Sa Kaeo - 5 reasons to visit

[genghis61]

Showed some interest in visiting Sa Kaeo - gf's original home area, she's less than interested suggesting we can go to Chiang Mai (ha ha of course, somewhere she hasn't been before)
Doing some research at Sa Kaeo : Thailand Wonders Travel it appears she is right . . . highlights include:

• Aranyaprathet is an important trading post between Thailand/Cambodia - the town itself has little to offer
• several beautiful waterfalls
• ideal destination for nature lovers and amateur ornithologists
• many bamboo plantations and is known for bamboo furniture
• famous for producing large quantities of high quality cantaloupe melons. Cantaloupe Day is held in Aranyaprathet in early April

As I was looking at Dec/New Years, unfortunately I'd miss the melon festival! Curses.
Some of the pictures I found on Google - desolate was the first word that came to mind, followed by Siberia in the low season.

Still curious, can anyone give me five good reasons to visit - excluding the five I've quoted.

And from my search, spare a thought for this poor girl, a long way to the beach!:
I am friendly, kind, cheerful, clean, love the sea and love home coziness.
Sairung, 84536, Sa Kaeo, Thailand, Asian women, Age: 22, home coziness, High School, Customer service, badminton, Buddhism

[Thetyim]

Originally Posted by genghis61

Still curious, can anyone give me five good reasons to visit

Err......no
Stayed there a couple of times and the place is boring.
There is a place south of town where millions of bats fly out at dusk.
Ideal for anyone who likes being covered in bat shit (are you German?)

[dirtydog]

Believe your girlfriend, she is Thai and from Sa Kaeo, she knows how crap it really is.

[Bangyai]

I went camping in Bangsida National park once. Just 4 of us and only stayed 2 nights but had a memorable time. Skinny dipping under the waterfall at dusk after some hot steamy sex.....grrrrrreat. Took our own drink but food was available. Might be a bit scary for the girl though if only 2 of you and you really need your own wheels.

[dirtydog]

If there is 2 of you you really should take 2 girls, spit roasting a girl the first time I should imagine is quite a scary experience for any woman

[Sakeopete]

I live in Aranyaprathet nothing to see there except Rong Klue Market on the Thai-Cambo border. Make sure you rent a golf car its a really big place with hundreds of shops. They have cleared the beggars so you don't get hassled like a couple of years ago. BTW the cantaloupes are tasteless.

[Thetyim]

I found a trip report for Sa Kaeo and apparently the most impressive thing in town was the toilet signs in the hotel




Here's the full report if you can stay awake
Carrera To China - diary of wreckah - Page 11 - Pelican Parts Technical BBS

[toslti]

Originally Posted by dirtydog

If there is 2 of you you really should take 2 girls, spit roasting a girl the first time I should imagine is quite a scary experience for any woman

Thank you DD.. where do I send the bill for the keyboard now covered in beer!!!

[sabang]

Originally Posted by Bangyai

Bangsida National park

I've only driven past SK, on my way to Isaan, but there is some nice country around there. It seems the towns attractions are just border markets and casino's- and as a base for exploring some nearby national parks.

decent enough Link to some local attractions-
Khao Yai Nationalpark Thailand - Palm Garden Lodge, Prachin Buri - Hints for excursion

[Bangyai]

Originally Posted by dirtydog

If there is 2 of you you really should take 2 girls, spit roasting a girl the first time I should imagine is quite a scary experience for any woman

Unless they come from Pattaya.

[Ciaphas]

There's a very big rock just outside the town where monkeys live that's worth a visit. And a part from the market and casinos that's about it. Been to a couple of waterfalls in the area wasn't very impressed.

[jizzybloke]

I've been to a few different national parks and waterfalls in SaKaeo but i only have two reasons to go there, JBird and the hooligan.

[genghis61]

Originally Posted by Thetyim

I found a trip report for Sa Kaeo and apparently the most impressive thing in town was the toilet signs in the hotel




Here's the full report if you can stay awake
Carrera To China - diary of wreckah - Page 11 - Pelican Parts Technical BBS

thanks for info/pics
esp the toilet one, make a note to try #5 sometime

still unsure on the trip, plan b is to cut back from intended 7 days to maybe 3 and spend time either side somewhere a little more exciting
cheers

[genghis61]

Originally Posted by Ciaphas

There's a very big rock just outside the town where monkeys live that's worth a visit. And a part from the market and casinos that's about it. Been to a couple of waterfalls in the area wasn't very impressed.

we were taken to that big rock/temple area on day 2. Monkey leapt from the cliff onto gf and 4yr daughter she was carrying up the steps. Scratched her, ripped her shirt. Lots of screaming, panic, crying child. We never made it up all the steps to see the view.
Parts remoned me of Queensland - reddish dirt roads, sugar cane, eucalyptus, bananas. Good time with the family and interested in the farm, overall quite enjoyed myself, unsure long-term though.
A million miles from our Phuket lifestyle.