Destination
Showing posts with label Destination. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Destination. Show all posts

Hotel Review: 4 Nights Stay at Aek-Pailyn River Kwai Hotel

The English camp we had three weeks ago brought me back to Kanchanaburi. Kan (as what locals call this province) is located in the west of Thailand. Its proximity to Bangkok (more or less 128 km) makes it an ideal place to see and experience nature at its best without being too far away from the capital.

During the course of the camp, 4 nights to be exact, Aek-Pailyn Hotel served as our temporary residence. Allow me to give more details of this hotel.

Aek-Pailyn River Kwai Hotel is located on the banks of Kwai Yai River. Its hotel facilities and amenities such as the large swimming pool near the river, restaurant shops, meeting and banquet rooms that can accommodate a large group of people, and the snooker table found next to the reception - are few things guests can enjoy whilst staying at the hotel for the best comfort and memorable experience.

The scenic natural surroundings like the mountains that seem to be touching hands with the sky, as well as the sound of birds greeting you first thing in the morning, are things you won't find in other hotels.

 You can also relax around the nice landscape planted with different flowering plants near the river; read a book whilst sitting on the bench under the tree; or simply unwind at the music created by the beautiful splashing of Kwai Yai River down below. 

 The only downside in my opinion is when you book during the low season, you might end up having very limited food and with no alcohol. It is also possible that you might be their only guest which could be a little spooky.

Although our room looked a bit old, it was spacious and clean. I liked the place and would recommend it to anyone wishing to have a comfortable stay in Kanchanaburi. 

How much per night?

 We didn't pay anything since we were invited to facilitate the camp. Their website doesn't have any pricing either. But upon checking Agoda for November stay (fully booked in October), it was a little over 1,300 baht per night. Well, considering that this hotel is nice and comfy, that rate was actually a bargain.

 How to get to Aek-Pailyn River Kwai Hotel

 Aek-Pailyn River Kwai Hotel is located at 245 Moo 4, Ladya-Arawan Rd., Muang Kanchanaburi. It is about 151 kms from Bangkok or 31 kms from Kanchanaburi town hall.

 Nearby attractions that you can check

Bridge over the River Kwai (23.10 km)
Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (25.72 km)
Thailand-Burma Railway Center (25.15 km)
Jeath War Museum (27.02 km)

 Here's the video of the hotel which I got from their website. Enjoy!
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Phra Roung Hot Springs: Your Underwater Relaxation

"Unplanned travel taste better sometimes," said a friend after posting on her Facebook our photos taken in Kampheang Phet province on Friday last week.


True to her words the travel was literally unplanned. We were just having lunch together on Thursday at a friends' house who were travelling back to the Philippines when the subject of going out somewhere was mentioned. We joked about it and soon enough, our laughs enveloped the place. Little did I know that while I was thinking of it as a "joke," the other end, I meant my friends, were already printing the map to get to Kampheang Phet 's Phra Roung Hot Springs. Later that night, messages on Facebook started flooding.

Time of departure: 6 am. That was the original plan. Surprisingly, I was still unconvinced.


I was awaken by a call from Letty at about 6:10 am. "Kuya Alex is already here", she said. I was like, "OMG. We are really having a trip!" 

 "We'll be there in a jiffy," I just simply said. Much to our delight our daughter was not having her "pain in the brain" tantrums. Otherwise, it will take us forever to prepare and bear her loud shouts and long cry. We simply asked her to prepare her things, and off she went getting her milk bottles and diapers. 

 But instead of leaving at 6, we left Phitsanulok a little before 7. From Ban Khlong district, we turned left to Route 117 (Nakorn Sawan Road). We stopped for a while to buy some snacks at 7/11 near Naresuan University, and we immediately sped away.


Roughly 30 minutes or so, we arrived somewhere in Phichit. We then turned right to Route 115. Thanks to Kuya Ryan who informed us about the easiest way to get there. He said it's nearer as opposed to the way the local buses take - the Phitsanulok - Bang Rakam - Kamphaeng Phet route. It only took us a little less short of two hours.

Phra Roung Hot Springs according to Kuya Alex, was located a little far from the city. So when we arrived in the city center, we stopped in front of the gold shop to ask the shoplifter about the way. I'm sorry, I meant the shop owner. To our amazement though, she didn't know where it was. I thought the place was popular, how come she didn't know? "Let's go to the police station and ask the officers," Letty suggested.


