Discover Thailand’s western frontier on a journey that blends rich history, lush nature, and cultural encounters. From the solemn sites of WWII in Kanchanaburi to the serenity of Erawan Waterfall and the ethnic charm of Sangkhlaburi, this 6-day adventure offers a deep, enriching experience. Travel by private vehicle, long-tail boat, and scenic train, while staying in riverside resorts and off-the-beaten-path locations. This package is ideal for travelers seeking a thoughtful and adventurous exploration away from the typical tourist trails.
Destination
Kanchanaburi [City & Center AREA], Saiyoke [River Kwai Jungle Rafts Resort OR The FloatHouse River K
Start City
Bangkok
End City
Bangkok
Tour Type
Private Tour
Duration
6 Days & 5 Nights
Depart
mtwthfsasu
Condition
Easy Moderate Strenuous
River Kwai Grand Adventure
DAY 1: NAKHONPATHOM & KANCHANABURI CITY
This 6-day journey starts from Bangkok and leads you through the heart of Kanchanaburi and all the way to the enchanting border town of Sangkhlaburi. Discover the Death Railway, walk across iconic bridges, swim in waterfalls, ride elephants, and meet ethnic Mon communities. Highlights include a scenic train ride, jungle rafting, historical sites, riverside accommodations, and tranquil dam views — all curated with private comfort and expert guiding.
Itinerary
Begin your tour as your private guide warmly welcomes you in the hotel lobby, ready to accompany you on today’s journey. Before setting off, your guide will provide a brief overview and review of the planned itinerary, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. Once everything is set, depart in the comfort of your private air-conditioned vehicle to explore Kanchanaburi’s fascinating sights.
Depart for Nakhon Pathom, visit Phra Pathom Chedi, the world's tallest Buddhist monument. The orange-tiled chedi dates back from the mid-1850s. It encases an earlier chedi, and attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world.
Begin your day with an early departure from Bangkok, setting off on a comfortable journey westward to Kanchanaburi, a province of immense beauty and historical significance nestled in the mountains bordering Myanmar. (2.5-3 hours)
Visit JEATH War Museum, offers a vivid window into WWII history, with reconstructed POW living quarters and powerful photographs capturing the essence of life along the Death Railway. A poignant visit that brings to light the enduring spirit of Allied prisoners, this museum is a must-see for travelers seeking to connect with Kanchanaburi’s rich historical tapestry.
Visit to the serene Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, the final resting place of thousands of Allied soldiers. Pay your respects to the souls commemorated here, each a story of bravery and sacrifice.
After Dinner, Visit Kanchanaburi Night Market. You will find there various local Thai specialties and self made Thai sweets. The choice is huge and often unexpected delicious.
Overnight: Kanchanaburi [City & Center AREA] Meal:
Dinner
DAY 2: BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER KWAI / ELEPHANT SAFARI
This 6-day journey starts from Bangkok and leads you through the heart of Kanchanaburi and all the way to the enchanting border town of Sangkhlaburi. Discover the Death Railway, walk across iconic bridges, swim in waterfalls, ride elephants, and meet ethnic Mon communities. Highlights include a scenic train ride, jungle rafting, historical sites, riverside accommodations, and tranquil dam views — all curated with private comfort and expert guiding.
Itinerary
Explore the iconic Bridge over the River Kwai, a symbol of resilience and history, part of the Death Railway built by Allied POWs during WWII. Wander around this historic landmark, absorbing its poignant story, and capture memorable photos against the backdrop of the majestic river and lush landscapes. This visit offers a unique blend of scenic beauty and profound historical significance, deeply enriching your travel experience.
Board the train for a memorable journey on the Death Railway, an experience that combines stunning landscapes with a poignant reminder of the past. Travel over the original wooden viaducts, marveling at the engineering feat and the breathtaking views of the river and jungles below.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring flavors that capture the essence of Thai cuisine.
Transfer to Resotel Pier. Take a long-tailed boat from pier to get to the resort, passing by unspoiled mountainous jungle scenery.
Dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Saiyoke [River Kwai Jungle Rafts Resort OR The Flo Meal:
Lunch / Dinner
DAY 3: SRINAKARIN DAM / ERAWAN WATERFALL
This 6-day journey starts from Bangkok and leads you through the heart of Kanchanaburi and all the way to the enchanting border town of Sangkhlaburi. Discover the Death Railway, walk across iconic bridges, swim in waterfalls, ride elephants, and meet ethnic Mon communities. Highlights include a scenic train ride, jungle rafting, historical sites, riverside accommodations, and tranquil dam views — all curated with private comfort and expert guiding.
Itinerary
Visit Srinakarin Dam, the country's largest hydro-power producer of electricity. Listen to lecture and take pictures around the reservoir.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring flavors that capture the essence of Thai cuisine.
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Erawan Waterfall in the heart of the National Park, the crown jewel of the western region’s natural wonders. This verdant oasis offers an atmosphere of unparalleled serenity and tranquility, home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. Each of the seven cascading tiers invites you for sightseeing, trekking, and immersing in the peaceful sounds of nature. Indulge in the freedom to wander, swim, and embrace the lush surroundings at your leisure, creating moments of relaxation and connection with nature’s splendor.
