. He married her and changed her name to Mumtaz. They were inseparable and even took her on his military ventures. She died while giving birth to their fourteenth child. The emperor was so distraught that he vowed to spend the rest of his days constructing the most unforgettably beautiful monument in her memory.

The Taj Mahal mausoleum complex build entirely with white marble, with its beautiful gardens, fountains, marbled pavements, gateway structures, and mosque, was completed in 1653.

The garden contains four water channels to echo the four rivers of the Islamic Paradise. It rises from a platform, with one white marble minaret at each corner. The white marble exterior is inlaid with semi-precious stones arranged in Arabic inscriptions, floral designs, and arabesques. The interior is inlaid with agate, jasper, and coloured marbles.

The main tomb chamber is an octagonal room with the edifice of the royal couple. However, the royal couple are actually are buried in an underground vault.

Agra is an old city, the name of which was derived from Agrabana, a forest that is mentioned in the epic story of Mahabharata. It was during the rule of the third emperor Akbar, that the city came into its own and the massive Agra Fort was constructed.

All the great Emperors and Mughals that ruled after Akbar, such as Babur, Humayun, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb lived here. The country was governed from here and contained the largest state treasury and mint. It was visited by foreign ambassadors, travellers and the highest dignitaries who participated in the making of history in India.

Other interesting places in and around Agra includes the Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s tomb, described as the jewel box’.

How do you get to Agra?

By road: Agra is very well connected by road from the capital city of India, New Delhi. Distance between New Delhi and Agra is about 203 kms. Buses run frequently between the two cities and there is always the sightly more expensive method of hiring a car from New Delhi. All other major destinations near Agra such as Jaipur are also very well connected by road.

By air: Then there is by air where Agra is on a regular tourist air route. There are domestic flights from Delhi, Khajuraho and Varanasi 4 times a week.

By rail; there are 6 railway stations in Agra, Agra Cantonment being the largest and also has an Information centre. Trains come from Delhi, Gwalior, and Jhansi and the station is closest to most good hotels. There are express trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and Chennai that halt at Agra railway stations. Shatabdi Express departs from Delhi at 6 in the morning and reaches Agra at approximately 8:30-9:00 in the morning and returns back to Delhi at around 8:15 in the night.

Where do I stay?

Check this out. This site has all the information you would need to find the right accommodation whatever your budget.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/All Locations-g297683-c1-Hotels-Ag ra_Uttar_Pradesh.html

So don’t wait, visit Agra and have a happy journey!

Places Of Interest On Your Holidays in Thailand

Thailand has some great holiday home accommodation that holiday makers can rent while staying in Thailand on their vacations. Some holiday makers rent luxurious villas with swimming pools on one of Thailand’s many clean beautiful beaches. Some holiday makers stay in self catering holiday apartments in Thailand.

A rich and colourful country, Thailand is a land of exotic monuments, splendid beaches, temples, shrines, waterfalls and lush green landscapes. Thailand is flanked by Myanmar, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos and the Gulf of Thailand. The country’s tradition, culture and heritage attract many tourists from around the world. Visitors can get an up and close view of the Thailand and its people with boat rides and rice-barge cruises. Thailand is a blend of both traditional and modern.

Bangkok, the capital city is a popular destination for tourists. The city is the business centre and the hub of economic and political affairs. It is referred to as Krung Thep. Many holiday makers stay in a holiday apartment in Bangkok and experience the night life to the full of this capital city of Thailand.

The river Chao Phraya flows through the city. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo, the temple complex which is home to the Emerald Buddha, are also found in Bangkok. The city has drastically changed and become a slick, prosperous and modern place. The city is also home to around 300 Buddhist temples and shrines. The Temple of the Reclining Buddha is the most famous temple in the city. The floating market, modern night clubs, and many historically important buildings make this city such a popular tourist destination.

Chiang Mai is the second-largest city in Thailand and has many interesting views to offer in the form of ancient and beautiful temples, teak forests, elephants, caves, waterfalls and a visit to the hill tribes. Doi Suthep temple and elephant trekking are very popular with tourists staying here. Doi Suthep another famous temple in Thailand that is located on a hilltop. Elephant trekking allows the tourists to get a closer look at the natural splendour and wonderful places of the city.

Kanchanaburi province is filled with jungle clad hills and waterways. The town is the original site of the popular and historically famous Bridge over the River Kwai where allied prisoners of war and Thai labourers were killed by the Japanese. Train trips are arranged for a visit across the post war bridge and this is a very moving and emotional experience.

The Phang Nga Bey is located near to Phuket. The bay shot to international fame after the area featured in the James Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. Around 3500 islands are scattered in this bay. The islands are home to fauna and flora. For many decades the islands were considered impenetrable but now canoe trips are arranged for the tourists and the locals through the tunnels and the cracks in the rocks. There are some stunning holiday villas in this part of Thailand.

Ko Phi Phi Islands are yet another place to visit on your holidays in Thailand. The twin islands are full of natural splendour. The largest of the two, Ko Phi Phi Don, is dumbbell shaped and has a coastline that is full of white beaches and further inland tropical rainforest.

It does not matter if you want to stay at the hill tribe villages, go elephant trekking, adventurous boat rides or admiring the stunning seascapes and landscapes, Thailand can provide them all. Many holiday makers choose to rent a holiday villa or stay in a self catering apartment during their holiday in Thailand and use them as a base to explore this stunning country.

The lure of cities

Beautiful snowy peaks! green hills! Sunny days! Friendly people! Local organic food! Locally brewed alcohol sipping with herb marinated organic hen. Be in the lap of nature. Relaxing environment. Away from the noise and crowd of vehicles of the city and people. Anything more…

This is the perfect travel or holiday in the Himalayan nation of Nepal. Fly to Kathmandu from Europe or Asian cities. You can catch a flight from Gulf or Qatar direct from London to Heathrow or if you are flying from other Asian cities then there is the direct flight from Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore and Seoul. Or you can fly from New Delhi or other cities of India to Kathmandu. Stay one night or two in Kathmandu then take a taxi to Pokhara or fly there.

Then you can have an enjoyable trek to Kagbeni in Mustang district bordering with Tibet. Take a fun trip either riding in the horse or mule. Or you can enjoy the ride donkey if you are not so heavy. Only people of small size like me can enjoy the donkey ride.

Then comes the heaven of the earth. You will reach Kagbeni, a small local market with beautiful scenes. Small traditional hotels provide local food and you can also get the taste of continental food if you cannot change your eating or drinking habit.

Relax in the wooden chair just outside the hotel which were known as Bhatti, tavern, in the past. Drink a glass of locally brewed Jand, beer. The mighty snowy Himalayas are in your side. Big hills are there everywhere.

The snowy mountains seem to be very close to you. You will think that it can be reached within a few minutes walking distance, however, it is not so close. It may take a few days walk to reach and touch the snow.

And look at the menu. What you want to eat and drink. Cold or hot drink or some alcoholic drink. It is there in your service. Relaxation. No noise. No sound. No pollution. No hectic and stressed life of the cities. You will think that you are not in this earth- somewhere in another planet or in the dream. It is the perfect heaven, the paradise of the earth.

Then comes the snacks of locally prepared organic food. Bread, noodle, momos,rice or whatever you like.

Local hen is being prepared for you. You will be smelling the naturally gifted herbs. Sandheko Kukhura,chicken marinated in the local herbs. The mouth watering food and drink is coming towards you. You will certainly forget your days in the big cities and think that you want to be there forever.

Cheap but healthy food and naturally gifted beautiful place of the world. Relax, smile and dive into the depth of happiness with your friends.

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