Muang Sing Historical Park & Lawa Cave, Kanchanaburi.

[Swamp Thing]

As the weather has become more reliably dry, I decided to take a trip over to Kanchanaburi. (From Pattaya).

On my to-do list was a visit to the Muang Sing Historical Park.

I very much enjoyed the ride en route to the park, very scenic.

[Swamp Thing]

On arrival at the park, I was given a quite detailed pamphlet, (in English), with descriptions of what could be seen on my visit.

I thought I would add to this by paying a visit to the museum close to the parking space.

This is a statue of the Radiating Bodhisttva Avalokitesvara, originally found within the site of the park. (Actually, it's a replica, as were many of the statues, the originals are to be found in the National Museum in Bangkok).

The small museum is well set out, with signs in both Thai and English.

Bodhisttva Avalokitesvara.

[Swamp Thing]

The remains of the Khmer temples found within the park, built in the Bayon style, date to the Khmer kingdom in the reign of King Jayavarman VII (1180-1219).

There are four monuments inside the city wall.

This one is titled Monument No. 1.

This monument is a building complex comprising walls, gates, gallery and several buildings. The Radiating Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara statue was presumably installed in this building.

The entire building is free-standing, with no cement used. (As are all the monuments, though this is the best preserved).

It was very interesting to walk through the monument, to get a feel for the history.

[Swamp Thing]

The original path leading to the monument

A wider view of the monument.

[Swamp Thing]

This is a wonderful park to visit, I would say it is one of the best places I have visited in Thailand.

It has a great sense of history, is well maintained and I very much enjoyed wandering around imagining what it would have been like as a bustling complex in it's heyday.

I also had the opportunity to walk through some woodland, which is another thing I enjoy.

And enjoy this view of the River Kwae Noi.

[Swamp Thing]

On the way back to Kanchanaburi from the park, I went to the Ban Kao national Museum.

It consisted of five rooms containing case after case of pottery and metal tools, which are interesting, but totally without signage in Thai or English. Apparently, all the objects date from a prehistoric settlement in Ban Kao about 4,000 years ago.

Two of the rooms also had these interesting objects.

These did have a sign, in English, which said that in 1960-61 a joint Thai-Danish prehistoric expedition team found these objects in caves located along the Kwae Noi and Kwae Yai rivers in Kanchanaburi province.

Whether they are boats or coffins is undecided and they remain undated.

[Swamp Thing]

Another lovely view from the 3229 heading toward Kanchanaburi.

[Swamp Thing]

The following day, I decided to pay a visit to Lawa Cave.

The road to the cave was nicely unbusy.

A river view on the way.

I really enjoyed the ride to the cave. It was very scenic and so quiet. I stopped several times just to enjoy the sounds of nature and the fresh air.

[Swamp Thing]

This was a new experience for me.

I have been in caves before, but not caves with this depth or detail.

I found these mineral deposits very interesting.

I arrived at section 5 of the cave complex, then found a low chain fence blocking my route to sections 6 and 7. I could have stepped over it and carried on, but as getting lost in a cave wasn't on my to-do list, I decide to turn back.

I was glad I took my torch, as it allowed me to see into the deeper recesses of the cave.

It was a very enjoyable experience I shall never forget.

[Swamp Thing]

And so back to Kanchanaburi and the next day, back home.

I think Kanchanaburi province is a wonderful place, with peace and quiet, fresh air, and many things to see and do.

Next plan, the seven levels of Erawan Falls.

[Bredbury Blue]

Nice one, enjoyed that! Been to Muang Singh several times over the years and always enjoyed it; it's easy to miss the river at the back. Haven't been to the that cave but it's now on the list.

Maybe a mod could move this in to the new Travel Trip reports

[BLACKJACK2]

Great photos, i live not far from them but not bothered going. I will now.

[Kan Win]

Hi Swamp Thing

Very good and nice thread.

May I take our members back to, well near on 10 years ago to the

Only a one night show

http://www.pbase.com/win13/visit_kan

Win