Lazy Days on the River Kwai (5 Days)

Day 1: Bangkok to Kanchanaburi
Your trip begins between 6:00 and 6:30. Remember that as this is a shared transfer, expect to pass by other pick-up locations before heading out towards Kanchanaburi. 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.

Around noon, you will arrive at Hintok River Camp, located 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 check-in, lunch will be served at the camp. In the early afternoon, you will go visit the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum which is dedicated to Allied Prisoners of War and the Asian laborers who suffered and died at Hellfire Pass and elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific region during World War 2. Trek along the Hellfire Pass walking trails and return to Hintok River Camp.

The rest of the day is free at leisure. You can ride around on a mountain bike (free of charge) to visit a village or farm near the camp or swim in the amazing natural pool. Finish your day with dinner at around 19:00 at the camp restaurant.

Meals: Lunch & 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 early and start a bike ride at 6:00 across a hanging bridge to a local temple. You will experience a Buddhist tradition that goes back centuries. At dawn, monks will walk the quiet streets in cities all over Thailand. Locals will go to the monks and offer food that they have prepared earlier that morning. When the monk accepts the food, he gives a blessing to the person offering the food. According to their tradition, monks are not allowed to buy food, and therefore they rely on locals to offer them food. Food that is not eaten by the monks is handed out to families in need. You'll return to Hintok River Camp just in time to eat your breakfast. 

After breakfast you have time to explore the camp - you can swim in the natural spring pool or the river. There is a small museum on the grounds and mountain bikes are free to use. The rest of your day is at leisure until dinner is served in the evening.

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

Day 3: Hintok River Camp to River Kwai Jungle Raft
Today you can sleep a little longer until breakfast is served at 7:00. Today is moving day! You will leave the Hintok River Camp behind and move to your next accommodation. At 8:00 you will board a long-tail boat which will take you on the river that runs past Hintok River Camp. You will arrive around 9:00 and can check-in to your new accommodation. Relax or visit the local Mon village which is just a short walk from your raft. The Mon are a minority group in Thailand and are a mix of Thai and Burmese.

Lunch will be served at around noon. After lunch, you have time to explore the resort. As it is a raft and is located on the river, you can go for a dip in the refreshing river , sunbathe, book a massage (at your own expense), or simply enjoy the fact that you've left the noise of the big city behind. The resort offers different activities such as canoeing on the river, bird watching, jungle walk, and more which you can arrange at your own expense directly with the resort.

In the evening you will be served dinner - please note that instead of using electricity, you will use a kerosene lamp for light. The light from the lamps will create a natural romantic ambiance.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & 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. At 8:00, you will be picked up by a long-tail boat, which will take you upstream to Sai Yok Yai waterfall. The waterfall was made famous in 1877 where King Rama V visited the waterfall, showered in the falls and classic poetry was written to memorialize the visit. The front of Sai Yok Yai Waterfall faces the Kwai Noi River, and the water flows from a cliff almost 10 meters above the river. The best spot to capture this beautiful waterfall is from the Sai Yok Bridge, but for those who would like to enjoy the waterfall up close you can take a boat to the fall at your own expense. You will return to River Kwai Jungle Raft for lunch at around noon.

After lunch, you will depart on a long-tail boat to explore the Lava Cave. This is one of the most impressive caves in the National Park. It is 500 meters deep with a small entrance and with huge chambers containing large stalactites and stalagmites. In the mid-afternoon, you will return to the River Kwai Jungle Rafts for some free time.

At 19:00, dinner will be served and the rest of the evening is free at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & 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 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 19:00 at your drop-off location.

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