Lazy Days on the River Kwai

Day 1: Bangkok to Kanchanaburi
Your trip begins between 6:00 and 6:30. Remember that as this is a shared transfer, so expect to pass by other pick-up locations before heading out towards Kanchanaburi about 130 kilometers west of Bangkok, not far from the Burmese border, you will see the Bridge over the River Kwai - made (in)famous by the 1957 Academy Award-winning film of the same name. Grim history aside, this area of Thailand is rich in culture and natural beauty. The border area with Myanmar is known for its mountainous charm that is unmatched elsewhere in the country.

Upon reaching the city of Kanchanaburi, you will get to see some of the highlights up close. Visit the Thailand–Burma Railway Center, an interactive museum, information and research facility that presents the history of the Thailand–Burma Railway. The center offers visitors an educational and moving experience. You will walk on the famous bridge across the river Kwai and see the Allied War Cemetery.

You will have lunch at a local restaurant. You will go visit the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre. The interpretive centre presents the history of the Burma-Thailand railway under chronological and thematic headings, explaining the rationale for the railway, the way in which it was constructed, and the hardship experienced by those who worked on it. Then you can descend the long set of stairs behind the museum to Hellfire Pass Memorial Walking Trail following the original rail bed. Then continue to Hintok River Camp found near Sai Yok National Park. Situated on the Kwai Noi River, you will experience the nature and silence that national parks in Thailand have to offer. After checking in you can get up close with the locals by biking to visit a village and farm near the camp. Finish your day with dinner at around 19:00 at the camp restaurant.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hintok River Camp in a Superior Tent
Transportation: Holiday Inn Silom to Kanchanaburi by Shared Van or Minibus

Day 2: Hintok River Camp
Wake up in the morning and after breakfast you have time to explore the camp – You can get up close with the locals by biking to visit a village and farm near the camp. The rest of your day is at leisure until dinner is served in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hintok River Camp in a Superior Tent

Day 3: Hintok River Camp to River Kwai Jungle Raft
Today is moving day! You will leave the Hintok River Camp behind and move to your next accommodation. After breakfast, you will board a long-tailed boat upstream to visit Sai Yok Yai Waterfall and National Park. After the visit you will go back to Hintok River Camp for lunch and check out.

After checking out you will take a long-tailed boat to visit Lawa Cave and explore many spacious chambers with stalactites and stalagmites and check-in to River Kwai Jungle Rafts.

In the evening, your dinner will be accompanied by a 45–minute presentation of the traditional Mon Dance.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: River Kwai Jungle Rafts in a Raft Twin or Double Room

Day 4: River Kwai Jungle Raft
Wake up to a day that includes a waterfall and a cave – both located inside the National Park. But before leaving for your excursion, you'll enjoy a hearty breakfast After breakfast, Visit the nearby Mon tribal village, where the Mon people have lived for generations.  Visit the Golden Rock, Buddha image cave and village school. Mon Chat, sit down and talk with original Mon people concerning history religion culture and dances. Experience how to wear “Sa-rong” Mon costume and how to play “Saba” traditional Mon game. Making Tanaka powder from the wood and bark of the Tanaka tree extensively as a natural cosmetic, sunscreen, skin treatment, and insect repellent. Then take a short walk on an easy jungle trail along the Riverbank to get to the stunning viewpoint of River Kwai.  You will return to River Kwai Jungle Raft for lunch at around noon.

After lunch you will have your own leisure time. The hotel offers optional activities such as river jumping, bamboo rafting with an additional expense

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: River Kwai Jungle Rafts in a Raft Twin or Double Room

Day 5: Kanchanaburi to Bangkok
Your last day in the National Park starts with breakfast at 7:00. After breakfast, there is a chance for one last swim in the river before you check-out at 11:00. On the way back to Bangkok, you'll make a stop at a local restaurant for lunch. You'll then head to the Death Railway train station where you will board the train that was intended for use during the second world war - an important, although sad, part of Thailand’s history. The short train ride (about 30 minutes) takes you through magnificent scenery, passing over the original wooden viaduct on a railway built on the side of a mountain.

After the train ride, you will continue towards Bangkok and arrive at around 18:00 at your drop-off location.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Transportation: Kanchanaburi to Bangkok Holiday Inn Silom by Shared Van or Minibus