Kanchanaburi - The HIDDEN THAILAND Only Locals Know About !

Kanchanaburi is a beautiful part of Thailand famous for the bridge on the river Kwai but there’s so much more to it that most tourists never see.
In this Thailand travel vlog I visit the stunning Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park, know to locals as Tham Lod after the caves at the top and the bottom of the trail.
This hike is simply stunning but the National Park is rarely visited by tourists. Find out what they have been missing. I also take a drive around the Sri Nakharin reservoir through an area that is still the home of wild elephants and tigers
I have traveled extensively in Thailand for 35 years and have discovered many beautiful places that are virtually unknown by all but locals and my mission is to show them all to you.
Here's my new website www.meetmeinthailand.com/
www.buymeacoffee.com/76srydp5bd8
#thailand #thailandhdr #kanchanaburi

[@JBWanders73]

BRILLIANT video Karl... it is an extraordinary place and doable by anyone with the will to. We still have to find that route to the top of the cave mate. I like this new style of video a lot! Shame we didn't film the grumpy ferry lady lol

[@karlsthailand]

It’s a real hidden gem. IMO it’s biggest problem as regards attracting foreign tourists is that none of us can say let alone remember it’s correct name lol. Hard to recommend a place who’s name you can’t remember. Happy that you like the new editing style, it’s great to know all those re-takes from different angles might have actually achieved something. Yes, if we had got her on video it would have added an element to the story, as it was I didn’t consider that part worth telling, especially as we did get to the destination eventually anyway

[@mariettathornton5924]

Wonderful video Karl!!! You keep making us add more of Thailand in our bucket list:))) Thanks for sharing 😊

[@karlsthailand]

My pleasure Marietta. Don’t miss out on Pha Hee when you get the chance

[@TheEyesofOwen]

Another cracking walk. I think you have hit on a fantastic opportunity to show people how beautiful Thailand is

[@karlsthailand]

That place is a great hike, not too long and with a reward at the end. If you can make it up those mountains in the Lake District it would be a doddle. If you have the time to visit Kanchanaburi while you’re here give me a shout, if I’m free I might be able to show you

[@MrSimonj1970]

What a place! Very nicely shot as ever, thanks Karl.

[@karlsthailand]

My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it and thanks

[@andrewmcneill4107]

Karl, without doubt you are the BEST Thailand blogger out there today.

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks Andrew, I see that as a great compliment

[@ervinslens]

Absolutely gorgeous presentation my friend, shots and composition are breathtaking! 🔥🔥

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it Ervinslens

[@Ivan-cm6bz]

Thats a stunning setting and a great vid. I am a keen hiker myself, usually go to Iceland each year. I will be doing this 100%, when in Kanchanaburi. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@karlsthailand]

Go for it! If you’re in Kanchanaburi Province then make sure you check out a couple of my recent videos. Khao Chang Phueak and Khao San Nok Wua take a little planning and involve an overnighter on the mountains (organised and with basic facilities but are both spectacular

[@hjqbcb11]

Just gorgeous. This one is definitely on the bucket list.

[@karlsthailand]

Well worth the trip if you enjoy a good hike with a reward at the end Deborah. Thanks

[@Superjet701]

Another great video, thanks Pal..

[@karlsthailand]

My pleasure PP

[@SmokeDef]

That's a stunningly scenic hiking route. I'm fascinated by the terraced rock you showed early into the hike. It looks like a formation I only ever associated with hot springs, I've never seen it at such a scale.

[@karlsthailand]

It’s totally otherworldly in places, especially when the suns shining, it really brings out the contrasting colours. I think a geologist could spend half a lifetime studying the place

[@shanexxx]

Karl always brings smile to Thai ladies: Just by speaking Thai to them. Awesome skills.

[@karlsthailand]

It usually works but not always lol. Thanks

[@jasonlittle3000]

Magical place what a nice hike your so lucky Karl looking forward to more cheers.

[@karlsthailand]

It’s a great little hike Jason that’s for sure. Thanks

[@marcusbww]

I’m always amazed at how savage the sun and jungle is on man made structures in Thailand. Some of those stair cases look terrifying. Amazing water falls.

