River Kwai and Lake House Adventure

130 kilometers west of Bangkok, not far from the Burmese (Myanmar) border, you will find the bridge over the River Kwai, made famous by the 1957 Academy Award winning film of the same name. The metal bridge that spans the Kwai was originally a part of the well known “Death Railway”, which the Japanese forced prisoners of war to build during the Second World War. The plan was to construct a railway all the way to Rangoon in Burma, but when the war ended, the Burmese and Thais agreed to destroy a part of the rail line on their respective sides of the border in order to maintain their “close” friendship!

During construction, thousands of prisoners and forced laborers died due to the brutal conditions and treatment inflicted on them by the Japanese. The bridge was bombed repeatedly and wasn’t rebuilt before the war ended. Every year, in the first week of December, there is a light and sound show on the bridge in memory of those who died.

The natural nearby surroundings and jungle are amazingly beautiful. The main city is called Kanchanaburi. From here you can also hop a train on the “Death Railway” and enjoy the splendid views and thrilling ride over the narrow wooden Krassair Bridge, built 40 meters over the river.

After 3 days exploring Kanchanaburi, you are transferred to Visit Beyond’s newly built houseboat ‘Shambhala’ for a trip around the untouched and very beautiful Khao Laem Lake, or also known as "The 1.000 Islands Lake" that is situated in the North Western region of Thailand close to the Burmese border. An exceptional and unforgettable experience.

The houseboat is built like a modern version of the traditional Thai houseboats, which the local population in this area lives on, so it is entirely in accordance to local tradition.

Only few tourists visit this area of Thailand, and Visit Beyond is among the few travel agencies with permission to sail a houseboat on the strikingly beautiful lake. The House boat fits up to 25 passengers.

The houseboat will take you slowly through the stunning scenery, which you can enjoy from the sundeck. When the boat stops, you can take a swim, go kayaking or fishing or just enjoy yourself and relax on the deck. It will be possible to visit the small natural caves and Coconut Island. You will also be riding elephants and go bamboo rafting at the nearby river.

Season:
The trip can be completed all year round. The best period is from November to February, where it's dry and the temperature is at its lowest. From March to May the temperature may be higher. Between May and November, Thailand enters its rainy season, where tropical showers during the day time are not uncommon.

Houseboat facilities:

• Shaded lower deck eating area, where cold beverages are served.
• Free kayaks to use whenever you want
• Deck chairs, comfortable armchairs and Hammocks for snoozing
• A 1.80 meter high platform for swimmers to jump from.
• Free coffee/tea and fruit
• Books, games and fishing equipment free of use
• Life jackets

Day 1: Bangkok-Kanchanaburi:
You will be picked by bus at Hotel Narai, Lebua or New Road Guest House in Bangkok at approximately 8:45 am. We will then drive to Kanchanaburi – a trip that takes around three hours. Upon arrival you will check in at Sabai@Kan Resort where we will eat lunch. After lunch we will go on a boat ride down the river and pay a visit to Khao Poon Cave. There will then be a sight-seeing trip that includes the war museum, war cemetery and the famous bridge over River Kwai. The trip begins at approximately 14:00 and takes 3½ hours. When we get back to the resort dinner will be served and you will get ½ hour foot massage. The rest of the evening is set aside for free time. You may want to take a swim or sign up for some optional tours or enjoy different types of massage. Additional tours/activities are not included in the package price. (L, D)

Day 2: Erawan National Park:
After breakfast the tour will continue to Erawan National Park, where we will take in the beautiful, seven-level waterfall with small lakes on both sides. Remember to bring your swimsuit!

After lunch in a local shop, we’ll visit the Hellfire pass before we go to Kra-Sae cave train station, where we’ll board the Death Railway for a 30 minute ride that will take us by the bridge built by prisoners of war during World War II. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Kanchanaburi and Lake House Adventure
After another night at Sabai@Kan Resort, the morning is at your own disposal and you may wish to spend the day at the pool, enjoying the tropical garden or exploring Kanchanaburi on your own. After lunch, you will be picked up by minibus at 12noon at your hotel where you will be transferred onto the lake house. Arriving at the house boat you check in while dinner is prepared. While having dinner you sail towards the first nights anchor point. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Water Fall and Coconut Island
After breakfast we take the kayaks to mainland, and after a short walk we will reach Dai Chong Thong waterfall. It is possible to take a swim or just enjoy the sight (from March to May, it is dry season which causes low water level, so during this period the activity is not guaranteed). In the afternoon we will visit the Coconut Island with a population of just ten people. A nice and cozy island with lots of coconut trees, cacao and other kinds of trees. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Elephant riding, lunch at the Karen village:
We start the day in kayak, visiting one of many small bays and explore five small caves containing a lot of bats, and maybe see one of the local fishermen in action. At midday you will be picked up by a long tail boat and go up a nearby river. When you reach the Karen village at the river, the elephant riding will start, and they will take you up the river through the jungle. After an hour you will be set off to do bamboo rafting back to the village. (B, L, D).

Day 6: Enjoy the day swimming, fishing or relax in the sun:
Today you will reach the final destination of the trip - Sangklaburi. In the morning there will be time to go kayaking, fishing, swimming or what you prefer, before we set off. Back on mainland you can see the longest teakwood bridges in Thailand or you can take a private tour to the Three

Pagodas Pass, which is located on the border between Thailand and Burma. In Sangkhlaburi you will check in at a nice guesthouse just on the river bank. (B, L)

Day 7: Sangklaburi-Bangkok:
After your stay in the relaxing village of Sangkhlaburi, we will return back to Bangkok 9 AM. The trip is about 6 hours, but the first part is very beautiful where you will go through jungle areas. You will end at NRGH in Bangkok.

Choice: If you like, you may wish to extend the trip one or more days in the village of Sangklaburi.

Sleeping:
2 nights at Sabai@Kan Resort i Kanchanaburi
3 nights on the houseboat
1 night at P Guest House in Sangklaburi.

General word explanation: B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner

We reserve the rights to make changes without prior notice.

If there is less than 4 customers for this trip we reserve the right to cancel without prior notice.