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The River and the RailwayRoute: Bangkok - River Kwai jungle rafts - Erawan waterfall - Kanchanaburi |
| Duration |
Three days / two nights Departs Monday and Thursday |
Accommodation |
Two nights in a double room with your own bathroom, the first night is on a River Kwai floating raft hotel, without electricity.Comfort levels 1 & 3 (see accommodation). |
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Price |
£160 per person - based on two people sharing |
Includes |
Transport, accommodation, English-speaking guide. Lunch and dinner on Day 1, breakfast and lunch on Day 2, breakfast on Day 3. Entrance fee to JEATH War Museum. |
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Transport |
Minibus, longtail boat on River Kwai and train |
Excludes |
Drinks and other meals, excursions and entrance costs not listed in the daily itinerary. Entrance to Erawan waterfalls (200 Baht, approx £4 entrance fee paid locally). |
Day 1: Bangkok to KanchanaburiEarly this morning, you'll be picked up from your Bangkok hotel in a minibus to begin your River and the Railway adventure. You'll start with a visit to the old fishing port of Samut Sakhon, locally known as 'Mahachai', which is well known for its unique 'train market'. Here, you can wander around the stalls trying the exotic fruits and local snacks on display between the rails. When the train comes, all the vendors dash madly about to move their wares away from the tracks. As soon as the train passes, they put everything back in place just as quickly, so within seconds it seems as if nothing has ever happened. The market is a really authentic and fun experience, not touristy at all, which is why we've made this change.After stocking up at the market, you’ll begin the journey to the tropical province of Kanchanaburi, west of Bangkok. Here, you'll step aboard the haunting Death Railway built by POWs taken by the Japanese during the Second World War. Your guide will explain to you the fascinating and shocking history of the rails and you'll have a stunning view over the River Kwai. |
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The River Kwai railway tour ends in Nam Tok station, where you'll hop back in the minibus for the short drive to the famous Bridge over the River Kwai. The historical bridge is an amazing sight, and part of the original viaduct remains to this very day. Next you'll catch a bite to eat (lunch is included) before continuing with your journey. After lunch, you'll make your way down to the riverbank, where you'll be transferred by longtail boat to your accommodation for the night. You'll have your own floating hut, complete with swimming ladder and hammock. There's no electricity, but the river will be alight with flickering oil lamps. Around 7pm you will gather around the long table for an atmospheric communal dinner. This is also included in the price. After dinner, you can see a traditional Mon dance, performed by local amateur teenagers (additional cost of 400 Baht - approx £8). |
Day 2: Kanchanaburi - Erawan waterfallsAfter waking up in your floating hut, you'll begin the return journey by longtail boat. Within an hour you'll arrive at the Erawan Waterfalls (entrance fee 200 Baht, approx £4 paid locally). The waterfall has seven levels with a height difference of 1500m. Depending on your walking speed, it will take about 1 hour to reach the top. Your efforts will be rewarded when you reach this fairytale place of sparkling waters and pools in a chalk rock background. You'll be given about three hours of free time by the waterfall to relax and take in the scenery. At the entrance to the waterfall there are plenty of restaurants and shops where you can buy snacks and refreshments. Many Thai people visit Erawan during the weekend, and this River rafts Kwai tour has been planned to coincide with this, giving you more of a local experience. In the afternoon, you'll be brought back to Kanchanaburi (about one and a half hours away) for a night in the province. |
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When you arrive in Kanchanaburi, you'll stop at the graveyard of many of the POWs that died while constructing the Burma (or Death) Railway during the Second World War. Next you'll visit the JEATH War Museum on the banks of the River Kwai. The museum is a confronting and eye-opening experience, with (sometimes shocking) photos of the barracks in the horrifying Japanese work camps. This evening, you'll spend the night in a hotel located near the River Kwai in central Kanchanaburi. |
Day 3: Kanchanaburi and departureThis River Kwai rafts tour finishes after breakfast (included), after which you will continue with your Thailand adventure. |
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TipsTake with you: Easy walking shoes (sandals or trainers), swimming costume and towel/sarong (for the waterfalls).Best time to travel: Our River Kwai rafts tour is offered throughout the year. It is hot in March and April and rains more frequently from May to November. However, during the rainier months the jungle is a vibrant green and the Erawan Waterfalls are an even more impressive sight. Food and drink: The accommodation for the first night is on the river and meals are therefore included. On Day 2 of the River Kwai rafts tour, you can grab your own lunch at the waterfall, or later on in Kanchanaburi. |
River Kwai Rafts - Accommodation (click to enlarge)
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