[@karlsthailand]

Yes, some of those staircases can be pretty precarious Marcus and need constant maintenance.

[@taxitoloei2055]

Thanks for showing us another spectacular place and enjoyable hike, added to list of places I want to visit. Had no clue that was there. Did you see any other cave drawings or is there any info on that? - no doubt a great place to live in Stone Age times 😊

[@karlsthailand]

My pleasure TTL, you know that’s something I have noticed that ancient civilisations were drawn to the same places that we are today, natural beauty is timeless it seems. There’s no real information we could find about the ancient mural and we we aren’t aware of any others there though we did a vlog about 6 months ago we’re we climbed a mountain to see a cave with many ancient paintings. If you haven’t already please check out Jimmy’s channel “JB Wanders” as he has a particular interest in this type of art both ancient and modern

[@MarkSantaCruz]

Nine kilometres of pure beauty there, Karl. From your first step until your last there was something magical to see. And then you go and find another great spot on a lovely drive home. Wonderful.

[@karlsthailand]

Cheers Mark, it’s a genuine hidden gem. Actually we weren’t heading home after, we went on to visit another few places which we vlogged…out soon. We also met up with Wan, the guy featured in recent vlog who was ambushed by 3 wild tigers while grazing his cattle

[@MarkSantaCruz]

@@karlsthailand You are busy. I look forward to the next one, and I hope Wan is doing well

[@karlsthailand]

He was fine when we met Mark, video out soon

[@scottymac101]

Loved this Vid. You're definitely right it's better than Erawan even reminded me of Phraya Nakhon Cave.

[@karlsthailand]

Phraya Nakhon is unique in a way but there are definitely some similarities with the ‘cave’ at the top of this hike (the hole in the roof). I’m not so sure it’s fair to compare it to Erawan although they aren’t too far away from each other, it isn’t swamped with tourists like Erawan. In my next video from this trip we do go to somewhere that is a better comparison to Erawan. Thanks for your comment Scotty

[@ragga_muffin_84]

Wicked!! I’m Thailand/Kanchanburi bound January 2nd, definitely going to do this.

[@karlsthailand]

Excellent, keep an eye on both my past and future videos as I have quite a few from Kanchanaburi Province and a few more coming up very soon. Thanks

[@DaystateFox]

Great vlog Karl 👍

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks for everything Daystate Fox, glad you enjoyed the vlog

[@markp5056]

Awesome video Karl, def on my list for December trip! We 'll have the mother in law with us but she smashed Erawan in Sept so is this on the same level? Looks amazing. Ps. Great new website BTW. 👍

[@karlsthailand]

I believe that the path at Erawan is now concrete all the way? I haven’t been for a few years now. I would say that this one is a little harder tbh. with some of the stairways leaving a little to be desired in theory you could do the cave at the bottom, walk along the forest trail and then skip the stairway up and then drive around to the newly paved back way in by the monastery to see the hollow cave at the top but that would involve quite a detour and be more work than it’s worth

[@markp5056]

@@karlsthailand thanks Karl. Its when I seen the women in Sandals and the young lad in his climbing Sliders... made me think lol

[@karlsthailand]

It’s hard for me to say Mark because I don’t know her and her fitness level. I’d say if you’re not fit the section with stairs would be tough but if you take your time with plenty of rest stops perhaps it will be fine, you can always just turn back if it’s too hard for her. There’s a 2 kilometre hike before you even start going uphill

[@markp5056]

@@karlsthailand thank you Karl

[@TheKaMeLRo]

Kanchanaburi is my hometown, I wish to comeback to explore more, this would be very spooky walking at night with flashlight.

