8 Days • 7 Nights
Thailand & the River Kwai: Kanchanaburi & Ayutthaya
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll tour Bangkok's Grand Palace and canals, cross the famous Bridge over the River Kwai and ride the Death Railway, swim in the emerald tiers of Erawan Falls, and wander the atmospheric temple ruins of Ayutthaya. Floating markets, jungle rivers and history thread it all together.
With comfortable hotels including a river raft-house stay, private guides and the transport arranged, it is a memorable, immersive Thailand journey.
Trip Highlights
- Bangkok's Grand Palace, Wat Pho and canals
- The Bridge over the River Kwai and the Death Railway
- The moving war history and museums of Kanchanaburi
- The emerald tiers of Erawan Falls
- A floating raft-house stay on the river
- The ancient temple ruins of Ayutthaya
- A floating market and jungle scenery
- History, temples and nature combined
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Arrive in the capital and settle in, with a welcome dinner of Thai flavours.
The Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun, with a long-tail boat ride through the canals.
Travel west to Kanchanaburi, visiting a floating market en route, then the famous Bridge over the River Kwai and the moving war cemetery, staying in a river raft-house.
Ride a stretch of the historic Death Railway along the river cliffs, then swim in the seven emerald tiers of the Erawan Falls in the jungle.
Explore the Hellfire Pass memorial and the jungle scenery, with an optional elephant or bamboo-rafting experience and time on the peaceful river.
Travel to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, beginning to explore its atmospheric temple ruins in the softer afternoon light.
A full day among Ayutthaya's UNESCO temple ruins — Wat Mahathat with its Buddha head in tree roots, Wat Chaiwatthanaram and the old palaces, with a lunch.
Travel back to Bangkok for your transfer and onward flight, with a final Thai breakfast.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and private guides
- 2 nights Bangkok, 3 nights Kanchanaburi (incl. a river raft-house), 2 nights Ayutthaya
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a local lunch
- A Bangkok tour with the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and a canal boat ride
- The Bridge over the River Kwai, the Death Railway and the war museums
- Erawan Falls and the jungle scenery of Kanchanaburi
- A guided tour of the Ayutthaya temple ruins
- A floating market visit and all entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Thailand
- Any visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and water sports
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Many nationalities receive a visa exemption of 30-60 days on arrival in Thailand; check your passport's eligibility. Your passport should be valid at least six months
- Currency: The currency is the Thai Baht. Cards are accepted in cities and resorts, but carry cash for markets, tuk-tuks, temples and the islands
- Best season: The cool, dry season from November to February is ideal; March to May is very hot (with the Songkran water festival in mid-April), and June to October brings monsoon rain
- Temple etiquette: Cover your shoulders and knees and remove your shoes at temples. Never point your feet at a Buddha image, and women should never touch or hand items directly to a monk
- Respect the monarchy: Thais deeply revere their royal family. Always be respectful of images of the King and the monarchy, as disrespect is a serious offence under Thai law
- Islands & boats: Some Andaman islands and boat trips run only in the dry season and depend on sea conditions; we schedule beach stays for the best weather
- Health: Drink bottled water, use mosquito repellent, and enjoy street food from busy, popular stalls. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended
- Getting around: Domestic flights link Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the islands quickly and cheaply, all arranged for you, with private cars and boats for touring
- Scams & safety: Thailand is very safe, but ignore unsolicited tuk-tuk 'gem shop' or temple-closed offers; we use arranged private transport so you avoid the common traps
- Connectivity & power: A local SIM or eSIM is cheap and reliable. Power is 220V with type A/B/C plugs, so a universal adapter is handy
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as a Thai cooking-class lunch. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Thailand's world-famous street food and restaurants.
Are transfers and touring arranged?
Yes — your airport transfers, domestic flights, island boats and guided tours are all arranged with private guides and drivers, so there is nothing to organise on the ground.
Do I need a visa for Thailand?
Many nationalities receive a visa exemption on arrival for 30-60 days. We confirm the requirements for your passport before you travel.
When is the best time to visit?
November to February is the cool, dry and most comfortable season. March to May is hot, and June to October is the green, quieter rainy season; we schedule island stays for the best weather.
Are the beaches good year-round?
The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) is best November to April, while the Gulf (Koh Samui) is driest February to September. We pick the right coast for your dates.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, cities, islands, resorts and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add elephants, cooking classes, the River Kwai or a rainforest. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel between regions?
By short, inexpensive domestic flights between Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the islands, plus private cars and boats — all included and arranged.
What is the Death Railway?
The Thailand-Burma Railway was built by prisoners of war and labourers under terrible conditions in World War II. The Bridge over the River Kwai, the war cemeteries and Hellfire Pass are moving memorials to that history.
What is a raft-house stay like?
A comfortable floating room on the River Kwai, gently rocking on the water amid jungle scenery — a peaceful and memorable overnight experience unique to Kanchanaburi.
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