River Kwai Jungle Rafts: 2-Day Kanchanaburi Escape from Bangkok
What your day looks like
Kanchanaburi city, located at the point where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers meet and form the Mae Klong River, is home to wild jungle and scenic waterways. Yet this picturesque region has become more famous for its harrowing history as the location of the Bridge over the River Kwai and the notorious World War Two forced labour camps. Gently floating on the river, Kanchanaburi’s Jungle Rafts offers an authentic overnight adventure. With rooms built on bamboo rafts on the water, fall asleep to the sound of nature and the gently lapping water. This two-day tour offers an in-depth insight into the history, culture and nature of this intriguing region.
The experience, in brief
- An opportunity to explore Kanchanaburi’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty indepth
- Pay respects at the nearby War Cemetery, where thousands of POWs are buried,
- Embark on a boat journey along the river to reach your accommodation
- Enjoy a traditional performance showcasing Mon arts, dance, music, and culture
Your day, step by step
Bangkok
Local Flavor at Thailand–Burma Railway Centre. Welcome aboard! Get ready for an unforgettable adventure :) Depart from Bangkok in the early morning and take a scenic drive to Kanchanaburi. For an insight into this historic area, start with a visit to the Thailand–Burma Railway Centre. This interactive museum gives a glimpse into the harsh conditions that the prisoners of war (POWs) endured during the construction of the Death Railway. Many of the thousands who perished while constructing the tracks are buried at the nearby War Cemetery. Wander around the well-maintained graves and absorb the silence and solemnity of this serene setting.
Bangkok
Sightseeing. Sightseeing: End the morning snapping photos at the famous Bridge over the River Kwai.
Bangkok
Boating. Boat ride: Then board a long-tail boat and drift along the river to the Jungle Rafts – your home for the night. After lunch in the hotel’s floating restaurant, board the boat for the cruise to the Hellfire Memorial Pass where POWs hacked through sheer rock with basic hand tools and explosives to create a cutting through the mountain that would connect the railway line with Burma. After hearing all about the history of this infamous place, cruise back to the Jungle Rafts to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of river life. In the evening, after a Thai dinner, sit back and enjoy a performance of Mon arts, dance, music and culture.
Bangkok
Accommodation.
Bangkok
Hiking. Village visit: After breakfast the next morning, head out to a nearby rural village where the Mon tribe has lived for generations. Take a short hike into the jungle surrounded by nature. On returning to the Jungle Rafts, check out and board the boat for the journey downstream. Then take a local train for a ride over the infamous Death Railway, along the actual tracks built by the POWs. The one-hour journey trundles over original parts of the railway track, including an incredible wooden viaduct that is suspended high on a cliff on the riverbank.
Bangkok
At the end of the train journey, the driver will be waiting to take you back to Bangkok. It's been a pleasure sharing this journey with you. We hope you enjoyed every step along the way!
What to know before booking
Included
A 2-day tour with a professional English-speaking guide Transportation by car / mini-van / coach with professional driver Transportation by local long-tail boat, as indicated in the programme Traditional Mon dance performance at the Jungle RaftsTrain ticket over the Death Railway All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the description
Not Included
Tours, inclusions of any kind and other services that are not outlined in the tour description, Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement Compulsory Christmas, country-specific festival and/or New Year dinner at included hotels Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations Hotel expenses of a personal nature, should an overnight be included: this includes mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program,Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)
What to Bring
Bear in mind that such paths may turn slippery / muddy after a rain shower. Wearing good walking shoes, preferred closed shoes, when booking this tour Sunscrean, hat and spending money Camera and other items you may need
Meeting & Pickup
Transfers are only operated within the downtown Bangkok areas and restricted to main hotels only. Regions outside the central business district such as Khao San Road, Rattanakosin, Nonthaburi, Thonburi, Minburi, both International Airports, Ratchadapisek and upper Sukhumvit (Soi 33 and further) are excluded and supplementary charges apply.
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Automatic