[@karlsthailand]

There is so much to see in Kanchanaburi Province

[@gordon3063]

wow, what a great video

[@karlsthailand]

Cheers Gordon, if there’s an ounce of cinematography if you that place will bring it out

[@micahbongato7069]

Hi! Thanks for sharing this video! I remember you from Paddy's channel. Anyway, is there any chance if you know how to get there from Erawan NP? I'm planning to visit Thailand soon! 💚

[@karlsthailand]

My pleasure. Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park is very awkward to get to unless you have a vehicle. If you do hire a car or motorcycle then it’s about 80 minutes from Kanchanaburi town centre. From the National Park 2 Erawan falls is about a 2 hour drive if you head South around the reservoir and 3 hours if you head North around it. Heading North is by far the most scenic route even if it is longer but there is a ferry across the reservoir but it’s a bit unpredictable. In conclusion I would hire a vehicle.

[@christophergale9438]

Hi looks fantastic will put it on my places to go list now I live here.

[@karlsthailand]

It’s a great hike Chris

[@donniebuss6291]

Unreal!! Thanks Katl

[@karlsthailand]

Cheers Donnie

[@andersbergman7241]

Nature is awesome. Find waterfalls 👍

[@karlsthailand]

This place is the classic’hidden gem Anders

[@rOb1842]

yr pretty good in the language mate, i find it so hard to grasp... I am always impressed with my wife as she speaks and reads english very well here in Australia.

[@karlsthailand]

Cheers, yes it comes in handy speaking the lingo, it’s good that your wife took to English well

[@jenya0602]

Karl, you are perfect farang! I wish you great health, love and happiness!

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks very much. It’s nice of you to say that.

[@jamesanglin3032]

Very surreal place Karl. They need to turn that Monk and his volunteers lose on the Bridges and stairs though!!! Thanks again for the sights... Jim

[@karlsthailand]

It's just like entering a "Lord of the Rings" movie as you get towards the top James. I've been there many times and it's just pot luck what state of repair the stairs are on any particular visit. Maintenance is part of the ranger's duties.

[@jamesanglin3032]

Karl, is the water coming out of the Whole hill or is it from a spring at the Top??? If so, have you seen the origin... The 2 things that was too much for me was the Roar, both inside the cave(?) and outside.. I would rather have running water and peace of mind! Also, being under that canopy of rocks is a big ?.. I know it's been there forever, but those other rocks came from somewhere!!! I really hope I can meet you some day... Still in the US.... Jim

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

Superb

[@karlsthailand]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

@@karlsthailand ... your fitness and karma is very impressive !!!

[@teeravutsuwan9431]

Very nice

[@karlsthailand]

Thanks

[@jamieharrison3962]

Absolutely beautiful place 😎

[@karlsthailand]

It’s stunning isn’t it Jamie, a real hidden gem

[@r-p6278]

โห ใช้คำว่า นับไม่ถ้วน ภาษาไทยเก่งมากเลยครับ

[@karlsthailand]

ขอบคุณครับ

[@afranco316]

Is there a taxi or transport that takes you back to town from that location

[@karlsthailand]

Do you mean Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park? Tbh I am not sure but it would be a nice ride on a motorcycle hired from Kanchanaburi town centre

[@marcusbww]

Can I also ask how long it took to speak Thai. I’m trying to learn. I understand many words and phrases. Did you study, or have lessons? Do you have a natural ability? Maybe you could do a video covering this topic.

[@karlsthailand]

I learned in the late 80’s and early 90’s via book and tape cassette based courses (Linguaphone and FSI). I’ll think about a video with some general advice on learning Thai in the future

[@gregoryfrancisjames5071]

I have seen plenty of Urban monkeys in Thailand but never out in the real countryside. Your thoughts please Karl.

[@karlsthailand]

I’ve seen them sometimes deep in the jungle and many times on roads that go through true forest which means that they live there. They are of course much more noticeable when they are in urban populations in places like Temples, and they’re also likely to be not as shy of people. Actually I have found that the same applies to snakes, I see them much more often near human habitation than in the forest, some say it’s because human habitation attracts rats and things that they might eat but also they can be a lot harder to spot in forest

[@gregoryfrancisjames5071]

Thanks karl.

[@kickkapu7621]

เคยไปที่นี่เดินไม่เคยถึงจุดหมายสักที555 เหนื่อยเกิน

[@karlsthailand]

ไม่เป็นไรครับ ไปถึงเที่ยวหน้าก็ได้