Cambodia - Phnom Penh

I like Phnom Penh. In the area around Wat Phnom, there are still several buildings in short distance from each other that showcase the architectural splendor the French colonial masters once provided.

Head office of the Cambodian postal service

Despite the increasingly jam-packed traffic, the pace is still relatively sedate. Based on my personal experience, the relative chaos lends itself best to either getting around as a pedestrian or by renting a motorcycle.

Motorcycle taxis (with two or three wheels) are inexpensive alternatives to the less adventurous visitor. One has to be more adventurous than me to try out the local snacks, which are for sale in the markets and by street vendors.

Fried snacks

Laos - Bajieng Resort

In Champassak province, the heights of the Bolaven Plateau are just east of the Mekong River. The area has numerous waterfalls and coffee plantations.

Green coffee beans

There is also a “cultural theme park”, which has become a hit among Thais traveling on guided tours. If you happen to be in the neighborhood, it is worth a visit.

The “cultural theme park” is actually named Bajieng Resort. The resort opened in December 2003. A Thai national, Wimol Kijbamrung, had worked hard for five years to turn a large undeveloped tract of land into a resort with nature and culture as the its underlying themes. However, one week after the official opening, Khun Wimol came down with a serious bout of malaria and lost his eyesight.

Tad Pha Suam Waterfall

Inside the resort area, there is a stunning waterfall (Tad Pha Suam) with a couple of bridges crossing the river downstream thus creating good spots for taking photos. “Original” houses from different tribes have been erected plus people have been hired to dress up in “original” ethnic outfits, play instruments, play children’s games, weave or whatever so as to create an impression of being in a real rural village. 

It is of course fake, but it seems less fake, less commercial than what can be experienced at assorted hill tribe (long-neck etc) villages in Thailand. The park’s restaurants are quite good and since part of the revenues supposedly goes to support local tribes, one should accept the falseness and consider it “edutainment”. 

Sabaidee

Thailand - SCUBA

http://tinamue.blogspot.com/2012/10/thailand-off-deep-end.html

There is a normally unseen world beneath the ocean’s surface. There are many companies offering trips and certification in diving with Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) equipment. If you have time and loves the sea, diving is definitely a hobby you should consider taking up.

Don't get too close or I'll bite

Underwater photography can relay the sights that can be had, but diving is an activity that involves all senses (except maybe smelling) and is an exciting and rewarding experience. 

Can you see me?

Moreover, speaking from personal experience, it is an activity that is much more relaxing and overall better in tropical waters than in colder climates.

Kanchanaburi - Sangkhlaburi

My earlier blog was a bit short on appreciation of Sangkhlaburi.

http://tinamue.blogspot.com/2010/03/kanchanaburi-off-beaten-track.html

The Three Pagoda Pass was a great disappointment, and that dominated my impression. A return visit has, however, confirmed that the town of Sangkhlaburi is charming. It is located on the edge of a reservoir (Vajiralongkorn Lake) at the end of a long and winding road that offers impressive views. Although "only" 225 km from Bangkok (same distance from Bangkok as Hua Hin is) the geography and topography ensure that the journey takes around 4-5 hours as opposed to the less than three hours it takes to reach Hua Hin.

The lake is a reservoir that was created when a dam was built, submerging most of the original Sangkhlaburi village back in 1982. The village and the villagers were moved to higher grounds and that is the Sangkhlaburi one visits today. All what can be seen of the old village today is some temple ruins. During dry season that is. Otherwise, water levels are high so that only the top of a temple wiharn and a temple tower can be seen. A boat trip on the lake to visit these ruins is a must while in Sangkhlaburi

The town is surrounded to the north and east by forest-covered limestone ranges, and the area is among the most picturesque in all of Thailand. Tiny Karen and Mon villages, caves, and plenty of waterfalls can be found.

In town, the most famous landmark is the the 400 meter long wooden bridge Saphan Mon. It is the longest handmade wooden bridge in Thailand. Be careful when crossing the bridge, as it is maintained in a chaotic manner. You need to be careful of your footing.

Ratchaburi - Suan Pheung Update

Things move ahead in Suan Pheung district

http://tinamue.blogspot.com/2013/04/ratchaburi-suan-pheung.html

Since my last visit, they have got far along in the process of expanding the road connecting the provincial capital (Ratchaburi) with the discrict "capital" (Suan Pheung). The number of resorts, coffee shops, and fake sheep farms keep increasing. Note: the sheep are not fake, but the farming is - the sheep are there to allow Bangkokians to come in close contact with cute "nature".

When I visited, the hot spring was crowded with people from Bangkok, but Kaeng Som Maew was not. It seemed only locals were picnicking there and enjoying the rapids. However, there was some screaming when a snake decided to also take a swim in the midst of people enjoying themselves.

Kaeng Som Maew in rainy season

Another relatively undisturbed destination was a seemingly Hindu (or at least Indian) inspired temple. Instead of a Buddha statue, there was a large guy with an elephant's head.

A rather cute concept was that there were two over-sized rat statues ready to grant wishes. One had to whisper the request into one rat ear, while covering the other rat ear (to keep the wish a secret), and the rat would then consider granting the request.

Tell me your dreams

I must not have passed muster because I have not yet won in the lottery.

Ratchaburi - Khao Krajom (2)

In an earlier blog, I vowed to return to Ratchaburi and drive to the top of Khao Krajom during the rainy season.

http://tinamue.blogspot.com/2013/04/rachaburi-khao-krajom.html

As expected, what had been a walk in the park when the track was bone dry, had now become more challenging. Whereas use of 4WD was merely a recommendation during the dry season, it is a must during the rainy season. And yet, there were only two spots where one had to use the low range and had to be stubborn.

One was a stretch with deep ruts cut by rain water. The computerized traction control (limited slip differential) failed. Limited slip does obviously not mean no slip. Without manual differential locks, the wheel not touching the road spun and no power was transferred to the wheels touching the ground. It took several attempts to find a route up the ascent where the worst ruts were avoided and forward (upward) motion maintained.

The second problem was the very steep final stretch before the peak is reached. It took 3-4 attempts before I found a route where I could gain sufficient speed and traction to power my way up the hill. Again, without manual differential locks, I had to do the climb without finesse.

But I made it to the top.

Khao Krajom - View towards Burma

Kanchanaburi - Huay Mae Kamin Waterfall

There are too many waterfall in Kanchanaburi to mention them all. Some are stunning (like the Erawan falls), while others are merely interesting.

Huay Mae Kamin was a present surprise at the end of an adventurous journey

Huay Mae Kamin Waterfall Level 4

After I had to interrupt an earlier adventure due to lack of fuel

http://tinamue.blogspot.com/2010/03/kanchanaburi-off-beaten-track.html

I this time filled my tank in advance and before again attempting to drive back from Thong Pha Phum along the western fringe of the reservoir behind the Sri Nakharin dam. It worked out well and it was a nice off road experience that by coincidence brought me to the Huay Mae Kamin waterfall.

Of course, everybody else at the waterfall had come the easy way - entered the Khuean Srinagarindra National Park from the south.