Gyms in BKK1

[GMJS-440]

What's wrong with a swim in the river?

There are many very precious people on here who feel that their whole constitution would be ruined if they so much as touched the waters of the Tonle Sap or Mekong. I put it down to basic softness.

I swam in Kampong Cham, the sinking in the mud and complete lack of visibility freaked me out a bit. I managed to survive and any diseases picked up must have been killed by the 10+ beers I had when I got out.

[Lucky Lucan]

I swam in Kampong Cham, the sinking in the mud and complete lack of visibility freaked me out a bit. I managed to survive and any diseases picked up must have been killed by the 10+ beers I had when I got out.

I swam in Kampong Cham one time off an island in the Mekong. The sticky mud was a bit of a problem, as was the undertow that dragged me about 100 meters before I noticed.

[Miguelito]

Slavedog was telling me about the annual Mekong River swim, from Arey Ksat side to one of the islands. Anyone do that? When did that stop?

Edit: Looks like the last one was 2017, which was the 21st year: http://mekongriverswim.blogspot.com/?m=1

A few threads about it:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=22228&p=267480

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=5739&p=60977

[slavedog]

I'm not sure that it has stopped, although the latest reference I can see after a quick online search is 2017.

I probably did it about five times,most recently 2015 perhaps. I also volunteered to man the safety canoes a couple of times.

I preferred it in the earlier years when the event was much smaller - about fifty people and a bbq and beers after.

It must have been close to 200 swimmers last time I did and I decided I probably wouldn't do it again. With that many people you spend more time waiting around and being given instructions over a megaphone than swimming.

The last few years were organised by Ican school.

[Miguelito]

Yes all gyms ordered closed earlier today.

As for the pool situation Slavedog, yes it’s annoying, especially as many hotels have either closed or stopped allowing outsiders. I’ve decided on a few staycations: from 10-20 April Baitong is offering any available room for $55. I got a suite on two different days, allowing me four days of pool and bar access. Penh House is also offering $49 rooms. Might do that one Sunday.

Don't be a sucker. They'll take your money and not mention the pool is closed.

$35 for a room ($43 after taxes, on hotels.com), so two days pool and breakfast for two:



I ended up sleeping at home, but it’s a pretty relaxing morning here.