Transfer to Resotel Pier. Take a long-tailed boat from pier to get to the resort, passing by unspoiled mountainous jungle scenery.
This 6-day journey starts from Bangkok and leads you through the heart of Kanchanaburi and all the way to the enchanting border town of Sangkhlaburi. Discover the Death Railway, walk across iconic bridges, swim in waterfalls, ride elephants, and meet ethnic Mon communities. Highlights include a scenic train ride, jungle rafting, historical sites, riverside accommodations, and tranquil dam views — all curated with private comfort and expert guiding.
Itinerary
Visit to Lava Cave. Explore the fascinating rock formations inside. Cave in Kanchanaburi, located 50 metres from the bank of the Kwae Noi river, this large cave can be visited either by bike and by car. The cave contains beautiful stalactites and stalagmites in several chambers.
Arrive at the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum to delve into the poignant history of the Burma-Thailand railway’s construction, a testament to the resilience and suffering of those who labored under grueling conditions. This museum stands as a powerful reminder, especially to the Australian community, of the sacrifices made during this dark chapter of history.
Following your visit to the museum and the contemplation deck, embark on a reflective journey along the walking trail. For those on our one-day trip, a shorter route is planned, taking approximately 45 minutes from the museum office to the memorial site and back, totaling a 1.5-hour trek. This path allows visitors to experience the historical significance of Hellfire Pass with time to absorb its profound atmosphere.
Note: For guests interested in exploring further, the longer trail leading to the Compressor Cutting, known as the "Hintok Road," requires around three hours for a round trip. This extended exploration is offered as part of our overnight package, providing a deeper dive into the area’s history and natural beauty.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring flavors that capture the essence of Thai cuisine.
Continue further north to the uniquely scenic border land of Sangklaburi. Reach Vajiralongkorn or Khao Laem Dam in the splendid location surrounded by the mountains.
Arrive the borderland of Sangklaburi town in late afternoon. Glimpse the underwater temple of the old community and the impressive view of the ethnic town with Thailand's longest Wooden Bridge being its landmark. Swimming or canoeing in Khao Laem Dam available at your leisure.
Overnight: Sangklaburi Meal:
Lunch / Dinner
DAY 5: SANGKLABURI OFF-BEATEN JOURNEY
This 6-day journey starts from Bangkok and leads you through the heart of Kanchanaburi and all the way to the enchanting border town of Sangkhlaburi. Discover the Death Railway, walk across iconic bridges, swim in waterfalls, ride elephants, and meet ethnic Mon communities. Highlights include a scenic train ride, jungle rafting, historical sites, riverside accommodations, and tranquil dam views — all curated with private comfort and expert guiding.
Itinerary
Enjoy a leisure boat trip on the magnificent Khao Laem lake to the floating villages in a scenic location, 15 kms from the town. On the way, make a brief stop at the underwater old temple (if the water level is not so high that the temple remnants get entirely flooded).
Start the 1.5 hours elephant riding into the near by jungle up and down the mountainous terrain. The riding runs along, apparently, the Thailand's most beautiful elephant track that cuts through the village's hill farms before leading to a gorgeous stream in the natural area with its tropical spell and dramatic landscapes featuring pristine forests and gorges.
Then take a bamboo raft back (30-45 minutes depending on how strong the current is). Have great fun with a wild journey on the rapid stream and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the riverside forest. Transfer back to hotel for lunch.
Afternoon, walk across the Mon wooden bridge over the river to the biggest Mon community in Thailand. Mon is an ethnic minority whose origin is in Myanmar. Here, they live peacefully and their tradition has been continually practiced.
Then visit Wat Wang Wiwekaram. This extensive temple on the southern outskirts of Sangkhla Buri edges on Khao Laeem Dam. The complex is constructed in an unusual mix of Thai, Indian, and Burmese Buddhist architectural styles, and the abbot Lauang Pho Uttama is highly revered among local people, including tribal folk and Burmese. Shopping of wooden items can be very attractive due to the distinctive designs and reasonable prices. Transfer back to hotel.
Enjoy the sunset from Khao Laem and dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Sangklaburi Meal:
Lunch / Dinner
DAY 6: DEPART KANCHANABURI
This 6-day journey starts from Bangkok and leads you through the heart of Kanchanaburi and all the way to the enchanting border town of Sangkhlaburi. Discover the Death Railway, walk across iconic bridges, swim in waterfalls, ride elephants, and meet ethnic Mon communities. Highlights include a scenic train ride, jungle rafting, historical sites, riverside accommodations, and tranquil dam views — all curated with private comfort and expert guiding.
Enjoy a natural spa while bathing in a mineral water of Hindad Hot Spring.
Reach Sai Yok Noi Waterfall. Lunch at local restaurant. Leave form Kanchanaburi pass green paddy fields, villages, and temples then return to
Bangkok.