After exploring Hua Hin, our journey took us northward as we ventured onto the lesser-traveled roads to the west of Bangkok. Our itinerary included must-see attractions like Phra Nakhon Khiri and the lesser-known Tiger Cave Temple, along with iconic landmarks like the Bridge over the River Kwai. We also made sure to visit an Elephant Farm as part of our road trip adventure. But our adventure didn’t stop there – we were fortunate enough to immerse ourselves in the natural splendor of several breathtaking national parks: Erawan National Park and Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park.
We’ve taken many pictures & made a series for each chapter below. If you click on a picture you can see the full picture & scroll through the other pictures. At the bottom of this blog we’ve included the “on the road” pictures
Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park
Driving north from Hua Hin, we made a short stop at this park. The park is rather small, but the limestone hills are an iconic view in Thailand.
Phra Nakhon Khiri (Khao Wang)
Khao Wang (Palace Hill), an enchanting masterpiece perched atop a lush 92-meter high hill in Phetchaburi, was meticulously constructed under the royal command of King Rama IV. Completed in 1860, this splendid summer palace showcases a harmonious fusion of Thai, neoclassical Western, and Chinese architectural styles. The compound boasts regal halls, palaces, temples, and other elegant structures, each a testament to exquisite craftsmanship. As you explore, the air is filled with classical melodies, serenading both visitors and the mischievous monkeys who occasionally get excited by Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.
Khao Luang Cave
The cave temple is relatively young, having been constructed approximately a century ago during the rule of King Chulalongkorn. His intention was to create a temple atop Khao Luang Peak as a tribute to King Mongkut, who had previously explored the Tham Khao Luang Cave. King Chulalongkorn was captivated by the cave’s abundance of stalactites and stalagmites, finding them truly fascinating.
Tiger Cave Temple. Kanchanaburi
We were astonished by Wat Tham Suea, the Tiger Cave Temple! It’s not in our tourist guides, which means you’ll mainly see Thai visitors. Inside the cave, you’ll find the impressive Tiger Buddha. But the real showstoppers are the colorful hilltop buildings and the breathtaking view. Absolutely worth it!
Bridge on the river Kwai
This bridge is now still known because of the Hollywood film made in 1957. In the film the construction of the bridge as part of the Birma-Siam railway connection, shows the cruelties of World War 2 in Asia. The publicity of the film gave the village a major tourist promotion.
Taweechi Elephant Camp
In Thai society elephants have played a substantial role in manual labour, war & royal iconography. For thousands of years, elephants were captured and trained to be a form of transport and heavy labour. Nowadays domesticated elephants are no longer used for heavy labour. Thailand now has many farms where elephants are kept & bred, partly as a tourist attraction & partly to conserve the endangered species. When we arrived at the farm there was a big group of tourists. When they had left, we saw how much the keepers loved their elephants.
Erawan National Park
The major attraction of the park is the 7-levels Erawan Falls with emerald green ponds. That’s the official story. But the Falls have so many more levels. Number 7 was used referring to the 7 paths to enlightenment in Buddhism. The falls are fantastic & one can swim in the ponds (life jacket is compulsory, on some days the river can get dangerous because of the currents).
Huai Krachao (mineral water fountain)
When driving we passed by this fountain just next to the road. Turned out that to support the local community this fountain was made, releasing the mineral water that’s below the surface. One can taste it for free & buy bottles to support the community.
Wat Lamhoei Samakeetham
Driving north on road 3086, we passed this gem of a Buddhist temple next to a local school. It’s just a local temple, doesn’t make it in art books, but the beauty of it struck us.
Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park
This National Park offers a walk through a cave of around 700 meter. Fantastic colors, stalactites & stalagmites. We saw as well some friendly sleeping wildlife in the cave.
On the road
Last days we’ve tried to take the smaller roads. When preparing the day, we said often to each other, “Let’s stop there, I don’t think it will be anything special, but let’s go there anyway”. Every time we were surprised, how great this lesser known side of Thailand is. Top of the bill was a concert of a Thai Rock Band in the hotel Janthara Villa Resort.
