Road trip: Kanchanaburi and beyond

[buksida]

Clear skies greeted us on Independence Day and the ride north looked promising, it was time for some of our own emancipation and a few days on the road – destination Kanchanaburi. We picked up another rider in Cha-am, downed a quick coffee, consulted GPS units and set out, trying to avoid Petchkasem Road wherever possible.

The avoidance didn't last long as the GPS sent us into dirt track territory pretty quickly. A shrug of the shoulders and sheepish grin from the ninja navigator, and we were back on route 4. First stop was at Ratchaburi, and then it was on to the dreaded traffic light laden 323 west towards Kan. Grey threatening clouds were hanging low in the sky and we just wanted to get there and crack open a cold one so we motored on.

The 323 is the main route from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi so naturally we were tousling with lunatics in minivans driving like it was their last day on Earth. Clearly efforts to slow them down or reduce minivan accidents have been totally futile.

We rolled in early afternoon and checked in at a guesthouse (Tamarind) right on the river at the bargain price of 350 baht per night. It had been a fair few years since I'd been to Kanchanaburi and the development on the river-front road was astounding. Bars, restaurants, hotels, tour agents, bike shops, Tesco stores, 7-Elevens, and hordes of backpackers now populated what was once a quiet little strip. This place is busy all year round.

We ate most of the time at the neighbouring Jolly Frog, a mecca for Lonely Planet toting backpackers. The food was some of the best and cheapest I've had in Thailand, rock bottom prices, huge selection, and good service – a very professional setup.

It was time to explore the hinterlands so we headed out towards the Bridge for the token photos then northwest towards Sai Yok. This time we did avoid the 323 and took the back roads through some stunning scenery; 360 degree rolling hills, winding rivers, and rich agricultural farmlands. We eventually found the road that was to link up with the Myanmar border and new road to the Dawei deep water port. Unfortunately it was still being constructed so turned into a sandstorm every time some loon in a pickup went past at 110kph.

Arrival at the GH.

Token Bridge shot.

Postcard lady was more reliable for directions than Garmin ...

On the Bridge.

About to get hit by the tourist train

Roadside shed pit stop.

The future road to Burma.

More to follow ...

[PeteC]

Who was the 'we", the same group of forum members from previous trips? Pete

[ste860]

whats the blue bike is it a r1, looks like a good couple of days ,wish i was there

[buksida]

Yes, same riders that went on the Burapa trip, plus one non forum member.

The blue beastie is a Yamaha Fazer 1000 ... on with the TR:

We were aiming for the border crossing to see if we could get over. After a few wrong turns, and a few nice twisties we started the climb into the hills and through tiny border villages. Dark heavy clouds shrouded the hills and I knew rain was on the way. We finally reached what we presumed was the border and the road simply ceased to be and turned into a dirt track, I wasn’t expecting Tijuana but at least a little more activity than at this scenic little spot.

The return to Kanchanaburi was a wet one, no matter what gear you have on, the ride no longer remains fun when your luv spuds get wet!

The next couple of days were spent cruising about, relaxing by the river, and sampling the nightlife. Unlike Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi doesn’t seem to have any enforced closing times or extorting cops so you can literally party all night long. There were a few good music bars such as the Reggae Bar and an old country and western type place. Drinks were significantly cheaper than in Hua Hin (half the price at some places), as was food and accommodation – probably because it is more of a backpacker town, don't think I've seen as many young pretty western women since I left Oz!

The return ride took us down the back roads and through the lowlands, cutting the corner and depositing us in Ratchaburi. From there it was a short blast, avoiding the tailgating idiots in Fortunas, down Petchkasem Road to Petchaburi where we turned off and took the very scenic coastal road to Cha-am. The sky was again forming into a foreboding gunboat-metal grey and the roads wet so we decided on a night there before making the journey south the following day.

Straight on or hang a right?

Rich farmlands.

Running from the rain.

Village on the road to Burma.

End of the road - Burma at the top of the hill.

Tijuana on the border.

Final pics to follow ...

[Bernard]

Great report and pictures as usual Buksida. Thank you

[buksida]

Disco barges!

Kanchanaburi is well worth a trip, only 3 hours from Hua Hin (if you don’t bugger about with GPS units and stop for coffee every hour), it feels a lot more laid back and wins hands down on price and scenery. Get up there!

Recommended:
Tamarind Guesthouse
Jolly Frog
Aussie Rules Bar
Reggae Bar
Ducati Shisha Bar (don't know the real name of this one but there is an immaculate Ducati parked inside)
Cha-am Aussie Pub

The full report and photos can be found here: http://www.ontheroadasia.com/kanchanaburi.php

[Ginjaninja]

Great report and pictures as usual Buksida. Thank you

I recon the Garmin was functioning just fine... probably more to do with operator malfunction...
There are some YouTube videos to be posted but with several hours of footage; don't hold your breath for them.

GN.

P.S. Although a fair few KMs were covered on the trip I recon a disproportionate amount of litres was injected (and not gasohol).

[migrant]

Great pics and info thanks!!