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Things to do at Shanti Farm

Erawan Waterfalls

These stunning 7 tiered waterfalls are set in rich lush thriving tropical jungle. The forest is filled with rare orchids and hardwood trees and home to protected and endangered species of Thailand. This forest is also home to the ever playful and present monkeys.
Erawan Waterfal has been rated by the National Parks as "The most Beautiful in Thailand"
Each Level is unique and picturesque with crystal clear pools to swim in. We suggest you start early so you have time to hike up to the 7th level.
Erawan Water Falls Hours: 8.30am - 4pm
National Park Fee: 200bt

Tham Prathat Caves

Are located in a high ridge approx 1 km above the Farm. An invigorating hike through a bamboo Forrest will bring you to the entrance of the cave. These caves are 20 meters deep and consists of 4 large caverns filled with glittering Stalagmites and Stalactites. Historically these cave were used for locals to take refuge during the Burmese invasion of Kanchanburi and many artifact have been excavated from here. Some are on display at the local temple but the more valuable are on display in the Archaeological center in Bangkok.
National Park Hours: 8.30am- 4 pmNational park fees. Free with your tickets for entrance to the Erawan waterfall within a 24 hr period.200Bt if exploring the cave on a different day
National Park guides are located at the gate of the park, will walk you through the caves. Please be reminded that tipping the guides is very much appreciated

Haui Mae Waterfalls

Are located 40 km from the Farm and can be reached by car or Ferry from Tha Kradan. These falls are also very popular with locals as the forest is lush and vibrant. Tons of water from the watershed over the Kala mountain range meander down to form the Sri Nakarin Dam. Huai Mae Khamin is made up of seven layers , and is breath takingly beautiful .

Cooking Classes

Wanpen your host, is a fabulous cook and loves to share her knowledge and experience of preparing all your favorite Thai meals. A helping hand in the kitchen is also always appreciated by any one who is interested in preparing Thai food.

Seasonal Wild food Gathering in the Forest

Local have permission and permits, from the National Parks to collect traditional wild food during different times of the year.. If during your stay here, any of the seasons are open, Mr Hey, host will be delighted to have you accompany him on his gathering expeditions .

Seasonal "Helping Hands" Projects

Dates of up and coming projects to be posted later.

Local Temple

A typical Village temple which also serves as the community hall for gatherings and functions. The Abbots has given permission for us to take a swim in the river that runs past the temple grounds. Please no bikinis. Thai style, shorts and t-shirt.

Local Elementary School

Is a 1 km walk from the farm. As it is the only school in the entire district many children will pass the gates to and from school. The headmaster welcomes guests to either just observe and wonder through the grounds. Seeing the waterfall, and garden projects, or to participate in classes if you are planing on staying here for awhile.


Sri Nakarin Dam

Fishing

As far as anglers are concerned, Kanchanaburi is the perfect place for freshwater fishing, offering numerous spots where the action is hot. Additionally, a wide variety of species are available to those with patience and skill. A popular fishing location in the province is the Phae Nam Jone River, which can be reached by boat from the Sri Nakharin Dam and promises the possibility of catching transverse bell barb and striped tiger nandid among other species.

House Boat rental

If you wish to spend a night or two on the dam in your own house boat, please ask My Hey to make arrangements. House boats are taken out to a remote Island in the crystal clear waters and tied off for the night. Fishing poles, cooking utensils and bedding are provided . House boats can sleep large groups of up to 20 people.

Day Trips In Kanchanburi

Tiger Temple

This temple was founded in 1994 as forest temple and quickly became the sanctuary to a variety of both wild and domestic animals that had been injured.

In 1999, the temple received the first tiger cub, that had been found by villagers but died soon after. Later, several tiger cubs were given to the temple over time, typically when the mothers had been killed by poachers. Others where brought in when people wanted to get rid of their tiger "pets" due mounting pressure to as laws and policies surrounding the keeping of protected species became more strict.

As of 2007, over 21 cubs have been born at the temple. There are now more than 50 of tigers living at the temple.

The Tiger Temple practices a different conservation philosophy than in the west. The temple opens daily for visitors at about 12pm, and the tigers are walked back to their enclosures at around 4pm. Due to the pressing need for income, the temple now charges 600 Baht admission.

The tigers are washed and handled by Thai monks, international volunteers and local staff. Once a day they are walked on leashes to a nearby quarry. Originally they would roam around freely in this area but now, with the increase in visitors and the amount of tigers who sit in the canyon, they are chained for safety reasons.

The temple claims the entry fee is for feeding and upkeep, and to fund the building of a larger tiger sanctuary which would allow the animals to live in an almost natural environment all day long. Some parts of the new sanctuary are open and inhabited with tigers, i.e. Tiger Falls and other parts are still in construction as they are awaiting the right type of fencing around the moat. The temple is also reforesting a large amount of land nearby ('Buddhist Park') in order to give tigers a chance to be released into the wild in the future.

Death Railway through Hellfire Pass to Three Pagoda Pass

For a day trip you can catch the train from Kanchanburi city to Nam Tok. (2.5hrs) This train runs along the actual lines laid by the POW's of WW2. through Konyu Cutting known as Hellfire Pass. This was cut and blasted by hand, to clear this pass for the Japanese Death Railway. It has been reclaimed from the jungle as a war memorial funded by the Australian government in 1980. Excellent museum and self-guided walking tour facilities are available.
The descent through the jungle down to the Pass (listening to oral histories through audio headsets) is a moving experience.

Elephant Camps and Bamboo Rafting

Taweechai Elephant Camp is one of the largest elephant camps in Thailand. In operations since 1999, the camp is a place where elephants are trained and domesticated. The elephant camp often supplies the pachyderms for use in Hollywood and Hong Kong movie productions. Home to nearly 30 elephants Taweechai offers elephant rides, bathing with elephants (suitable for children), bamboo rafting (swimming optional) and special elephant training mahout courses. The camp itself is well maintained and the elephants are well-treated and fed The camp owns large areas of nearby forest and at 4PM the elephants leave the camp to spend the night wandering and grazing.

Horse Riding

The River Kwae Family Camp was established in 1962. At first it was only a holiday camp established by Mrs. Rhodes but has developed into an education center on horsemanship and grooming. No experience need to join. Website: www.kwaehorsecamp.com

Hin Dat Hot Spring

Was once known as Kuimang Hot Spring. This is a natural Hot Spring with hot streams of 45 – 55 degree Celsius. The hot spring was discovered by a Japanese soldier during WW II. Later, 2 hot spring wells have been built with concrete for hot spring water reservoir. It is believed the mineral water here can cure many types of illnesses including beriberi and rheumatism.