Seeking serenity amidst the chaos: A weekend escape to Kanchanaburi

For those seeking a respite from the relentless hustle and bustle of city life, a weekend getaway to Kanchanaburi offers the perfect opportunity to recharge and rejuvenate. Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes, Kanchanaburi provides a tranquil haven where one can unwind on floating houses, soak in the soothing waters of a jacuzzi, and sip refreshing beverages while admiring the breathtaking vistas of sprawling waterways and majestic mountains. This idyllic escape promises a complete rejuvenation, leaving you fully energized and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

DAY 1

Our journey began at Don Mueang Airport, where we opted for a rental car from ThaiRent A Car, booked through the website MamyBooking.com. This travel agency offers tour and car rental bookings at prices lower than direct bookings, along with additional promotional discount codes.

The journey from Don Mueang Airport to Raya Buri Resort, our accommodation for this trip, took approximately 4 hours, including a stopover for rest.

Raya Buri Resort is located at the Srinakarin Dam, offering accommodation options on both land at the foot of the mountain and floating houses on the dam's water.

Our accommodation is a luxurious "Raya Island Jacuzzi Suite," a brand-new room at the hotel that boasts elegant decor, spaciousness, and a full range of amenities.

The room is decorated with white and blue furniture and walls, and is divided into three sections. The first section is a bedroom and living room, with a large bed in the center of the room.

The bed, pillows, and bolster are very soft. The bedside lamp creates a warm atmosphere.

The side of the bed has a long sofa for sitting and relaxing.

From the bed, one can gaze through a large glass window onto the balcony, offering a breathtaking view of the water and mountains.

The exterior features a spacious balcony with seating for enjoying the view, as well as stairs leading down to a small bamboo raft for experiencing the water.

Our room is located at the easternmost end, offering an unobstructed view of the vast expanse of water and distant mountains.

The balcony features a spacious open-air jacuzzi with privacy curtains.

Soak and massage your body in warm water, gazing out at the tranquil expanse of water. Pure bliss.

The bathroom has a door that leads to the balcony.

A selection of showerheads is available, including both standard and rain shower options.

The bathroom is divided into three sections: a shower room, a toilet room, and a dressing room with a sink.

A snack and beverage bar is available, offering tea, coffee, Ovaltine, a coffee machine, and a kettle.

The restroom is located at the far end, near the exit door.

The hotel boasts a waterfront dining room offering panoramic views of the water.

The restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious dishes, including the highly recommended pineapple fried rice.

The prices are reasonable, averaging around a few hundred baht.

DAY 2

The morning air is refreshingly cool, with a gentle breeze blowing constantly.

The intermittent rain showers enhance the atmosphere with the scent of petrichor.

The breakfast room is located in the same area as the dinner room and offers a buffet with both Thai and Western cuisine.

The highlight is the piping hot rice porridge served with a variety of delicious side dishes.

The hotel offers a variety of water activities, including paddle boating, kayaking, and scenic raft rides.

There are both large group rafts and small private rafts available, accommodating approximately 10 people.

The ideal time for bamboo rafting is in the morning and evening. Food and beverages can be ordered and enjoyed on the raft.

After a satisfying cruise, we returned to soak in the jacuzzi before checking out. Raya Buri Resort is another hotel in Srinakarin Dam with stunning views, a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful and comfortable rooms, and impressive service. It's perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city and recharging your batteries. We highly recommend experiencing it for yourself.

Our next stop before returning to Bangkok was Mallika R.E. 124, a historical city that recreates the lifestyle of Siamese people living in the Chao Phraya River basin during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V).

Open Daily: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Admission Fee:

  • Adults: 650 Baht/person (includes entrance, lunch buffet, and Thai costume rental)
  • Separate options: Entrance only, lunch buffet only, or bring your own Thai costume

Note: Prices may vary, please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

A wide variety of sizes and colors are available for women's costumes. There are two options: a pha sabai and a ham hock sleeve shirt, both with a sash, jong kraben, accessories, a belt, and an umbrella.

Men have two options: a "Kueh Heng" shirt with a "Chong Kaben" and a waistband, or a "Rachapattana" shirt with a "Chong Kaben".

With your outfit ready, step through the city gate and embark on a journey back in time.

At the city gate, visitors can find rickshaws or "jek" carts, pulled by humans, to take them directly to the heart of the city. Alternatively, these carts can also be used as props for photographs.

To purchase food and souvenirs within the park, visitors must use "Ru" (simulated currency) which was the currency used during the Ayutthaya and Sukhothai periods. It serves as a medium of exchange for goods and services in Mallika City. The exchange rate for Ru is 1 satang = 5 baht. Visitors can exchange currency at the ticket booth.

The first landmark after passing through the city gate is the (replica) Saphan Han, modeled after the Rialto Bridge in Venice and the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy.

The bridge is a wide, curved wooden structure with small shops lining both sides. The center of the bridge serves as a walkway.

Crossing the bridge, you will arrive at Phraeng Nara Road, a renowned commercial district in the reign of King Rama V (1868-1910).

