Hi everyone, since our last post we've left Bangkok and travelled to Kanchanaburi.

We had an early start Thurs to get here (well one of us did!) Gavin decided to lay in until the last possible moment before getting up. No change there! Our train from Bangkok left from Thonburi Station at 7.45 a.m. - the problem was getting there, we had to catch the first Sky Train of the day to get to the Chao Phraya River Express up to the Thonburi pier, then a short walk with some heavy backpacks to find the train station. We then had a two and half hour journey to reach Kanchanaburi on some very hard wooden seats in 3rd class. It was a nice journey as we got to see Thailand's countryside.

We finally arrived around 11 o'clock and our first job was to find somewhere to stay for the next two nights. We managed to find somewhere easily as its the low season and we've got the River Kwai outside our door.

After checking in and having a bite to eat we hired some bikes (Gavin's was a pink one!) and set off to have a look round the town. First stop was the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre where we learnt about the history of the Death Railway and the Bridge over the River Kwai. This was very interesting but also very disturbing to see how the Japanese treated the Prisoners of War during the building of the railway. From here we crossed the road and visited the Chinese POW Cemetery, which was dedicated to those who died during the bridge's construction, most of whom were younger than us.

We then jumped back on the bikes and headed to the bridge itself. We took a walk across the bridge which was scary because there wasn't much under foot and even less when you had to walk pass someone in the opposite direction. In the evening we headed to the local night market where we walked around taking in the atmosphere and seeing what goods were for sale.

We had another early start the next day to catch the first bus to Erawan National Park to visit the seven tiered waterfall. The journey took around one and a half hours and when we arrived the admission fee was double what we thought, but we were soon to find out it was well worth it. We were able to trek all the way to the top of the 2.2km waterfall seeing some amazing sights and taking some great photos. The trek itself was 4km's each way over rocks, tree roots, bridges, and up & down ladders and steps. Our reward at the top however was to take a swim in the top waterfall pool. This was was cool and refreshing after the long trek up. There were fish in here that would nibble at your feet and legs if you stood still for long enough. We had a few slips and trips on our way up & down with one particular slip seeing Gavin fall off a rock into the water below in his new white trainers! That evening we ate dinner at the hostel and followed it with a few beers laughing at Gavins trip.

We're about to head back to Bangkok where we're catching a 12hr sleeper train up to Chiang Mai so next time you hear from us we'll be in the northern part of the country.

Hope your all well

Helen & Gavin