UNVEILED RIVER OF KWAI

Day 1: UNVEILED RIVER OF KWAI: Arrival – Bangkok 

On arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The glorious history of Thai Capital, Bangkok is much interwoven with the Chakri dynasty which still reigns but no longer rules Thailand.

In the midst of dynamic modern growth, this bustling metropolis still preserves plenty of cultural heritages making it the national treasure house. No activities planned for this afternoon , however our guide is on hand to advise some available options.

O/N in Bangkok. 

Day 2: UNVEILED RIVER OF KWAI: Bangkok (B)

The long tail boat trip is a perfect way to start our exploration of Bangkok. We navigate along the Chao Phraya River and venture into the many lively inner canals which provide some fantastic views of the local life close up. Along the way we make stop over at Wat Arum, the temple of Dawn, before continuing to the Grand Palace. This masterpiece is dedicated to the Thai Royal Family’s ceremony.

Nearby are the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, which is famous for the Emerald Buddha Image and the Vimarnmek Museum, the world’s largest building entirely made of golden teak . We visit this complex and drive through the many vibrant streets of China Town to the Wat Pho, one of the most significant temples in Bangkok. This sacred edifice houses a gigantic gold plated Reclining Buddha. The remainder of the day is free for your own exploration of the town and catching up on many funny shopping areas.

O/N in Bangkok. 

Day 3: UNVEILED RIVER OF KWAI: Bangkok -Kanchanaburi – Jungle rafts (L/D)

An early morning start to drive Kanchanaburi with stopover at the picturesque floating market of Damnern Saduak. The enchanting town of Kanchanaburi has plenty to see, some of which are the famous bridge over the River Kwai , the sobering War Cemetery and the Jeath War Museum. We visit these sights before we depart for Tha Kilen Station and board the train for a trip across the infamous “Death Railway”.

Upon arrival at the terminal we meet up with our vehicle for a short drive to the Kwai River. The longtail boat trip takes us along the river past the stunning mountainous landscape to the Jungle Rafts. On arrival we enjoy a short walk to the nearby Mon Hilltribe Village to experience the simple lifestyle of the local people. The perfect way to round off the day is a dinner followed with the performance of the Mon hill tribe.

O/N at the Jungle Rafts. 

Day 4: UNVEILED RIVER OF KWAI: Jungle rafts – Phu Thong – Resotel (L/D)

The exciting exploration of this mountainous region continues with a drive towards the Phu Thong Elephant Camp. We will have a chance to see various elephants hulling and logging and enjoy a short elephant ride past the spectacular mountain landscape. Upon leaving this elephant camp we set off on a short drive before we embark on our walk following the local path and passing through the jungle, home to a wide array of wildlife.

The trekking leads us to a stream, where we embark on a simple bamboo raft for a thrilling trip. At the end of our excursion, we meet up with our truck and make our way to the River Kwai Resotel. The roads conditions are very poor and the drive is difficult at times but views are fantastic.

O/N at Resotel. 

Day 5: UNVEILED RIVER OF KWAI: Resotel – Ayuthaya (B)

Today we make our way to visit the Hell Fire Pass Memorial. This world famous site features the fascinating museum chronicling the events of World War II and the notorious “Death Railway”. This rail link was all but partly destroyed by the offensive, however it is still fascinating to walk along the ruins. Upon leaving this area we drive to Ayuthaya which was the capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767 AD.

This former capital was all but ultimately suffered destruction at the hands of the Burmeses, however it is still fascinating to explore the ruined temples. Among these is Wat Phra Sisanphet, an impressive monument that was used as the royal temple by several kings. The following sight is Wat Chai Wattanaram built by King Prasathong in 1630 with a huge prang surrounded by smaller ones to symbolize mount Meru, the abode of the heavenly gods.

O/N in Ayuthaya. 

Day 6: UNVEILED RIVER OF KWAI: Ayuthaya – Bangkok (B)

The impressive way of commencing your day is a visit to the morning market. You can buy fresh food to donate the monks, who are making their rounds to receive alms from the local people. After breakfast we board a boar for a 40 minute trip on the Chao Phraya River to Bang Pa In which was served as the summer palace for many Thai monarchs from the 17th century.

This structure has a captivating collection of marvelous pavilions in a variety of Thai, Chinese, Italian and Victorian architectural styles, encircled by lush beautiful gardens and lake. We drive back to Bangkok and spend the remainder of the day on our own.

O/N in Bangkok.

Day 7: UNVEILED RIVER OF KWAI: Bangkok – Departure (B)

There is a free time for your own exploration of the town and catching up on some shopping areas. The trip ends after transfer to airport for departure.

INCLUSIONS:

•  Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver, tourist bus and truck on bad road conditions
• + Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = dinner
• + English or French speaking guide
• + Accommodation: twin sharing room at mentioned hotels or similar one
• + Entrance fee to indicated sights
• + Elephant excursion
• + Boat trip in Bangkok and Kanchanaburi

EXCLUSIONS: Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa, flight in / out of Thailand, any optional additional tours or activities during free time, surcharge for peak season, local holiday days and gala dinner