There are a wide variety of goods available for purchase as souvenirs or gifts.

Freshly baked traditional Thai sweets are available for your enjoyment.

Demonstrating the process step-by-step for clear understanding.

A diverse selection of sweet and savory dishes awaits your palate.

This restaurant's Pad Thai is delicious, and the water served in a traditional Thai clay pot is refreshingly cool.

The commercial district is the most bustling area of the city, filled with vendors and customers waiting in line to purchase food.

Freshly baked crispy dumplings and vibrant purple flowers.

No need to worry if you run out of money while shopping, as there is a bank inside where you can exchange currency at any time.

Nestled within a row of small shophouses in the bustling Yaowarat district lies the hidden shrine of the Goddess of the Ruby, offering a sanctuary for devotees seeking auspicious blessings.

From the commercial district, you can walk across the bridge to the "Reuan Mu," a traditional Thai house used to welcome guests in the past. On the house, there will be a performance of Thai classical dance and a buffet of ancient Thai food. Dinner is served from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

The lower part of the pavilion offers a buffet lunch service from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Featuring a wide variety of savory and sweet dishes, as well as traditional Thai herbal beverages, the menu boasts an impressive 18 options to satisfy every palate.

These dishes represent traditional flavors and preparation methods that are becoming increasingly rare to find today. Examples include stir-fried pork with fermented soybeans, stewed jackfruit with coconut milk and spices, spicy curry with minced pork and shrimp paste, palm heart jam, "forget-to-swallow" sweet sticky rice cake, "bird's nest" crispy rice cracker, and Ma Hor steamed buns.

After trying the food, I can confidently say that it was delicious. Many of the dishes were new to me, and I was very impressed with the flavors.

After lunch, we continued our walk to explore the rest of the city. Behind us was the City Model Observation Tower, located in the center of the city. In the past, it was used as a watchtower to prevent prisoners from escaping. Visitors can climb the tower to enjoy a bird's-eye view of Mallika City.

The next point of interest is the floating pavilion in the middle of the water. There is a restaurant on the pavilion and a floating market where goods are sold from paddle boats.

The next stop is the mansion, which was a residence for wealthy people or those of high status in the past.

Exhibition of Furniture, Palm Leaf Crafts, Floral Arrangements, Hanging Decorations, and Fruit Carvings.


The final point of interest is located at the rear of the city and is the kitchen complex. This complex includes a rice mill, granary, and preparation area, showcasing the processes of winnowing, milling, and pounding rice.

The highlight of this point is the two white buffalo calves who are eagerly enjoying their mashed plant-based food.

Many adorable and cuddly cats and dogs were playing around.

Mallika City successfully recreates the atmosphere of a town in the year 1881. Every location has a story and origin that aligns perfectly with the era. Dressing up to match the atmosphere further enhances the immersive experience, making it a must-visit destination.

This is our two-day, one-night trip to Kanchanaburi, where we enjoyed a relaxing getaway surrounded by nature. We stayed in a floating raft house, soaked in a jacuzzi overlooking the water and mountains, and dressed in traditional Thai attire to explore the Mallika R.E. 124, a historical park recreating the atmosphere of the Rattanakosin era. This trip made our weekend more meaningful and created lasting memories.

Cost details are as follows:

1. Toyota Vios car rental fee 1,000 baht/day (2 days)

ThaiRent A Car rental cars, booked through the website Mamybooking.com, an agency website for booking tour trips and rental cars, at a price cheaper than booking directly, with additional discount code promotions. The booking steps are as follows:

1.1 Accessing Mamybooking.com for Car Rentals

  1. Visit the Mamybooking.com website.
  2. Select the "Car Rentals" menu.
  3. Choose your desired pick-up and drop-off locations.
  4. Specify the date and time for both pick-up and drop-off.
  5. Click the "Search" button to proceed.

1.2 System Features

The system displays a comprehensive list of vehicles from three different companies, sorted by model and price. Detailed information about each vehicle is provided, allowing users to select a car that fits their budget and preferences. By clicking the "Book Now" button, users can choose their desired vehicle and proceed to enter their personal information and complete the payment process directly on the website. This convenient and secure platform ensures users receive the best possible price for their chosen vehicle.

2. The fuel cost is approximately 500 baht.

3. Accommodation fee at Rayaburi Resort for 1 night in a Raya Island Jacuzzi Suite: 7,500 Baht/night (promotional price)

Contact Information

  • Website: Rayaburiresort.com, Theblueskyresort.com
  • Facebook: Rayaburi

- Phone: (+66) 2316-3577, (+66) 2317-1274, (+66) 96-356-2945

4. Entrance fee to Mallika R.E. 124 + Lunch (buffet) + Thai costume for adults 650 Baht/person

Contact Information

- Website: Mallika124.com

- Tel: 034 540884-86

5. Food and other expenses: As desired.

Total expenses for 2 days and 1 night: 11,300 baht, or 5,650 baht per person.

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