But following the road sign that says "police station" seemed to be taking forever. So, we ended up asking the lady working at the computer shop near the clock tower whether she knew where the falls was. Viola! She knew where it was.


We were on the road for another 15 minutes before we finally saw the sign that says Phra Roung Hot Springs. 

 From the outside you will see chicken statues arranged nicely at the altar nearby. And because we didn't want to waste more time, Kuya Alex and I went straight to the reception. Unsurprisingly, Joy, Letty, Chang-Chang and Loureese were already having moments with the nicely trimmed garden. They were taking selfies like there's no tomorrow.


Anyway, the place reminded me of Burnham Park in Baguio, Philippines. They also have this mini lake similar to Baguio with swan and other cartoon character boats that you can rent for just 20 baht. You can use these boats indefinitely as long as you can stand the heat of the sun, and if you won't get tired of foot-paddling the thing. They also have this area where visitors can submerge their feet to the water while having a picnic at the side. It was so relaxing. 

The area was dedicated for foot relaxing only. But since we want to bath and submerge our entire body under water, we rented a private hut.


The hut with a Jacuzzi inside was good for five people. It wasn't big but enough for us to walk freely and nicely without bumping at each other. There was this literal burning sensation the first time we descend below the surface. Of course, it was hot spring, you id**t! And because my entire self was having a moment with the hot water, my eyes were all but sleepy in minutes.

For the record, the five spots of the hot spring naturally took place from under the ground. The temperature is approximately 50-65°C. From a test of the Ministry of Public Health, there is neither contamination nor diseases, which are too harmful in accordance with the standard.


 Once again, if you are looking for a place to relax and you chanced upon Kamphaeng Phet province, try Phra Roung Hot Springs. The area has a touch of nature with flowers of different colors along the path. They also offer a room for those who want to stay for a night. They have coffee shop on the side and a mini store next to it. 

 And the price? Only 60 baht for the hut and an additional 30 baht per person if you're gonna take a bath. Very cheap. It won't make your pocket sad. 
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Dream World Amusement Park: Bangkok's Version of Disneyland

Dream World is a huge amusement park outside Bangkok considered by locals as Thailand's version of Disneyland. It has plenty of attractions, rides, games and other activities that all ages will enjoy.

 Rides and Activities

If you're looking for rides that will pump up your blood vessels, give the large hanging roller coaster called "Sky Coaster" a go; or swing forwards and backwards aboard the "Viking,"a swinging boat inspired by the, well, Vikings. There is also the "Hurricane" which somersaults over 20 meters or so above the ground, and the "Flying Carpet which propels you into the air and back towards the ground. 

Small children have their own rides as well. Let them test the speed of the racing cars, see the park aboard a train or in a vintage car, splash and bump with other motorized bump boats, or let them learn and sail on their own in an Indian boat.

 Other notable rides/activities are as follows:

 Snow Town - ride a sleigh, build your own version of Olaf, Elsa's snowman in the movie Frozen, throw snow balls at each other, or be part of a 4D adventure movie with amazing effects. 

 Haunted Mansion - It is where supernaturals such as Dracula and Frankenstein live. If you want to get a huge scare, then by all means go. 

 Hollywood Action Show - Watch the team of SWAT operatives fight thugs as if you're watching a movie being shot.

There are a lot more but for me, I really like the "Grand Canyon." It's another ride where you will raft down the water rapids. You'll experience a lot of bumps sometimes with other rafters and will leave you wet as the water splashes all over. I also like riding in a cable car as it gives a good view of the entirety of the park. Everything seems quite peaceful from above.

As for food, well, food stalls are everywhere as well as several restaurants that serve both Thai and Western food, including a KFC.

 Dream World Admission Fee

 Prices vary but just like most attractions in Thailand, Dream World charges foreigners higher than the locals. Expect to pay 1,000 baht or more for a full package which includes transfer, entrance fee, lunch and entry into Snow Town. Other tour companies offer package deals which includes most of the rides mentioned for a much cheaper amount.

 How to get to Dream World

 Dream World Amusement Park is located at 62 Moo 1, Rangsit-Ongkarak Road, Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani. See the map below.

 You can either go there by your car or take a public transport. But if you want a convenient way especially if you're travelling with small kids, I suggest you purchase a package which include hotel transfer, entrance tickets and lunch.
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