Cruise River Kwai

Sunday. Welcome to Bangkok, the bustling capital city of Thailand! A world-renowned tourist destination, this vibrant city offers an eclectic mix of lively street life, cultural landmarks, and busy shopping areas.

Arriving at Suvarnabhumi or Donmuang Airport, you'll be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel for check in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore Bangkok. Why not try some tasty street food or take a thrilling tuk tuk ride?

Bangkok - Ban Kao. Leaving behind bustling Bangkok, our journey to Kanchanaburi begins with a visit to Phra Pathom Chedi, home to Thailand's largest stupa, a monumental structure standing at an impressive 127 meters.

Next stops include the riverside Khao Noi Cave Temple (Wat Tham Khao Noi) and the nearby Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua) which features Thai cultural artistry.

Upon our arrival in Kanchanaburi, we pay a visit to the JEATH War Museum, a poignant depiction of a World War II prisoner of war camp. The museum provides insight into the harrowing living conditions and the hardships endured by detainees who were forced to build the Thai-Burma 'Death Railway.'

From here, we board the RV River Kwai at Nong Ya Dock, a colonial-style inland cruise ship. Enjoy lunch and dinner aboard the ship, with the afternoon at leisure.

Ban Kao - Sai Yok. Our relaxing river cruise continues upstream on the Kwai Noi River towards Muang Singh.

After breakfast, explore Prasat Muang Singh, a historical park adorned with Khmer architecture dating back a staggering 800 years.

We continue by coach to Tha Kilen Train Station, a site holding great significance during the construction of the Thai-Burma 'Death Railway.' Taking a third-class train to Saphan Tham Krasae, we will pass over 300 metre-long trestle bridges that cling to the cliff side.

On arrival, we visit the riverside Krasae Cave, which houses a revered Buddha image. We then continue by coach to Sai Yok village on the riverbank.

Lunch and dinner will take place onboard the ship, with the afternoon at leisure.

Sai Yok - Ban Hin Dad. After breakfast, enjoy a short uphill stroll to Kaeng Lava Cave, the area's deepest cave filled with stalactites and hidden chambers.

Continuing our journey by coach, we reach Hellfire Pass, a notorious segment of the 'Death Railway,' meticulously carved through a towering stone mountain.

As we follow the trail leading to Hin Tok Bridge and the Konyu Cutting, we encounter a plaque, bearing witness to the profound hardships endured by the prisoners of war (POW) who were under Japanese enslavement during the railway's construction.

The Hin Lek Fai memorial complex stands as a poignant tribute to the fallen Allied soldiers and conscripted laborers from Burma, India, Malaysia, and Thailand, commemorating their sacrifices in building this harrowing passage.

We'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the scenic Sai Yok National Park followed by a visit to the cascading Sai Yok Tai waterfalls.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

Ban Hin Dad. Rise and shine with an early morning visit to a nearby temple. The temple visit provides an opportunity to engage in an act of 'merit' by offering food donations to the monks. Merit is believed to be a protective force that arises from performing good deeds. This sacred experience also creates a harmonious start to our day!

After breakfast, we travel by coach to Vachiralongkorn Dam, a picturesque lake formed from three rivers that stretches into the mountainous horizon.

Our road trip continues to Thong Pha Phum where we visit a lively local market. Lunch is at a local restaurant before returning to the vessel for an afternoon at leisure.

Ban Hin Dad - Sai Yok. Cruising down the river, today's adventure begins as we board a coach to Hin Dad Hot Spring. Consisting of two natural large pools and private baths, the hot spring's water is said to contain minerals that can cure ailments.

Our adventure continues with a visit to the breathtaking Pha Tad Waterfall, nestled west of Si Nakharin Dam National Park, where the cascading waters originate from the gentle Huai Kui mang stream, flowing gracefully into the Kwai Noi River.

After lunch, we have the opportunity to partake in river rafting or canoeing on Kwai Noi River. If time permits, we'll also have the opportunity to visit a nearby indigenous Mon Village.

Sai Yok - Ban Kao. Enjoy a leisurely morning before our arrival at Wang Pho Bridge.

From here, we'll venture to the Ban Kao National Museum, created by Dutch archaeologist Dr. Van Heekeren, who was a POW during the construction of the 'Death Railway.' Dr. Van Heekeren uncovered numerous stone artifacts in the area after the war, including prehistoric skeletons, pottery, stone tools, and ornaments, all now thoughtfully displayed in the museum.

We'll reboard the vessel and participate in a Thai cooking class, where we will prepare culinary classics including tom yam kung (spicy prawn soup), kaeng khaio wan gai (chicken green curry) and som tam (papaya salad). To complement our creations, wash it all down with a famous Thai cocktail - the mai tai.

Following the cooking class, we gather for a farewell dinner.

Sunday. Ban Kao - Bangkok. This morning, there is another opportunity to offer merit to monks at Chukkadon Market. Afterwards, return to the cruiser for breakfast. We then disembark and journey to Kanchanaburi by coach, where we explore the captivating subterranean world of Wat Tham Khao Poon, featuring nine caverns adorned with Hindu and Buddhist shrines.

The journey continues to the poignant Thailand-Burma Railway Centre Museum. Delve into the history of the 415km 'Death Railway,' built by enslaved Allied soldiers and Asian conscripts during World War II. A visit to Don Rak War Cemetery follows, where 6,982 Allied POWs who lost their lives building the railway rest.

Finally, we take a coach to the iconic Bridge over the River Kwai, famously known for inspiring the war-era film of the same name.

After lunch, we continue to Bangkok by road. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for the final night of the tour.

Monday. Today marks the end of our Thailand adventure. The tour will conclude after hotel breakfast.

Whether you're continuing forward on your journey or heading back home now, take a moment to explore the markets for souvenirs or savour the delightful street food offerings, if time allows!